Last Updated: 06/05/2025
Cat Flu
Cat Flu
Author: Dr Maree Monaghan BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 14 minutes - short read
Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention of Cat Flu
What is Cat Flu?
What causes Cat Flu?
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1)
Feline calicivirus (FCV)
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Chlamydophila felis
Mycoplasma felis
Cat flu is generally spread by direct contact between cats via saliva, tears or nasal discharge and kittens can be infected by their mother soon after birth. It can also be spread indirectly by food bowls, bedding, litter trays or human hands. It cannot be caught by humans or other animals.
How Long Does Cat Flu Last?
Most cats recover from Cat Flu within 5 to 10 days, however, if the infection is severe, it can take up to 6 weeks for them to recover. The duration of the condition depends on the type of virus or bacteria that is causing the disease.
Cats who are infected with the feline herpesvirus will carry it for life. These cats can have recurrences of Cat Flu symptoms throughout their life particularly when they are stressed or their immune system is compromised.
Cat Flu Symptoms
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1)
Sneezing
Discharge from the eyes
Coughing
Difficulty breathing
Fever
Mouth ulcers
Eye ulcers
Lethargy (no energy to play)
Loss of appetite
Diagnosis of Cat Flu
Your veterinarian will usually be able to diagnose Cat Flu based on the symptoms your cat is showing. Occasionally they will need to send swabs to a lab to find out which virus or bacteria is causing the disease in order to prescribe the most effective treatment.
Cat Flu Treatment
Antibiotics
Pain Medication
Eye drops or ointment
Antiviral Medication
Home Care Remedies for Cat Flu Symptoms
-Provide warm humid air for them to breathe. You can do this by putting them in their carrier and placing a humidifier at the door. You can also or take them into the bathroom with you when you have a shower to allow the steam to open their nasal passages.
-Feed them warm strong smelling soft food. The smell of food is the most important factor influencing a cat's appetite. Cat flu can affect your cat's sense of smell and a sore throat can make eating uncomfortable.
-Keep your cat's eyes and nose clean. Discharge from the nose and eyes can build up on your cat's face particularly if they are too unwell to groom properly. Use a Pet Wipe or a warm moist face cloth to gently clean their face.
-Provide a Lysine supplement. Studies demonstrate that L-lysine supplementation in cats infected with cat flu can reduce both symptoms and viral shedding.
Preventing Cat Flu
Vaccination against Cat Flu is vital for preventing and reducing the severity of this disease. Kittens should start their course of vaccinations between 6 and 8 weeks of age and complete their full course of kitten vaccinations as recommended by your vet. Booster vaccinations are usually given every twelve months. Kittens need to be kept indoors and away from other cats until they are fully protected.
Further Reading
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips from our expert vets on keeping your pets happy and healthy.
