Imagine this: your cat is sneezing, coughing, and has leakage coming from its tear ducts. But at the same time, none of the other cats in your home are showing any signs of having the same illness. It can be easy to write this off as being simple allergies or a minor cold, but in reality, it could still be a significant illness that your cat needs help with. Here's why your cat could be sick, even if the symptoms aren't spreading to other kitties.
What It Is
One of the most common illnesses that a cat can have is a type of herpes. It's also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis. This is less like the version of herpes that is an acquired STD and more like the variant that causes chicken pox and shingles in humans. The only difference is that in cats it causes upper respiratory symptoms.
Why It Doesn't Transmit The Same Way
The reality is, this particular illness does actually transmit to other cats. However, it doesn't really spread the way that an average cold does.
In most virally-induced colds, if another cat is exposed to the virus, they develop the same symptoms. However, herpes is an illness that typically takes advantage of a secondary virus or a temporarily weakened immune system. It can have no symptoms for the rest of the time.
When a cat catches herpes, the virus is usually put into remission by the cat's immune system. Once this is accomplished, there are usually no symptoms. However, herpes lies dormant in the body, never truly beaten. When the immune system is weakened because a cat's body is fighting off another illness, or due to stress or another problem, symptoms can flare up. As a result, your cat may have already infected other kitties, but they could end up not showing symptoms for months if not years.
What to Do
If your cats haven't been vaccinated recently (or at all), it's time to change that. The FVCRP vaccine can protect your cat from catching herpes, or with tougher strains, it can at least prevent them from experiencing the worst side effects and symptoms.
In the meantime, make sure to isolate the sick cat from the others. It's best to do this for as long as they have any kind of fluids coming from their nose or eyes. You should also feed and water your cats separately from the ill kitty.
Last, of course, is taking your cat to the vet. Without veterinary help, your kitty could be struggling with this illness for up to three weeks.
Contact a company like Animal Emergency Clinic to get help with your pets' illnesses or injuries.
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