Feline respiratory infection, also known as “Snuffles” or “Cat flu”, is a very contagious disease caused by one of two viruses – Feline Herpes Virus (FHV) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV).
It affects the upper respiratory tract, including the eyes, nose, pharynx, mouth, larynx and trachea. Occasionally it ill involve the lower respiratory tract, the bronchi and lungs.
How is feline respiratory infection transmitted?
Large amounts of the virus particles are present in the saliva, tears and nasal discharge of the infected cat. The disease can be transmitted by direct contact with another infected cat or environmental exposure to objects that have been contaminated with infectious secretions.
What are the general symptoms?
- Sneezing
- Swollen, red eyes with a discharge
- Nasal congestion and a discharge from the nose
- Fever
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Ulcers in the mouth and/or on the tongue
- Joint pain
Any cat with symptoms of feline respiratory infection should be seen by a vet.
How is feline respiratory infection diagnosed?
The vet will make a diagnosis based on the symptoms. Tests and bloodwork may be done is the vet suspects complications, underlying causes or is concerned about the extent of the disease.
How is feline respiratory infection treated?
There is no drug available that can kill the viruses that causes the disease. Therefore treatment is largely symptomatic and supportive.
A poor sense of smell, due to a blocked nose, may cause a cat to stop eating and drinking. Feeding a soft, highly aromatic food will help encourage an inappetent cat to eat.
In some cases hospitalisation may be necessary to help combat dehydration with intravenous liquids and force feeding to prevent poor nutrition.
If nasal congestion is severe and breathing becomes difficult, steam inhalation or nebulisation may help to make the discharge more liquid and easier to relieve by sneezing.
Discharge from the eyes and nose should be gently wiped away regularly using cotton wool and a lukewarm salt water solution (1 tablespoon of salt in 500ml of water).
Which cats are at risk?
All cats are susceptible to feline respiratory infection. Very young, very old, immunosuppressed and unvaccinated cats are more likely to develop severe disease and possibly die.
How can feline respiratory infection be prevented?
Kittens should be vaccinated at 9 and 13 weeks of age and a booster vaccination given annually thereafter. It is not a guarantee against infection, but will limit its severity and length of illness.
The FHV- and FCV-viruses can only survive in the environment for a short period of tie and are rapidly destroyed by proper disinfection procedures.
Complications
Some cats can become chronic carriers of infection, and immune-compromised cats may never fully recover, developing chronic rhinitis.
If you suspect that your cat may be suffering from “snuffles”, please consult your veterinarian.
