Cat flu is a severe upper respiratory disease that affects their eyes, ears, throat, mouth, and also causes tonsil infections. Here’s more about this ailment.
Both older cats and young kittens generally have weak immune systems. This subjects them to certain agents that can pose a major threat to their health. There are many viruses that cause cat flu, but 80 to 90 percent of them are caused by feline herpes viruses. They are generally of two types―feline herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1), also known as the feline rhinotracheitis virus (FVR), and the feline calicivirus (FCV).
The eyes, ears, nose, and mouth are the various pathways through which a virus finds entry into a cat’s body. Unhygienic food and contaminated water increases the risk of cat flu. Generally, an FHV-1 infection is risky, and spreads fast in cats. Stress is a basic problem that increases the probability of getting infected with the aforementioned virus. Stress is usually the result if they are uncomfortable in their living area. This may be due to an overcrowded place and/or lack of proper sanitation. Often, cats become uncomfortable with the arrival of a new member (cat or any other pet), and that may also trigger stress in them. Also, excessive cold makes cats more vulnerable to viruses.
Prevention, as we all know, is better than cure, so care must be taken to keep cats clean, provide them with a proper space to live in, play, and be themselves. At the time pregnancy, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
