Cat Flu
Cat flu is a common and highly contagious disease in unvaccinated cats of all ages. It tends to be particularly severe in kittens, especially purebred cats such as Burmese and Siamese.
The two viruses associated with cat flu are Feline Herpes Virus (FHV-1) and Feline Calici Virus (FCV). Unlike most bacterial infections, viruses are very difficult to treat and specific antiviral treatments are generally not available. A virus is more likely to remain within the system for long periods of time, although symptoms of the infection may not always be apparent. It is therefore likely that a flu infected cat will retain the virus in its system for life.
Symptoms
Signs of cat flu are similar to those for colds and flu in people. It can cause inflamed and runny
eyes, discharge from the nose, sneezing, coughing, loss of appetite and sometimes mouth ulcers. The discharge from the nose and eyes generally begins as a clear colour. If the cat develops a secondary bacterial infection, the discharge will change to a yellow/green colour.
Symptoms can be minor or severe, depending on the cat's age, breed, vaccination status, and whether or not they have previously been infected.
Dispersal
Inhaling aerosol droplets sneezed or coughed out by other, infected cats is the most common cause of infection. Aerosol droplets sneezed or coughed by cats can infect any other cats up to a metre.
Clinically ill cats or those suspected of being carriers should be isolated or handled last when in multi cat households or boarding facilities.
Food bowls and litter trays of flu cats should be washed separately using a high grade anti viral cleaner. Once in the environment FHV-1 can survive for 48 hours and FCV can last for 7-10 days.
Carrier Cats
Most cats that have been infected with cat flu enter what is called a carrier state, where the virus remains in the system, but symptoms are not always apparent.
FHV-1 carriers are only infectious when they are shedding the virus. Viral shedding can be continual or intermittent. Carriers most commonly start shedding the virus during periods of stress e.g. re-homing, boarding, new family member, early weaning.
FCV carriers continue to excrete the virus for 3-18months after they are initially unwell. FCV carriers excrete continuously so are always potentially infectious to other cats, particularly unvaccinated ones.
Vaccination
If vaccinated as a young kitten it is unlikely your cat will contract flu, as they will already have developed antibodies against the disease. However, if your vaccinated cat does contract flu, the severity of the virus is drastically reduced.
If your cat is a carrier, vaccination is still recommended for two reasons:
1. Any symptoms that develop will be less severe.
2. It is extremely unlikely that your cat would be a carrier of both FHV-1 and FCV, therefore vaccination will prevent your cat catching the other strain of flu.
Testing for Carriers
In most cases, diagnosis of cat flu is made by assessing the clinical signs.
A test is available and needs to be conducted whilst the cat is showing clinical signs (shedding). The cat's mouth is swabbed and the swab is then sent to a laboratory. There, the virus can be grown in a culture and identified. Unfortunately this service is generally not commercially available; the testing is often unreliable and the whole process can be very costly.
Home Care for Carriers
Cat flu carriers can go through life with minimal problems, living a happy life like most other cats. The only time your cat will ever feel unwell is when they are showing clinical signs. As mentioned earlier, it is unlikely that clinical signs will appear unless your cat is exposed to a stressful situation or change. So if you can provide a happy stable life for your cat flu carrier, it is unlikely it will ever be a problem.
Symptoms in Carriers
Talk to your vet about treating symptoms when they appear. If they are minor it is unlikely treatment will be needed. However if a secondary bacterial infection develops, antibiotics may be required. We need to be mindful that weeping eyes can quickly become more severe and may cause corneal ulcers to develop on the eye. Prompt vet attention is necessary in this case.
Boarding for Carriers
It is important for your vet to know, as it will assist with future diagnosis and treatments. You should let your boarding facility know for the following reasons.
For the safety of your cat:
· To avoid any stress to your boarding cat e.g. Housing them away from other cats, if they cannot see others they will be less worried.
· Cattery attendants can watch more closely for clinical signs, before they become a problem.
· Cattery attendants can ensure your cat eats well and if necessary feed more palatable foods.
· Your cat may need extra warmth from blankets and a heating pad.
· A cage in a sunny room can provide a more welcoming feeling.
· Your cat will be a special visitor and will be observed more closely for signs of discomfort or illness.
For the safety of other cats:
· Cattery assistants can ensure contact with other cats (who could possibly catch the virus) is avoided.
· Separate bowls, litter trays and bedding can be organised to avoid the disease spreading.
For all of the reasons listed above it is a great idea to let your cattery know. Your flu carrier can be isolated so they can receive special attention in the cattery and other visiting friends can avoid catching this virus.
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