Cat influenza is a common disease that affects cats all over the world. It is a high-risk disease and without proper diagnosis and treatment, it can be life threatening. Cat flu is usually the term used for the common symptoms in most upper respiratory tract diseases in felines. Thankfully, with modern veterinary care and medications, cat flu is no longer the fatal disease it once was.
Causes
A cat who gets the flu was usually exposed at some point to certain bacteria and viruses, either through transmission from another cat or direct contact to infected fluids and objects. The most common pathogens in feline influenza include:
- FHV (Feline herpes virus)
- Feline Chlamydophila
- Feline Reovirus
- FCV (Feline calicivirus)
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
Of these, the Feline herpes virus and the Feline calicivirus are to blame for majority of influenza cases among cats, with FHV causing more severe symptoms.
Is my pet at risk?
Cats that have not been vaccinated are at high risk of developing the disease, particularly if they are exposed to a carrier. Kittens, elderly pets and sick cats are often vulnerable to the disease. Animals who are kept together in groups may also contract the disease easily, especially those who are kept in cages in breeding houses, pet shops and rescue centers.
How do I know if my cat has the flu?
Take note of frequent sneezing, coughing, wheezing and high temperatures in a pet. Clear discharge from the eyes and nose may also be present during the early stages of the disease. As it worsens, the discharge thickens and becomes purulent. Pets also become weakened, depressed, lose appetite and fail to groom themselves. As a result, their fur will look matted and unkempt.
How is my cat diagnosed?
The veterinarian will perform a physical checkup of the pet to assess the possibility of an infection based on perceivable symptoms. A mucus sample may also be taken from the cat’s eyes and mouth for identifying the bacterium or virus that caused the disease.
Treatment and prevention
Once the disease is diagnosed, immediate treatment is prescribed to ensure the comfort of the pet. Although there are no treatments that can specifically target the virus that caused the problem, supportive care along with the administration of antibacterial drugs will help the cat fight off infection and improve its immune system. By treating the secondary bacterial infection, the cat can heal naturally. In some cases, an antibiotic eye ointment may be prescribed for cats with eye infections.
The pet should also be encouraged to eat in order to ensure that enough nutrients enter the body. In kittens, it may be necessary to encourage them to nurse or feed them using a dropper. If the cat refuses to eat and is rapidly losing weight, it is important to seek professional help right away. In most cases, force feeding may have to be performed and IV fluids may be applied in order to treat and prevent dehydration.
A good way to avoid cat flu is to have the pet vaccinated against FHV, FCV and Chlamydophila felis. There are side effects to these vaccines, however, so only animals who are at high risk should be considered. Cleanliness and good hygiene should also be maintained in the area where the cats are kept in order to reduce the possibility of transmitting the virus.
