What Is Kennel Cough in Cats?

Kennel cough, caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, occurs in cats when they come into contact with the bacteria. A respiratory infection characterized by sneezing, nasal discharge, swollen lymph nodes and fever, it rarely poses a serious threat except in young kittens, which can die from the disease. A few infected cats show no symptoms and others become carriers with no symptoms.

  1. Transmission

    • The Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, closely related to the bacteria Bordetella pertussis that causes whooping cough in humans, is spread through airborne particles from sneezing and coughing. The bacteria can easily be passed from dogs to cats.

    Risks

    • Highly contagious, kennel cough occurs in boarding facilities, catteries, pet stores, animal shelters and even large veterinarian practices where many animals are housed. Cats living in overly crowded, often unhygienic environments are at an elevated risk of kennel cough. Cats let outside to roam are at risk of contracting kennel cough by coming into contact with strange dogs or cats that may be carriers.

    Infection

    • Kittens who acquire kennel cough have been known to perish in only 12 hours after symptoms first manifest. Cats with an immune system disorder such as leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus are also at greater risk of death. Older cats often succumb to secondary infections that arise from a weakening of the immune system when kennel cough occurs. Pneumonia is a common secondary infection that can prove fatal. Healthy cats are rarely at risk with kennel cough.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosis is made using oropharyngeal swabs. Unfortunately, it is difficult to diagnose a carrier cat because it will only shed the bacteria occasionally and will display no outward symptoms. Laboratory results take a long time to get back, often from 48 to 72 hours, so most veterinarians will make an initial diagnosis based on the cat's symptoms and then pursue treatment.

    Treatment

    • Antibiotics work well to treat the bacteria that causes kennel cough. The administration of cough suppressants can help ease a cat's discomfort. Most antibiotics will be administered by the owner over the course of 10 to 14 days. The cat will rarely need to be hospitalized and is normally sent home where it can recover in a comfortable environment. Kittens, old cats or cats with secondary infections will often need to be hospitalized.

    Vaccinations

    • Preventive vaccines are available to cats but are rarely administered unless the cat is deemed at an increased risk of contracting the virus.