![]() ![]() Discharge and redness of the eyes is a common feature of this infection.Ĭauses flu-like signs like those described above but may also progress to the chest, causing a serious infection and a relatively high death rate in kittens. However, cats that do become infected generally have much milder symptoms than those that are unvaccinated.Ĭan produce a mild form of cat flu. Vaccination prevents infection with some strains of feline calicivirus but not all. Severely affected cats with mouth ulceration may need to go on a drip and be given pain killers. Treatment is supportive, bathing the cat's face, encouraging feeding with soft food, and antibiotics to prevent secondary infection. Stress or illness can cause flare-ups of the virus. More severe strains can lead to pneumonia. It can also cause drooling and severe mouth ulcers. Symptoms Its symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, discharge from the nose/eyes and sneezing. Cats that recover can occasionally become carriers, and able to transmit the infection to other cats. Transmission The virus can by spread by direct contact with affected cats, or by air-borne spread, or contamination of the environment. Antibiotics may be given to prevent secondary bacterial infections, and eye drops may be given if conjunctivitis is present. 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. Flare ups may occur after stress or illness, or if the cat is immuno-suppressed. Treatment Once a cat has had feline herpes virus, it is infected for life and may suffer from flare ups (in the same way people with human herpes virus get recurrent cold sores), but the first infection is usually the most severe. ![]() An infected cat may not show any outward sign of illness, but can act as a ‘carrier’ cat, passing the infection on to others. If a pregnant cat becomes infected, this may result in pregnancy loss. Anorexia can be a problem, especially in kittens, leading to dehydration. Symptoms Seen most commonly in kittens, symptoms include fever, sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, conjunctivitis and occasionally ulcers on the surface of the eye. The virus can also survive in the environment and be passed on to other cats. Transmission The virus is spread by discharge from the nose/eyes and from saliva of an infected cat. ![]() It can easily be spread to other cats by contact with infected feed bowls or toys, or on people's clothing after touching an infected cat. Particles can survive for up to a week in the environment, so a cat does not even need to meet another to catch the illness. 'Carriers' do not suffer from symptoms of the disease but they too can shed virus particles and infect other cats. Although ill cats are the biggest source of infection, some healthy cats are carriers of the viruses. Once infected, cats shed virus particles in nasal and eye discharges and in saliva. 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. 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. However, in the majority of cases, cat flu can be recovered from and lived with, and flare ups can be treated, just like us humans when we have a cold and flu.Īround 80% of cases of cat flu are caused by one of 2 viruses, Feline Herpesvirus (FHV) or Feline Calicivirus (FCV). In some cases, it can be serious, even fatal. The cats most severely affected include the very young, the very old and those with a damaged immune system or other serious underlying illnesses. Unfortunately, cat flu still persists, despite the availability of vaccines. If your cat or kitten has a sore looking or partially closed eye, seek immediate veterinary attention. With cat flu, eye ulcers are often found and, particularly in kittens, can progress to cause serious damage to the eye. Cat flu is not usually serious in adult cats, however, all cats with symptoms of cat flu should see the vet. Other symptoms include aches and pains in the muscles and joints, mouth ulcers, dribbling, sneezing, loss of voice and fever. ![]() It can cause a runny nose and eyes, and a sore throat. It can be caused by a number of infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria. Cat flu is a common illness, like a human cold, that affects the upper respiratory tract of cats. ![]()
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