Cat flu is a common concern for many cat owners, especially when their furry companions show signs of illness. Understanding the symptoms and knowing how to react quickly can make all the difference in ensuring your cat requires proper care to recover smoothly. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about managing cat flu, from early detection to effective treatments and preventive care. Whether you're worried it might infect your cat or want to know the difference between human flu and cat flu, we’ve got you covered. With good nursing, your cat can stay healthy and happy year-round.

Cat flu is a common illness that affects the upper respiratory system of felines, much like how the influenza virus impacts humans. It is primarily caused by two viruses: feline herpesvirus (FHV) and feline calicivirus, though a bacterial infection can worsen the condition. Cats most vulnerable to severe outcomes are the very young, elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, who struggle to combat the respiratory infection. For these felines, catching cat flu can be life-threatening.

This virus easily spreads from cat to cat through direct contact, mainly when an infected cat sneezes or coughs, spreading germs through their nose or mouth. Main ways cats catch the illness includes sharing a litter tray, food bowl, or by coming into contact with surfaces where an infected cat has shed the virus. After a cat recovers from cat flu, some may continue to carry the virus, which leads to future bouts, especially when stressed or battling another illness like an FHV infection.

Most common symptoms of cat flu include a runny nose, discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing and sneezing, and signs like a change in body language. Your cat might require extra treatment such as intravenous fluids, eye drops, and an appetite stimulant. With good nursing and extra treatment, most cats will recover, but in some cases cat flu may become a long term concern. Though similar to human flu, cat flu remains a unique illness that can pose serious risks to a cat or multi cat household.

It can take up to two weeks for cat flu symptoms to appear. Once the virus affects the upper respiratory system, it can cause a variety of clinical signs in your cat. These may include:

• Runny eyes and nose
• Sore throat
• Mouth ulcers
• Dribbling
• Coughing and sneezing.
• Loss of voice
• Watery eyes
• Breathing difficulties
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Cat fever

This respiratory infection, similar to the influenza virus in humans, is highly contagious and can be spread from cat to cat through shared surfaces like cat toys or feeding stations where they may have shed the virus. If your cat begins to sneeze or shows signs of a common cold, it is important to contact your vet, especially in a multi cat household.

While some cats may fully recover with supportive treatment, kittens, elderly cats, or those with an FHV infection may face life threatening complications. Prompt action and monitoring of clinical signs are critical to ensuring your cat recovers from this virus, especially if they require intensive care, such as an appetite stimulant or intravenous fluids.

Although there is no cure for cat flu, its symptoms can be managed through various treatments:

• Eye drops: Often prescribed if your vet suspects an eye infection due to the flu.
• Antibiotics: These are only necessary if your cat develops a secondary bacterial infection.
• Anti-inflammatories: Used to reduce inflammation and provide relief from discomfort.
• Decongestant medication: Helps loosen mucus and clear up nasal congestion, making it easier for your cat to breathe.
• Supportive fluids: Administered to keep your cat hydrated and support overall health.
• Appetite stimulants: To encourage eating, especially if your cat’s appetite has diminished.
• Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the air can ease breathing difficulties and soothe irritated nasal passages.

If your cat has a mild case of cat flu, your vet may not prescribe medication. However, there are several ways you can support your cat at home to ease their symptoms:

These supportive treatments can help your cat cope with cat flu and promote a smoother recovery from the influenza virus or any other underlying issues like FHV infection.

To prevent cat flu, ensure your cat is up-to-date with their vaccinations, including those against feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus (FHV), which are common causes of the illness. Maintain good hygiene by regularly cleaning feeding stations and feeding bowls, and avoid overcrowding in your cat household to reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Keep your cat’s environment stress-free and monitor their health closely, especially if they show any clinical signs of illness. Promptly isolate any new or sick cats to prevent the virus from spreading and consider consulting your vet about additional preventive measures, particularly if you have multiple cats.

Young kittens are at a risk of catching cat flu due to their developing immune systems compared to adult cats. If the mother cat has received vaccinations, for cat flu; some level of immunity is passed onto the kittens at birth. However; this immunity diminishes over time so it is important to ensure that your kitten receives their vaccinations when they reach approximately eight to nine weeks of age.

If a mother cat has not received vaccination against cat flu virus infection is more likely to make kittens very sick in condition due, to the disease or illness that affects cats known as cat flu virus infection since they also can contract it from their mother in the event that she becomes unwell with cat flu while expecting kittens.

When kittens are affected by cat flu, they can experience symptoms like pneumonia and eye sores. For more information on how to care for affected kittens, visit our Kitten Care guide.

Once a cat gets cat flu, it spreads virus particles through its saliva and discharge from the nose and eyes. These particles can stay in the environment, such as on a litter tray or bowl, for a week or more. As a result, a cat doesn’t necessarily need to come into direct contact with another infected cat to get the illness. The influenza virus can easily spread through contact with contaminated items like feeding mats and cat toys, or even on people's clothing after handling an infected cat. Cat sneezes and cough sneezes can further contribute to the spread of this infection.

No, humans cannot catch cat flu. The influenza virus that causes cat flu is specific to felines and does not infect humans. However, while cat flu is not zoonotic (not transmissible to humans), it is essential to practice good hygiene when handling an infected cat to avoid any potential secondary bacterial infections and to maintain overall cleanliness in your cat household.

Cat flu viruses, such as those caused by feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus (FHV), can persist in the environment for a week or longer. The influenza virus particles can survive on surfaces like cat toys, cat blankets & cat window beds, and other items where infected cats have shed the virus. To minimize the risk of spreading cat flu, it's important to regularly clean and disinfect these areas and to handle contaminated items with care.

It’s generally a good idea to avoid having friends with their cats visit if your cats have cat flu. Cat flu is highly contagious among cats, so there’s a risk of spreading it to other cats. Even though it doesn’t pose a risk to humans, it’s best to keep your cats isolated until they’re fully recovered to prevent any potential spread.

For a vaccinated cat, cat flu is usually less severe. Vaccinations can reduce the severity of symptoms and lower the risk of complications, but they might not completely prevent the disease. While it's not typically deadly for vaccinated cats, they can still experience discomfort and require treatment to help them recover. If your cat shows symptoms of cat flu, it’s best to consult with your vet for appropriate care.

Cat flu itself is not life-long, but the viruses causing it can remain in a cat’s system for life. For example, feline herpesvirus (FHV) can become dormant in the cat’s body and may reactivate during times of stress or illness, causing recurrent symptoms. Feline calicivirus (FCV) usually does not persist long-term, but it can lead to chronic health issues in some cases. While the acute illness generally resolves within a few weeks, the potential for recurring symptoms means ongoing management and care might be needed.