• Ask A Vet Online 24/7
  • Fitness
    • Mobility
    • Playing
    • Running
    • Weight
  • Health
    • Allergies
    • Digestive System
    • Diseases
    • Ears
    • Handicap
    • Nutrition
    • Parasites
    • Reproduction
    • Supplements
    • Urinary System
    • Vision
  • Care
    • Adoption
    • Bedding
    • Cleaning supplies
    • Kitten
    • Pet insurance
    • Puppy
    • Safety
    • Senior
  • Fun & Play
    • Gadgets
    • Games
    • Treats
  • Training
    • Manners
    • Obedience
    • Rehabilitation
  • Behavior
    • Psychology
    • Travel
  • Grooming
    • Bathing
    • Fur
    • Skin
    • Style
  • Login
  • Register
  • Share This Page
  • Search
  • Ask A Vet Online 24/7
  • Fitness
    • Mobility
    • Playing
    • Running
    • Weight
  • Health
    • Allergies
    • Digestive System
    • Diseases
    • Ears
    • Handicap
    • Nutrition
    • Parasites
    • Reproduction
    • Supplements
    • Urinary System
    • Vision
  • Care
    • Adoption
    • Bedding
    • Cleaning supplies
    • Kitten
    • Pet insurance
    • Puppy
    • Safety
    • Senior
  • Fun & Play
    • Gadgets
    • Games
    • Treats
  • Training
    • Manners
    • Obedience
    • Rehabilitation
  • Behavior
    • Psychology
    • Travel
  • Grooming
    • Bathing
    • Fur
    • Skin
    • Style
  • Home
  • Diseases
  • Can My Cat Catch a Cold or Get the Flu?
Categories:
  • Diseases
  • Health
  • Safety

Can My Cat Catch a Cold or Get the Flu?

Julie

June 9, 2020
Like 3
Categories:
  • Diseases
  • Health
  • Safety
SHARE THIS PAGE

Can My Cat Catch a Cold or Get the Flu?

Just so you know, this post may contain affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through links on this page, OurFitPets may collect a share of the sale or other compensation. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Humans catch a cold all the time. It is a yearly virus that goes around and you likely catch it during the winter months. If you are unlucky, you can also catch the flu and be in bed sick for several days. While there is a flu vaccination you can get, you cannot get protected against colds.

If you have a feline friend, you may be wondering whether they can catch the cold or flu from you. This is quite a common question and you are not alone. The simple answer to this question is yes, cats can get the flu. But we are going to have to go into some more detail so that you can understand what your furry friend has and how you can help them during this time. So, let’s break it down and look at the facts.

Can Cats get a Cold or the Flu?

Check Price on Amazon

Sometimes, the internet can be a confusing place. There is a lot of information out there and although it is great everybody can access it, not everything you read is going to be true. We have spent a lot of time researching this topic so that you can have reliable information.

So, can your cat catch a cold or get the flu? The answer is your furry friend and beloved companion can get cat flu. This should not be mixed up with the same cold or flu that humans get. It is a different virus. Sure, there have been cases of cats catching H1N1 from humans. But they cannot catch the same flu virus or cold virus that is floating around during the winter months. You do not have to keep away from your pet when you are sick. They will simply be unaffected by your symptoms. Just like your cat cannot catch a human cold or flu, you cannot be affected by cat flu. Cat flu is also called feline viral upper respiratory disease.

There are a few types of feline viral upper respiratory diseases that your cat can get. This includes feline calicvirus and feline herpesvirus. These are the most common and they are both contagious and what we think about as the flu. They are often found in shelter and catteries and they spread from cat to cat pretty easily. There can also be feline viral upper respiratory diseases that develop because of bacteria. In particular, this includes chlamydia and Bordetella.

What are the Symptoms of Feline Viral Upper Respiratory Disease?

Check Price on Amazon

Generally, you are going to recognize if your cat has feline viral upper respiratory disease. They will exhibit certain symptoms that you should notice and that will differ from their normal behavior. Indeed, they are similar to the symptoms that humans get when they have the cold.

Some symptoms you will notice include:

  • A runny and congested nose
  • Sneezing
  • A fever
  • Drooling
  • Red and watery eyes
  • Lethargic and not as energetic
  • Sleeping more
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Breathing troubles
  • Loss of appetite and not drinking water

If your cat is exhibiting any of the symptoms we have listed, the best thing you can do is contact your veterinarian. They will be able to give you advice on whether your cat has feline viral upper respiratory disease or another illness that should be treated. Arrange an appointment as soon as you notice any of these symptoms. This is going to be the best option for your cat and put your mind at ease.

How Does Cat Flu Spread?

Check Price on Amazon

It is often the case that some cats are carriers of feline viral upper respiratory disease. They are asymptomatic, which means that they do not exhibit any of the symptoms we have just listed. They can spread it to other cats through sneezing, eye discharge or by saliva.

Any cat can get feline viral upper respiratory disease. But kittens when they are young are at high risk from cat flu. In addition, if you have a senior cat or they have a weakened immune system, this can mean that they may be more at risk from the disease. In addition, it is thought that certain cat breeds are more susceptible to catching feline viral upper respiratory disease. This includes Persians and breeds that have a flat nose and face.

Is there Treatment Available for Cats with the Flu?

Unfortunately, there is no straight forward treatment for cats that develop feline viral upper respiratory disease. If your cat is healthy, it is likely that their immune system can fight the flu. In addition, older cats that are fit and healthy often are able to build up some resistance throughout their life. If you have a young cat that has had feline viral upper respiratory disease, it may come back later on. In some cats, this disease can lie dormant for a while. This means that the symptoms can arise again at some point. It may be a result of when their immune system is fighting another illness or if they have a poor diet. If you suspect that your furry friend has feline viral upper respiratory disease, it is best to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. There may be some medications that they can administer to help your cat with some symptoms. For example, this can include antibiotics for bacterial infections that develop.

There are a few things you can do to make sure your cat feels more comfortable when they are sick. For example, you can use a saline solution on a cloth to clean their eyes and nose. This may help them to feel better. In addition, make sure that they have comfortable and clean bedding. This will allow your cat to get some quality sleep so they can fight the illness. Make sure that you wash the bedding regularly to avoid the infection spreading if you have other cats.

Check Price on Amazon

 

In addition, you want to make sure that your cat stays hydrated and gets the food they need to stay healthy. This is going to help them recover faster. Always keep fresh water nearby so your furry friend can drink. They may not want to eat a lot and they can lose their sense of smell. To encourage them to eat, serve them some of their favorite foods, as well as delicious warm chicken or fresh fish. Within a few weeks, healthy cats will start to improve and get back to their usual self. Give them time and you will notice that they become happy again after suffering from this feline viral upper respiratory disease. When your cat is well again, make sure they have a good healthy diet to keep their immune system strong.

Are there Ways to Prevent Feline Viral Upper Respiratory Disease?

All cat owners want to do the best for their furry friends. This includes trying to prevent them from getting sick. Indeed, the best way you can protect your cat from feline viral upper respiratory disease is by getting them vaccinated. There is a vaccination that is going to make sure that they do not get the flu.

It is important to note that the flu vaccination is a yearly one. In other words, you have got to make sure they get their shots every year to make sure that it is effectively. You may have to pay for this if your pet insurance policy does not cover vaccinations. Cats are able to get this vaccination from when they are nine weeks and older. If your cat has already had feline viral upper respiratory disease, the vaccination may not be fully effective.

My Cat Has the Flu – Should I Keep Them Away from Other Cats?

Check Price on Amazon

If you suspect that your cat has feline viral upper respiratory disease and is demonstrating the symptoms, keep them away from other cats. The last thing you want to do is let your cat pass this flu onto others. You should isolate your furry friend in the house until their symptoms ease and they return to their normal selves.

If you are adopting a new cat, it is best to quarantine your new companion if you suspect they have feline viral upper respiratory disease. Again, this should be done until their symptoms subside. The best thing you can do when you bring a new cat into the household is have them vaccinated against feline viral upper respiratory disease. This is going to help your new cat, as well as the furry friends you already have at home.

Are There Long-Term Effects from the Cat Flu?

As we have previously mentioned, there is the possibility that your cat will become a carrier of feline viral upper respiratory disease. This means that it can flare up again in the future or they may pass on the disease to other cats. In particular, your furry friend might start to demonstrate runny eyes or nose again in the future. This can happen when your feline friend is stressed or upset. This could happen if you are moving house or taking them to the vets. There is the possibility that feline viral upper respiratory disease can permanently damage the nose. It can cause chronic rhinitis, which means that the nasal lining has become damaged. This can lead to having a lot of bacterial infections and a runny nose all the time. If you suspect this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian for advice. Your cat will definitely need antibiotics if they do develop infections.

Check Price on Amazon

Although rare, your cat could develop inflammation and soreness in the mouth on a regular basis. This can cause gingivitis. There is a chance that the feline viral upper respiratory disease is a contributing factor and not the only reason why your cat has this condition. Again, the best thing you can do is arrange an appointment at the vet. They are going to help you to control the condition and make sure that some of your cat’s discomfort can be relieved. We cannot stress enough how important it is to take your feline friend to the vet. If the feline viral upper respiratory disease is left untreated, there can be bad consequences. The disease may progress and lead to pneumonia. There is also the possibility that it can lead to blindness and eyesight troubles, as well as breathing difficulties in the long term.

How to Boost Your Cat’s Immune System

A good way to help your cat avoid feline viral upper respiratory disease is by making sure they have a strong immune system. There a few things you can do to boost your furry friend’s immune system. Cats should always be fed a healthy and well-balanced diet. This includes giving them foods that contain good amounts of protein and balanced fats and carbohydrates. In particular, choose foods that contain taurine, arginine and carnitine. In addition, fresh and clean water is important for hydration.

You also want to reduce any stress that exists in your cat’s life. If they are feeling unhappy and stressed, this can weaken their immune system. For example, your furry friend might like their own space and a clean environment. You also want to make sure that they are entertained when they are awake. In other words, buy your cat some fun toys and play with them. Then they will happily laze around and sleep all day.

You can always consider giving your cat supplements to help boost their immune system. There are a lot out there that can deliver the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants they need. While it is best to get these naturally through their diet, you can always supplement to some degree. It is always best to ask your veterinarian before you start a new supplement. This is going to make sure that it is healthy for your pet and that you are not just wasting your money. Always read the instructions and make sure you follow them to give your cat the right amount they need.

(Visited 39 times, 1 visits today)
The contents of the OurFitPets.com website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website!
Tags:
  • cat behavior
  • cat health
  • cat safety
SHARE THIS PAGE

Julie

Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.

Related Posts

  • Best Cat Birthday Cake Recipes! January 5, 2021
    10 Diseases You Can Get from Your Pet January 3, 2021
  • My Cat Ate a Moth Will He Get Sick? December 3, 2020
    My Cat Ate an Edible What Should I Do? December 2, 2020
  • My Cat Ate a Cricket Will He Get Sick? December 1, 2020
    My Cat Ate a Fly Will He Get Sick? November 28, 2020

4 Comments Hide Comments

Eleanor says:
October 16, 2020 at 3:13 pm

My cat caught a cold and became restless for a couple of days. We went to the vet and got some medications. He’s getting a bit better but still restless. I hope it pays soon because I can’t even play with him for a few minutes without having him sneezing all over the place.

Reply
Rhonwen says:
October 20, 2020 at 6:09 am

He will soon be back on his feet healthy. Since he has been given some treatment, be prepared to see your cat running around the house soon. Cats’ flu doesn’t take long to vanish after appropriate treatment.

Reply
Dorothy says:
October 16, 2020 at 3:15 pm

I didn’t even know that cats do get flu too. You are right though, there are just too many false information on the Internet that one won’t know what to believe at the moment. Thanks for the information.

Reply
Scarlette says:
October 20, 2020 at 6:10 am

Yes, human cannot be infected with viruses that cause FUVD in cats. You are always on point here!

Reply

Add Your Comment Cancel reply

Something else?

Popular Categories

Bedding

Bedding

Cleaning supplies

Cleaning supplies

Gadgets

Gadgets

Manners

Manners

Nutrition

Nutrition

Training

Training

Travel

Travel

Treats

Treats

Last Comments

  • Yewande on Best Cat Birthday Cake Recipes!
  • Xavier on 12 Signs a Dog is Dying: What to Do When Your Dog’s Health Declines
  • Lady Grasha on DIY Gingerbread Dog House – How To Guide
  • Tucker on DIY Gingerbread Dog House – How To Guide
  • Willow on Could My Dog Be Allergic to His Food?

The contents of the OurFitPets.com website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website!

Top Topics Today

Which GPS dog collar to invest in – Whistle 3 or Link AKC Smart Collar?

Top 10 Cat Gadgets For 2020

5 of the Best Pet Cameras in 2020

10 of the best kitten toys

OurFitPets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

  • Ask A Vet Online 24/7
  • Contact Us
  • Pet Guest Post
  • Pet Product Reviewer
  • Categories
  • Do Not Sell my Personal Information
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclaimer & Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright
© OurFitPets.com

Share it on your social network:

Or you can just copy and share this url
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkLearn More