Recognizing and treating cat flu in cats
Watery, sticky eyes make cat owners think of one thing in particular: cat flu. Especially for →young cats and kittens a cold can quickly become dangerous and lead to secondary diseases . Find out which symptoms to look out for, how cat flu is treated and how you can best prevent the disease right here.
Pathogens and transmission routes of cat flu
Cat flu, also known as feline pneumonia or feline rhinitis, can attack different areas of the body depending on the pathogen. Often, feline herpesviruses, caliciviruses, or even bacteria such as chlamydia are the cause of the cold. Depending on the virus or bacteria, there may be a variety of symptoms, which does not always make diagnosis easy at first glance.
However, infection occurs easily, as your cat can catch cat flu through smear and droplet infection. If your feline comes into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected cat, such as saliva, tears, or nasal discharge, it is very likely that your kitty will catch cat flu. Transmission can occur through coughing and sneezing, but also by sniffing or touching, for example, saliva on the food or water bowl is enough for transmission.
If you think that your indoor cat has no contact with other cats and is therefore not at risk, don't be too sure, because pathogens can also be brought into the house from outside on your shoes. Outdoor cats are generally at a much higher risk .
The →first step for your cat's health comes as soon as she sets her little paws in your home. After all, →species-appropriate and healthy feeding of cats lays the foundation for a healthy and long life. Uh, of course we mean: for 7 long cat lives. With Pets Deli, you're on the safe and above all tasty side!
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Symptoms: How does a cat behave with cat flu?
Cat flu manifests itself in different forms depending on the pathogen, but fortunately it is quickly diagnosable by veterinarians. The following symptoms can occur with cat flu, and if you notice even mild symptoms you should contact your veterinarian right away:
Mucus flows from eyes and nose (can also become yellowish)
red eyes
→frequent sneezing and coughing
breathing problems
ulcers in the mouth
apathy and fever (later)
Diagnosis and treatment of cat flu
Through an external examination of the eyes, nose, and mouth , it can usually be quickly determined at the vet's office whether your cat has cat flu. For watery eyes and a stuffy nose , veterinarians often prescribe an antibiotic, which works against several potential pathogens. Sometimes a swab of the secretion is examined more closely to allow for more targeted treatment. This method is only suitable if it is a bacterial infection with cat flu.
Your feline doesn't even think about gobbling up those little pills? Then you need our cream snack, which works according to the "lick and gone" principle. Well hidden in the heavenly cream, your cat will happily eat her antibiotic!
Sometimes a little help is needed to wrap your cat around your finger. Our cream snacks are the ideal trust boosters.
Unfortunately, treatment and recovery from viral cat flu take longer. Here too, a swab can determine which viruses are present in your cat's body, but an antibiotic would be ineffective, so symptom-relieving remedies are used. Depending on the severity, your cat may also receive an infusion if she becomes dehydrated due to lack of fluids.
Since many cats are →poor drinkers , especially during a cold and need to drink a lot, we support you with our →sauce menus and creamy →snack soups . Both provide your kitten or cat with extra fluids and are very popular due to their pleasant consistency. You're doing something good for your cat, because with the delicious recipe without sugar, grains, and artificial additives , our food is a healthy meal!
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How long does it take for cat flu to go away?
Depending on the pathogen, your cat may feel better with antibiotics after just a few days. It's important that you use it exactly as prescribed by the veterinarian. Stopping too early can lead to reinfection. On average, the illness lasts seven days, but varies depending on age and severity of the cold.
The vaccination against cat flu: Protection for every cat
Whether adventurous outdoor cat or relaxed indoor cat: There is a →vaccine against all viral pathogens of cat flu. This way, you optimally protect your kitty from a severe infection, because such a viral cold is no joke for our kitties. Rapid weight loss and a weak immune system can be fatal for kittens with cat flu, as their young bodies simply can't fight it off yet. With the vaccine, your cat forms antibodies and in case of infection, you can expect only mild to no symptoms. The amount of virus shed is often not enough to infect other cats.
For young cats, cat flu can unfortunately be fatal, which is why early vaccination is recommended.
When and how often are kittens vaccinated against cat flu?
Depending on the cat, veterinarians will create a →vaccination schedule, which may vary slightly, but generally looks like this:
Basic immunization against cat flu:
At 8 weeks of age
At 12 weeks of age
At 16 weeks of age
After 1 year booster
The booster for the cat flu vaccine is then given annually for outdoor cats and every two to three years for indoor cats.
Chances of recovery from cat flu: Can my cat get healthy again?
Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered in general, as cat flu is a serious illness that can vary greatly in the severity of symptoms. Sometimes cats have only a mild cold, but some pathogens can make the course critical and even cause chronic problems. The younger your cat is, the weaker her immune system usually is. If you suspect or notice mild symptoms, quick action is needed to start a treatment against cat flu as early as possible.
