Exclusive Insights on Cat Flu (Feline Upper Respiratory Infection): Symptoms, Treatment & Winter Care Tips [2026 Update]

In winter the felines suffer mostly from sneezing, coughing, labored breathing and many other systemic signs. Cat flu is one the fatal upper respiratory tract infection in felines. This infection is mainly caused by two virus Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV). This viral disease actively infects kittens and non-vaccinated cats. Let’s dive in deep for early diagnosis and management.

Clinical Signs of cat flu

We can divide the clinical signs in four parts to easily diagnose cat flu.

Respiratory signs:

• Often sneezing is the very early sign of infection.
• From watery at first and then thick nasal discharge. If there is secondary bacterial infection then there be showing yellow/greenish nasal discharge.
• Though coughing is not common but can be seen in severe cases.
• Labored breathing is seen when there is nasal blockage or in presence of throat inflammation.

Eye (Ocular) signs:

• Conjunctivitis is very common in cat flu.
• Sticking of the eyelids due to watery or purulent discharge from eyes. Initially it could be from only one eye but later can be developed in both eyes.
• In case of Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) infection corneal ulcers developed.

Systemic Signs

• Initially mild to high fever depending on severity of infection
• The become week, depressed and seems no energy to move.
• Loss its appetite due to loss of smell
• As less food and water intake dehydration develop rapidly.

Oral signs

• Ulceration on tongue, gums or hard palate very common.
• Drooling is seen due to oral pain
• Bad breath or halitosis from the oral ulcers

More signs could be shown with extra secondary infections. These include pneumonia and chronic rhinitis. Eye damage or blindness due to severe corneal ulcers can also occur.

How cat flu spreads

As a highly contagious viral infection cat flu spreads rapidly among cats. Mostly spreads in colder months or adverse environment specially in shelters, catteries and multi cat homes.

It spreads by-

Direct Cat-to-Cat Contact:

• sharing same food bowls and litters.
• From infected mothers and their housemates.

Indirect Contact (Fomites):

The virus can survive days on surfaces. Cats can get the viral droplets from their beddings. They can also get them from toys, human hands, and cloths.

Airborne Droplets:

From the infected cat’s sneezing or coughing, the virus particles spread through the air within a few feet.

Treatment of flu

If you see the clinical signs in your cat, you need to consult a veterinarian. Do this as soon as possible.

A vet may recommend you these-

Supportive care

Fluid therapy is very essential as your cat may develop dehydration rapidly. It will rehydrate as well as give energy to your cat

To fight against virus your cat needs proper nutrition. High energy soft palatable foods are highly recommended.

Medications

• Antibiotics cannot cure viral diseases but they can prevent complications due to secondary bacterial infection
• Antiviral such as famciclovir can be use in case of FHV-1 infection. But do not use it without prescribed by vet.
• Nasal drops and steam therapy can help to clear nasal congestion and improve breathing
• In case of severe fever and oral ulcerations anti-inflammatory such as meloxicam and tolfenamic acid can remove discomfort.

Home care for your cat

The more you care for your cat the more it will recover fast. Here are some tips for care and love:

Making your cat more comfortable

• Ensure a quiet warm environment for your cat
• Provide soft, dry and clean bedding
• Avoid any kind of activities that can stress your cat. Stress reduce immunity and slow the recovery progress

Proper nutrition and hydration

• Encourage your cat to eat. Try offering smelly foods like tuna fish, chicken broth, or wet cat food.
• Ensure your cat gets warm food as it will enhance aroma and help to relief from blocked nose
• Ensure enough fresh water for drinking. If your cat refuse to drink water try using syringe or dropper. You can also add chicken broth without salt/onion for hydration.

Improve breathing

To use steam therapy, you may sit with your cat in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes. It will ease nasal congestion

Avoid any kind of smoke, perfumes or dust to keep the air clean and fresh

Keep hygiene

• Make sure all the utensil and toys are properly clean using disinfectant
• Keep your infected cat isolated from your other cats (if you have).
• Always wash your hands before and after handling the cat

When to call a Vet Right away

Contact your vet if your cat:

• Refuses to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
• Has severe breathing difficulty or continuous nasal discharge
• Develops eye ulcers or swollen eyelids
• Shows signs of pneumonia (open-mouth breathing, bluish gums, lethargy)

Cat flu recovery time

Most cats recover within 2–3 weeks, though sneezing or nasal discharge may persist for a while.

But cats infected with Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) may took time to recover due to stress. So, it is very essential to maintain a calm quiet and healthy environment for your cat. Also keep vaccinations up to date for long term health.

Prevention and Vaccination

The best way to protect your cat from cat flu is prevention. Once a cat becomes infected, especially with Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), the virus may stay dormant for life. It can reactivate later. That’s why vaccination, good hygiene, and stress control are the key defences.

Vaccination is the key to Protection from cat flu

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent cat flu or at least reduce its severity.

1. Available vaccine

The FVRCP vaccine is the standard combination vaccine for cats. It protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus), Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper).

b. Recommended Schedule

Kittens: First dose at 6–8 weeks old, followed by boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks.

Adults: Booster at 1 year, then every 1–3 years depending on your vet’s advice and your cat’s lifestyle.

After vaccination, your cat may still catch mild forms of flu. However, the consequences are less severe. Additionally, recovery is faster.

Final words from MewCareVet

Cat flu may sound harmless. However, it can be serious if ignored. This is especially true for kittens, elderly cats, and those with weak immune systems.

With proper vaccination and good hygiene, you can keep your beloved cat safe. Early vet care and lots of love help keep your cat healthy through every season.

Always remember that Prevention is always easier and cheaper than treatment. A few small steps today can save your cat from a lot of discomfort tomorrow.