About Feline Influenza

Feline Influenza (cat flu) is an infectious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract and symptoms usually appear within 1 to 3 days. Cat flu may be caused by one or more different infectious agents and is spread by inhalation of the virus from the atmosphere.

Symptoms Of Feline Influenza

The symptoms of influenza are often that the cat seems lethargic, depressed, has a high temperature, lack of appetite and a discharge from the eyes and nose. Diagnosis of influenza can be made by swabs and/or blood tests.

Treatment Of Feline Influenza

Due to its infectious nature any cat suffering from influenza should be isolated immediately and completely rested. The cat will usually recover naturally within 2 to 3 weeks but occasionally complications such as lung damage can occur.

Prevention Of Feline Influenza

There are many different strains of cat flu but vaccinations are available for two common types: feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). Vaccination against influenza is advisable and two vaccines are required initially with booster vaccinations repeated annually.