31/03/2022
Cat flu is a collective term used to describe upper respiratory tract infections in cats. Pathogens include:
🦠Feline herpesvirus (FHV)
🦠Feline calicivirus (FCV)
🦠Chlamydophila felis
🦠Bordetella bronchiseptica
Pathogens such as Mycoplasma felis may also be present, although they are unlikely to be the primary cause of disease
😿Clinical signs of these diseases can be similar and include: Sneezing, rhinitis, ocular and nasal discharge, ocular ulceration, oral ulceration/inflammation, lethargy, anorexia, hypersalivation and depression.
🐈Kittens, elderly cats, immunocompromised cats and pedigree cats may be more severely affected
🐈Cats living in large multi-cat households, rescue shelters and in feral colonies are particularly at risk
🐈Cats suspected of upper respiratory disease should be isolated immediately and barrier nursed when hospitalised or at home
🐈Ideally, owners should isolate new cats taken into their care for two weeks to prevent the spread of infection
💉Cats should be vaccinated against flu by being given vaccinations as a kitten and yearly boosters - this is important for cats who live as part of a multi-cat household or go access to outside
💉 It is possible to vaccinate against Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica too but is less likely to be needed unless the cat lives in a high-risk environment
🐈Many cats infected with FHV will become carriers and shed at times of stress eg moving home
😿Some cats affected by flu will develop chronic problems such as chronic rhinitis or feline chronic gingivostomatitis
Nursing care for cats with flu may include:
▪️Intravenous fluid therapy (+/- electrolyte therapy)
▪️Steam inhalation 2-3 times a day
▪️Gentle cleaning of nasal and ocular discharge
▪ Gentle grooming
▪️Tempt feeding or tube feeding (nutrition is important!)
▪ Nebulisation +/- administration of medications such as bronchodilators or antibiotics
▪️Antiviral medications e.g. Famciclovir
▪️Antibiotics for secondary infections (esp kittens)
▪️Pain relief (to manage painful tongue ulcers and rhinitis)
▪️Administration of eye drops
▪️Appetite stimulants
and most importantly ...........LOTS TLC! ❤🐈
Have you ever nursed a cat with flu? What was your experience?
Link with further information in comments 👇👇
