My Cat Has The Flu! What Can I Do? 2023

6 comments Dec 4, 2023by Suzie Cyrenne

I think my feline best friend caught the cat flu bug.

I woke up one morning last week and noticed my cat was not waiting outside my door to greet me as she does every morning. She was rolled up in her bed, she simply lifted her head to look at me and then settled right back down to sleep.

I could tell she was not feeling well, but what was wrong? With time I noticed more and more symptoms indicating a classic case of cat flu. She got better fast enough—some cats infected can be sick for up to a weekbut not all adult cats are the same.

Other cats can be more prone to upper respiratory infections and secondary bacterial infections during these situations.

Do you have a cat that is "under the weather" but you're not sure if it is cat flu? This article will help you identify the symptoms and get cat flu treated quickly!

 

Symptoms of Cat Flu to Look Out For

Cat lying on the floor.

Just to emphasize, the term "cat flu" is simply a shortcut for "cat influenza virus."

It is a common illness that is akin to human flu (aka human colds) and most cats display the same indicators of the same when they do get infected.

 

Common indicators of flu in cats

Affected cats usually experience the following symptoms when they're suffering from this health issue:

  • Runny nose (clear, yellow, or green discharge) or blocked nose

  • Swollen, runny, and sore eyes

  • Respiratory problems

  • Sneezing

  • Eye ulcers

  • Sore throat

  • Aches and pains in joints and muscles

  • Mouth ulcers

  • Fever

  • Loss of voice (the delicate lining of the throat is affected, especially in kittens)

  • General lethargy

  • Lack of appetite (even if you're serving roast chicken!)

All felines are not the same and will not necessarily have all these symptoms of cat flu. Many cats will even have a sudden aversion to strong-smelling foods during this illness!

Since cats are usually great explorers and love to play, the first noticeable symptoms will usually be lethargy, runny nose, and a change in appetite.

The key is to identify the symptoms of cat flu infection as soon as possible to prevent the virus from getting worse or spreading to your other kitties if you have more than one cat at home.

 

Healthy cats can be infected through direct contact

Carrier catsthere are even felines that are symptom-free carrierscan infect other cats with flu viruses and upper respiratory infections in a lot of ways.

Infected cats shed virus particles and can be highly contagious. They can even spread this illness through infected feed bowls, blankets, toys, and similar items.

Remember that young kittens and older cats are more prone to this health concern since they typically have weaker immune systems. Even vaccinated cats can be a target when they have shared food bowls in a boarding cattery, for example.

 

 

 


About the author

Suzie Cyrenne
Suzie Cyrenne

HOMEOPATH & CO-FOUNDER OF ZUMALKA

Suzie Cyrenne has dedicated more than 20 years of her life in making and improving natural animal health solutions in the global setting.

Being the co-founder of Zumalka, Suzie is a forerunner in enhancing the lives of pets through natural and homeopathic options using the knowledge she has gained from the Classical Homeopathy School in Quebec.

Through the guidance of her mother-in-law and fellow natural health expert, Denyse Lessard, Suzie constantly devotes herself to create premium pet products that are aimed at dealing with the root causes of wellness problems and not just their symptoms.

Besides immersing herself in books, personal development and visiting new places, Suzie also enjoys keeping herself in tiptop shape by snowboarding and taking daily hikes with her husband and Zumalka co-founder, Matt Lessard, and their Golden-Doodle, Westin.

Find out more about Suzie when you click HERE.


6 comments


  • HOMEOANIMAL January 11, 2021 at 11:28 am

    Dear Zelda,

    Thank you for your comment and we fully understand your concerns about vaccines for pets. You are far from being alone in your worry. Here at Homeoanimal, we neither promote nor discourage the use of vaccines as there are both pros and cons to them. The choice is left to each pet parent depending on the local laws of course.

    We have a GREAT article that I think will interest you that touches exactly on this topic: Vaccinations: Are They Slow Killers for Your Pet?
    https://www.homeoanimal.com/blogs/blog-pet-health/84319044-vaccinations-are-they-slow-killers-for-your-pet

    I hope you enjoy it!!

    Warm regards,
    Homeoanimal.com


  • Zelda Jane January 11, 2021 at 11:28 am

    PLEASE stop recommending poisonous vaccines, thanks to this CON-vid bs, & the threat to our civil liberties in making vaccines mandatory, people are waking up to their POISONOUS ingredients, the horrifying side effects, & what they’re really all about, $$$. It sickens me how Dr’s take the Hippocratic Oath, (the name serves it well), to do no harm, yet you all do harm, not only by injecting that crap into these helpless beings, but by recommending them. I’m sure this comment won’t be “approved” because you all know this is truth


  • HOMEOANIMAL June 1, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    Hi Marlene, Thank you for your excellent question. Vaccinations are a very personal choice unless obligatory where you live. If you should choose to vaccinate your pets, we would recommend following the directions provided by the vet you will select for your pets.


  • Marlene June 1, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    What vaccines are recommended for an indoor cat and how often should they be vaccinated?


  • Bronnie August 30, 2019 at 10:06 am

    I have a 6 yearold Exotic this is her third bout of cat flu and she has had all vaccinines up to date so I’m thinking she is a carrier. In a cage in the lounge under cover so none of the other cats get it. Like us keeping the fluids up and she is sarting to eat some raw again


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