Cat Flu - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments for Feline Upper Respiratory Infection

Are you troubled by your cat sniffling and sneezing endlessly, as though they caught a virus from your family? It’s heartbreaking when your loved companion can’t tell you what’s wrong.

Thankfully, you don’t need to face these worries alone. Cat flu can seem overwhelming—like facing a never-ending cold—but help and hope are on the way.

We’re here to clarify how cat flu is a virus that’s similar to human flu, ease your fears, and show you steps to help your cat recover comfortably.

Key takeaways

• Cat flu is an upper respiratory infection that’s highly contagious among cats.

• Symptoms of cat flu may appear like human flu, including sneezing, runny eyes, and fever.

• Feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus are common culprits causing infections in cats.

• Vaccinating your cat can reduce the risk of illness and severe symptoms.

• Early cat flu treatment (with antiviral or antibiotic support) may minimise complications.

• Contact your vet if you suspect your cat is struggling to breathe or refusing to eat.

• Proper care and rest can help your cat feel better and prevent the long-term effects of cat flu.

Cat flu is the common name for a range of upper respiratory tract illnesses that affect cats and kittens.

Though cats cannot catch human viruses, the “flu” label sticks because feline upper respiratory infections share many causes and symptoms with human flu.

Think sneezing, runny nose, and a general look of misery.

The main germs behind this illness in cats are feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus. Both can infect a cat’s nose, throat, and eyes, leading to discomfort and symptoms of flu.

When several cats are grouped—such as in a cattery or multi-cat home—the risk of spreading flu skyrockets.

That’s because these infections in cats spread via droplets from sneezes, shared bowl areas, or contact with an infected cat.

Causes and symptoms of feline upper respiratory trouble

• Feline herpesvirus (also called feline herpes) often leads to repeated flare-ups throughout their life, especially in times of stress.

• Feline calicivirus triggers mouth ulcers and inflamed gums, making mealtimes uncomfortable.

• Bacterial infection can sneak in once the virus weakens a cat’s defences, so antibiotic treatments might be needed.

• If your cat displays signs like a persistent sneeze, watery eyes, or difficulty swallowing, you may be dealing with a form of cat flu.

Every cat may react differently to cat flu, but typical symptoms may include:

• Sneezing fits with nasal discharge

• Watering eyes, sometimes with discharge

• Lack of appetite or reluctance to drink from the bowl

• High temperature or unusual lethargy

• Mouth ulcers (common with feline calicivirus)

• Drooling or pawing at the mouth

• General tiredness, like a true case of the “flu”

If you catch your furry friend in a cycle of sneezing and drooling, it might be time to review our 'why is my cat sneezing' post for early clues.

(Always contact your vet for a precise diagnosis if your cats get a respiratory illness.)

Much like a person fighting a cold, your cat may appear listless or hide away. You might notice them refusing to drink from their usual bowl, passing on their favourite treat, or becoming extra clingy. The earlier you acknowledge these signs, the faster you can help your cat.

Feel free to glance at our 'cat sick after eating' article if your feline friend also struggles post-mealtime—flu viruses sometimes bring digestive upset. Spotting distress early could save you both a trip to emergency veterinary care.

When to contact your vet

• If your kitten is lethargic or refusing all meals (especially in kittens, dehydration happens quickly)

• If your cat has thick green or yellow discharge from the eyes or nose

• If you notice severe symptoms like mouth ulcers or laboured breathing

• If your cat shows no improvement within a couple of days

Kittens and adult cats with underlying conditions should see a professional promptly.

Cat flu treatment ranges from simple supportive home remedies to drug treatment under professional guidance.

Some cats will recover within a week or two, while others need ongoing therapy—particularly if they face long-term effects of cat flu-like chronic nasal congestion or feline herpes virus flare-ups.

• Give your cat a warm, calm space with minimal noise

• Steam therapy can help clear nasal passages (take your cat in the bathroom during a warm shower)

• Offer soft, tasty meals—try gently warming the food to boost its aroma

• Keep water bowls fresh and easy to reach

• Gently wipe away eye and nose discharge with a clean, damp cloth

If your cat will need medication, your vet might prescribe:

• Antiviral drops for herpes virus

• Antibiotic tablets or eye drops for bacterial infection

• Pain relief or anti-inflammatories for severe symptoms like ulcers

Be sure to read our cat ear infection signs and treatment post if your cat’s ears also appear irritated. Additional infections can arise when the immune system is low.

Respiratory infections are highly contagious, and one of your cats ill can quickly infect another cat.

Even a fully vaccinated cat can still contract a milder form of cat flu, though the risk of serious complications is reduced. That’s why prevent cat flu measures matter so much:

1. Vaccination – Vaccinating your cat (especially a new cat joining your household) helps to reduce symptoms and keep them stronger if they get flu.

2. Hygiene – Wash bedding, toys, and bowls regularly so you’re not accidentally spreading flu.

3. Quarantine – If you have multiple cats, isolate the infected cat in a separate room to protect healthy cats.

4. Stress reduction – Consider using calm spaces or gentle grooming sessions to lower feline anxiety. Our cat grooming guide with tips can help you reduce tension and fuss.

Visitors sometimes worry that people and pets in the home could swap illnesses freely.

Rest assured, cats cannot catch human viruses, and humans don’t catch feline ones—so cross-infection is rare.

Cat flu is a virus that can seriously impact kittens because their immune systems are not fully developed. Especially in kittens, dehydration can occur rapidly if they have a stuffy nose and can’t smell their food.

A small “soup” of warm water and kitten kibble might encourage them to eat. Using home to help a kitten stay cosy reduces the chance of further complications.

If you’re searching for a quality meal that appeals to a stuffed-up kitty, consider our best dry cat food UK suggestions for a palatable diet. Just soften it with water if your tiny fluffball struggles to chew normally.

Any cat fighting an upper respiratory struggle needs warmth, rest, and patient fuss:

• Cat in the bathroom: The steam from your shower can loosen mucus, making breathing easier.

• Bowl rotation: Keep multiple water stations or offer shallow dishes so your kitty doesn’t have to strain.

• Drug treatment consistency: If the veterinary team prescribes medication, give it on time to reduce symptoms and shorten infection length.

• Check in with the vet: Routine check-ups ensure you’re tackling any underlying illness—like bacterial or herpes virus complications—at the earliest stage.

When you next introduce a new cat to your home, make sure they’re fully vaccinated first.

Some cats who have recovered from cat flu continue to battle congestion or watery eyes throughout their life.

Feline herpes infections often go dormant and can resurface in times of stress—like moving house or encountering another group of cats.

With consistent care and stress minimisation, most cats still live happily.

If you notice eye inflammation cropping up frequently, a quick read of our cat ear infection piece might offer further insight, as ear and eye troubles sometimes overlap in a stressed immune system.

Treating a serious upper respiratory infection can be expensive if hospital stays or repeated appointments are needed.

At Waggel Pet Insurance, we want to support every cat parent through the ups and downs of cat flu care.

Our coverage options help manage costs for visits to the vet and aftercare so you can focus on creating a warm, healing environment for your furry companion.

Cat flu might sound like a big, scary diagnosis, but with knowledge, consistent care, and timely vaccination, you can keep your cat safer and healthier.

Whether you’re dealing with a sneezing cat who needs a cosy nap or a kitten refusing dinner because of a stuffy nose, you aren’t alone.

Reach out to your vet for professional guidance, follow good hygiene practices, especially if you have a multi-cat family, and remember that most sick cats make a full recovery.

Feel free to draw on your pet parent community—many have faced the dreaded “kitty flu,” and we’re all in this together.

By tackling cat flu in kittens, supporting adult cats through illnesses, and leaning on resources like Waggel Pet Insurance, you’ll discover how to help your cat feel better and bounce back from even the most tenacious sniffles.

Your cat might not say “thank you” out loud, but the return of that happy purr says it all.