How long do cats live with calicivirus?

How long does cat flu last on surfaces?

Cats typically shed the virus for about two or three weeks after infection, but some cats become long-term carriers, and continue to shed the virus on and off for months. FCV is a hardy virus that survives on surfaces for up to a month in certain environments.

Can a cat with feline calicvirus spread it to another cat?

As long as your current cat is not showing clinical signs of Feline Calicvirus (FCV), there is little risk of spreading FCV disease to another cat whether they are positive for FCV or not. Likewise, bringing another apparently healthy cat with a viral infection such as FCV or FHV into your home poses little threat to your current cat.

How long does it take for feline herpesvirus to heal?

It is a naked virus, which means it is relatively resistant in the external environment and is difficult to remove. After infection, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for a cat to fully recover. The feline herpesvirus (FHV) affects the eyes in the form of conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, as well as causing nose discharge.

Can feline calicivirus cause respiratory symptoms?

I will assume that you are talking about feline calicivirus, which generally causes respiratory signs, and not feline corona virus, which is a common virus that will generally cause digestive signs, or rarely Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a relatively common virus found in shelter cats.

How to treat feline herpes in cats?

How to Treat Feline Herpes 1 Feline Herpesvirus. Infected cats emit the virus in their bodily secretions, including saliva and mucus. … 2 Herpesvirus Symptoms. If your cat suffers from an upper respiratory infection, it’s likely that the feline herpesvirus is behind it. 3 Herpesvirus Respiratory Treatment. … 4 Eye Infection Treatment.

How long does feline herpes virus live in the environment?

Particles can survive for up to a week in the environment, so a cat does not even need to meet another to catch the illness. It can easily be spread to other cats by contact with infected feed bowls or toys, or on people’s clothing after touching an infected cat. 1. FHV (Feline Herpesvirus)

Do cats with herpes sneeze a lot?

Cats exposed to feline herpesvirus may sneeze often. Sneezing is common, yes; but it’s one symptom of a disease called feline herpesvirus. Cats cannot pass the feline herpes virus to humans, but it is contagious to other cats.

Is cat flu different to human flu?

The illness isn’t all that different to the human variation. Just like in people, most cats can fight it off; however, for more elderly animals, kittens, or cats with an underlying condition, it can be more serious. Cat flu is generally viral, meaning that in most cases antibiotics won’t be effective.

How long does cat flu last (and why)?

How Long Does Cat Flu Last? Cat flu recovery time is around 5 to 10 days for mild cases, and up to 6 weeks in more severe cases.9 The duration of the condition is often related to the type of virus or bacterial infection causing the symptoms. Cats who have picked up feline herpesvirus will carry it for life.

What happens if you give a cat the flu and not treat?

Pneumonia: One of the more severe complications if the cat flu is not able to be controlled is pneumonia, which of course is very serious. If you cat is showing any of the above cat flu symptoms, then you need to keep a close eye on her.

What are the treatments for feline flu?

Feline flu is caused by a virus and cannot be treated directly with medicines or drug therapies. You must simply allow the virus to run its course. However, you can ease your cat’s discomfort by helping to reduce the symptoms. To remedy the swollen and oozing nose and eyes, wash your pet’s face gently with a warm saltwater solution.

Is cat flu serious in adult cats?

Cat flu is not usually serious in adult cats, however, all cats with symptoms of cat flu should see the vet. With cat flu, eye ulcers are often found and, particularly in kittens, can progress to cause serious damage to the eye.

How do cats get the flu from other cats?

Transmission The virus is spread by discharge from the nose/eyes and from saliva of an infected cat. The virus can also survive in the environment and be passed on to other cats. It is a very common cause of cat flu.

Can I give my Cat antibiotics for flu?

Never use human medications on cats. In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat any secondary bacterial infections which may occur. Prevention is always better than cure and most of the causes of cat flu can be easily prevented with vaccinations.

How often should I give my Cat water with feline flu?

Do this once per day, or as recommended by a veterinarian. To encourage a sick cat to eat and drink water again, it may be necessary to have an intravenous fluid line set up at a veterinarian’s office. Many sick cats, especially those with mouth ulcerations, will stop eating and drinking while they have feline flu.

Should I take my Cat to the vet for cat flu?

Although cat flu is not always serious, it is best to take your cat to the vet before trying to treat the problem at home. Your vet will run a series of tests to rule out other conditions, as some symptoms of cat flu are similar to cat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.

Can a cat get the flu as an adult?

Most cats will suffer from a cat flu infection at some point in their lives. Although feline flu is not typically a serious condition in adult cats, it can have damaging and even fatal outcomes in young cats. Kitten flu and adult flu are both caused by one of two common viruses, feline herpes virus or feline calicivirus. Symptoms of Feline Flu.

What is cat flu and how is it spread?

What Is Cat Flu? Cat flu is a general term for upper respiratory infections caused by certain feline viruses and bacterial infections. These infections mostly affect the nose and throat. Cat flu affects cats of all ages and breeds. In most cases, it is viral in nature and highly contagious. Can Cats Get The Flu From Humans?

Do cats shed the flu virus?

In the case of FHV, some of the virus will remain dormant in the nerve cells throughout your cat’s life. Most cats will not shed the virus, but during periods of stress, they may start to shed the virus. The best way to manage or help prevent cat flu is by having your cat or cats vaccinated for FHV and FCV.

How do you give fluids to a sick cat?

There are other methods to administer fluids especially in emergency situations, fluids are sometimes administered into the abdominal cavity but this is relatively uncommon. Your cat can also receive fluids subcutaneously, in the area just under the skin and on top of the underlying muscle.

Can a kitten with Cat flu be around other cats?

Kittens need to be kept indoors and away from other cats until they are fully protected. Vaccination can prevent disease or reduce the severity of symptoms in those cats who become ill. Any cats who are sick with cat flu must be isolated from other cats until they are fully recovered.

What happens if a cat gets the cat flu?

The cat flu can make it a lot more difficult for a cat to recover from a secondary infection in the long run. This secondary infection could be a factor that contributes to the death of your pet.

Can kittens catch cat flu from their mum?

If their mum has been vaccinated, kittens will get some immunity from cat flu when they are born. This does fade though, so you’ll need to make sure your kitten is given their first course of vaccinations at around eight to nine weeks old. If their mum has not been vaccinated, kittens are more at risk of getting seriously ill from cat flu.

What happens if a kitten has the flu?

Because of their immature immune systems, kittens are especially vulnerable to the effects of cat flu. Sadly, they may well be more seriously ill and suffer symptoms such as sticky eyes (sometimes the eyelids become gummed shut) and corneal ulcers.