What causes cat 'flu?
Cat 'flu is caused by either feline calicivirus (FCV) or feline herpesvirus (FHV - also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis virus - FVR), or, uncommonly, a combination of both. The most serious cases are caused by FHV.
How is cat 'flu spread?
The main method of spread of the cat 'flu viruses is by direct contact of one cat with another. Large amounts of virus are present in saliva, tears and nasal secretions (FCV may also be shed in urine and faeces). Thus it can be spread by cats sniffing each other, mutual grooming and sharing feeding bowls. Sneezed droplets may travel 1-2 metres and cat 'flu can spread rapidly through a cattery unless cats are housed individually with sneeze barriers. Both of the cat 'flu viruses are relatively fragile: FCV lasts about a week outside the cat and FHV lasts a day. Plainly, however, these viruses can be spread within a cattery on cages, food dishes, litter trays, people, etc. so good hygiene precautions should be taken.
Read more here -
www.gla.ac.uk/faculties/vet/cad/informationforowners/catflu/ The information is the opinion of the writer in the link to the website provided and is not a substitute for veterinary/professional advice.
Purrs Owners and Staff are not responsible for the content and information provided through links to other web sites.
