Feline Flu: Best Practices to Protect Your Cat from Coryza 2025

What do you do when your pet doesn't seem to be feeling well?

It's tough to watch. And if you're unsure about what’s wrong, you're not alone!

It took weeks of worry for a farmer to realize that his feline community was facing a severe outbreak of cat flu.

Gilles has many cats on his farm. Even though they aren't house pets, he still cares for them deeply. So when they started getting sick and disappearing one by one, he became increasingly worried...

One after another, his cats would wander off and not return.

Before losing them, he had noticed they looked unwell, but he didn’t realize the seriousness of the situation. He thought it was just a mild cold that would go away on its own. In a way, he was right—it was a cold, but it wasn’t going away...

One of the hardest things about caring for pets is that they can't tell us when they’re sick. They can’t explain if their sneezing is a minor issue or a sign of something more severe.

That’s why it’s up to us, as pet owners, to stay informed and recognize the early warning signs of potentially serious illnesses.

Can Cats Actually Catch the Flu?

The answer is no. If you have the flu and are worried about passing it to your cat, don’t be—human flu doesn’t spread to felines. However, cats can develop flu-like symptoms from other causes, and it's not your fault!

What Are the Different Types of Cat Flu?

Acute Coryza

Acute coryza refers to the sudden onset of nasal inflammation, often caused by cold weather or flu viruses.

Chronic Coryza

Chronic coryza occurs when nasal inflammation persists. It can be hereditary or triggered by allergies, infections, or nutritional deficiencies.

What Are the Common Causes of Acute Coryza?

If your cat suddenly starts sneezing with a runny nose, it’s likely dealing with acute coryza. Like in humans, this condition doesn’t appear out of nowhere—it’s usually caused by a virus. There are three main viruses responsible for cat flu.

Gilles' cats were infected by one of these viruses, but it took some time to determine which one.

Coryza and Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is the most common respiratory infection in cats. It is a form of herpesvirus that only affects felines and spreads through direct contact with infected fluids.

Like most herpes viruses, FVR remains dormant until stress triggers an outbreak, making it highly contagious when active.

Coryza and Calicivirus

Feline calicivirus is another common respiratory infection that can also affect the mouth, tongue, intestines, and musculoskeletal system.

There is a vaccine to reduce the risk of calicivirus, but it still spreads among feline populations, particularly in shelters or multi-cat homes.

H1N1 and Cat Flu

You may remember the H1N1 virus, also known as “swine flu,” which affected many people a few years ago. Cats can also contract this virus.

Coryza is one of the symptoms of H1N1, a strain of influenza that can affect humans, dogs, and ferrets as well. If your cat becomes ill, it's crucial to seek treatment quickly to prevent the virus from spreading within your home.

How Long Does Cat Flu Last?

On average, feline flu lasts between 7 and 10 days. Whether the flu is chronic or acute, coryza symptoms typically persist until the cat receives proper treatment or is removed from the cause (e.g., an allergen or infected environment). If a cat has FVR, the symptoms will last until the outbreak subsides or treatment is administered.

Understanding the root cause of your cat’s symptoms is crucial. As Gilles learned, some cases can be life-threatening. Once you know the cause, you can take the necessary steps to treat your cat effectively.

How to Treat Feline Flu?

The treatment for feline flu varies depending on the underlying cause. If you suspect your cat has H1N1 influenza or calicivirus, it's crucial to consult your veterinarian, as these viruses can be life-threatening.

Natural remedies can be highly effective in most cases of feline flu. Keep reading to discover natural solutions to help your cat recover.

How to Support Your Cat’s Recovery at Home?

If your cat has feline flu, boosting their immune system and alleviating symptoms naturally is essential. Here are four effective natural remedies to support their recovery:

1) Hydration: Key to a Speedy Recovery

Cats suffering from feline flu are prone to dehydration, especially if nasal congestion makes eating and drinking difficult. Staying hydrated helps:

• Thin mucus secretions to ease congestion.
• Prevent dehydration, which worsens symptoms.
• Support the immune system in fighting off the virus.

How to Encourage Your Cat to Drink?

• Add homemade chicken broth (unsalted and unseasoned) to their water.
• Provide wet food (canned food or homemade meals): Adding warm water to their food makes it more appetizing and easier to swallow.
• Use a water fountain: Having multiple water sources or a pet fountain can encourage your cat to drink more.
• Moisten their nose slightly to encourage them to lick and stay hydrated.
• Steam therapy: Bringing your cat into the bathroom while you take a hot shower creates a sauna effect, helping to relieve congestion.

🔹 Pro Tip: If your cat is very weak, offer small amounts of water via a syringe (without a needle), ensuring not to force it.

2) Propolis: A Natural Shield Against Infections

Propolis is a resin collected by bees with powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. For a cat with feline flu, propolis:

• Fights viral and bacterial infections.
• Soothes respiratory tract irritation.
• Boosts natural defenses.

💡 How to Administer It? Choose an alcohol-free propolis solution and mix a few drops into their water or food.

3) Thyme: A Natural Antiseptic

Thyme has powerful antiseptic and expectorant properties, making it ideal for easing feline flu symptoms.

• Clears airways by loosening mucus.
• Acts as an antibacterial and antiviral agent.
• Reduces nasal and bronchial inflammation.

💡 How to Use It? Brew organic thyme in hot water, let it cool, and add a few drops to your cat’s drinking water. You can also apply it to their nose using a cotton pad to help with breathing.

4) Echinacea: An Immune System Booster

Echinacea is known for its immune-boosting properties, helping fight infections and speed up recovery.

• Strengthens the immune system to fight viruses.
• Reduces symptom severity and duration.
• Promotes faster recovery.

💡 How to Administer? Use an alcohol-free liquid form and mix it into their food or water in small amounts.

🔹 Extra Tip: Keeping your cat hydrated and providing wet food helps accelerate recovery. Using a humidifier can also ease breathing difficulties.

With these four natural remedies, you can significantly improve your cat’s chances of overcoming feline flu quickly and naturally.

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Medical Treatments for Feline Flu

Medical Treatment for RVF and Feline Flu

There is no specific cure for RVF. Veterinary consultations focus on managing symptoms with medications tailored to each case.

Topical eye medications are often used for conjunctivitis and keratitis, while oral antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections.

Medical Treatment for Calicivirus and Feline Flu

Calicivirus can lead to pneumonia, which may require hospitalization. Treatments usually target symptoms rather than the virus itself.

Antiviral medications have limited effectiveness, but supportive care, including pain relief, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications, can help.

Medical Treatment for H1N1 and Feline Flu

Treatment options for feline H1N1 flu are limited. Supportive care such as antibiotics for secondary infections and fluid therapy for dehydration may be recommended.

How to Handle Feline Flu in a Kitten?

Just like human babies, kittens have weaker immune systems compared to adult cats, making them more vulnerable to illnesses. And when kittens get sick, their condition can worsen quickly.

It's essential to keep an eye on your litter and watch for signs of feline flu. If you notice your kittens have watery eyes and a runny nose, don’t wait. Start treatment as soon as possible to prevent their condition from deteriorating further.

If the kittens are already weaned, separate those showing symptoms from the others. This helps prevent the illness from spreading to the entire litter.

However, if they haven’t been weaned yet, stopping the spread of feline flu can be challenging. At this stage, kittens need close contact with their mother and siblings. The only exception is if a kitten exhibits severe symptoms. In such a case, consult your veterinarian to discuss a treatment plan, which may include bottle-feeding.

Conclusion

How concerned should I be about feline flu?

As we’ve learned from Gilles, feline flu can sometimes indicate serious health issues, potentially even life-threatening conditions. So, if your cat has a runny nose and watery eyes, monitor their condition closely.

Check the symptoms linked to different viruses (FHV, calicivirus, or H1N1) to help identify the cause of your cat's illness.

If your cat shows signs of a bacterial infection or severe pneumonia that may require antibiotics, seek veterinary advice promptly.

Remember, natural approaches to feline flu focus on strengthening overall health rather than just treating symptoms. Any product that supports your cat’s well-being can also help reduce the likelihood of severe symptoms.

Thanks to homeopathic remedies, Gilles was able to help his favorite cat recover.

Now, all the cats on the farm are healthy, and Gilles couldn’t be happier!

If you're worried about your pet's health, our Free Pet Health Recommendation can help. Our Natural Health Consultants provide expert guidance on the best products and treatments suited to your pet’s needs.