Cat Flu and the Eyes

There are two viruses unique to felines that cause an upper respiratory infection known as "cat flu." Differentiating between normal cold symptoms and those of an actual cat flu virus can be tricky. When in doubt, have your vet examine your cat.

  1. Cat Flu Causes

    • Feline Herpes Virus-1 (FHV-1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV) are the causes of cat flu. These viruses are common and can affect felines of all ages and breeds. Kittens and older or infirm cats that have a weak immune system are more susceptible to getting cat flu. Cats that are healthy seem less likely to contract cat flu or suffer milder symptoms.

    Symptoms

    • Both strains of cat flu exhibit as upper respiratory infections. Feline Herpes Virus has more symptoms that are often more severe than FCV. Symptoms of both include inflammation of the throat, sinuses, nasal linings, and all membranes of the eyes. In many cases, the eye inflammation may be the first indicator that your cat has a health problem.

    Specific Symptons

    • Other symptoms of Feline Herpes Virus include decreased appetite, fever, dehydration, and a form of malaise or depression that is usually manifested as lethargy, possible irritability and general disinterest in previous items or activities once enjoyed. Feline Calicivirus is characterized often by an ulceration of the mouth, tongue, lips and nose.

    Treatment Options

    • Veterinary treatments are individualized according to symptoms and can include eye drops, ointment for conjunctivitis (if present), antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infection (if present), and sometimes rinsing with warm salty water for discharging eyes and nose. Dehydration most often calls for intravenous fluids that must be administered in a vet's office.

    • In most cases the cat flu is not fatal. However, in cases of severe symptoms, or if the symptoms occur in young kittens or infirm cats, you have have your cats checked by a vet as soon as possible. If you suspect that your cat has cat flu, keep the ailing cat away from other cats because cat flu is contagious.