Despite the significant contributions made by vaccines nowadays, cat flu still remains a depressingly common experience. It actually occurs in cats of all ages; however, it is more severe in cats with weak immune systems.
Causes Of Cat Flu
The causes of cat flu are not related to those of human influenza. Be aware that influenza is caused by a single virus whereas cat flu is a syndrome. The signs of this illness might be caused by one or more different infectious agents. Most of the cases of cat flu is caused either by feline calcivirus (FCV) or feline herpes virus type 1.
These viruses are transmitted via the air and direct contact. With such, there are many ways on how your cat might catch such disease. They are spread via sneezing, food, bowls, bedding, and contact with discharge from the infected cat’s eyes and nose. You must remember that a human being can likewise spread them through their skin and clothing. Because of this, cats in a boarding facility have a greater chance of catching such flu. So if you want to let your cat stay in a cattery, Dubai pet experts say that you must do something to prevent your feline friend from acquiring such illness.
How To Prevent It
You can actually get your cat vaccinated against FHV-1 and FCV. Most reliable vets highly recommend this. Always bear in mind that though vaccination does not always prevent cat flu completely, an immunized cat may develop a much less severe form of the illness. Besides, prevention is always far better than cure.
Causes Of Cat Flu
The causes of cat flu are not related to those of human influenza. Be aware that influenza is caused by a single virus whereas cat flu is a syndrome. The signs of this illness might be caused by one or more different infectious agents. Most of the cases of cat flu is caused either by feline calcivirus (FCV) or feline herpes virus type 1.
These viruses are transmitted via the air and direct contact. With such, there are many ways on how your cat might catch such disease. They are spread via sneezing, food, bowls, bedding, and contact with discharge from the infected cat’s eyes and nose. You must remember that a human being can likewise spread them through their skin and clothing. Because of this, cats in a boarding facility have a greater chance of catching such flu. So if you want to let your cat stay in a cattery, Dubai pet experts say that you must do something to prevent your feline friend from acquiring such illness.
How To Prevent It
You can actually get your cat vaccinated against FHV-1 and FCV. Most reliable vets highly recommend this. Always bear in mind that though vaccination does not always prevent cat flu completely, an immunized cat may develop a much less severe form of the illness. Besides, prevention is always far better than cure.
Treatment
If you suspect that your cat has flu, you must bring her to the vet as soon as possible. And since cat flu is caused by a virus, there is no treatment for such and that antibiotics cannot cure it. Your feline friend must be kept hydrated and as comfortable as possible while her immune system deals with the illness. She must be placed in a well-ventilated room. Most importantly, you have to provide her with plenty of fresh water.
Apart from that, it is also important that you clean the discharge from your cat’s eyes and nose. If you do not know how, ask your vet. The vet might even prescribe some antibiotics to deal with secondary infections.
In case, the flu won’t be cleared up, your cat might be suffering from feline leukemia – cat flu is among its symptoms. If your vet suspects this, he will recommend your cat to undergo tests for cat leukemia.
About the author: Glory Nicholas is a pet owner and a freelance writer. She frequently does research about pet care by reading relevant books and visiting sites such as http://www.dkc.ae/. She shares what she learned through writing/blogging.
If you suspect that your cat has flu, you must bring her to the vet as soon as possible. And since cat flu is caused by a virus, there is no treatment for such and that antibiotics cannot cure it. Your feline friend must be kept hydrated and as comfortable as possible while her immune system deals with the illness. She must be placed in a well-ventilated room. Most importantly, you have to provide her with plenty of fresh water.
Apart from that, it is also important that you clean the discharge from your cat’s eyes and nose. If you do not know how, ask your vet. The vet might even prescribe some antibiotics to deal with secondary infections.
In case, the flu won’t be cleared up, your cat might be suffering from feline leukemia – cat flu is among its symptoms. If your vet suspects this, he will recommend your cat to undergo tests for cat leukemia.
About the author: Glory Nicholas is a pet owner and a freelance writer. She frequently does research about pet care by reading relevant books and visiting sites such as http://www.dkc.ae/. She shares what she learned through writing/blogging.