Feline rhinotrachetitis in cats
Feline rhinotracheitis is a common condition among cats and kittens, and together with feline calcivirus can cause “cat flu”.
Feline chlamydia is the name of the infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia felis. It causes chlamydial conjunctivitis in cats and kittens which primarily affects the eyes but can also cause issues with the nose and throat.
When your cat or kitten has chlamydial conjunctivitis, they'll have a variety of symptoms. You should always look out for:
Often eye infections in the form of conjunctivitis are combined with upper respiratory tract infections (URIs). Grouped together, this is often referred to as "cat flu" and is caused by several different infections.
Most commonly, this includes feline herpes (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) ), which are both viruses and are very common in the cat population. Bacteria such as Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma can also contribute.
The primary way a cat catches feline chlamydia is from other cats. It will normally be from close contact with cats who are already infected with the bacteria Chlamydia felis. It is found more often among kittens and in cat shelters, where cats spend a lot of time in close quarters.
Yes - as it's passed between cats, if you have multiple cats in the house, they're at risk and they might all need treatment.
Although very rare, there are recorded cases of Chlamydia felis being passed between cats and humans. If you're living with an infected cat, you should be vigilant about washing your hands after petting your cat. If you develop runny eyes, you should see a doctor, explain the situation and they should be able to offer treatment.
Thankfully, feline chlamydia is very easy to treat. You can discuss treatment options with your veterinarian who will prescribe treatment for your cat. If you have other cats in the house, they may recommend that other cats are treated too.
The vaccination for Chlamydia felis isn't routinely given by veterinarians but may be recommended after a risk assessment. The veterinarian will look at your kitten's lifestyle, specifically whether they'll be going outdoors and if they'll be in contact with other cats. They will then put in place a recommended vaccination plan and schedule. Find out more about kitten and cat vaccinations, in our guide. If your new kitten is likely to be around other cats, it's important to speak to your veterinarian about getting them vaccinated for all the causes of cat flu.
If you have any concerns about your cat’s health, consult a vet for professional advice.
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