There’s a good chance you’ve heard of kennel cough before, but did you know that it can affect cats too? In fact, kennel cough is a type of respiratory infection that can be caused by a variety of different viruses or bacteria. And while it’s most commonly seen in dogs, cats can get it too.
Can cats get kennel cough? This is a question that many pet owners may ask, especially if they are planning to take their cat on a trip to the veterinarian or around other animals.
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can affect both dogs and cats. In cats, symptoms of kennel cough include coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Treatment for kennel cough in cats usually involves antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
If left untreated, kennel cough can lead to serious health complications in cats. Prevention of kennel cough in cats can be accomplished by vaccinating your pet against the disease and by using proper hygiene measures when around other animals.
So if you’re wondering whether or not your cat can get kennel cough, the answer is yes – it’s definitely possible. However, the good news is that kennel cough is usually pretty easy to treat, and most cats will make a full recovery.
What is kennel cough and what are the symptoms in cats?
Kennel cough is a respiratory infection that is caused by bacteria or viruses. The most common cause of kennel cough in dogs is Bordetella bronchiseptica, but other causes include canine adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus and distemper virus. Kennel cough can also be caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci and Coxiella burnetti. Bordetella bronchiseptica is a small, aerobic Gram-negative coccobacillus that was first isolated from horses in 1895 by Jules Bordet and Octave Gengou.
The most common symptoms of kennel cough in cats are coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge and fever. In severe cases, cats may have difficulty breathing. The infection usually lasts for two to three weeks, but may last for up to six weeks.
Can cats get kennel cough from clothes?
There is no evidence that cats can get kennel cough from clothes. However, they can pick up the bacteria or viruses that cause kennel cough from contaminated surfaces, such as floors or walls.
Is cat kennel cough contagious to humans and why?
The main bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica) that causes kennel cough can infect humans, but it is very rare. The infection usually occurs in people with weakened immune systems.
How is kennel cough treated in cats?
Treatment for kennel cough in cats typically involves antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. There is no vaccine available for kennel cough in cats, but there are vaccines available for dogs. The best way to prevent your cat from getting kennel cough is to keep them away from infected dogs.
The treatment of kennel cough in cats depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is Bordetella bronchiseptica, treatment may include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. If the cause is a virus, treatment may include supportive care, such as fluids and rest. In most cases, kennel cough will resolve on its own within two to three weeks.
How cats get kennel cough from dogs?
Cats can get kennel cough from dogs through direct contact with an infected dog, or by exposure to contaminated objects or air. The bacteria or viruses that cause kennel cough can be spread through coughing and sneezing. They can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as bowls, beds and toys.
How can you prevent your cat from getting kennel cough?
The best way to prevent your cat from getting kennel cough is to keep them away from infected dogs. If you must take your cat to a boarding facility, make sure that the facility requires all dogs to be vaccinated for kennel cough. You should also ask the facility about their cleaning and disinfection procedures.
There are several things you can do to prevent your cat from getting kennel cough. First, make sure your cat is up-to-date on all of its vaccinations. Second, keep your cat away from sick animals, including dogs with kennel cough. Finally, clean and disinfect any surfaces that may be contaminated with the bacteria or viruses that cause kennel cough.
What are the risks of not treating kennel cough in cats?
The risks of not treating kennel cough in cats can be severe. If left untreated, the infection can lead to pneumonia, which can be fatal. Kennel cough can also cause dehydration and weight loss. In severe cases, it can cause difficulty breathing and even death.
How long does kennel cough last in cats?
The duration of the infection depends on the severity of the infection and the cat’s overall health. In most cases, kennel cough lasts for two to three weeks. However, in some cases, it may last for up to six weeks.
Do cats get vaccinated for kennel cough?
Yes, cats can get vaccinated for kennel cough. There are vaccines available for both dogs and cats. The vaccine for dogs is more effective than the vaccine for cats, but it is still important to get your cat vaccinated if they are going to be around dogs.
The Bordetella vaccination for dogs and cats is a crucial preventive measure that will protect your pet from developing a highly contagious bacterial infection that may quickly spread between animals.
How often do cats need to be vaccinated for kennel cough?
The frequency of vaccination depends on the cat’s age, health, and exposure risk. In general, cats should be vaccinated for kennel cough every one to two years.
What are the side effects of the kennel cough vaccine in cats?
The most common side effect of the kennel cough vaccine in cats is mild soreness at the injection site. Other potential side effects include fever, lethargy, and appetite loss. These side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own within a few days.
What is the prognosis for cats with kennel cough?
The prognosis for cats with kennel cough is generally good. Most cases resolve on their own within two to three weeks. However, some cats may require antibiotics or other treatment to clear the infection. In severe cases, kennel cough can lead to pneumonia, which can be fatal.
Cats with kennel cough should see a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
What you need to know before bringing your cat around other animals?
If you are planning on taking your cat around other animals, it is important to make sure that they are up-to-date on all of their vaccinations. This will help to protect them from diseases, such as kennel cough. You should also clean and disinfect any surfaces that your cat may come into contact with, to help prevent the spread of infection.
Conclusion
There are no long-term effects of kennel cough in cats. However, if the infection is left untreated, it can lead to pneumonia, which can be fatal.
If you suspect that your cat has kennel cough, it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the infection and start treatment. For more information about “Can cats get kennel cough?”, please see the links below.
Source:
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951469
