Pet Vet Articles (Published Weekly in the Northern Territory News)

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Cat Flu
Dr Stephen Cutter B.V.Sc(hons)

As the density of the Territory’s human population increases so too does the Territory’s cat population. With this increase in cat density, the incidence of cat flu is also increasing. This happens for the same reason that kids constantly catch colds when first at school or child care. Cat flu is a huge problem in cats in southern cities and is increasingly becoming a problem here. Infectious respiratory diseases, like the cats’ flu, the dogs’ kennel cough, and our human cold and flu viruses, all thrive with close contact by lots of members of their own species.

There are several different causes of cat flu, both viral and bacterial, but they all result in much the same signs. Humans can not catch cat flu.

The first signs of cat flu are usually sneezing or runny eyes. As it develops further the eyes become swollen and inflamed, the nose get clogged up and snotty, and ulcers may appear in the mouth. Cat flu can be fatal in small kittens so prompt veterinary attention is vital.

Annual vaccination is the best defence against cat flu. Unfortunately in the same way that the human flu vaccine does not protect us against every strain of cold and flu that is going around, the cat flu vaccination also is not fully protective. Vaccinated cats can still contract cat flu but it is almost always much milder: usually at worst the cat will sneeze for a few days or have watery eyes.

Direct contact with other cats is the main source of cat flu spread, so keeping your cat indoors away from other unvaccinated cats will greatly minimise the risk. Being stressed and in places where there are lots of other cats increases the possibility of exposure and the chance of cats becoming sick. This is why boarding catteries and animal shelters often struggle with this disease.

Copyright © 2005-2008 Dr Stephen M Cutter
May not be reproduced without written permission from the author.