Cat Flu: Recovery Timeline And Treatment Options

Cat flu is a highly contagious upper airway disease that affects cats and kittens. The illness is similar to human flu in its symptoms, which include a runny nose, fever, and achy muscles. Caused by viruses such as Feline Herpes Virus 1 (FHV1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV), cat flu can lead to severe suffering and even death, especially in young, old, or immunocompromised cats. While cat flu is typically not serious in healthy cats, it can be fatal in kittens and adult cats with underlying health issues. Therefore, it is crucial to seek veterinary care if your cat exhibits any signs of illness. The recovery time for cat flu varies, with milder cases resolving within two weeks and more severe infections lasting up to six weeks or longer.

Cat flu vaccination

Vaccinations are the best way to protect your cat from cat flu and reduce the risk of severe illness or death. The vaccination for cat flu is typically given as part of a primary course of injections, followed by regular boosters throughout your cat's life. The first vaccination can be given from eight to nine weeks of age, with the second injection three to four weeks later. After the second injection, it is recommended that kittens are kept away from other cats and stay indoors for about seven days to ensure maximum protection.

In addition to protecting your cat from cat flu, vaccinations can also help prevent the spread of the disease to other felines in your area. Vaccinating your cat against cat flu is especially important if you plan to board them at a cattery, as it is often a requirement for admission.

It is worth noting that even vaccinated cats can still contract cat flu, but the symptoms are typically milder, and they recover much more quickly. Therefore, it is beneficial to maintain your cat's vaccination schedule to ensure they have the best protection against this disease.

Cat flu treatment

Cat flu is a common illness that affects the upper respiratory tract in cats, much like a cold or the flu in humans. It is usually caused by either the feline herpes virus (FHV) or the feline calicivirus (FCV). The illness can be life-threatening if left untreated, particularly in kittens, older cats, and cats with underlying illnesses. Therefore, it is important to contact your vet if your cat is showing signs of the disease.

Veterinary Care

If your cat is displaying symptoms of cat flu, it is important to take them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment. The vet will examine your cat and may perform tests to rule out other conditions, as some symptoms of cat flu can be similar to other respiratory issues. In some cases, the vet may take swabs or blood samples to confirm the specific strain of the virus.

Medication

While there is no cure for cat flu, your vet may prescribe medication to help manage the symptoms. This can include:

• Eye drops to treat eye infections
• Antibiotics if a secondary bacterial infection develops
• Medication to loosen and break up mucus
• Antihistamines to help with nasal secretions
• Nose drops to clear congestion
• Nebulising mist to help with breathing
• Eye ointment to soothe sore eyes

Hospitalisation

If your cat is very unwell and unable to eat or drink, they may need to be hospitalised. Hospitalisation provides nutritional support, such as a feeding tube or intravenous fluids. In severe cases, treatment may involve providing oxygen and delivering fluids through a drip.

Home Care

In addition to veterinary care, there are several things you can do at home to help your cat recover:

• Keep your cat warm and comfortable in a quiet, stress-free environment.
• Wipe away any eye or nose discharge with a damp piece of cotton wool or a warm washcloth. Use cotton wool pads dipped in salt water to help clear the eyes and nose.
• Encourage your cat to eat by offering strong-smelling, soft, and slightly warmed food. Their throat may be sore, so provide foods that are easy to swallow.
• Ensure your cat stays hydrated by encouraging them to drink water. This will also help loosen catarrhal secretions.
• Use a humidifier or sit with your cat in a steamy room, such as the bathroom, to help open their nasal passages.
• Keep your cat isolated from other pets to prevent the spread of the illness.

Cat flu symptoms

Cat flu, or feline upper respiratory infection, is very similar to human flu in terms of symptoms. It is usually caused by the feline herpes virus (FHV) or the feline calicivirus (FCV), though other viruses and bacteria can also be the culprit.

Cat flu affects cats of all ages and breeds, though it tends to be more severe in kittens, older cats, and cats with underlying illnesses. It is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with other cats, or indirectly through contaminated items such as bowls, beds, and human hands.

• Sneezing: This is the main way the illness is spread. Just a few droplets from an infected cat's sneeze can carry several metres.
• Runny nose and eyes: It is important to keep their eyes and nose clear by gently wiping away any discharge with cotton wool pads dipped in warm water or salt water.
• Sore throat: Offer your cat soft foods that have been warmed slightly to encourage them to eat.
• Difficulty with or noisy breathing: If your cat is experiencing difficulty breathing, contact your vet immediately.
• Lethargy: Your cat may have no energy to play.
• Change in behaviour: This may include subdued behaviour, such as a lack of appetite.
• Ulcers around the eyes: In serious cases, cat flu can lead to eye damage, including eye ulcers, and even the loss of an eye.
• Fever: A fever may cause your cat to feel achy.

If you suspect your cat has cat flu, take them to the vet as soon as possible. While cat flu is not usually serious in healthy cats, it can be fatal if left untreated, especially in kittens and cats with underlying illnesses. There is no specific treatment for cat flu, but your vet can help you manage the symptoms and ensure your cat stays comfortable and well-nourished.

Cat flu contagiousness

Cat flu is a highly contagious disease, especially in unvaccinated cats. It is spread through direct contact with infected cats, as the virus is present in their saliva, tears, and nasal secretions. Infected cats must be isolated from others to prevent the spread of the disease.

The virus can be transmitted through sneezing or coughing, which releases tiny droplets that can travel several metres and be inhaled by other cats. It can also be spread indirectly, for example, through contact with infected feed bowls or toys, or via people's clothing after touching an infected cat. The virus can survive in the environment for up to a week or longer, allowing it to easily infect other cats.

In multi-cat households or boarding facilities, clinically ill cats or suspected carriers should be isolated or handled last. Food bowls and litter trays of infected cats should be washed separately to prevent the spread of the disease.

Vaccination is the best way to protect cats from cat flu. While it may not provide complete protection, it significantly reduces the risk of infection and can help reduce the severity of symptoms if a vaccinated cat does become infected. Kittens can receive their first vaccine as early as eight weeks old, and regular boosters are recommended to maintain protection.

Even vaccinated cats can become carriers of the disease and infect other cats without showing any symptoms themselves. Carriers of the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) virus are only infectious when they are shedding the virus, which can occur continually or intermittently, often during stressful periods. On the other hand, carriers of the Feline Calicivirus (FCV) continue to excrete the virus and are always potentially infectious, especially to unvaccinated cats.

Cat flu recovery

Cat flu, or feline respiratory disease, is a common illness in cats and kittens, similar to a human cold or flu in its symptoms. It is usually caused by the feline herpes virus (FHV) or the feline calicivirus (FCV). The illness can be life-threatening if left untreated, especially in kittens, older cats, or those with underlying illnesses. Therefore, it is important to seek veterinary advice if you suspect your cat has flu.

Cat flu is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with infected cats (via saliva, tears, discharge, etc.) or indirectly (via contaminated food bowls, bedding, etc.). It can take up to two weeks for signs of flu to appear in cats, and symptoms can last for five to ten days in milder cases and up to six weeks in more severe cases.

If your cat has flu, it is important to isolate them from other cats until they have fully recovered. This can take around two weeks but may vary depending on the severity of the illness. During this time, it is essential to regularly wash their food bowls, litter trays, and bedding separately from those of other cats in the household.

While there is no specific treatment for cat flu, your vet may prescribe medication to help with symptoms, such as antihistamines, nose drops, nebulising mist, and eye ointment. In severe cases, emergency treatment may be required, including oxygen therapy and fluid delivery via a drip.

To aid your cat's recovery, keep them warm and comfortable, and ensure they have access to plenty of fluids and food. You can also try to loosen mucus in their airways by creating a steamy environment, such as by letting them join you in the bathroom while you shower. Wipe away any discharge from their nose and eyes with a cotton wool pad soaked in warm water or salt water. This will help your cat feel better, enable them to smell their food, and improve their breathing.

Most cats will recover from cat flu without any long-term health problems. However, many will become lifelong carriers of the virus, experiencing minor recurrences during stressful times. In some cases, cats may suffer from long-term complications, such as chronic rhinitis (a permanently runny nose) or prolonged gingivitis (inflammation of the mouth) requiring drug treatment or even tooth extraction.

Frequently asked questions