My cats have cat flu. Is it worth isolating them if they're exposed?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, I would isolate the infected sick cats. But if all 7 are sick I don't see a point to isolate them as they all h ave the same thing. I do not think they will re-infect each other. Good luck!

Yes, it's best to keep him in and isolated from your cat while he gets over the infection. These infections are quite easily spread from one cat to the other and it's very difficult to prevent transmission in the same household; but you can try to isolate the sick cat away from your healthy one for at-least one week after the infection appears to have resolved. They spread it through nose-to-nose contact, so avoiding this is most important for avoiding transmission. I hope that help and FuiFui gets well soon.

Hi. It sounds like you are doing a great job with what you are doing. Your other cats are likely already exposed to what Mario has, but when he gets back if you can keep him in a room away from the others until he stops sneezing that would help. I would also get some lysine from your vet for your other cats to boost their immune system.

It's highly possible that they're all experiencing a flare-up of feline herpesvirus, which tends to produce mild upper respiratory signs such as sneezing and ocular discharge. Most cats already have the virus in their bodies but don't have symptoms, but living in a stressful environment (shelters) or going through stressful events (having a new cat brought home) can trigger recurrence of the active infection. If it's been a week and a half they likely do need to see the vet, however most of them will improve with supplementation with the amino acid lysine and supportive care.

You can try starting them on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight.

It sounds like they might have a viral upper respiratory infection. Initial symptoms appear 2-17 days after exposure and reach maximum severity about 10 days later. Typically, your cat will have severe bouts of sneezing lasting 1-2 days, followed by conjunctivitis, watery discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, apathy, and loss of appetite. Some cats may have only mild symptoms, while other cats can become quite ill. Most cats with an uncomplicated upper respiratory infection can be treated symptomatically at home. Home care includes keeping your cats warm and comfortable and making sure they are eating and drinking. Offer highly palatable foods with a strong smell, such as fish-flavored canned foods or strained chicken or turkey baby food. Clean secretions from the eyes, nose, and mouth with moist cotton balls as often as needed. Humidify the air with a vaporizer or humidifier. Seek prompt medical attention for any cat that has mucoid or purulent discharge from the eyes or nose as it may have a bacterial infection. Also seek veterinary attention if one of your cats is refusing to eat or drink, is losing weight, has a high fever, seems weak, develops vomiting or diarrhea, or is having trouble breathing.

Frisbee's sneezing and watery eyes could be due to viral infections (such as calicivirus or herpesvirus - not contagious to humans), bacterial upper respiratory infections, or topical irritation/mild allergies. I'm glad to hear that he's still eating well and active! Fortunately, none of these possible issues are contagious to humans and viruses are most commonly specific to a single species. You can try an over the counter L-lysine amino acid supplement (Viralys is one example) to attempt to help with any shedding from some of the viruses mentioned. Ideally your vet should examine Frisbee to assure that he does not have a bacterial upper respiratory infection that may require antibiotics for treatment. Your vet may also discuss antihistamine options for Frisbee. I hope that he's on the mend soon!