Cat Flu - Upper Respiratory Infections

The health and safety of every feline guest is our top priority. Understanding cat flu, how it spreads, and how it can be prevented helps protect not only your cat, but all cats in our care.

What is cat flu?

Cat flu is the general name given to a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract in cats. It is a common disease in cats and although not usually fatal in previously healthy adult cats, it can cause death in kittens and immuno-suppressed older cats.

Cat flu is most commonly caused by the Feline Herpes Virus-1 (FHV-1), or Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Being an airborne virus (much like a human cold) cats can become infected wherever they gather, such as catteries, shows, vets and even in residential neighbourhoods. The cat transmitting the disease may not actually be sick; it may simply be “carrying” the virus. Exposed cats may or may not show symptoms. Even a vaccinated cat is at some risk, especially if under stress, old, very young or suffering from another illness.
Your cat has not shown any symptoms at this stage; however undue stress or excitement on arrival home may bring on these symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of cat flu

The Eyes:
The virus affects the membranes of the eyes. (Conjunctivitis) The eyes are swollen and red with a discharge that is often filled with pus when secondary bacterial infections invade.

The Nose:
Sneezing is one of the most common symptoms. The nasal linings are inflamed (Rhinitis). There is a discharge from the nose which begins as a clear fluid. The discharge then turns thick and green as the disease progresses. Cats can often lose their sense of smell.

Fever, Depression & Loss of Appetite:
Often the cat runs a fever and generally feels unwell. Cats will often lose their appetite and sometimes become dehydrated. Although they are dehydrated they may refuse to drink water.

Carrier cats

Some cats infected with cat flu show no symptoms at all and are known as carrier cats. Others may recover from illness but remain lifelong carriers.

Carrier cats are only contagious when they are actively shedding the virus. This shedding may occur continuously or intermittently and is often triggered by stress. There is no treatment that can eliminate the carrier state, which is why vaccination and careful management are essential.

How is cat flu diagnosed?

Veterinarians usually diagnose cat flu based on clinical signs and physical examination. In some cases, a swab from the mouth, eyes, or nose may be taken and sent to a laboratory to identify the specific virus involved.

How is cat flu treated?

Urgent treatment is required if the cat goes off their food, develops conjunctivitis, develops a thick nasal discharge or has difficulty breathing. If these symptoms appear or you are at all concerned please phone for a time to see your vet as soon as possible.

What we will do if a cat shows signs of infection

Immediately any infected cat showing signs will be isolated in an attempt to prevent further exposure to other cats, along with a visit to a vet for treatment at the owners cost to be administered a course of antibiotics.

All our catteries are treated daily with F10 disinfectant through the use of a humidifier like machine that allows the disinfectant to cover all surfaces.

All of our cat units are private not allowing them to have direct contact with other cats. By doing this we can help reduce the risk of your cat coming in direct contact with another that may be harbouring the virus. All of our bowls are disinfected and cleaned daily.

How long does cat flu last?

Recovery times vary, but symptoms typically last around two weeks. Some cats recover quickly, while others may experience ongoing or recurring symptoms, particularly if they are carriers.

If you suspect your cat has cat flu, veterinary advice should always be sought, even if symptoms appear mild.

How is cat flu prevented?

The most effective way to prevent cat flu is through vaccination.

Vaccination may not completely prevent infection, as there are multiple strains of the virus, but it significantly reduces the severity of symptoms and shortens recovery time.

Vaccination is recommended even for cats that have previously had cat flu, as they may still be vulnerable to other strains.

Good hygiene, isolation of sick cats, and regular disinfection are also important, particularly in multi-cat households and boarding environments.

Our cat vaccination requirements

To protect all cats in our care, we have strict feline vaccination requirements.

All cats boarding with us must have:

• A current F3 vaccination, covering Feline Herpes Virus, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Panleukopenia

• A vaccination that is current and not expired at the time of booking and boarding

• A vaccination administered at least 14 days prior to boarding to ensure full immunity

A valid vaccination certificate must be provided before or at the time of boarding. Cats without current vaccinations cannot be accepted for boarding, and bookings will be cancelled in line with our refund policy.

Kittens

• Kittens must have completed their full vaccination course

• They must be at least two weeks past their third and final vaccination, which is typically around 18 weeks of age

If vaccinations have lapsed

• Two new F3 vaccinations are required, given one month apart

• Cats may board two weeks after the second vaccination

• Resort Manager discretion may apply if vaccinations are overdue by less than 30 days, and temporary isolation may be required

These requirements help protect your cat and reduce the risk of infectious disease within our catteries.

Is cat flu contagious to humans?

No. Cat flu cannot be transmitted to humans or to other animals outside the feline species.

Further Information

No amount of supervision, sanitation or personalised care can prevent a cat from “catching” an airborne virus. All that a good pet care facility can do is to strongly recommend minimum F3 Vaccinations, refuse to board any obviously sick cats, listen and watch for any signs of sickness, and make sure that any cat requiring veterinary attention receives it as quickly as possible (complicating this is that the cat with the virus alone may not appear ill, yet is contagious). Professional pet care facilities would justifiably expect owners to accept the financial responsibility for such care.

If you have any concerns about cat flu or your cat’s suitability for boarding, please or speak with your trusted veterinarian for medical advice.