Sneezing disease is one of the most common cat diseases out there.
It is especially very important not to let the name fool you,
not every cat with sneezing disease has sneezing as a symptom.
What are the symptoms to watch out for?
- Obviously, sneezing is 1 of
- themLack of appetite
- Sores in the mouth or around the eyes
- Bloominess/fatigue
- Fever
- Inflammation of the eye mucous membranes
Sneezing disease is more common in cats living in large groups, think of a shelter/asylum, Cattery or cosy a house full of cats. But again, don't mislead yourself because ordinary house cats can also get this disease.
Cats with reduced resistance have a greater chance, as do cats that have not been vaccinated or older cats. The feline herpes virus is a co-causer of the symptoms of sneezing disease, usually leading to potentially life-threatening disease symptoms. Usually, cats make a full recovery, however, recovery can take several weeks. Sometimes a cat is left with permanent damage, for example excessive sneezing, sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, damaged mucous membranes. Antibiotic treatment then offers temporary improvement of the remaining symptoms.
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To make sure your cat has sneezing disease, you will of course visit your vet, they will look at the symptoms and then do a laboratory test by taking some oral mucus with a swab (cotton swab) and sending it in.
Treatment of this disease will include antibiotics to prevent further infections and perhaps medication to make the mucus a little tougher, so your cat can breathe easier throughout.
What else can you do at home to support your cat?
It is important that you also support the cat at home, most
cats have a lower appetite. You can make the food extra attractive by heating
it up, this enhances the smell. If the cat really does not want to eat, you can
always try to give liquid food by means of a syringe, make sure that the cat
does not choke. In extreme cases, the cat can be admitted to the vet and the
cat will receive extra support via an IV.
You can carefully clean the discharges yourself, for example
by boiling water, letting it cool down and cleaning the eyes and nose with a
clean kitchen paper, so it remains more pleasant for the cat. Don't let it
accumulate, as this can be painful for the cat.
Of course, it is also important that you clean the scratching post and other
favorite places. To prevent further or re-infection. Make sure you clean the
scratching post with a clean microfiber cloth and lukewarm/warm water.
Preferably do not use cleaning products, if you still want to use something,
use a natural cleaning product that is not toxic to your cat.
If it is the case that you really can't get the scratching post clean properly,
you always have the option at RHRPets to order separate parts. We sell the
parts of all our scratching posts separately, the hammocks, sisal poles,
platforms, steps and loungers.
click HERE for all individual
parts
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There is actually no real prevention against cat flu. The
only thing you can do is to have your cat vaccinated on a regular basis. Your
cat can still get the cat flu, but more often in a milder and more treatable
form.
We hope that we have been able to inform you a little extra
in this way, are you in doubt? Always contact your vet. Of course we hope that
all your cats stay happy, stubborn and healthy. And remember, not every cat
contracts this disease!
To keep your cat in good condition, a nice challenging scratching post is of
course a must, you can find the best ones here:
All scratching posts, suitable
for every cat
