What to do when your Cat has Flu
Cat Flu is similar to a human getting a cold. Your cat will get a runny nose and eyes and probably have a sore throat. They can also have other symptoms which include aches and pains in the joints, sneezing and loss of voice. Cat flu is usually not fatal in adult cats, but it can make them quite ill. If your cat is showing any flu or cold-like symptoms you should definitely take them to see the vet. Cat flu can be very serious in kittens so you should seek immediate help if your kitten shows signs of a cold or flu.
The illness is caused by one of two types of virus and sometimes by certain types of bacteria. There are no effective drugs to eliminate the condition. Antibiotics can help relieve any associated infections. Try to encourage your cat to drink. You will also want to wipe their nose and eyes regularly. Get advice on how you can boost your cat's immune system to help her fight off cat flu and other illnesses.
There is a vaccination for preventing cat flu; however, it does not cover all the different strains of the virus. Two doses of the vaccination are needed and then it has to be followed up with regular boosters. You can consult with your vet to see exactly what treatments and cat vaccinations are available.
The vaccinations that are routinely used are only good against viruses, although there are vaccinations available for the bacterial forms of cat flu. If you are showing your cats or breeding them you should consult with your vet to determine which vaccinations your cat should receive. Vaccinations can't prevent symptoms from occurring if your cat was already infected at the time of vaccination.
Obviously you want to do everything possible to make sure your cat lives a long healthy life. That is why it is very important to make sure you have your cat vaccinated initially and also make sure they are up to date on any boosters needed. That way you can enjoy your feline companion for a lifetime, without the worry of huge vet's bills or a claim on your pet cat insurance policy if your cat should become very sick from cat flu.
