Definition:
Cat flu is a condition of the upper respiratory tract that affects feline. The human counterpart of this condition is the common cold. While this condition does not cause serious effects in adult cats, they can nonetheless be extremely ill. It is fatal in cats.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is made using swabs to determine the type of virus. However, since there is no specific treatment for cat flu, diagnosis is usually unnecessary.
Treatment:
There is no single treatment for cat flu. Antibiotics may help reduce symptoms and avoid secondary bacterial infections.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms are similar to flu-like respiratory diseases, such as sore throat, runny nose and watery eyes. Other symptoms include muscle and joint pains, dribbling, voice loss, fever and sneezing. Cat flu can also lead to other serious illnesses and lasting eye damage. Kittens usually develop eye ulcers, which could lead to eye and vision loss.
Causes:
Various infectious agents may be the cause of cat flu. These include feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, bordetella bronchiseptica and H5N1 (cat avian flu). Such viruses can be easily transmitted through infected feeding bowls, toys, clothes and other items after touching an infected cat.
