Cat flu

Cat flu

Cat flu is a name given to infections resulting in a flu-like (influenza) state by either feline calicivirus or feline herpes virus.

Signs can include sneezing, coughing, gagging, excess salivation, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration, oral ulceration and nasal and ocular discharge. Cats often appear lethargic and are reluctant to eat.

The viruses are passed via aerosol and cat to cat contact, so the disease tends to spread quickly between cats living in close quarters. It is a very common problem, especially seen amongst kittens, unvaccinated cats and immune-suppressed cats. Once cured, the virus can remain latent and return when the cat is placed in what it perceives as a stressful situation. Although viral infection is the initiating cause, secondary infection by bacteria can worsen the infection.

Prevention is better than the cure, so we recommend vaccinating all cats against cat flu. These are considered core vaccines along with feline panluecopaenia or feline parvovirus. Vaccination may not completely prevent infection in all cases; however, vaccinated cats will recover faster if they do succumb to infection.

If your cat does get infected there are now antiviral medications that work very well in clearing the infection. Sometimes if there are secondary infections, antibiotics are also required. Other ancillary treatments include nasal decongestants, humidifiers and fluids. Sometimes cats won’t eat as they are unable to smell properly. They may require appetite stimulates, force feeding or in severe cases, short-term placement of a feeding tube.

Cat flu generally resolves with adequate treatment over one to two weeks and cats make a full recovery.