Coryza, kesako?

Coryza is one of the most widespread diseases in unvaccinated cats. Wrongly called “cat flu”, it is in reality a viral illness which at first glance resembles a bad cold.

Symptoms can quickly become complicated and worsen your cat’s general health. It is therefore imperative to consult a veterinarian at the first symptoms.

Weakened kittens and cats (old, carriers of another disease such as cat AIDS – FIV – or leukosis – FelV –) are very susceptible to this disease. In the worst case, it can lead to the death of your companion.

How is coryza caused and what are the main symptoms?

Coryza is complex: two viruses, in particular, can be the cause (simultaneously or independently):

  • Feline Herpes Virus (FHV): it affects the respiratory tract but can also cause general symptoms (fever, loss of appetite). This is the most dangerous virus because it can be fatal. Even if the cat is cured of FHV, it remains a “healthy carrier”. This means that FHV remains in the body, in a sluggish state, and may reappear later in your cat’s life (due to another illness or stress, for example)
  • Calicivirus (FCV), more painful, which can cause mouth ulcers. Your cat or kitten may feel pain, drool, and have difficulty eating; but also be feverish.

In short, the main symptoms are:

  • At eye level: red eyes, discharge (which can stick the eyelids)
  • Respiratory: sneezing, runny nose, coughing, breathing difficulties
  • At the oral level: ulcers (tongue, gums), inflammation of the gums or mucous membranes of the mouth
  • More generally: fever, loss of appetite, fatigue/dejection
  • In kittens, the presence of watery eyes, nasal discharge and sneezing are the first signs that should alarm you.

However, these symptoms are not exclusive to coryza: consult a veterinarian quickly as soon as symptoms appear in order to make a diagnosis.

What should I do if my cat shows symptoms of coryza?

The first thing to do is to go to a veterinarian, who will provide the necessary care (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, etc.). In addition to being contagious, the disease can also be painful for your four-legged friend.

If your cat or kitten has watery eyes, you will probably need to apply an ointment to its eyes for a few days, in addition to cleaning its eyes and nose daily.

And for prevention?

Vaccination is recommended, especially for indoor cats, even if they have already had the disease. This will prevent it from waking up again, as we saw previously!

Risks and complications

If coryza is poorly treated, a bacterial superinfection can be added to the virus. If left untreated, the cat or kitten’s eyes may become glued together due to watery eyes. Other complications, always bacterial, can occur and notably create pus in the nose and eyes. In addition, if your cat is not taken care of and has respiratory symptoms, they can quickly get worse.

Transmission between cats

Coryza is very contagious. So, if your cat comes into contact with other felines and lives in a community (at home, in a boarding house, in a shelter, etc.), they risk contracting it. The disease spreads quickly, and is transmitted by direct physical contact but also indirectly. Indeed, sneezing and/or discharge from the eyes and nose can be deposited in your cat’s environment.

Consequently: if your cat does not live alone, it must be separated from others as soon as symptoms appear. You should also wash your hands after petting him, but also change your clothes after giving him the care recommended by the veterinarian.

Your cat is not in contact with other felines, but contracts coryza? You may have (indirectly) transmitted the disease to him. Indeed, pathogens can be deposited on your clothes and shoes when you leave your home.

Good to know !

Coryza doesn’t just affect our cat friends! It can also be contracted from rabbits and chickens.

Sources: Our veterinarian, https://conseils-veto.com/; https://www.la–spa.fr/ ; https://www.zoomalia.com/ ; https://www.zooplus.be/ ; https://lemonde.fr