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Cat Flu - It never stops!


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On the last week of August, we were asked by another rescue for help. They had a sudden epidemic of cat flu and were finding it impossible to provide the care needed. Sadly some had already passed away or were put to sleep due to complications of the cat flu; many younger than 10 weeks old.


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Monika, a cat we took in in July from the same rescue, was little more than a kitten herself when rescued but already had three of her own kittens to care for.


Mum and kittens were all sick with flu and although treatment was given by the vet sadly all the kittens passed away or needed to be put to sleep - they were only 2 weeks old but the damage they'd already sustained was too great.


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Monika herself needed a lot of TLC and vet care, and was on several weeks of isolation and antibiotics in her foster home.


We are pleased to say she was passed by the vet mid-August to be rehomed and last week she went out to a new home where she is loving life.







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We took 15 kittens in total in on the 30th of August are all under 12 weeks old - ranging from 5-12 weeks. They all have cat flu but some are bearing up better than others.


Of the 15, 6 have had to have emergency vet care so far - with these 6 being the youngest and suffering the most.



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At the present time we are assessing which of the kittens could be suitable to go out to a foster home and which need more round-the-clock care. With cat flu, the biggest concern is passing the infection on to other cats - nearly all of our cats on-site are carriers and have the lasting effects of cat flu - with kidney, dental and gum disease being the main issues for our resident felines.


It's important that we get the infection under control as soon as possible for not only the health of the kittens and their future but also the other cats on-site.


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Isolation areas have been set up and all equipment, bedding, and even clothing worn by staff are to be disinfected between visits or be set aside for sole use.


Cat flu is not something we are unfamiliar with but equally it's not something we like to hear mentioned. Cat flu can prove fatal for some, especially the very young, the elderly or the immune compromised.


Right now our priority is providing this group with what they need, both in the way of hands on care but also vet care and food. As many are still so young they are still aren't weaned onto solid foods completely so are still receiving a milk substitute.



Appeal for Help!


For the kittens who are requiring kitten milk as their main diet still, we will go through 372g of Lactol kitten milk on average daily or 600g for Royal Canin's Babycat Milk. Working out at approximately 5-14 tubs a week for the next several weeks until they are weaned completely onto solid foods.


Two examples of the Kitten milk we use are;


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  • Royal Canin Babycat Milk - 300g - average at £11.50 a tub from online retailers - we would use approximately one full tub and a third of a tub a day of this product - costing (at an average of £11) £23 Daily (2 full 300g tubs)


  • Beaphar Lactol Kitten Milk - 500g - average at £16.35 a tub from online retailers - we would use approximately one full tub and a third of a tub a day of this product - costing (at an average of £11) £12.16 Daily (2 thirds of a 500g tub)


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We use Royal Canin Kitten or Royal Canin weaning (dry or wet) usually as first preference for the sicker kittens due to the nutrional quality and our experience of using it. We can make use most brands, including Whiskas, Felix, Purina, etc. For dry food alone we could be looking at a cost of £4.76 daily for all the kittens. With the addition of wet food we could see increases of costs up to £19.04 daily (for wet and dry).


Using approximately 675g dry food daily for all the kittens a 4kg bag of dry food will last us just under 6 days.


So we are appealing to you all if you can spare anything at all to help right now it would be very appreciated.


As already said some have had vet care already but at a minimum they are all going to need vaccinations, worming, flea and microchip (when they are healthy enough to think about rehoming) which will be roughly £50 per kitten.


So we are looking at an outlay of £750 at least for vet bills.


The younger ones especially are quite sick and will need treatment - so this will end up being more.


All help is appreciated - if you can help please donate


Send donations of milk, food and even cat litter directly to the sanctuary -

Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary,

26 Crosskennan Lane,

Antrim,

BT41 2QY



You can also help us with the Vet bills - either with direct donations to our vets - the main being Clare Vets in Ballyclare and Cedargrove Vets in Belfast.


Or donations to the sanctuary to help with these bills;


Paypal


People's Fundraising


Just Giving


Direct on Our Website



Read down to learn more about Cat Flu!


What is Cat Flu?


Cat flu can affect your feline friend very similar to how we experience a human flu - with a fever, a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.

Whilst not always, it can be serious and potentially fatal especially in vulnerable kittens and adult cats with ongoing ailments.

When you suspect your cat/kitten is experiencing the tell-tale signs of cat flu, it's important you get them to the vet and get the necessary treatment as soon as possible. Some other common questions relating to Cat flu have been answered below:

"What are the symptoms?"

Cat flu symptoms don't always appear immediately, it can take up to 2 weeks for the signs to appear. Keep an eye out for:

  • Runny nose and eyes

  • Sore throat

  • Fever

  • Mouth ulcers

  • Sneezing

  • Dribbling

  • Cat loss of voice

Kittens are a bigger risk due to their age and weak immune systems. If you suspect your kitten has any of the symptoms above, please ensure you contact your vet immediately.

"How can I treat cat flu?"

If you are concerned about your pet, the vet can diagnose cat flu by testing swabs taken from your cat - sometimes even telling which strain your cat has contracted. If your vet confirms the presence of cat flu, they may prescribe a dose of antibiotics (depending on the severity of the illness) along with guidance for caring for a feline with cat flu. Sometimes in very poor cases, your cat may not be able to eat and hospitalisation may be suggested.

"Is there a vaccine?"

Good news! Yes, a vaccine is available and can be administered by your vet. Initially, your cat will be given 2 doses followed by regular boosters. It's important to note that these vaccines are necessary if you are planning on going on holiday and your cat is due to stay in a boarding cattery.

"Will the vaccine protect my cat completely?"

As much as we would love to say yes, no vaccine provides complete protection but it's still the best preventative treatment available. It may even reduce your pets suffering if they do fall ill. It's best to vaccinate at a young age and whilst the cat/kitten is well. The vaccine cannot prevent the symptoms if cat flu is already in their system. It’s also important to know that even vaccinated cats can become carriers and infect other cats, without showing any symptoms.

"What about anti-inflammatories?"

Your vet may offer a prescription of anti-inflammatories to help your pet recover from their illness although these can be expensive and don't always help.

"What about lubricants and eye drops?"

If your pet has confirmed cat flu, it's highly likely they'll experience some discomfort with their eyes. Some strains can pose a risk of long-term damage to your cats eyes (even loss of the eye itself!) when ulcers are found. Your vet may prescribe a lubricant to relieve their sore eyes, in this case, please ask for guidance on how to administer the drops comfortably for your pet. If your cat or kitten has sore looking eyes or they are partially closed, seek immediate veterinary attention.

"What about cat flu in kittens?"

Like humans, cats can pass on some immunity through their milk although this fades as the kitten gets older. If a mother has cat flu, she can infect her kittens (sometimes without symptoms!) It's important to keep an eye on your cats health and monitor any changes that could potentially be cat flu.

"How do I care for my cat when they have the flu?"

Your vet will be the best person to ask for help. In most cases they suggest caring for your pet at home is the ideal so your cat remains comfortable. Only in severe cases will your cat be hospitalised.

"How can I relax my cat when they're ill?"

The best thing for your cat when they're ill is to make them as comfortable as possible. Any illness can be worsened by stress, if you think your cat is struggling here are some tips to help: - Ask your vet for advice - Do not introduce new people or animals to the home - Avoid home changes (Moving home, being away for long periods, decorating etc) - Including new toys and stress relievers (scratching posts, new comforters/blankets)

"Should I touch my cats eyes or nose if they have cat flu?"

Wiping your cat's nose and eyes if they have cat flu can help relieve some of their discomfort by allowing them to breathe easier, smell their food and overall to help your cat feel better. Simply soak a cotton wool pad in warm water and gently wipe away any discharge from their nose and eyes. Ensure you watch your hands thoroughly afterwards to remove any infection.

"Do I need to change their feeding regime?"

It's imperative that you keep up your cats nutrition and hydration whilst they're ill. Through many of it's symptoms, cat's can lose their sense of smell and taste which can seriously affect their want to eat and drink. To ensure they stay well fed and hydrated, it's suggested that mixing strong smelling foods to their normal meals can increase the appeal. We suggest warm foods like:

  • sardines

  • pilchards

  • roast chicken

  • tuna

As well as keeping them hydrated, encouraging your cat to drink also helps to loosen catarrh (mucus that builds up in the back of the nose and throat). Cats that cannot eat may need to be hospitalised for treatment.

"My cat struggles to breathe, how can I help?"

It's never easy watching your pet struggle with any illness, but when they struggle to breathe, it can be very worrying. A potential option for those with laboured breathing is steam. This can help to loosen the mucus built up in their airways. Sometimes the steam from your bath/shower can help with this - make sure that your cat is comfortable though. If they seem uncomfortable or stressed, it's best to take them out.

"What will happen if cat flu goes untreated?"

Just like a human flu, once the virus has damaged the delicate lining of the nose and airways, bacterial infections can enter and cause complications, such as pneumonia. This is why it's extremely important that you contact a vet if you suspect your cat has flu.

"What causes cat flu?"

Cat flu is usually caused by:

  • Calicivirus

  • Herpes

  • Bordetella bronchiseptica

  • Chlamydophila felis


"What causes cat flu: What is Calicivirus"

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious virus that causes a mild to severe respiratory infection and oral disease in cats. Vaccination against calicivirus is difficult because the vaccine cannot cover all the strains, so it's not fully protective. Many cats will recover after 2-3 weeks of infection and are no longer contagious after one or two years. Source: Blue Cross

"What causes cat flu: What is Herpes virus"

The herpes virus is often more severe and is more likely to produce eye ulcers. The virus has only one strain, so vaccination against it works better. Following infection with the herpes virus, it's thought that all cats become carriers. They produce the virus in their tears, saliva and nose fluid, but only every now and then. This means swabs taken from these cats will not always detect the virus. Cats that are carriers remain so for life. Source: Blue Cross

"What causes cat flu: What is Bacteria: Bordetella bronchiseptica"

There are also several types of bacteria that may cause flu. One of these – bordetella bronchiseptica – is what causes kennel cough in dogs. It's thought that it may be possible for cats to catch 'flu' from dogs. This bacterium often seems to affect the lungs as well. It can usually be successfully treated with antibiotics. Although a vaccine is available, it's only given sometimes, such as in breeding catteries. Source: Blue Cross

"What causes cat flu: Bacteria: Chlamydophila felis"

This mainly produces sore, red, runny eyes, sometimes with a mild 'cold'. Some types of antibiotics are effective, and a vaccination is available, although it is not fully protective. It can be difficult to get rid of this form of cat flu completely from a group of cats. Source: Blue Cross

"Are there any long-term effects of cat flu?"

Most cases of cat flu will recover without any long-term impact on your cats health. Some long-term effects that may arise include: - Chronic rhinitis (permanently runny nose)

- Prolonged gingivitis (inflammation of the mouth) which requires drug treatment and, occasionally, tooth extraction.

- Sight impairment that may even require removal of an eye

"Can my cat carry cat flu without symptoms?"

Even once your cat has recovered from their bout of cat flu, they may be left as a carrier which means whilst they may not display symptoms, they can still potentially infect others. Some carrier cats occasionally have a runny eye or nose for a few days. This happens because the delicate nasal lining has been damaged, allowing repeated bacterial infections for which antibiotics may provide only temporary relief.









All help is appreciated - if you can help please donate


Send donations of milk, food and even cat litter directly to the sanctuary -

Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary,

26 Crosskennan Lane,

Antrim,

BT41 2QY



You can also help us with the Vet bills - either with direct donations to our vets - the main being Clare Vets in Ballyclare and Cedargrove Vets in Belfast.


Or donations to the sanctuary to help with these bills;


Paypal


People's Fundraising


Just Giving


Direct on Our Website


Help us to help them!



Please, CLICK here to Make a Donation (PAYPAL)!



Or You can send a donation via a bank transfer to

Sort Code: 950202

Account Number: 31184288

Account Name: CROSSKENNAN ANIMAL





If you want to get stuff delivered to us you can get it posted directly to Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, 26 Crosskennan Lane, Ballynoe, Antrim, BT41 2QY


Or send us an email to crosskennan@hotmail.co.uk to arrange a drop-off of donations!



Did you know you can send grocery deliveries to us too? Just let us know in advance, and you can do a ASDA, Tesco's, Sainsbury's Online delivery and get it dropped off at the sanctuary. We can make use of so much from your local supermarket, from fresh fruit and veg, to frozen peas and sweetcorn, fresh chicken, ham, liver, washing up powder/tablets, dish soap, bleach, disinfectant, toilet rolls, dog food, cat food, birdseed... The list could go on forever!







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