Cat Flu (Upper Respiratory Infection)

What is cat flu?

Cat flu is the common name for an infection of the nose, throat and eyes in cats. It is not the same as human flu. Most cases are caused by two viruses, feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). Bacteria such as Chlamydia felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma can also be involved, alone or together with a virus.

Cat flu spreads through sneezing, close contact, shared bowls and people's hands. It is most common where many cats live together, and kittens and unvaccinated cats are most at risk. Cats that recover from herpesvirus usually carry it for life, and signs can return when they are stressed. Cats can also carry calicivirus for a long time without looking ill.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Sneezing and a runny nose
• Watery, red or sticky eyes
• Fever and low energy
• Poor appetite
• Mouth ulcers and drooling
• Coughing

Herpesvirus is more often linked with eye problems, and calicivirus with mouth ulcers, but the signs overlap, so testing is needed to know the cause.

Which lab tests help

The Feline Respiratory Disease RT-PCR Panel (Cat Flu) looks for several causes in one swab from the eye or throat. It typically covers FHV-1, FCV, Chlamydia felis, Bordetella and Mycoplasma felis; the exact list is confirmed when you book. There are also single tests: Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) RT-PCR, Feline Calicivirus (FCV) RT-PCR, Chlamydia felis RT-PCR and Bordetella bronchiseptica RT-PCR.

PCR results need care. Healthy carrier cats and recently vaccinated cats can test positive, and a negative result does not always rule infection out, because the amount of virus shed comes and goes.

If discharge lasts a long time, your vet may send a Nasal Swab Culture & Sensitivity or Eye Swab Culture & Sensitivity. These grow bacteria and show which antibiotics may work. Viruses and Chlamydia do not grow on routine culture, so culture mainly helps when a bacterial infection is suspected. Cats with repeated or long-lasting infections may also be checked with the FIV / FeLV (Combo Kit), because these viruses can weaken immunity.

A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with your cat's signs, age and vaccination history.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if your cat is sneezing with eye or nose discharge, or has mouth ulcers. Go the same day if your cat stops eating or struggles to breathe, or if a young kitten is affected, because kittens can become weak and dehydrated quickly. Ask your vet about vaccination.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab in Shahpura, Bhopal provides free sample collection anywhere in Bhopal. Swabs are usually taken by your vet. From other districts, samples can be sent through your local vet, by courier or by bus parcel; the lab coordinates by phone or WhatsApp on +91 88175 01118. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Reports come on WhatsApp, by email and in My Reports.