CAT FLU

“Cat Flu’” is a general term used to describe a common set of symptoms in the upper respiratory tract. Some of these symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite and eye discharge. Cat flu is caused by several pathogens, such as Feline herpes virus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV), & Feline Chlamydophila.

Cat flu can be spread via direct contact such as from a sick or carrier cat via eye, nasal & mouth discharge or via indirect contact such as from contaminated food bowls, bedding etc. To give your cat protection against cat flu a regular F3 vaccination is required. All boarders coming to stay with us must have had their latest vaccines at least 7 days prior to boarding (and 14 days for kittens).

Vaccination will provide effective protection in the majority of animals but there is not a 100% guarantee. All possible hygiene, health and safety procedures are carried out here at Maraboon Pet Resort. Therefore any treatment costs associated with a Cat Flu diagnosis, will not be paid for by MPR.

Please contact your local veterinary clinic for further information.

Healthcare Update - November 2020

A number of Veterinary Clinics have reported seeing an increasing amount of patients suffering from Cat Flu and Upper respiratory infections.

Being an airborne virus (much like a human cold) cats can become infected wherever they gather, such as catteries, shows, vets and even in residential neighbourhoods. The cat transmitting the disease may not actually be sick; it may simply be “carrying” the virus. Exposed cats may or may not show symptoms. Even a vaccinated cat is at some risk, especially if under stress, old, very young or suffering from another illness.

Often cats can not show any symptoms at this stage; however undue stress or excitement on arrival home may bring on these symptoms.

The most common symptoms

  • The Eyes - The virus affects the membranes of the eyes. (Conjunctivitis) The eyes are swollen and red with a discharge that is often filled with pus when secondary bacterial infections invade.
  • The Nose - Sneezing is one of the most common symptoms. The nasal linings are inflamed (Rhinitis). There is a discharge from the nose which begins as a clear fluid. The discharge then turns thick and green as the disease progresses. Cats can often lose their sense of smell.
  • Fever, Depression & Loss of Appetite - Often the cat runs a fever and generally feels unwell. Cats will often lose their appetite and sometimes become dehydrated. Although they are dehydrated they may refuse to drink water.

Treatment

Urgent treatment is required if the cat goes off their food, develops conjunctivitis, develops a thick nasal discharge or has difficulty breathing. If these symptoms appear or you are at all concerned please phone for a time to see your vet as soon as possible.

What we do

Immediately any infected cat showing signs will be isolated in an attempt to prevent further exposure to other cats, along with a visit to a vet for treatment at the owners cost to be administered a course of antibiotics.

All our catteries are treated daily with F10 disinfectant through the use of a humidifier like machine that allows the disinfectant to cover all surfaces.

All of our cat units are private not allowing them to have direct contact with other cats. By doing this we can help reduce the risk of your cat coming in direct contact with another that may be harbouring the virus. All of our bowls are disinfected and cleaned daily.

Final Notes

No amount of supervision, sanitation or personalised care can prevent a cat from “catching” an airborne virus. All that a good pet care facility can do is to strongly recommend minimum F3 Vaccinations, refuse to board any obviously sick cats, listen and watch for any signs of sickness, and make sure that any cat requiring veterinary attention receives it as quickly as possible (Strangely, the cat with the virus alone may not appear ill, yet is contagious). Professional pet care facilities would justifiably expect owners to accept the financial responsibility for such care. Your PIAA member is devoted to your pet’s wellbeing. Look for their membership certificate proudly displayed.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Maraboon Pet Resort on (07) 4987 7748.