Cat Health Care: A Brief Guide to Cat Flu

The most prevalent cat health care problems that our feline friends experience in this country is cat flu virus. The main reason it’s so problematic is it may be worsened by secondary infections and may be life-threatening. Ironically, despite its potential for serious harm, it really is very easily preventable. Cat health care is jeopardised by feline flu because there are two types of the disease: viral feline flu and also bacterial cat flu. Kittens and cats can pick up either or both, with bacterial cat flu being a well-known secondary infection in felines with viral flu. Like happens with human beings catching common colds and flu, it’s most often and most quickly transmitted among cats who are kept in large groupings, like those in catteries or cat rescue centres. This is among the main reasons why cattery managers insist your furry friend is vaccinated ahead of its stay.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of feline flu to check for are sneezing and coughing, a clear discharge from the nose and eyes, excessive salivation, depression, lack of appetite, lameness and ulcers on the tongue, nasal area or roof of the mouth. If the cat acquires a secondary bacterial infection then the discharge from the nose and eyes could become thicker and yellowish in colour. These signs or symptoms are all indications of a cat health care problem and therefore the pet needs to be taken to see the vet. In these situations, intensive treatment by a veterinarian will be the infected cat’s best possibility for survival. The cat health care veterinarian should be able to treat bacterial feline flu with antibiotics but there is regrettably no specific treatment for viral cat flu.

Because of the fact that there’s no cure for life threatening cat flu virus, cat health care experts will always be keen to emphasise that vaccination as a kitten with continuous booster jabs is very important. Vaccination is the only established way of preventing cat flu.