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 CAT
'FLU:
A number of infectious agents have been found to cause cat
‘flu but the vast majority of cases will be caused by one of
two viruses.
What are the signs of 'cat flu'?
Signs of cat ‘flu are similar to colds and flu in people. One
of the two major viral causes of feline ‘flu (feline herpes
virus or feline viral rhinotracheitis virus) tends to cause
a more severe problem. Affected cats develop a clear discharge
from the nose and eyes which becomes thick and purulent as the
disease progresses. Cats tend to be dull and depressed. They
have a raised temperature and are reluctant to eat. Coughing
and sneezing is common. Signs usually resolve in 2-3 weeks but
some cats are left with a long-term intermittent nasal discharge
or eye disease.
The second virus (feline calici virus) tends to cause less
serious disease. A number of different strains exist and signs
can be variable depending on the strain involved. Ulceration
of the tongue, nose and hard palate is a prominent feature.
Some strains of the virus are associated with a lameness and
fever syndrome in young kittens. The virus is often found in
cats with long-standing inflammation of the gums but the precise
role of the virus in this condition remains unclear.
In recent years a more severe form of disease has been seen
in cat in California where an apparently new highly virulent
strain of calici virus has appeared. Affected cats have puffy
faces and paws, fever, jaundice and haemorrhage in addition
to signs of respiratory disease.
The viruses are the main causes of cat ‘flu but in recent years
we have become aware of other infectious agents which may cause
similar signs. Bordetella bronchiseptica is one such bacterium
which is known to cause cat 'flu.
Cat ‘flu is rarely fatal nowadays but affected cats may require
quite intensive nursing and medical treatment for several days
or weeks before they get better and recovered cats can be left
with respiratory problems for the rest of their lives.
How is cat ‘flu diagnosed?
In most cases the diagnosis is made on obvious signs but we
may need to identify a specific cause of the problem. This can
be achieved by swabbing the cat's mouth or eyes and submitting
the sample to a laboratory where the virus and/or bacterium
can be grown and identified.
What treatments are available?
As for colds and flu, specific anti-viral treatments are not
generally available. Treatment is aimed at controlling any secondary
bacterial infections (with antibiotics) and stimulating appetite
and thirst. Anti-viral drugs which are used to treat herpes
virus infections in people (cold sores) can be used in cats
but generally the response is not as good and the drug needs
to be used early in the course of infection. (Don’t use non-
veterinary medications without consulting your veterinary surgeon).
There have been some anecdotal reports of the benefits of interferons
in the treatment of Herpes and Calici virus infected cats. The
amino acid L-lysine has been advocated as a possible treatment
for Herpes virus infections at a dose rate of 500mg twice daily.
What can be done to help an affected cat?
Your cat can be encouraged to eat and drink using drugs such
as multivitamins and those which help dissolve secretions. Good
nursing is vital. Try to keep the eyes and nose clear of secretions
by gently bathing with dampened cotton wool. Inhaling steam
can help break up the mucus and ease the breathing. Take your
cat into the bathroom when you have a shower or a bath or place
your cat in a wire basket placed beside a bowl of steaming water
and drape a towel over the two. Oils such as eucalyptus should
be avoided as they can cause ulceration of the nose. A bunged
up nose will cause a cat to lose its appetite so try offering
strong smelling foods such as sardines. Warm food to body temperature
and try hand feeding- a little bit of pampering may be just
what’s needed to help your cat. Severely ill cats may need admission
to your veterinary practice to allow specialised veterinary
treatment.
How can cat ‘flu be prevented?
For most cat owners annual vaccination alone is sufficient.
It’s important to realise that vaccination will not necessarily
prevent your cat becoming infected but will drastically reduce
the severity of the disease. In multi-cat households, particularly
where new cats are continually arriving (rescue or breeding),
vaccination alone may not be sufficient to control the problem.
In these households isolation and quarantine is also required.
Disinfection, whilst an important part of disease control generally,
is of limited value in respiratory virus control as most cats
become infected by droplets sneezed or coughed out by infected
cats. Obviously ill cats, or those suspected of being carriers,
should be isolated and handled last, their food bowls and litter
trays disinfected and the owners hands, face and boots washed
before handling other cats. Where possible separate clothing
or overalls should be worn. New arrivals to the group should
be quarantined for 7-10 days in case they are developing cat
‘flu. Unfortunately, quarantine will not identify carrier cats.
In households where cat ‘flu is widespread, queens should give
birth in isolation from other cats and, where possible, the
kittens remain in isolation until vaccinated.
What are carrier cats?
Carriers are cats who are infected with cat ‘flu but are not
showing any obvious signs. Carriers are only infectious to other
animals when they are shedding the virus. Viral shedding can
be constant or intermittent. Around 80% of cats infected with
the herpes virus become carriers for life but only shed the
virus during periods of stress (e.g. rehoming, boarding at a
cattery). With calici virus infection, the cats usually secrete
the virus for several months after the initial infection.
What should I do if my cat is a carrier?
Nothing can be done to change the carrier status of your cat
so it is important to limit the contact which your cat has with
unvaccinated cats or kittens. My cat has had cat ‘flu.
Should I bother to vaccinate it?
YES! Your cat is likely to have been infected with only one
of the viruses so will still be susceptible to infection with
the other.
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