Pet Care Corner: Treating Cat flu (snuffles) in cats
Cat flu in felines is not the same as ‘cat flu’ (parvovirus) in dogs and there can be some confusion in using the term ‘cat flu’ when speaking about parvovirus in dogs.
Cat flu in felines is also known as snuffles, cat influenza or viral upper respiratory disease, but for this article we shall refer to it as its more common name – snuffles.
The Boksburg SPCA manager, Maggie Mudd, answers some questions on snuffles.
Cats at risk
Snuffles is a highly contagious disease which is often found in multi-cat households, rescue shelters and in some cases, breeding catteries – in fact any environment where there is a high density of cat populations.
It can run rife among feral cats for that very reason.
Kittens (under the age of 12 months) who have not been vaccinated are at high risk of contracting this disease, as are older cats.
What are the symptoms?
These can vary from cat to cat, and kittens and old cats are usually worse hit but the general symptoms are:
• A loss of appetite and lethargy
• High temperature (fever)
• Persistent sneezing
• Inflamed, red and swollen eyes
• Watery discharge from the nose and eyes – as the disease progresses this discharge becomes thicker
• Difficulties in breathing due to the blocked and crusted nostrils
• Coughing
It is very important that any kittens or cats presenting any of the above symptoms be kept isolated, away from other healthy cats, and that they be taken to a veterinarian as a matter of urgency.
How is snuffles transmitted?
When a cat with snuffles sneezes the virus become airborne and can then be inhaled by healthy cats.
Cats who survive snuffles can become what are known as ‘carriers’ of the disease; and although they may no longer appear to be ill, if they become stressed for any reason they can then shed the virus and this can still infect other healthy cats.
Owners touching a cat with snuffles and then handling another healthy cat can also spread this disease, and clothes and hands can play a major part in spreading the disease.
Infected cats that share bedding, feeding bowls or even toys with healthy cats can also pose a risk of transmitting the virus.
What must I do if I think my cat has snuffles?
Take the cat immediately to your vet and, depending on the severity of the symptoms that your cat is showing, the vet will in all likelihood prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic to treat secondary bacterial infections.
They may issue an eye ointment or drops to treat the eye infection and a saline eye wash to clean away the crusts on the eyes.
The infected cat must be kept isolated from all other cats to prevent the spread of the virus. The sick cat must be kept hydrated. If the sick cat does not eat or drink then the vet may decide to put it onto an intravenous drip to ensure it receives the necessary fluids.
Will my cat get better from snuffles?
If the cat is diagnosed correctly early and is treated immediately it has a good chance of recovery.
However, the mortality rate among kittens and old cats that contract this virus is high and prevention is always better than cure – and a lot less expensive – so speak to your vet about the necessary vaccinations for your kittens or cat/s as soon as possible.
