Your cat has the flu? You must be worried! Flu in cats is a minor respiratory infection. However, we should not underestimate it. You need to take care of the sick cat so that his condition improves. Luckily, caring for a cat with the flu is easier than we might think.
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Method 1 of 3: Caring for Cats at Home
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms
Flu symptoms in cats can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Look for symptoms such as constant sniffing, sneezing, runny nose, excess eye discharge, difficulty breathing, and weakness. These are all symptoms of a flu attack.
Although relatively rare, your cat could have a cough
Step 2. Keep your home moist
A damp place will help your cat breathe when he's sick. For those of you who do not live in the tropics, you can use a humidifier. You can also lock your cat in a steamy bathroom several times a day for 10-15 minutes.
Some cats may not like being caged. Most will meow loudly and/or scratch at the door to escape. If your cat behaves like this for more than 3-5 minutes, don't force it. Cats will be even more stressed. As a result, the flu gets worse and prolongs the recovery period
Step 3. Clean the cat's face
When your cat is sick, you will notice a lot of discharge in the eyes, nose and ears. Take a clean, damp cloth and gently rub it over the cat's face to remove the dirt. Do it several times a day. Don't forget to say soothing words when cleaning it. The cat reacts to the tone of your voice. Your gentle voice can help soothe him during this unpleasant cleaning event.
Use warm water. Make sure the water you want to use is neither too hot nor too cold, which could startle the cat
Step 4. Encourage the cat to eat
Sick cats are usually reluctant to eat. However, they must get nutrition to stay strong during the time of illness. Cats often lose their appetite when sick, and don't hesitate to wander away ignoring their favorite foods. If your cat isn't interested in eating, try warming the food in the microwave for a few minutes first. By heating it, the aroma of the food will be stronger so that it is hoped to be able to arouse the cat's appetite. In addition, there is no harm in trying to give special foods full of flavor, which your cat may also like.
You can also add water to the food to make it easier for the cat to eat
Step 5. Separate your cat from other pets in the house
If you have other pets, you will need to separate them. The flu-like infection is contagious in the incubation period, which lasts between 2-10 days.
Your cat may be lethargic and eat more slowly than usual. If you don't keep other pets away from sick cats during meal times, healthy pets can snatch away sick cats before they finish eating
Step 6. Give enough water
Make sure clean and fresh water is available at all times. Sick cats should always be hydrated. Pay attention to the cat's water container and immediately fill or clean it when needed.
- Adding water to canned food can also help your cat stay hydrated.
- Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, “sticky” gums, and skin that has lost its elasticity.
Method 2 of 3: Calling the Doctor for Further Treatment
Step 1. Make sure that your cat really needs the help of a doctor
Usually the period of infection lasts between 7-21 days. Even minor infections often clear up on their own. However, there are certain conditions that require you to take your cat to the doctor.
- If your cat doesn't get better within 5-7 days, take her to the doctor immediately.
- You should also see a vet if your cat is dehydrated, won't eat, or is having trouble breathing.
Step 2. Be sure to run a number of tests to determine the cause of the disease
Some diseases in cats show flu-like symptoms. Depending on the other symptoms that follow and the risk factors the cat has, the doctor will do several tests to find out. Feel free to talk to your doctor about the tests needed to diagnose and treat your cat.
- Cats will need to have a complete blood count test for any blood-related conditions.
- Chemical tests to check the function of the cat's organs such as the liver and kidneys.
- Electrolyte tests may also be considered to check for dehydration or imbalance.
- Urine tests to check for urinary tract infections and kidney problems.
- Then, if the doctor suspects a more serious problem, there may be a test for feline deficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia (FeLV).
Step 3. Be sure to give the cat all the medication it needs
The doctor will prescribe medication according to the real cause of the symptoms found in the cat. Give medicine according to the prescription and doctor's instructions. Feel free to ask any questions about these medications before leaving the doctor's office. Be sure to give the cat medication until it's finished, even if the symptoms are no longer visible.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Disease Relapse
Step 1. Give your cat vitamin C
Unlike humans, cats' bodies can make their own vitamin C. However, Vitamin C supplements can help your cat recover quickly from illnesses, such as the flu.
- Talk to your doctor about plans to give this supplement to your cat. Equally important, you should make sure your cat has no history of formation of urinary oxalate stones (crystals). However, Vitamin C can not always be consumed by all cats.
- Do not give vitamin C without discussing it with your doctor first, especially if your cat has a special health condition or is on medication.
Step 2. Give your cat the vaccine
Keep up to date with cat vaccines. Vaccinations help prevent common illnesses and infections that make your cat catch the flu or develop flu-like symptoms. Call the doctor once a year to check if it's time for your cat to get vaccinated.
Step 3. Keep your cat indoors
Usually cats catch the flu from other cats. The best way to prevent this is to minimize contact with other animals outdoors. Keep your cat indoors and away from unknown cats who may not have been vaccinated. If your cat must be outside, try to keep an eye on him.
