If you suspect your cat has cat flu, it should be assessed by a vet. This is particularly important if the cat is very young, elderly, unvaccinated, or displaying more severe symptoms. There is no single cure for most cases of cat flu, but treatment can ease symptoms and support recovery.
Cat flu is a contagious upper respiratory illness in cats with symptoms that can resemble a human cold or flu — think sneezing, runny nose and weepy eyes. In this guide, we look at how to treat cat flu, when to contact a vet and how to reduce spread to other cats.
What Is Cat Flu?
Cat flu is a little different from human flu. It is an upper respiratory infection that affects cats, often caused by feline herpesvirus (FHV) or feline calicivirus (FCV). In some cases, bacteria or secondary bacterial infections can be involved.
Humans cannot catch typical cat flu and cats cannot catch human flu. But cat flu is highly contagious between cats, spreading easily through:
- Saliva
- Nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- Contaminated items like food bowls and bedding
Cats can catch cat flu all year round — it is not a seasonal thing. Often, it is brought on by periods of stress in a cat that already carries the virus.
Symptoms of Cat Flu to Look Out For
As mentioned, the common symptoms of cat flu resemble a human cold or influenza. Things to look out for include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Weepy or sore eyes
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
- High temperature or fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Coughing
- Mouth or tongue ulcers
- Dribbling
- Sore throat
- Squinting or swollen eyes
Cats can have some or all of these symptoms, and they can range from mild to severe. The real concern is that symptoms become severe — you might notice breathing problems, refusal to eat, very low energy or an inability to open the eyes. These should be treated as urgent and you should seek veterinary attention.
It is worth noting that any symptoms of cat flu in kittens or elderly cats should be treated as urgent as well.
Can You Treat Cat Flu at Home?
It is possible to care for some cats at home, but it is not advised to try to diagnose or medicate cat flu without the advice of a vet. Care at home is usually supportive rather than curative.
If you suspect your cat has cat flu, contact a vet. Many cats will need prescription medication, and there can be serious complications with:
- Eye infections
- Kittens
- Dehydration and not eating
Never give human cold, flu or pain medication to cats as they are likely to be poisonous and only make things worse.
Under veterinary guidance, the aim of home care is to keep cats comfortable, encourage eating and drinking and minimise stress. By keeping the eyes and nose clean and nursing the cat properly, you can help them feel better and prevent the spread to other cats.
When to Contact a Vet About Cat Flu
It is very important to contact a vet if you notice that your cat is showing symptoms of cat flu. However, you should do it urgently if any of the following are relevant:
- Symptoms are worsening
- Your cat has stopped eating or drinking
- Your cat is a kitten or elderly
- Your cat has an existing health condition
- You notice sore, swollen, cloudy or closed eyes
- The cat is breathing with its mouth open
- You think your cat seems weak or severely lethargic, or has collapsed
Bear in mind that your vet may ask you to wait outside or use a separate waiting area because cat flu is extremely contagious to other cats. Phone the vet before bringing your cat in so they can reduce the risk of exposing other cats.
How Vets Treat Cat Flu
The treatment of cat flu depends on symptoms, severity and whether complications are present. There are various medications available, but here are the most likely veterinary treatments:
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Anti-inflammatories: These help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
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Decongestants: Helpful to ease nasal symptoms.
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Eye drops: Vets often apply these for sore or infected eyes.
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Antibiotics: Only used if bacterial or secondary bacterial infection is suspected.
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Antiviral medication: May be used in some cases.
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Fluids: Important if the cat is dehydrated.
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Assisted feeding or feeding tube: In severe cases, this will keep the cat nourished if it refuses to eat.
Severe cases of cat flu may require hospitalisation, intravenous fluids and a feeding tube if the cat is reluctant to eat. Swabs or tests are not always needed in routine cases.
How to Care for a Cat with Cat Flu at Home
As mentioned, treating cat flu at home should only be done under vet supervision or guidance. Your goal will be to support the cat through its symptoms until they improve — there is no definitive cure for cat flu. From warmth and comfort to using medication, here are the things to do.
Keep Your Cat Warm and Comfortable
Provide a quiet, draught-free place for your cat to rest. It will need soft bedding for comfort, and you should aim to keep the space warm and peaceful so the cat can relax properly.
Keep Your Cat Indoors
When your cat is unwell, prevent them from roaming outdoors. This will help to ensure they get enough rest and also prevent the spread to other cats. Keep them warm and comfortable indoors and provide easy access to a clean litter tray. A poorly cat may stop using the tray properly, so make sure it is close by — for more on this, see our guide on why a cat might not use the litter tray.
Clean Their Eyes and Nose
This is important to ease symptoms. Use damp cotton wool or a soft, clean cloth, ensuring you use separate pieces for each eye. Wipe gently with warm water and avoid harsh products. Contact a vet if there is thick, yellow-green or bloody discharge.
Encourage Eating
When a cat's nose is blocked, it may lose its appetite. Counter this by offering warm, strong-smelling foods and providing small, frequent meals. Always ask your vet before making any major diet changes.
Encourage Drinking
Good hydration is important, so provide fresh water in several locations around the home. Consider adding wet food to further increase fluid intake. If your cat refuses to drink or appears dehydrated, contact your vet. Monitoring the litter tray during recovery is also useful — changes in urine output can be an early sign of dehydration, and Litter Sense health-monitoring litter can help you spot subtle changes you might otherwise miss.
Minimise Stress
Try to keep the household as calm as possible while your cat recovers. Avoid unnecessary handling of the cat and provide a quiet space away from children, dogs or other cats. Stress can trigger or worsen flare-ups in carrier cats.
Follow the Vet's Instructions Exactly
If you are given a course of medication by your vet, follow it through to completion. Don't stop treatment early unless the vet advises it, even if the cat seems better. Never use leftover medication from another pet.
Final Advice: Treating Cat Flu Means Vet Care Plus Supportive Home Care
To treat cat flu, you need veterinary advice, especially if symptoms are severe or your cat is vulnerable. There is no simple home cure for the condition, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications to support recovery.
To treat cat flu at home, you need to provide warmth and rest, clean the nose and eyes, reduce stress and encourage food and water. Many cats recover with the right care, but kittens and elderly cats will need urgent help.
If your cat shows signs of cat flu, contact your vet for advice and follow their treatment plan closely.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Treat Cat Flu
How Do You Stop Cat Flu Spreading to Other Cats?
Cat flu is highly contagious between cats. You should isolate the infected cat and ensure it uses a separate food and water bowl and its own litter tray. Wash all bedding and blankets thoroughly and wash your hands every time you handle the sick cat.
How Long Does Cat Flu Last?
Mild cases improve within a few days to a couple of weeks, but more severe cases can take longer. Many cats will have recurring symptoms, becoming lifetime carriers. Symptoms often reappear during stress, illness, or periods of weakened immunity.
Can Kittens Catch Cat Flu?
Kittens are actually at higher risk than healthy adult cats. They have immature immune systems, so the condition can become serious very quickly. Keep kittens away from infected cats and get them vaccinated as early as possible. Seek urgent veterinary help if you suspect a kitten is infected.
Does Vaccination Prevent Cat Flu?
Vaccination significantly reduces the risk and severity of cat flu, but it may not prevent every case. Vaccinated cats may still catch cat flu, but the symptoms are usually less severe. Just remember that kittens need a primary course and adult cats need regular boosters.
