06/01/2025
Part of my job as a breeder and in real life is about education. After seeing a recent post, I feel like this is important information to get out there. Sometimes with having breeding cats, comes cat flu. Some breeders do not talk about it and will deny having ever had it. It is nothing to be ashamed about. It is how you handle the situation that is most important.
Are you aware that up to 90% of cats carry some type of Upper Respiratory Infection(cat flu)? It is extremely common. While a URI is contagious to other cats, it is not contagious to humans or other pets. Most URI’s will resolve themselves with time.
Infections such as the Calici virus and Herpes virus lay dormant until the cats immune system takes a hit - for example, moving to a new home, or introducing another pet, or even changes at home.
Nobody wants cat flu in their cattery, and this is why testing new cats upon entry to breeding homes and quarantine are important. While sometimes it cannot be avoided, it is how breeders handle the situation that determines the outcome. A high percentage of breeders will have had some type of cat flu at one time or another.
Herpes is something you do not want in your cattery as it can be dangerous to newborn kittens. They’re already fighting trying to establish their immune system and it’s a big hit for them. No reputable breeder should ever breed with a herpes positive cat. You’re putting kittens at risk and the other cats in your household. Those breeding cats with herpes should be neutered and re-homed.
The most common symptoms of an every day cat flu may be some sneezing, watery eyes and loss of appetite. Stressful events of moving to a new home may bring a few sneezes about, but it is nothing to be alarmed about and will settle within a couple of weeks. If you have more serious symptoms such as congestion, gunky eyes or ulcers in the mouth, please seek veterinary attention so they can assist you with suggestions on how to make your baby more comfortable until it passes.
This picture outlines what to expect when a new cat or kitten comes home in regards to stress. So many kittens just settle right in, but some don’t and it’s important to remember this timeline as each kitten is individual. It’s called the 3-3-3 rule. It’s a stressful time leaving mum, but always give it time, and if you ever have any questions, remember to contact your breeder or the shelter and seek information about your concerns.
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