Flu in cats

What is cat flu?

Cat flu is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system of cats, causing symptoms similar to a cold or flu in humans. It’s mainly spread through direct contact between cats, making it particularly common in places where several cats live together, such as shelters or catteries.

Is cat flu dangerous?

In most cases, cat flu isn’t fatal. However, it can be dangerous for vulnerable cats, including kittens, elderly cats, or those with pre-existing health conditions. In severe cases, complications from cat flu can lead to pneumonia or other serious respiratory issues, potentially causing death if untreated. Kittens are particularly at risk as their immune systems are not fully developed, and they may struggle to recover without proper care.

Symptoms of cat flu

Cat flu symptoms can range from mild to severe, but they’re often a lot like a human cold or flu. These can include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever

In more severe cases, you may notice:

• Thick, yellow-green nasal discharge
• Eye ulcers
• Mouth ulcers
• Difficulty breathing

If your cat shows any of these symptoms, especially if they worsen over time, consult a vet as cat flu can become chronic in some cases.

How do cats get cat flu? 

Cat flu spreads easily between cats, mainly through direct contact. Infected cats release the virus in their saliva, nasal discharge, and tears, which can get on surfaces and objects. Unvaccinated or sick cats are more likely to catch it. It can often spread by sharing food bowls, water bowls, or bedding with an infected cat.

There are two main types of viruses responsible for cat flu. The first is Feline Herpesvirus (FHV). This causes respiratory infections and can potentially lead to lifelong symptoms due to reoccurring flare-ups. The second type is Feline Calicivirus (FCV), which causes a wider variety of symptoms, including ulcers in the mouth and respiratory issues.

How common is cat flu?

Cat flu is quite common, especially in places that house multiple animals, such as catteries, shelters, or households with several cats. While many cats are vaccinated against cat flu, they can still contract the virus, although the symptoms are usually milder.

How long does cat flu last? 

It depends on how bad the infection is and your cat's overall health. Mild cases usually clear up in 7-10 days, but more severe cases or those with complications, like a secondary infection, can last for weeks. Cats with herpesvirus might have flare-ups for life, especially when they’re stressed. 

Is cat flu contagious? 

Yes, cat flu spreads easily between cats. It can be passed on through sneezing, coughing, or contact with an infected cat’s saliva or discharge.

Can humans catch cat flu?

No, there’s no evidence that cats can pass the flu to humans or the other way around. 

Can dogs catch cat flu?

No, dogs can’t catch cat flu either. The viruses don’t spread between cats and dogs. 

How to treat cat flu

There’s no direct cure for cat flu, but the symptoms can be managed and treated to help your cat recover more comfortably. For detailed information on treatment, it’s best to speak to your vet, especially if your cat’s symptoms are severe. Some common treatment methods may include:

1. Keeping your cat hydrated: Ensure your cat is drinking water, as dehydration can worsen symptoms.
2. Cleaning eyes and nose: Gently wipe away any discharge from your cat’s eyes and nose using a damp cloth.
3. Antibiotics: While antibiotics won’t cure the viral infection, they can prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections.
4. Anti-viral medication: In severe cases, your vet may prescribe anti-viral drugs to reduce the impact of the virus.
5. Supportive care: Some cats may require fluid therapy, feeding tubes, or even hospitalisation if they become too weak or dehydrated to eat or drink.

Can cat flu go away on its own?

Mild cat flu symptoms often clear up on their own, but it's important to keep an eye on your cat. If things don’t improve or get worse, a vet visit might be needed to avoid any complications. Cats with chronic flu can have flare-ups, especially if they were infected with herpesvirus.

Can cats with cat flu go outside? 

It’s best to keep a cat with flu indoors to stop them from spreading the virus to other cats. Plus, while they're ill, they're more at risk of picking up other infections, so it’s safer to keep them inside until they’re feeling better. 

Vaccinating against cat flu: When should cats be vaccinated? 

Getting your kitten vaccinated is one of the best things you can do in those first few weeks as a new cat parent! Vaccinations help protect your pet from several infectious diseases and conditions, including cat flu. It doesn't make them completely immune, but it can seriously reduce how bad the symptoms are if they do catch it. 

A vaccination schedule may look like this:

• First vaccinations: 8-9 weeks old 
• Booster: three months old
• After that: every one to three years, depending on their lifestyle 

Chat with your vet about the right vaccination plan for your cat, especially if they live with other cats or spend a lot of time outside. 

Can my cat get cat flu if vaccinated? 

Yes, but the symptoms are usually a lot milder. Vaccination helps protect against the worst effects, which can be life-saving for vulnerable cats. 

What to do if your cat won’t eat 

Loss of appetite is common with cat flu, especially if they’ve got ulcers in their mouth or throat. If your cat doesn’t eat for more than 24 hours, or if their symptoms get worse, call your vet. Cats can get poorly if they don’t eat, so your vet might need to give fluids or help with feeding. 

Can catteries take a cat with cat flu? 

To stop the virus spreading to other cats, most catteries won’t accept cats showing flu symptoms. Make sure to let the cattery know about your cat's health before booking.