Cat Flu: What To Do?

While human colds do not effect cats, your pet can develop sneezing, runny noses and general lethargy because of an upper respiratory tract infection, much the same as humans. Feline respiratory infections are very contagious to other near-by cats and, as in humans; they can spread quickly to other felines it comes into contact.


In some cases, the disease can be prevented from spreading by isolation and sanitation of the feeding bowls. Quick recognition of these symptoms is very important because respiratory diseases are air borne and can be transmitted on your clothing and other fabrics in the house. Most upper respiratory infections run their course in several days. But, it is always best to have your cat checked out by a veterinarian just to be safe. Treatment for your pet is usually proper rest, good nutrition, and proper nursing care. Always be aware of how much your pet is eating and drinking as a loss of appetite is a sure sign that something is wrong.
Your cat may become malnourished or dehydrated very quickly and will need to see a veterinarian. Most often your vet will not want to hospitalize your cat unless absolutely necessary because most cats will recover faster at home, usually rehydrating your cat and administrating antibiotics in case of a secondary bacterial infection will take care of the problem. Upper respiratory infections are rarely fatal, but can be very debilitating and in the case of kittens and older cats it can become fatal. Thankfully these upper respiratory tract infections are no longer the problem they used to be before the 1970's as we now have vaccines that can eliminate the problem, or at lest make the illness less severe and shorter in duration.
Many cats that have recovered from the signs of an upper respiratory tract infection remain carriers and continue to shed the virus for months or even years afterward. Even cats that have never shown obvious signs of a respiratory infection may sometimes carry and shed it.
The best thing you can do to avoid feline respiratory infection is to vaccinate your pets. This is the best protection that is available and ultimately the best investment.

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