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Just as humans suffer from colds and 'flu, so do cats! In fact, cat 'flu is a common illness in cats of all ages and is particularly severe in young kittens and older cats. Cats that are affected may need intensive treatment before they get better and recovered cats can be left with respiratory problems for the rest of their lives.
Cat 'flu can be caused by a number of infectious agents but the majority of cases will be caused by one of two viruses. The first virus is Feline Herpes Virus Type 1 (FHV-1) (also known as Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus) and the second virus is Feline Calicivirus (FCV).
The viruses are transmitted through the direct contact of one cat with another. Large amounts of virus are present in saliva, tears and nasal secretions (FCV may be spread via urine and faeces). This means cat 'flu can be spread by cats sniffing and washing each other and by sharing food bowls. Considering sneeze droplets can travel up to 2 metres, sneezing is another way that the virus gets around. Humans can also spread the virus on their hands and clothes.
One thing to remember though, humans cannot catch cat 'flu, nor can cats catch human 'flu!
FHV-1 causes more severe problems and an affected cat can develop inflammation of the linings around its eyes and nose, initially triggering a clear discharge to be secreted from the nose and eyes, which then progresses to a thick pus-like discharge. The affected feline will be inclined to exhibit a dull and depressed state, with a raised temperature, sneezing and a reluctance to eat, and in some cases coughing is present.
These symptoms generally last a week or two in adult cats, longer in kittens. Most cats with a mild dose of 'flu will recover but in very young kittens or immunosuppressed cats, cat 'flu can progress to severe pneumonia. The cat loses weight and may not eat for such a long time that it has to be fed via intravenous drip or stomach tube by the vet. The cat will have difficulty breathing through its mouth and may wheeze.
FHV can also cause ulceration of the front part of the eye (cornea) and if left untreated, the eyeball may rupture. Some kittens that have had bad cat 'flu may continue into adulthood with chronic sinusitis or rhinitis. Their breathing is more audible than that of normal cats, they snore when asleep and may have permanent or recurrent nasal discharge and sneezing.
The second of these viruses, FCV, is likely to cause a less serious infection but the symptoms depend on the particular strain of virus that is involved. Prominent features of the illness can include ulceration of the mouth, tongue, nose and hard palate, and some strains of the virus are linked with lameness and fever syndrome in young kittens. FCV is often found in cats with gingivitis (chronic inflammation of the gums) but the specific role of the virus in this condition is unclear.
If you suspect that your feline has 'flu you should take your cat to a vet, who will carry out an examination and perform the necessary diagnostic tests to confirm whether your cat is suffering from cat 'flu and identify the strain of the virus. As for colds and 'flu in humans, specific anti-viral treatments are not generally available for cats but your vet will be able to provide appropriate supportive treatments - such as antibiotics to control any secondary bacterial infections, along with advice on nursing care of your cat if it is well enough to be looked after at home.
If you have a cat with 'flu, it is vital that it is isolated from other cats. Always wash your hands after dealing with an infected feline and make sure no other cat uses its food bowl and litter tray.
For most households, with a few cats, vaccination is sufficient. Although vaccination will not usually prevent your cat becoming infected, it will drastically reduce the severity of the disease - often to the point that all that is noticed is a mild lethargy and loss of appetite for a few days. A variety of vaccines are available and your vet will be able to advise you. Even if your cat has had cat 'flu you should still get it vaccinated as it is likely to have been infected with only one of the viruses, so will still be susceptible to infection with the other.
Kittens should always be vaccinated before they are allowed to venture outside. The recommended age for this is 11 weeks and the second dose at 14 weeks. Cats should then receive a yearly booster. All cats should be vaccinated for 'flu and enteritis and it is worth remembering that no worthwhile cattery will take a cat or kitten without an up-to-date certificate.
In multi-cat households, particularly where new cats are continually arriving (rescue or breeding), vaccination alone may not be sufficient to control the problem. Your vet will be able to advise you on isolation quarantine and disinfection regimes that will help to manage the problem.
After cats have been infected with 'flu they continue to shed the virus. In FHV the carrier state will be lifelong, but intermittent, particularly brought on by stress. Carriers of FCV shed virus continuously. However they may recover spontaneously and eliminate the virus completely.
For further information and advice always consult your veterinary surgeon.
© Ask Sophie 2001, 2002