How to Help Your Cat Heal from Feline Flu

The cat flu, also known as feline influenza, is a highly contagious and potentially serious disease.  If your feline exhibits any of the symptoms of this illness, including sneezing, coughing, sniffling, or difficulty breathing, it is important to see a veterinarian immediately.  Vaccinations can help prevent or lessen the severity of feline influenza, which left untreated can cause lung infection, pneumonia, and even death.

If your cat is diagnosed with the flu, it is important to quarantine the animal, especially if you have other pets.  Setting up a safe room that is off limits to other animals is crucial.  Ensure that you give your pet plenty of attention, but wash your hands and clothing thoroughly before handling other animals. 

If you cat stops eating and drinking, this is because it cannot smell the food and so will quickly lose its appetite. If you cat is old or very young this can quickly become life-threatening. Encourage your cat or kitten to eat by feeding strongly-smelling food such as fresh canned tuna, or heat your cat’s food for 10 seconds in the microwave to make it small good.

If your cat stops drinking water it can die within 3 days from dehydration. If you have not seen your cat drink for a whole day, purchase an eye dropper (for a kitten) or small sterile syringe without the needle (for an adult) from your pharmacy or vet. Gently restrain the animal by wrapping it in a towel and getting a friend to hold it, then lift its lip and carefully insert the plastic tip of the syringe between its teeth at the corner of its mouth. Depress the syringe part way (very gently!) and let the cat swallow the water before giving it another mouthful. NEVER hold the cat upside down when you do this, and do not give too much water at once or it may breathe in the water and choke. Do not try to put the syringe into the front of the mouth as your cat will hate this and will not let any water enter its mouth. If you cat is too sick to swallow it may have to be hospitalized at this point and given fluids intravenously in order to have a chance at surviving.

Your cat needs to have a positive environment in order to recover from the flu.  This means not only giving your cat a quiet, warm place to rest and recover, but proper attention, as well.  If your cat is congested or is having trouble breathing, gently clean its nostrils regularly with a moist tissue soaked in warm water, and use a humidifier to warm and hydrate the air. This will help your pet breathe easier, and will help clear our their nasal passages and sinuses (much as you breathe in steam from a bowl of warm water to clear your nose when you yourself have a cold). Give your pet all medicines as prescribed, and never stop giving medication until the end of the course, even if your cat looks like it is better. Offer plenty of love and gentle, soothing petting.  Extra love can be very helpful, and taking the time to gently wipe your cat’s eyes if he or she has bad discharge will help them feel better and recover more quickly.

Your cat depends on you for its health and well being.  By educating yourself on the risks and treatment for feline flu, you can ensure that your cat recovers as quickly and safely as possible.