What is Cat Flu?
Cat Flu or Feline Respiratory Disease can be caused by Feline Calicivirus (FCV) or Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR). Cat Flu is highly contagious with the viral particles shed in nasal or eye discharge/droplets and saliva. It can be easily spread through sneezing, coughing, contact with infected droplets on feed bowls,litter trays, furniture or even on clothing after holding an infected cat.
Signs include sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, runny eyes, conjunctivitis, fever, dribbling and/or ulcers on the tongue. Cat flu can make your cat very sick, particularly in young cats, and all cats with symptoms should see their veterinarian. Many cats contract Cat Flu and after having it they can become carriers to further spread the disease. The cat flu may be latent (dormant) in their body and at times of stress or illness it can then flare up.
Thankfully cats can be vaccinated to protect them against Cat Flu, please contact your veterinarian to arrange vaccination.