Is your cat sneezing or acting weird? Perhaps they are suffering from cat flu! How to help a pet suffering from cat flu? Is a visit to the vet necessary? Can a cat’s runny nose be dangerous for us? A cat with a cold is a cat with inflammation in the respiratory tract that presents a wide variety of symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, and discharge from the nose or eyes. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about cat flu.
- What is Cat Flu?
Cat’s nose is a severe viral infection of the upper respiratory tract in cats. A cat’s runny nose symptoms most often affect the nasal cavity, airways, conjunctiva, and cornea. Cat’s runny nose requires quick veterinary intervention because, if left untreated, it can lead to the death of your pet. High mortality is noted, especially in small cats.
- The Causes of a Runny Nose in a Cat
What are the causes of catarrh? The most common infection is FHV-1. This virus belongs to the same group of viruses as the herpes virus or the chickenpox virus. FCV-1 can also be another cause of catarrh. Both types of viruses are found in stool and urine and secretions from the nose, throat, and conjunctival sac.
Your cat may have a cold due to a virus that has infected his respiratory system, such as Calicivirus and Herpesvirus, which are responsible for the so-called feline flu. In addition, other bacteria can also be involved in the problem, often causing secondary infections that complicate the cat’s cold. Numerous environmental, allergic or unknown factors can make it easier for your cat to catch a cold or make the illness worse. Among the causes of an environmental nature is the ventilation of its habitat, humidity, temperature, or environmental irritants. In contrast, one of the most common allergic causes is bronchial asthma. In addition, a cat with a cold can infect others. The contagion of cats with colds occurs directly through contact with other infected felines, whether they have colds at that time or are carriers of the virus or bacteria. The disease is transmitted through nasal secretions, tears, saliva, or indirectly through contaminated clothing, food bowls, or other objects.
- How Is It Possible To Get Infected With a Cat’s Runny Nose?
Catarrhal infection occurs through direct contact with a sick cat. If animals share a bowl, litter box, or bed, there is a very high chance that they will become infected. Cat cold viruses are also transmitted on owners’ clothes. Cat runny nose infection can also occur during pregnancy; then, the kitten can infect her young. There are cases where catarrh infection happens during mating. The virus can then lead to miscarriages and even infertility.
- Cat Diseases
Any cat can become infected with a cat’s runny nose. However, small kittens (6-12 weeks of age) are the most vulnerable to catarrh. During this time, they lose their mother’s immunity and have not yet developed their immunity. Cats that live in large clusters, e.g., shelters or farms, also remain in the high-risk group. Cat’s runny nose is not dangerous to humans. Viruses that cause feline runny noses only pose a threat to cats.
- Symptoms of a Runny Nose in a Cat
Symptoms of runny cat nose include sneezing, nasal discharge, swollen eyes, and pus in the eyes. A symptom of a runny cat nose is also drooling, increased body temperature, drowsiness, apathy, or lack of appetite. The symptom may also be ulceration of the tongue, palate, and lips.
Both young and old cats, stressed ones or those that have not been vaccinated, tend to catch colds more frequently and intensely since their immune systems are less intense. If left untreated, a cat’s runny nose can lead to other complications, such as pneumonia, stomatitis, and conjunctivitis. If a cat’s runny nose affects the eyes, it can even result in permanent loss of vision.
