What is cat flu?
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What are the causes of cat flu?
Cat flu is a highly contagious and common upper respiratory tract disease of cats.
It is considered a disease syndrome, in that it can be caused by a variety of primary viral, or secondary bacterial pathogens. However, the 2 most common culprits are Feline Herpes Virus (FHV1), and Feline Calicivirus (FCV).
Is the disease contagious?
Cat flu is considered to be highly contagious, and can be spread by direct contact (eye, nasal and mouth discharges) and indirect contact (contamination in contact items, such as food bowls, etc.).
Additionally, certain viruses, such as Calicivirus, can survive in the environment for a long period of time, and can infect cats during this entire time.
How do I know if my cat is suffering from cat flu?
Symptoms are similar to the common cold we experience. Usually you notice eye and nasal discharges (which may be clear or yellow), sneezing and you can even see general symptoms of illness, such as lethargy and inappetance (lack of appetite).
How do you treat cat flu?
Vets often treat the disease with ‘supportive therapy’. Antibiotics are given if there is a chance a bacterial infection is also present, and mucolytics are given to help break apart and ease the thick secretions that develop.
Can you prevent the disease?
Vaccinations are key here. The standard annual vaccination (F3) covers FHV, and FCV, so the best thing you can do is keep up with your vaccinations.
However, keep in mind that just like with people, different viral strains mutate at different times, so the vaccination isn’t 100% protective, but it will markedly reduce the severity of the illness in the circumstances where your cat becomes infected.
What’s this I hear about carrier cats?
Most cats that have been infected with cat flu in the past can develop ‘carrier status’ for a period of time. This means that they are still infected with the virus, but aren’t showing clinical symptoms.
Depending upon the viral agent, these cats either:
- only become contagious when they start showing symptoms or,
- are always contagious and shedding the virus
So always be wary of this if you have had a cat that’s suffered from cat flu in the past.
Hopefully this gives you a bit more information to work with, to ensure your cat remains immunized and guarded from this nasty little cold.
