Kennel Cough Treatment for Cats

Kennel cough, medically known as bordetella, is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes cats to have varying levels of problems with their respiratory systems. Kennel cough is not extremely common in cats, and dogs are much more likely to be infected. However, cats who do develop the disease often come from crowded areas. Sometimes the symptoms are mild, but they also have the potential to be fatal. Therefore, cats suspected of having kennel cough must be treated immediately.

  1. Mild Cases

    • Cats with mild cases of kennel cough are generally treated on an outpatient basis in order to prevent infection of the other animals at the hospital. Furthermore, the cat will not have the opportunity to pick up diseases from the other sick animals and complicate its own condition. Vets will usually prescribe one of a number of oral antibiotics to be given to the cat over a 10 to 14 day period or sometimes longer.

    Severe Cases

    • Cats suffering from severe problems associated with kennel cough, such as pneumonia are often treated as inpatient cases. Although they will be around other cats, only a veterinary staff can perform the necessary procedures. Not only will they need antibiotics, but they will also need intravenous fluids to cure the disease. Cough suppressants are another option for treatment for cats with kennel cough; however, they are not recommended for cats suffering from pneumonia.

    Beginning of Treatment

    • Treatment for kennel cough often begins even before laboratory results have been completed. It is important to note that this is only applicable for suspected cases of kennel cough, and only a vet should make the determination to begin treatment procedures. The reason is that the disease is so highly contagious; therefore, vets want to reduce the risk of contamination immediately. Furthermore, the disease can become worse rapidly, particularly in cats with weak immune systems and in kittens.

    Other Cats

    • Cats with kennel cough should be kept away from other felines in order to prevent the spreading of the disease. Furthermore, any cat that has come into contact with the infected cat or areas where the infected cat has been should be put on an antibiotic treatment as well. Owners do not need to wait until the disease manifests in those cats, and treatment can begin immediately with a vet's approval.

    At Home Care

    • Even after treatments at the vet, owners should take precautions at home to make sure the disease is fully eradicated from the environment. Cats and kittens with kennel cough should be quarantined from other animals until they are fully recovered. Food and water dishes, as well as living spaces, should be thoroughly disinfected. The cats must be kept hydrated and made to rest during the treatment period. These precautions should often be taken for up to 21 days.