Can Cats Get The Flu?

If your cat is coughing and sneezing, you might wonder whether they’ve caught a cold—or something worse. Cats with these symptoms may be experiencing cat flu. It’s common in cats of all ages—especially in unvaccinated cats and kittens—and is caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria

Because cat flu can be fatal if left untreated, it is important to recognize the symptoms and contact a veterinarian for treatment as quickly as possible.  

Can Cats Get the Flu?

Yes. Cats can get the flu, and there are many viruses and bacteria that cause this disease. Generally when we think of the flu, we think of the influenza A virus, which includes H1N1. 

H1N1—often referred to as swine flu—is a common seasonal virus in people, and was the cause of a widespread pandemic in 2009. 

It is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when people cough, sneeze, or touch contaminated surfaces. It causes typical upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose when a person becomesinfected.  

While humans can transmit influenza (including H1N1) to cats, this is uncommon. However, cats who come into close contact with a pet parent who has the flu may experience similar respiratory symptoms.  

Symptoms range from mild to severe and largely depend on the cat’s immune status, age, vaccination status, and how much virus the cat was exposed to.  

Cats are more commonly affected by feline-specific bacteria and viruses that cause upper respiratory infections, such as calicivirus or herpesvirus—often referred to as cat flu. 

Cat flu can be fatal if left untreated, especially in immunocompromised cats, unvaccinated cats, or those who are very young or very old.   

Is Cat Flu Contagious? 

Cat flu is highly contagious to other cats who are in close contact, such as those in shelters or living in the same household. Transmission to people or dogs is thought to be rare and requires more research.    

Causes of Cat Flu

Cat flu is spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, close contact between cats, and respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, and vocalizing.  Rarely, cats can become infected by contact with a sick pet parent. 

Many viruses and bacteria can cause cat flu. Some of the most common:  

• Feline calicivirus (FCV) 

• Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) 

• Bordetella bronchiseptica 

• Chlamydia felis (formerly Chlamydophila felis) 

• Influenza A virus 

Symptoms of Cat Flu

Some cats with the flu might not develop any symptoms. However, the most common signs in symptomatic cats include:  

• Fever  

• Nasal discharge 

• Eye discharge 

• Sneezing 

• Coughing 

• Lethargy 

• Decreased appetite 

• Difficulty breathing 

How Veterinarians Diagnose Cat Flu

If you notice your cat experiencing respiratory symptoms, take them to the veterinarian for a checkup.  

Your vet will do a thorough physical exam, noting any abnormalities in the eyes, nose, heart, and lungs.  

They will watch your cat breathe and note any sneezing or coughing during the exam. Sometimes, a diagnosis of an upper respiratory infection can be made based on the symptoms present during the exam. If additional testing is recommended, it may include:  

• PCR: A swab of eye or nose discharge can be taken and submitted to a laboratory to determine what virus or bacteria is causing the symptoms. This is done by means of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique done with a special machine. 

• Virus/bacteria culture: A sample from the eye, nose, or mouth can be processed in a lab to see whether any virus or bacteria grows in nutrient-rich medium or on petri dish.  

• Blood work: A small sample of blood can be taken to check your cat’s overall health and organ function.  

• Chest X-rays: Images of your cat’s lungs and heart can be taken to diagnose complications of cat flu, such as pneumonia.  

Treatment of Cat Flu

Treatment for cat flu depends on the severity. Some cases might not require any treatment, while other cats need extensive supportive care for recovery.  

If a cat does require treatment, a veterinarian may prescribe the following:  

• Antibiotics, such as Clavamox—for suspected secondary bacterial infection. Cats with viral infections often have secondary bacterial infections. By treating the bacteria with antibiotics, the cat’s symptoms will improve, and the cat’s immune system can better fight the virus. 

• Antivirals, such as lysine supplements; your vet may also discuss lysine supplements for FHV-1 support, though evidence is mixed. It is thought lysine supplements may interfere with the replication of feline herpesvirus. When the virus is prevented from replicating, it cannot cause infection or spread and symptoms are reduced.  

• Eye medication, such as Terramycin—for bacterial eye involvement. Cats with viral infections may experience secondary bacterial eye infections. By treating the bacteria, unwanted symptoms such as thick eye discharge and eye redness will dissipate. 

• Nebulizer breathing treatments—to help loosen secretions. Cats with flu have mucus within their airways, which can make breathing difficult and often make other cat flu treatments less effective due to the buildup. By using breathing treatments, a cat’s flu symptoms can greatly improve.  

• Saline nasal drops—to ease congestion. Clearing out nasal congestion for cats with the flu can help them breathe better. Saline nose drops are generally available over-the-counter at local pharmacies and online. Before starting any saline nose drops meant for human use, check with your veterinarian first.  

In severe cases, hospitalization and supportive care with oxygen therapy, nutritional support, and intravenous fluids might be needed.  

Recovery From Cat Flu

Mild symptoms of cat flu may resolve on their own within a few days, especially if your cat is still eating and has a normal energy level.  

In these cases, providing your cat a quiet, private space to rest and recover is helpful. Adding a cool-mist humidifier to this space can help break up mucus as well.  

It’s also important that your cat has access to fresh food and fresh, clean water to stay hydrated.  

Prevention of Cat Flu

There are ways to help prevent cat flu, especially if you have multiple cats in your home. Steps include: 

• Keeping infected cats away from other pets in the household. 

• Providing a separate litter box and food and water bowls for the infected cat, to reduce exposure to contaminated surfaces.  

• Thoroughly washing your hands after contact with the affected cat before touching any other surfaces or pets in the home.  

• Talking to your vet about the feline distemper vaccine. 

Vaccinating your cat for feline distemper (FVRCP) is crucial to protect them from some of the viruses that can cause cat flu. 

This vaccine protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), calicivirus, and panleukopenia. This vaccine is especially important if you board your cat, due to the close contact with other cats.