How do we spot cat flu?

Q We have given a home to a male neutered cat, aged five, because his previous owner is no longer able to look after him. Is cat flu common? What are the signs, and is it worth vaccinating an indoor cat?

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A Cat flu is very common in the UK. The two main causes are feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV), which are most common in unvaccinated cats.

Multi-cat households, cats in rescue shelters, and those with a weaker immune system such as kittens and elderly cats have a raised risk of disease.

Both viruses are very contagious, with FCV in particular, able to survive in the environment for a month or so. Both FHV-1 and FCV have similar signs.

These are sneezing, (probably the most prominent), a nasal discharge, runny eyes, fever, loss of appetite and increased sleeping.

A feature of FCV is the presence of large tongue ulcers, which are painful, causing drooling and an inability to eat. In severe cases cat flu may lead to pneumonia which can be fatal.