Diseases Cats
Cat flu: symptoms, home care and when to see a vet
Sneezing, runny eyes, mouth ulcers and a cat that won't eat? Cat flu is common in Bangladesh. What causes it, what helps at home and when it's serious.
Key takeaways
- Cat flu is mostly caused by herpesvirus and calicivirus — not the human flu.
- A cat that stops eating for 24 hours needs a vet, because it can't smell its food.
- Keep the eyes and nose clean and offer warm, strong-smelling food.
- Vaccinated cats get milder illness; herpes can flare again with stress.
On this page
“Cat flu” is what most people in Rangpur call it when a cat starts sneezing with watery eyes — and it’s one of the most common reasons cats visit us, especially in kittens from the street and during the change of seasons.
What causes cat flu?
Two viruses cause most cases:
- Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) — sneezing, eye discharge, conjunctivitis, sometimes eye ulcers. Cats stay infected for life and can have flare-ups when stressed.
- Feline calicivirus (FCV) — mouth and tongue ulcers, drooling, sometimes limping and fever.
Bacteria such as Chlamydia and Bordetella can add to the problem.
Symptoms
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Watery or sticky eyes, squinting
- Fever and tiredness
- Loss of appetite — congested cats can’t smell their food, and mouth ulcers make eating painful
- Drooling
- Coughing (less common)
Home care that helps
- Keep the face clean. Wipe eyes and nose gently with cotton wool dampened in boiled, cooled water.
- Steam. Sit with your cat in a steamy bathroom for 10–15 minutes a few times a day to loosen congestion.
- Tempt appetite. Warm wet food slightly — smell drives a cat’s appetite. Strong-smelling foods like tuna in water can help short-term.
- Keep water available and encourage drinking.
- Rest in a warm, quiet place, away from other cats.
When to see a vet
Come in if your cat:
- hasn’t eaten for 24 hours (cats that don’t eat can develop serious liver problems)
- is a kitten
- has thick yellow or green discharge
- is breathing with its mouth open or struggling to breathe
- has a cloudy, painful or closed eye
- is drooling heavily or has mouth ulcers
Our vet may prescribe antibiotics for secondary infection, eye medication, pain relief, appetite support or, in some cases, antiviral treatment. Not sure how urgent it is? Try the symptom checker.
Prevention
The combined “flu” vaccine doesn’t always stop infection, but it makes illness much milder and protects against panleukopenia at the same time. Follow the cat vaccination schedule, and keep new cats separate for two weeks before introducing them.
Never give your cat human cold medicines or paracetamol — they can be fatal. Check our toxic food and medicine list.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If your pet is unwell, call us or visit a registered veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
Can humans catch cat flu?
No. The viruses that cause cat flu don't infect people. They can spread between cats through sneezes, shared bowls and hands.
Does cat flu need antibiotics?
The viruses don't respond to antibiotics, but secondary bacterial infections — thick yellow-green discharge, fever — often do. A vet decides after examining your cat.
How long does cat flu last?
Usually one to three weeks. Cats that had herpesvirus can carry it for life and have flare-ups when stressed.
Can I give my cat human cold medicine?
Never. Many human cold and flu medicines contain paracetamol or decongestants that are toxic to cats.