Feline Infectious Upper Respiratory Tract Disease, commonly referred to as ‘cat flu,’ refers to infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract in cats. These contagious diseases, which are much like a cold or flu in humans, can result in both acute illness and long-term problems for your cat.

In this article, we will look at cat flu is, the symptoms cats show when they have cat flu, treatment options, and preventative measures.

What Is Cat Flu?

Cat flu is a general term for upper respiratory infections in cats. It mainly affects the nose and throat, causing symptoms like those we experience during a cold or flu.

What causes cat flu?

Two main viruses are responsible for cat flu: feline herpes virus (FHV1) and feline calicivirus (FCV).

  • Feline Herpes Virus (FHV1) is the main virus that causes cat flu. It attacks the respiratory system, leading to sneezing, runny nose, and eye discharge.
  • Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is another common virus that causes cat flu. FCV affects the mouth, throat, and lungs. It can result in ulcers, drooling, and fever.

Secondary bacterial infections can also complicate the illness, especially once the cat is already unwell.

How do cats get cat flu?

Upper respiratory infections are highly contagious and especially common where multiple cats are living in close contact. Certain breeds, such as Persians, may be at increased risk.

Cat flu spreads in a similar way to a cold or flu in humans: infectious particles are released when the animal coughs or sneezes. Close contact is the highest risk for transmission. However, infection via environmental contamination of toys, clothing, blankets, or bowls is also possible.

Depending on the cause of the infection, some viruses can last in the environment for hours or even weeks. Cats can remain infectious even after their symptoms have resolved.

Asymptomatic carriers, cats that have the virus in their body permanently, may intermittently or persistently shed the infection over their lifetime. Stress or other illnesses can trigger a recurrence of cat flu in previously affected cats.

Signs of cat flu

Symptoms of Feline Infectious Upper Respiratory Tract Disease may include:

  • Sneezing
  • Discharge from their nose or eyes (which may be watery or crusty)
  • Red or swollen eyes
  • Difficulty opening the eyes or squinting excessively
  • Hoarse voice
  • Excessive drooling
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Lethargy/depression
  • Coughing
  • Difficulty breathing

High-risk animals such as elderly cats, kittens or those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to developing pneumonia, dehydration, and severe illness.

If you notice your cat displaying any of these symptoms and are concerned they may have cat flu, book them in for a check-up with your local Greencross Vets.

 

How to treat cat flu

Mild cases of cat flu may not need veterinary treatment. More moderate to severe symptoms like lethargy, reduced appetite, nasal congestion, major eye discharge or difficulty breathing may require treatment by your vet.

Your vet will provide symptomatic support like:

  • Eye drops if your cat has an eye infection, your vet may prescribe medicated eye drops.
  • Antibiotics if a bacterial infection develops.
  • Anti-viral medications, depending on the severity of the infection and your cat’s life stage.
  • Medications to help loosen and break up nasal congestion.
  • Hospitalisation and intravenous fluids in severe cases.

Supporting your cat at home

If your cat has a mild case, consider these home care tips:

  • Keep your cat warm and provide a quiet space. A cosy bed helps them rest properly.
  • Reduce stress. A calm environment aids recovery.
  • Wipe away eye or nose discharge with a soft damp cloth, cotton wool, or cat-safe eye wipes.
  • Encourage eating and drinking. Warm their food or offer strong-smelling treats like sardines to make their food more appealing. Consider getting a water fountain to encourage them to drink.
  • Relieve congestion: Sit with your cat in a steamy room (like the bathroom) to help clear their airways.

How to prevent cat flu

Vaccination is crucial. While it may not prevent your cat from catching the viruses that cause Feline Infectious Upper Respiratory Tract Disease, it significantly reduces the severity of symptoms and lowers the risk of hospitalization. Ensure your cat is up to date with their vaccinations.