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All That You Need to Know About Cat Flu

By Tess Thompson

A fair number of viruses are capable of causing cat flu, but the most commonly identified agents are feline herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1, also known as feline rhinotracheitis virus) and feline calicivirus (FCV). FHV-1 infection produces severe symptoms and also tends to recur more frequently.

Cats experience the same symptoms as humans do during common colds and flu. The lining around the cat’s nose and eyes becomes inflamed, which causes nasal and ocular discharge. The nasal discharge is initially clear, but as the disease advances, it turns purulent due to a secondary bacterial infection. The cat becomes depressed, refuses to eat, and sneezes a lot. The accompanying fever results in lethargy. The virus may cause skin lesions in rare cases and may spread to the lungs to cause pneumonia.

In very severe instances, feline upper respiratory infection treatment may be required, but in most cases, the symptoms usually disappear within two to three weeks. The severity of the symptoms depends on the particular strain of virus that has caused the infection, and FCV tends to produce milder symptoms. Certain FCV strains cause lameness and fever syndrome in young cats. FCV infection is also characterized by small ulcers in the nose, hard palate and the tongue, which may lead to denial of food. The exact role of the virus is not clear, as FCV is also isolated from cats with chronic inflammation of the gums.

Diagnosis of cat flu is mostly symptomatic, and diagnostic tests are required only in the event of frequent infective episodes or in the case the cat has been vaccinated. Treatment is required only in the event of secondary bacterial infections occurring in the cat respiratory tract along with the flu, as antibiotics are unable to resolve viral infections. Symptomatic topical treatment may be used for cold sores and fever blisters, but they usually are usually effective for cats.

Generally, prevention is the best course, and if the cat does get infected, secondary bacterial infection may be treated and the virus left alone to run its course and disappear on its own. If you have more than one cat in the house, isolate the infected cat and keep separate food bowls and toys. Avoid overcrowding, and although vaccination gives only partial protection, vaccinate your cat before boarding or taking her to cat shows.

References:

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/catflu.html