Recognizing and Treating Cat Flu in Cats
Watery, sticky eyes make cat owners think of one thing: cat flu. Especially for →young cats and kittens, the flu can quickly become dangerous and lead to secondary diseases. Here you will learn what symptoms to watch for, how cat flu is treated, and how you can best prevent the disease.
Pathogens and Infection Opportunities of Cat Flu
Cat flu, also known as feline pneumonia or feline rhinitis, can affect different areas of the body depending on various pathogens. Commonly, feline herpesviruses, caliciviruses, or bacteria such as chlamydia trigger the flu. Depending on the virus or bacterium, different symptoms may manifest, making diagnosis not always easy at first glance.
In contrast, infection occurs easily, as your cat can contract cat flu through contact and droplet infection. If your four-legged friend comes into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected cat, such as saliva, tears, or nasal secretions, it is very likely that your furry friend will catch cat flu. Infection occurs through coughing and sneezing, but even sniffing or touching, for example, saliva on the food or water bowl is sufficient for transmission.
If you are now thinking that your indoor cat has no contact with strange cats and is therefore not at risk, you should not feel too secure, as pathogens can enter the house on shoes from outside. Outdoor cats are generally at a much higher risk.
The →first step for your cat's health occurs when she first sets her little paws in your house. After all, the →species-appropriate and healthy feeding of cats lays a foundation for a healthy and long life. Uh, we mean of course: for 7 long cat lives. With Pets Deli, you are on the safe and, above all, delicious side!
The Best Start to a Four-Legged Life: Discover Our Healthy Junior Food
Symptoms: How Does a Cat Behave with Cat Flu?
Cat flu manifests in different forms depending on the pathogen, but fortunately, it is quickly diagnosable for veterinarians. The following symptoms may occur with cat flu, and you should contact your veterinarian immediately even at the first signs:
- Mucus flowing from eyes and nose (may also turn yellowish)
- →strongly tearing and sticky eyes
- red eyes
- →frequent sneezing and coughing
- breathing problems
- ulcers in the mouth
- →loss of appetite
- →weight loss
- apathy and fever (later)
Diagnosis and Treatment of Cat Flu
Through a physical examination of the eyes, nose, and mouth, it can usually be quickly determined in the veterinary practice whether your cat is suffering from cat flu. For watery eyes and a stuffy nose, veterinarians often prescribe an antibiotic that works against several potential pathogens. A swab of the secretions may also be examined more closely to allow for more targeted treatment. This method is only suitable if it is a bacterial infection with cat flu.
Does your four-legged friend not even think about nibbling on the little pills? Then you need our cream snack, which works according to the "lick and go" principle. Nicely stored in heavenly cream, your cat will happily eat her antibiotic!
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Manchmal ist ein bisschen Hilfe notwendig, um deine Katze um die Pfote zu wickeln. Unsere Creme Snacks sind die idealen Vertrauens-Booster.
Unfortunately, the treatment and recovery from viral cat flu is more prolonged. Here too, a swab can determine which viruses are causing trouble in your cat's body, but an antibiotic would be ineffective, and thus symptomatic treatments can be used. Depending on the severity, your cat may also receive an infusion if she is dehydrated due to a lack of fluids.
Since many cats are rather →poor drinkers, especially when they need to drink a lot during a cold, we are here to help 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 are doing something good for your cat, as our food is a healthy meal due to its delicious recipe without sugar, grains, and artificial additives!
Unser Futter für Katzen: ehrlich, gesund, lecker.
How Long Does It Take for Cat Flu to Go Away?
Depending on the pathogen, your cat may feel better after just a few days with the antibiotic. It is important that you use it exactly as prescribed by the veterinarians. Stopping too early can lead to reinfection. On average, the illness lasts seven days with prompt treatment, but it varies depending on the age and severity of the flu.
The Vaccination Against Cat Flu: Protection for Every Cat
Whether adventurous outdoor cat or relaxed house cat: There is a →vaccine against all viral pathogens of cat flu. This way, you optimally protect your furry friend from a severe infection, as such a viral flu is not easy for our furry companions. Rapid weight loss and a weak immune system can be fatal for kittens with cat flu, as their young bodies simply cannot cope with the defense yet. Through the vaccination, your cat develops antibodies, and in the event of infection, only mild to no symptoms are to be expected. The amount of virus expelled is often not enough to infect other cats.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Für junge Katzen kann ein Katzenschnupfen leider tödlich enden, weswegen zu einer frühen Impfung geraten wird.
When and How Often Are Kittens Vaccinated Against Cat Flu?
Depending on the cat, veterinarians create a [→vaccination schedule](/magazin/katzen/katze-gesundheit/katze-impfen-lassen-ab-wann-und-wie-oft) that may vary slightly but can generally look like this:
Basic immunization against cat flu:
1. At 8 weeks of age
2. At 12 weeks of age
3. At 16 weeks of age
4. After 1 year, a booster
The booster vaccination against cat flu is then given annually for outdoor cats and approximately every two to three years for indoor cats.
Chances of Recovery from Cat Flu: Can My Cat Get Well?
Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered generically, 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 critically influence the course and even cause chronic complaints. The younger your cat is, the weaker her immune system usually is. Here, quick action is required at the first signs or mild symptoms to initiate treatment against cat flu as early as possible.
