The flu in cats can be caused by several different pathogens and, depending upon which, can lead to anywhere from a mild to severe case. Symptoms of the flu include couching, sneezing (particularly sneezing repeatedly), loss of appetite, and discharge from the eyes and/or nose. If your cat has had recent contact with other cats, this is further reason to suspect the flu.
If you suspect that your cat may have the flu, contact your veterinarian. There is generally no specific anti-viral treatment, though any secondary bacterial infections should be treated with antibiotics. There are things you can do at home to take care of your cat. Keep her warm and administer nose drops or an inhalant if prescribed by your veterinarian. You can also bathe her nose with warm water to keep it clear of mucus and apply some petroleum jelly to keep if from getting too dry. Your cat may have a decreased appetite, in which case you'll need to encourage her to eat. Because her mouth may be inflamed, feed her soft food. You can also warm the food to about 95 degrees F, which increases the aroma and appeal of it. When it comes to the flu and cats, prevention is the best medicine. Talk to your veterinarian about having your cat vaccinated against the flu. |
