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Soft, strong-smelling foods Cat flu can affect your cat’s sense of smell and a sore throat can make eating uncomfortable. Give your cat soft foods that have been warmed slightly to encourage them to eat.
Full Answer
How can I get my Cat to eat with the flu?
You may be able to get her to eat by offering very strong smelling food such as sardines. A painful symptom of cat flu are ulcers inside the mouth, on the tongue and around the lips. This also interferes with the cat’s appetite – simply because it hurts to eat.
What can I give my sick cat to eat?
Try to entice your sick cat to eat food by itself by using food with a strong smell. Fish would be a good start as it can be quite strong. Tuna or sardines could be a good choice to pick. Get tuna in oil or brine and mash it up with a fork.
What kind of flu does a cat have?
In most common cases feline Herpes virus and Calici virus, also known as FVR (Feline viral rhinotracheitis) are the cat flu culprits. However URI (Upper respiratory infection) may also come into play. How long does cat flu last? In general the cat flu will last a total of 7-10 days.
What kind of antibiotics do vets give cats for flu?
Antibiotics can be prescribed to treat bacterial causes of cat flu. Veterinarians usually choose broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, or amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, to kill the bacteria and also prevent secondary infections from other bacteria.
What can I give my cat for cat flu?
Cat flu treatmentVaccine. Preventative treatment is best and a vaccine is available from your vet. ... Anti-inflammatories. Anti-inflammatories are sometimes prescribed to relieve symptoms. ... Lubricants and eye drops. ... Reduce stress. ... Wipe nose and eyes. ... Keep them fed and hydrated. ... Help them breathe. ... Calcivirus.More items...•
Can cats get rid of cat flu?
Unfortunately once your kitten has caught cat flu, it's possible they will become a carrier for life and suffer with 'flare-ups' from time to time. Like human flu, there is no specific cure for cat flu but treatment can help to make a kitten feel better, speed up their recovery and limit future flare-ups.
How long are cats infectious with cat flu?
Up to 10 days, depending on the infection involved. disinfection when managing infectious disease cases in CP cats. of disease.
How can I help my sick cat without going to the vet?
What can I do if my cat is being sick?Remove food for two hours, but continue to provide water.After this time, try offering a teaspoon of their usual food or bland low-fat cooked food such as chicken or white fish.If they keep this down, offer small amounts every few hours for the. ... Then go back to your usual routine.
What are the first signs of cat flu?
It can cause a runny nose and eyes, and a sore throat. Other symptoms include aches and pains in the muscles and joints, mouth ulcers, dribbling, sneezing, loss of voice and fever. Cat flu is not usually serious in adult cats, however, all cats with symptoms of cat flu should see the vet.
How do you clean a cat after the flu?
Hypochlorite (bleach-based) disinfectants (eg, 5% bleach diluted 1:32) are effective against these viruses, but take care to use any disinfectant carefully – most are irritant to cats if they come into direct contact with the disinfectant.
Can humans spread cat flu?
No, 'cat flu' is an everyday term people use to describe infections in cats caused by two viruses that are not actually influenza viruses. One is feline calicivirus, and the other is a feline herpes virus . These viruses cannot be transmitted to humans.
Why does my cat keep getting cat flu?
Most cat flu cases are caused by feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus. These viruses are highly contagious and usually spread between cats through direct contact, sneeze droplets, and shared food bowls.
Is cat flu permanent?
Some infected cats don't show any clinical signs and are known as 'carrier cats' and some cats who have had cat flu and recovered may remain lifelong carriers. A 'carrier' is only infectious to other cats when they are shedding the virus, which may be continuous or intermittent and the virus will be dormant in between.
Do cat colds go away on their own?
In most cases, cat colds are harmless and will go away within 1-2 weeks. You do need to monitor their health however, and if there is no sign of improvement by the fourth day, you should make an appointment with your vet as a persisting cold that does not get treated properly may develop into pneumonia.
Should I adopt a cat with cat flu?
Because cat flu is only transmissible between cats, RSPCA NSW requires for your new cat-choo cat be rehomed alone, or with another cat-choo cat. That way, cat flu won't be passed on.
What is the cat flu?
Cat flu is an upper respiratory tract disease which can be caused by a number of different pathogens. In most common cases feline Herpes virus and Calici virus, also known as FVR (Feline viral rhinotracheitis) are the cat flu culprits. However URI (Upper respiratory infection) may also come into play.
What are the symptoms of the cat flu?
Simply put, cats and humans experience the flu in very similar ways: Runny nose (clear, yellow or green discharge) Swollen and runny eyes. Respiratory problems. Sneezing. Sore throat. Aches and pains in joints and muscles. Mouth ulcers.
How long does the cat flu last?
In general the cat flu will last a total of 7-10 days. However secondary bacterial infections can cause the symptoms to linger a number of weeks more. Playing a big role in how fast they will recover is their age.
How do you know if your cat has a virus?
Since cats are usually great explorers and love to play, the first noticeable symptoms will usually be lethargy and perhaps a change in appetite. This should send up some red flags. The key is to identify the symptoms as soon as possible to prevent the virus from getting worse or spreading to your other cats.
How to tell if a cat has the flu?
You can tell the severity by the nasal discharge turning thick and yellow/green.
How to help a cat with an irritated throat?
You can also add a little warm water to its food, which will make it more palatable and easier to swallow for a cat with an irritated throat. You can also bring your cat in the bathroom when you take a hot shower.
How to help a cat recover from a syphilis?
It’s important to make sure that your cat stays well hydrated during its recovery. Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. Adding a few bowls of water around the house, or even a small fountain, can motivate your kitty cat to drink lots of water .
How to treat cat flu?
The goal is to keep your kitty comfortable and relieve troubling symptoms so that your cat is better able to fight the infection. Keep the eyes and nose clear of discharge by cleaning away excess secretions, using decongestants, and providing a vaporizer to help ease breathing. It is very important to get your cat to eat and drink. Provide food that has a pleasing aroma and taste. You may want to get some gourmet food. In some cases of severe depression and anorexia, force feeding and administration of fluids may be required. Treatment should continue until symptoms are gone, usually about 7-10 days.
What is the flu in cats?
What is Flu? Cat Flu is used to describe the cold or flu-like symptoms that accompany an infection of the upper respiratory tract in cats. Cats with flu will show signs that include fever, frequent sneezing, discharge from the nose and eyes, loss of appetite, and depression.
How long does it take for a cat to recover from the flu?
Recovery of Flu in Cats. Generally treatment will last about 7-10 days until symptoms have resolved. If your cat contracts flu and symptoms do not resolve with treatment within a few weeks, your veterinarian may want to test for Feline leukemia. Cats may continue to shed the virus or bacteria for as many as 18 months.
What are the symptoms of cat flu?
As the term "Cat Flu" suggests, the symptoms of the infection resemble a cold or flu and include: Fever. Coughing. Frequent sneezing. Nasal discharge. Eye discharge. Salivation. Mouth ulcers. Corneal (eye) ulcers.
What are the causes of cat flu?
There are several possible infectious causes of cat flu, but the two most common causes are feline calicivirus (FCV) or feline herpesvirus (FHV). With each of the causative agents, there are some common, more generalized symptoms:
What to do if your cat has a corneal ulcer?
If your cat has oral ulcers due to FCV, soft food is recommended. In the case of corneal ulcers, your doctor may prescribe medication to keep the pupils dilated. Antibiotic ointment may also be used to prevent a secondary bacterial infection.
How to keep cat's eyes clear?
Keep the eyes and nose clear of discharge by cleaning away excess secretions, using decongestants, and providing a vaporizer to help ease breathing. It is very important to get your cat to eat and drink. Provide food that has a pleasing aroma and taste. You may want to get some gourmet food.
Symptoms of cat flu
It can take as long as two weeks for signs of flu to appear. When it does, it can cause:
Cat flu treatment
Your vet may prescribe antibiotics if symptoms are severe, but they are not always needed. You will also be given guidance on how to care for your pet at home.
Cat flu in kittens
Kittens get some immunity from their mothers which fades as they get older. They'll then become at risk to cat flu. Mum cats with cat flu can also infect their kittens without showing illness themselves. The kittens either get flu or become symptom-free carriers.
What can happen if cat flu goes untreated?
Like human flu, once the virus has damaged the delicate lining of the nose and airways, bacterial infections can enter and cause complications, such as pneumonia. So it's important that you contact a vet if you suspect your cat has flu.
Are there long-term effects of cat flu?
Once infected, cats shed virus particles in their saliva and the discharge from their nose and eyes.
What to do if my cat is having arthritis pain?
And if your cat seems to have trouble standing or is having obvious pain from arthritis, your vet may recommend pain medication to help increase your cat’s comfort level.
How do you know if your cat is sick?
Because calicivirus is a respiratory illness, coryza is often the first thing pet owners notice. It’s the runny nose and sneezing that are often the first signs that your cat is sick. Here are some other symptoms to look out for: Loss of appetite. Runny eyes.
How long does it take for a cat to show symptoms of FVR?
Once a cat is infected with FVR, there is usually a 2-5 day incubation period before you’ll see any symptoms. Symptoms of FVR mimic a typical cold, so you can expect a lot of sneezing and watery eyes in addition to other unique symptoms: Loss of appetite. Runny eyes.
Why does my cat feel like it's under the weather?
There’s a reason your cat is feeling under the weather, and that reason is likely a virus. There are three common viruses that cause coryza in cats. Gilles’s cats had one of these viruses, but it took a while before he learned which one it was.
What is the stage of cat discharge?
You can use stage one when you’re noticing clear or transparent discharge from the cat’s eyes or nose. Stage two is used for when the discharge is yellow or greenish. Yellow or greenish discharge is a sign of infection, and this takes a different approach.
Can cats get H1N1?
Well, cats can get H1N1 too. Coryza is a symptom of H1N1, which is a variant of the influenza virus, and it’s also contagious to humans, dogs and ferrets. So if your cat gets sick, be sure to get treatment right away before it spreads throughout the household.
Can kittens get coryza?
It’s important to keep an eye on the litter and watch for symptoms of coryza. If you notice that your kittens have runny eyes and noses, don’t delay.
What are the symptoms of chlamydiosis in cats?
Colds in cats tend to be more serious than human colds, and it is always recommended pet owners seek veterinary attention for a chlamydiosis displaying the following clinical signs: Sneezing. Nasal discharge/runny nose. Eye discharge. Fever.
Why won't my cat drink water?
Dehydration is another common problem as your cat may refuse to drink if he or she is feeling unwell. Try to encourage the consumption of water by feeding wet food (canned) which a higher water content. Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration.
How to get rid of a cat's eye?
Eye and nasal discharge. Gently wipe away eye and nasal discharge with a warm, damp cloth or gauze. Saline nasal sprays may be used on your cat to help relieve congestion. Use on your cat twice a day.
Can you prevent the flu in cats?
Prevention is always better than cure and most of the causes of cat flu can be easily prevented with vaccinations. I recently adopted two adult Tonkinese cats from a shelter. Cat flu is common in the shelter environment and when I brought them home they had the snuffles, but it didn’t progress any further. Their previous guardians had had them vaccinated which protected them. Some cats may display very mild symptoms even when vaccinated, but symptoms are self-limiting.
Can cats take human medication?
This has to be carefully administered according to your cat’s weight, and must only be carried out on the recommendation of your vet. Never use human medications on cats. In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat any secondary bacterial infections which may occur.
Can cats get sick from viruses?
Eye discharge. Fever. Senior cats and kittens are at increased risk and can quickly become extremely sick. While viruses can’t be treated with antibiotics, supportive care may be required while your cat is fighting off the infection. Mild infections may be self-limiting, and your veterinarian may recommend home care.
How to stop a cat from getting the flu?
The only way to stop your cat from contracting cat flu is to keep it away from other cats. The best way to do that is to keep them indoors. There is a vaccine out there that can help you protect your cat from the cat flu virus, but this vaccine alone won’t stop your cat from getting the cat flu.
What is the cat flu?
Cat flu is a term most cat owners hate to hear associated with their pets. The main disadvantage a cat infected with cat flu has is that it becomes more susceptible to secondary infections. If you think your cat has the flu, please speak to a vet to prevent it from reaching that stage. The cat flu can make it a lot more difficult ...
What is the first two viruses a cat will be diagnosed with?
So bringing your cat to the vet to get a diagnosis is a must. Of the three virus strains mentioned above, Feline Herpes Virus , Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Chlamydophilia, you will find that the first two will probably be the virus your cat will be diagnosed with.
What is the virus in cats?
FCV – Feline Calicivirus. Feline Chlamydophila. A genus of bacteria called Bordetella is also many times detected in cats affected with cat flu. Anyone who owns a cat needs to realise that most likely, their cat is a carrier of the virus. This does not mean your pet is ill, it just means the virus is in its system.
How does a cat get the virus?
A few typical ways the virus spreads include: Fighting: This might be due to fighting where the carrier bites the other cat. Cleaning: The saliva of the carrier cat can also pass on the bacteria. So if cats were eating from the same bowl and cleaning eat other, this is a sure way for the virus to spread.
Why do vets give cats antibiotics?
Your vet will also give it some antibiotics if it is suffering from a secondary infection it may have picked up while weakened by the cat flu virus.
How long does it take for a cat to recover from the flu?
Determining how long it should take your cat to recover from cat flu is hard, and takes time—some say three weeks while others say seven. It really depends on the cat. If your pet is young and strong, then chances are it will be able to fight the virus and should get better after a few weeks.
What is cat flu?
Cat flu or feline influenza is much like the flu for people, and just as is the case for people, it can vary in severity form cat to cat.
How is cat flu spread?
Cat flu is generally caused by a viral infection, and this tends to be one of two specific types of virus. However, there are some bacterial forms of cat flu too.
Can you vaccinate against cat flu?
There is a vaccine available for cat flu, which is effective against the most common form of viral cat flu. This is generally given as standard within the combined cat vaccination protocol.
How serious is cat flu?
Cat flu will make your cat feel very unwell and it is of course very unpleasant, but for most adult cats in good health, they will shake it off and recover. That said, cat flu can be very serious in elderly cats, young kittens, and cats with a compromised immune system.
Can cat flu be treated?
Most cats that catch cat flu will shake it off like most people do, but they will need to be kept warm and comfortable and monitored to see how they’re doing in the interim.
