Can My Cat Catch my flu?
Recent findings show that there is a slight possibility, but it’s very rare that a cat catches the ordinary flu, the one everyone gets the flu shots for, and it’s not something you should be paranoid about. The H1N1 virus, aka swine flu, is much more likely to be transferred to cats from humans.
When a cat has a cold or flu?
The most common signs of a cat cold include runny nose, runny eyes, congestion, sneezing, squinting/irritated eyes. In more severe cases they may also have fever, lethargy, and lack of appetite. It’s important to take your cat into the vet to confirm that it is a cold and so your cat can receive appropriate treatment.
How long does Cat live with rabies?
Most vet experts predict that a cat with rabies can live up to 7 days after the symptoms appear. As usual, this varies with your cat, its health, age, and the time it got the bite wound. After 7 days, the virus is contracted by other organs of the body such as and prevents functionality, which leads the cat to go into a coma or death.
How long does laryngitis last for a cat?
Laryngitis is a common disease in cats that occurs when the larynx becomes inflamed due to irritation or infection. It can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-standing). One study found a mean age was seven years, with a range of 9 months to 18 years.
How long does cat flu live on surfaces?
seven daysYou can also help protect your cat from exposure by keeping them indoors away from infected cats and surfaces. Cat flu can remain in the environment for up to seven days and separating your cat from other cat-choo cats is the best form of prevention.
How long are cats contagious with cat flu?
Since upper respiratory infections are highly contagious, it's hard to prevent them from spreading. It is best to keep a new cat away from other cats in your house for two weeks to reduce spread of diseases. If one of your cats develops cat flu, keep them quarantined until the symptoms clear.
Does cat flu ever go away?
As cat flu is caused by viruses, there is no direct cure, so treatment aims to relieve clinical signs until the immune system can clear the infection. Supportive treatment can include pain medication, anti-viral medication, eye drops and antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infection.
How do you get rid of cat flu?
Cat flu treatmentVaccine. Preventative treatment is best and a vaccine is available from your vet. ... Anti-inflammatories. Anti-inflammatories are sometimes prescribed to relieve symptoms. ... Lubricants and eye drops. ... Reduce stress. ... Wipe nose and eyes. ... Keep them fed and hydrated. ... Help them breathe. ... Calcivirus.More items...•
How do I know if my cat is a carrier of cat flu?
Cats that recover can occasionally become carriers, and able to transmit the infection to other cats. Symptoms Its symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, discharge from the nose/eyes and sneezing. It can also cause drooling and severe mouth ulcers. More severe strains can lead to pneumonia.
Should I adopt a cat with cat flu?
If you already have a cat at home and it is fully vaccinated it is still possible to adopt a cat that has flu. The vaccinations that your cat has had will help to reduce flu symptoms, if it contracts flu at all.
Why does my cat keep getting cat flu?
The causes of cat flu Most cat flu cases are caused by feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus. These viruses are highly contagious and usually spread between cats through direct contact, sneeze droplets, and shared food bowls.
Can vaccinated cats still get cat flu?
If vaccinated as a young kitten it is unlikely your cat will contract flu, as he or she will already have developed antibodies against the disease. However, if your vaccinated cat does contract flu' the severity of the virus is drastically reduced.
Can humans catch cat flu?
No, 'cat flu' is an everyday term people use to describe infections in cats caused by two viruses that are not actually influenza viruses. One is feline calicivirus, and the other is a feline herpes virus . These viruses cannot be transmitted to humans.
Can I get sick from my cat sneezing on me?
Cats also can get a herpes virus that can cause upper respiratory problems, including sneezing. This virus can be spread to people by contact with the discharge, and can cause some irritation. If you follow proper cleanliness after handling your sneezing cats, your risk for exposure is minimal.
Can kittens recover from cat flu on their own?
The most important thing we must do for your cat when they are suffering from flu is to support them nutritionally and ensure they stay hydrated. As cat flu is a viral disease there are no drugs to cure it, just like human flu. The viral infection will run its course – normally within 1-2 weeks.
Can cat flu spread to other cats?
It's extremely contagious and spreads in saliva, snot, sneezes and on items such as food bowls and bedding. Cat flu can be serious, especially in kittens; some recover, but others become carriers and continue to have symptoms throughout their life.
Can cat flu lay dormant?
Many cats also become carriers for Feline Herpes Virus, as even after the symptoms have apparently resolved, the virus will still be dormant in their bodies (mainly in nerve ganglia). If the cat becomes ill or stressed in future, the virus will reactivate and may cause disease, or be shed to infect other cats.
Is the cat flu contagious to humans?
No, 'cat flu' is an everyday term people use to describe infections in cats caused by two viruses that are not actually influenza viruses. One is feline calicivirus, and the other is a feline herpes virus . These viruses cannot be transmitted to humans.
Can cats get avian flu 2022?
Bird Flu is a disease that mainly affects birds, not humans. Cats and other animals: It is rare for cats to be infected with the bird flu virus.
Can I infect my cat with flu?
Some scientific studies suggest that it is not uncommon for people to infect cats with seasonal influenza viruses.
What is the cat flu?
What is Cat Flu? Cat flu is a common illness, like a human cold, that affects the upper respiratory tract of cats. It can be caused by a number of infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria. It can cause a runny nose and eyes, and a sore throat.
What causes cat flu?
Around 80% of cases of cat flu are caused by one of 2 viruses, Feline Herpesvirus (FHV) or Feline Calicivirus (FCV). The viruses may both be present and once they have damaged the lining of an infected cat’s respiratory tract, the disease may be further complicated by additional bacterial infections.
What causes kennel cough in dogs?
Other causes of cat flu include bacteria such as Chlamydophila Felis – previously known as Chlamydia – and Bordetella Bronchiseptica – the cause of kennel cough in dogs. Once infected, cats shed virus particles in nasal and eye discharges and in saliva. Although ill cats are the biggest source of infection, some healthy cats are carriers ...
How does FHV spread to cats?
1. FHV (Feline Herpesvirus) Transmission The virus is spread by discharge from the nose/eyes and from saliva of an infected cat. The virus can also survive in the environment and be passed on to other cats. It is a very common cause of cat flu.
Why does my cat have a flare up?
Flare ups may occur after stress or illness, or if the cat is immuno-suppressed. To treat the initial infection or subsequent future flare ups, keep the eyes and nose clear of discharge by gently bathing the eyes and nose (e.g. with cotton wool pads and water).
Why is it important to take care of a cat with a blocked nose?
A blocked nose and mouth ulcers may stop a cat eating and drinking, leading to dehydration, which can be particularly dangerous in kittens. Because your cat may have lost its sense of smell and have a sore throat, sloppy, strong-smelling foods should be offered.
How to treat herpes in cats?
To treat the initial infection or subsequent future flare ups, keep the eyes and nose clear of discharge by gently bathing the eyes and nose (e.g. with cotton wool pads and water). Antibiotics may be given to prevent secondary bacterial infections, and eye drops may be given if conjunctivitis is present.
How long does it take for a cat to recover from the flu?
Determining how long it should take your cat to recover from cat flu is hard, and takes time—some say three weeks while others say seven. It really depends on the cat. If your pet is young and strong, then chances are it will be able to fight the virus and should get better after a few weeks.
What is the cat flu?
Cat flu is a term most cat owners hate to hear associated with their pets. The main disadvantage a cat infected with cat flu has is that it becomes more susceptible to secondary infections. If you think your cat has the flu, please speak to a vet to prevent it from reaching that stage. The cat flu can make it a lot more difficult ...
What is the first two viruses a cat will be diagnosed with?
So bringing your cat to the vet to get a diagnosis is a must. Of the three virus strains mentioned above, Feline Herpes Virus , Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Chlamydophilia, you will find that the first two will probably be the virus your cat will be diagnosed with.
Why do vets give cats antibiotics?
Your vet will also give it some antibiotics if it is suffering from a secondary infection it may have picked up while weakened by the cat flu virus.
How to stop a cat from getting the flu?
The only way to stop your cat from contracting cat flu is to keep it away from other cats. The best way to do that is to keep them indoors. There is a vaccine out there that can help you protect your cat from the cat flu virus, but this vaccine alone won’t stop your cat from getting the cat flu.
How many strains of cat flu are there?
There are three strains of the cat flu virus:
What happens if a cat sprays urine?
Urination: If an infected cat sprays its urine in certain areas, another cat who breathes in this scent could inadvertently become infected with the virus.
How to diagnose cat flu?
Usually, the vet will take a swab from your cat’s mouth and send this to the laboratory. The laboratory can use a test called the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect viral and bacterial genetic material. If your vet suspects that bacteria are playing an important role in the disease, they might recommend bacterial culture and sensitivity tests which will allow them to choose an appropriate antibiotic to treat the infection (1,4).
How to prevent cat flu in a multi cat household?
To minimise the risk of transmission during introduction, a good protocol of hygiene including regular cleaning of food and water bowls, disinfection of surfaces and disinfection of litter trays are essential. Good hygiene will lower the viral load in the environment which will reduce the strain on the cats’ immune systems. Ultimately, the best protection is vaccination combined with good hygiene and measures to reduce stress (7).
What causes a cat to have a flu?
Cat flu often does not have a single cause. A variety of viruses and bacteria can lead to “flu-like” symptoms in cats. The two most common viral causes are feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpes virus (FHV). Bacterial causes, such as Mycoplasma felis and Chlamydophila felis, are less common (1).
Why do cats have snuffler noses?
Cats with such changes are more susceptible to other types of respiratory infections. Combined with reactivation of the virus and periods of stress, some cats develop chronic, recurrent respiratory infections and are sometimes known as “snufflers” due to their persistently blocked noses.
How long does it take for a cat to get herpes?
The incubation period for feline herpes virus is between two to six days while symptoms of feline calicivirus can take from two to 14 days to develop after infection (4).
What antibiotics are used for cat flu?
There are a wide variety of antibiotics that your vet could prescribe and these may be based on a culture and sensitivity test (1). A common antibiotic prescribed for cat flu is doxycycline.
How to get rid of nasal discharge in cats?
Nasal discharge can be removed from around the nose by bathing with warm water. Further unblocking your cat’s nose will make them feel better. You may be offered a nebuliser by your vets or you can buy one from a pharmacy. Since cats will rarely tolerate a mask, you can use your cat carrier as a chamber for nebulisation therapy. Alternatively, you can shut your cat in the bathroom when you shower. The warm, wet air will help to loosen the nasal discharge inside the nasal cavity (4,5).
How does a cat get the cat flu?
A cat that is infected with cat flu will spread the condition by means of sneezing and saliva and eye secretions , and a cat does not have to be sick themselves to spread cat flu; some cats will carry the virus and spread it without being ill themselves.
What does it feel like to have a cat with the flu?
A cat with cat flu will have a runny nose and watery eyes, and their throat will feel sore and scratchy. They’re also likely to suffer from muscle and joint pain, and may develop a fever.
Can you give a cat a cure for the flu?
This is to monitor them and to provide supportive care to give them the best chance of making a recovery and also, avoiding lasting damage. Such cats may require supplementary feeding, IV fluid therapy and medications of various types to help to reduce fever and any pain, but antivirals and antibiotics are not effective against cat flu, and so there is no “cure” that your vet can administer to speed up recovery.
Can cat flu cause eye ulcers?
In some cases of cat flu, eye ulcers may develop and these can cause permanent damage to the eyes, and so if your cat has cat flu and appears to be squinting, suffering from painful eyes, or has visible sores, contact your vet ASAP.
Can cats get the flu?
Cats can catch the flu too, although they don’t get the same strains of flu as we humans do, and people and cats cannot pass the flu on to each other. However, cat flu or feline influenza is highly contagious between cats, and just as can be the case for people, it can be acute and serious in some cats, and even life threatening.
Can cats get the flu without being sick?
Vaccinated cats can also be carriers of cat flu without becoming sick themselves.
Can cats carry viruses?
Even after recovery a cat might carry and pass on the virus to others, which is important to bear in mind if you have other cats too.
How long does it take for a cat to recover from the flu?
Recovery of Flu in Cats. Generally treatment will last about 7-10 days until symptoms have resolved. If your cat contracts flu and symptoms do not resolve with treatment within a few weeks, your veterinarian may want to test for Feline leukemia. Cats may continue to shed the virus or bacteria for as many as 18 months.
How to treat cat flu?
The goal is to keep your kitty comfortable and relieve troubling symptoms so that your cat is better able to fight the infection. Keep the eyes and nose clear of discharge by cleaning away excess secretions, using decongestants, and providing a vaporizer to help ease breathing. It is very important to get your cat to eat and drink. Provide food that has a pleasing aroma and taste. You may want to get some gourmet food. In some cases of severe depression and anorexia, force feeding and administration of fluids may be required. Treatment should continue until symptoms are gone, usually about 7-10 days.
What is Flu?
Cat Flu is used to describe the cold or flu-like symptoms that accompany an infection of the upper respiratory tract in cats. Cats with flu will show signs that include fever, frequent sneezing, discharge from the nose and eyes, loss of appetite, and depression. It is most common in young kittens, elderly cats, animals kept in crowded conditions such as a shelter, and stressed or immunocompromised cats.
What to do if your cat is sick?
If your cat has recently been in contact with sick cats and is showing some of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian for an exam and workup. Treatment options may vary but will mainly be supportive.
What are the symptoms of cat flu?
As the term "Cat Flu" suggests, the symptoms of the infection resemble a cold or flu and include: Fever. Coughing. Frequent sneezing. Nasal discharge. Eye discharge. Salivation. Mouth ulcers. Corneal (eye) ulcers.
What are the causes of cat flu?
There are several possible infectious causes of cat flu, but the two most common causes are feline calicivirus (FCV) or feline herpesvirus (FHV). With each of the causative agents, there are some common, more generalized symptoms:
What is the best treatment for cat flu?
If testing identifies FHV as the cause of cat flu, your doctor may choose to treat with an antiviral drug such as acyclovir in addition to providing general supportive care.
