Cats are susceptible to various diseases, including flu. Flu in cats is caused by a virus that attacks the upper respiratory tract. This disease can be transmitted through the air or direct contact with infected cats. If not treated properly, flu in cats can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. Therefore, it is important for us as cat owners to know how to treat cat flu properly.
Causes of Cat Flu
Cat flu is caused by viruses, such as herpesvirus and calicivirus. Factors that can increase the risk of cats getting flu include unclean environments, stress, and a weakened immune system.
Symptoms of Cat Flu
The symptoms of flu in cats are similar to those in humans. Some common symptoms include:
Sneezing
Runny nose
Loss of appetite
Coughing
Watery and red eyes
If your cat shows these symptoms, please consult a veterinarian for proper treatment.
Its correlation to FIP in Cats
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a disease that is often mistaken for flu in cats. Although they have similar symptoms, FIP is caused by a different virus and is more severe. FIP is caused by the coronavirus that is found in cats. This virus usually attacks the cat's immune system, causing inflammation and damage to various organs in the body.
Symptoms of FIP in Cats
The symptoms of FIP in cats can vary, depending on the form of the disease. Some common symptoms include:
Fever that does not respond to treatment
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Abdominal swelling due to excessive fluid
Nervous system disorders such as seizures or coordination disorders
Differences Between FIP and Cat Flu
Although the symptoms are similar, there are several differences between FIP in cats and flu in cats. FIP is generally more serious with a high risk of death if not treated immediately, while flu in cats usually recovers on its own or with proper treatment.
Treatment for Cat Flu
There are several ways to treat flu in cats, including:
Rest and Cleanliness Make sure your cat gets enough rest and that its living environment is clean. This will help speed up the recovery process.
Providing Good Nutrition Provide food that is rich in nutrients to help improve your cat's immune system. You can also give supplements recommended by a veterinarian.
Symptomatic Treatment Veterinarians may prescribe medications to treat flu symptoms such as fever and nasal congestion. Follow the instructions for using the medication correctly.
Eye and Nose Care Clean your cat's eyes and nose with a cotton ball dampened with warm water to reduce discomfort.
Avoid Contact with Other Cats To prevent the spread of the virus, avoid contact between sick cats and other cats.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
If your cat does not show signs of improvement after a few days or if its symptoms worsen, contact a veterinarian immediately. Veterinarians can provide more intensive treatment, including a complete examination and the administration of necessary medications.
Flu in cats can be a serious problem if not treated properly. By providing the right care and consulting a veterinarian, we can help our cats recover quickly and return to health. Maintain cleanliness in your cat's living environment and pay extra attention to its health to prevent flu and other diseases.
FIP is a serious disease, but early detection can help improve the chances of a positive outcome. If your cat is showing FIP in cats symptoms, please take them to your nearest veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment and if you have any questions or concerns about FIP and its treatment, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at WhatsApp or visit our Instagram. You can read the Complete Guide to Treating FIP Cats by clicking here.