What about the Coronavirus?
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve, it’s important to monitor updates with the World Health Organisation as new information arises.As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve, it’s important to monitor updates with the World Health Organisation as new information arises.
To date, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has no reports of animals in the United States that have been identified with the virus, and there is no evidence that dogs or other pets can contract or spread the human version of the virus. For more information, please see the following article:
Can We Get Each Other Sick?
If you have the flu or a cold, don't worry too much about transferring the illness to your pet. There are documented cases of pet parents transferring the H1N1 virus to their household cats, notes Smithsonian magazine, and cats may transfer it to humans; however, it's very rare. In 2009, when the H1N1 virus (aka swine flu) was considered an epidemic in the United States, there was cause for concern because H1N1 transferred from animals (pigs, in this instance) and infected humans.
Tasty Tips
The Nature of the Virus
Cats are capable of catching the flu, as well as upper respiratory infection caused by one of two viruses: feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus. Cats of all ages are susceptible, but young and old kitties are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are not as strong as cats in their prime.
Cats catch the virus when they come into direct contact with an infected cat or the viral particles, explains VCA Animal Hospitals. The organisation adds, "the virus is excreted in saliva and in discharges from the eyes and nose of an infected cat." Therefore, it's important to keep your cat away from other cats that are sick.
If your cat contracts the flu or an upper respiratory infection, the virus may stick around, says Love That Pet. "Unfortunately, cats that recover from cat flu may become temporary or permanent virus carriers. This means that they may shed the virus into the environment, even if they do not appear to be sick anymore." Once your cat catches the flu, keep an eye out for recurring symptoms.
If you suspect that your cat has the flu, symptoms to look out for include:
- Lethargy
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Loss of appetite and not drinking water
- Runny eyes and/or nose
- Trouble breathing
Call your veterinarian right away, and expect to bring in your fur baby for a checkup.
Treatment and Prevention
Vaccinating your cat and keeping those vaccinations up to date will maintain your pet's health and help prevent illness. Another key factor is keeping the germs away: wash your hands thoroughly and often (and ask others to do the same); sanitise any infected areas, such as bedding, clothing and towels; and avoid contact with anyone (and any animal) who may be sick.
Animals can contract illnesses from other animals, so it's important to keep your healthy cat separated from ill pets. Eye and ear discharge and saliva are common ways animals spread germs, so separate food and water stations.
As noted, if you suspect the flu or a cold, contact your veterinarian immediately. According to PetMD, "There is no cure for influenza and treatment is symptomatic in nature. Nursing care may be required to keep the eyes and nose clean and clear of discharges." Possible treatments include antibiotics and fluids to prevent dehydration. Your vet will provide you with a detailed treatment plan.
During recuperation, your fur baby will need a lot of love and attention, and they'll want to do the same for you if you're under the weather. This may be tricky if you're also sick, but take comfort in the fact that once you're both healthy, you can smother each other with affection.
Related products
Feline Kitten
Hill's Science Plan Kitten Wet Cat Food Premium Chunks in Sauce with Ocean Fish is a complete pet food for kittens and for pregnant or nursing cats
Sterilised Cat Adult Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with a unique weight management formula and clinically proven antioxidants to help keep neutered cats in great shape.
STERILISED CAT ADULT CAT FOOD
Precisely balanced nutrition with a unique weight management formula and clinically proven antioxidants to help keep neutered cats in great shape.
Mature Adult 7+ Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Cat Food with Salmon is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food supports graceful aging in cats, providing a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity levels.
Related articles
Hill's Cat Foods: Nutritional Balance Just for Indoor Cats
Find the right Hill
Cat Training: How to Train Your Cat the Easy Way
When learning how to train your cat, you'll start with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
Cats Need Good Nutrition In Order To Stay Healthy
Good nutrition is about the right balance of nutrients. Learn more about health issues when feeding a cat food that has an improper nutritional balance from your friends at Hills Pet Nutrition.
Caring for Your Cat Through All of Life's Stages
HillsPet Nutrition provides information on proper nutrition, fitness and special needs in keeping your cat healthy and happy.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.