Introduction

When your dog has kennel cough, you might wonder if your cat can catch it too. Kennel cough is a common respiratory infection in dogs, but what about cats? Understanding how this illness affects different pets helps you keep all your furry friends safe.

In this article, we’ll explore whether cats can get kennel cough, what symptoms to watch for, and how to protect your cat from respiratory infections. Let’s dive into the facts so you can care for your pets with confidence.

What Is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough, also called canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs. It causes inflammation of the throat and airways, leading to a harsh, hacking cough.

The illness spreads easily in places where dogs gather, like kennels, dog parks, or grooming salons. It’s caused by several bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus.

• Highly contagious among dogs

• Spread through airborne droplets or direct contact

• Usually mild but can be serious in puppies or dogs with weak immune systems

Can Cats Catch Kennel Cough?

While kennel cough mainly affects dogs, cats are generally not susceptible to the exact same infection. The primary bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica, can infect cats but usually causes different symptoms.

Cats can catch respiratory infections caused by similar bacteria or viruses, but these are not the classic kennel cough seen in dogs. Instead, cats may develop feline respiratory diseases that share some signs but require different treatment.

• Bordetella bronchiseptica

  can infect cats, causing mild respiratory symptoms

• Cats do not usually develop the harsh cough typical of kennel cough in dogs

• Feline respiratory infections often involve sneezing, nasal discharge, and eye irritation

Symptoms of Respiratory Infections in Cats

If your cat is exposed to respiratory bacteria or viruses, watch for these signs:

• Sneezing and coughing

• Runny or congested nose

• Watery or red eyes

• Loss of appetite or lethargy

• Difficulty breathing in severe cases

These symptoms can resemble kennel cough but usually indicate feline-specific infections like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus.

Treatment for Cats with Respiratory Symptoms

If your cat shows signs of respiratory illness, a vet visit is important. Treatment depends on the cause but may include:

• Antibiotics if a bacterial infection like

  Bordetella bronchiseptica

  is confirmed

• Supportive care such as fluids, nutrition, and rest

• Medications to relieve congestion or inflammation

• Isolation to prevent spread to other cats

Early treatment helps your cat recover faster and prevents complications.

How to Protect Your Cat from Respiratory Illness

Even though cats rarely get kennel cough, they can catch other respiratory infections. To keep your cat healthy:

• Keep your cat’s vaccinations up to date, including those for feline respiratory viruses

• Avoid close contact between sick dogs and cats

• Maintain clean living areas and good hygiene

• Isolate pets showing respiratory symptoms until cleared by a vet

Good preventive care reduces the risk of infections spreading between pets.

Can Cats Spread Kennel Cough to Dogs?

Cats infected with Bordetella bronchiseptica can potentially spread the bacteria to dogs, although this is uncommon. If your cat has respiratory symptoms and you have dogs, consult your vet to minimize risks.

Keeping all pets healthy and separated when sick helps prevent cross-species infections.

Conclusion

In summary, cats do not typically catch kennel cough as dogs do, but they can be infected by similar bacteria causing mild respiratory symptoms. Watching for signs and seeking veterinary care ensures your cat stays healthy.

By maintaining vaccinations, hygiene, and careful monitoring, you can protect your cat from respiratory illnesses and keep your whole household safe and happy.

FAQs

Can cats get kennel cough from dogs?

Cats rarely get kennel cough, but they can carry Bordetella bronchiseptica and develop mild respiratory symptoms. Direct transmission is uncommon but possible.

What symptoms should I watch for in my cat?

Look for sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, and lethargy. These signs suggest a respiratory infection needing veterinary attention.

Is there a vaccine for cats against kennel cough?

There is no specific kennel cough vaccine for cats, but vaccines protect against common feline respiratory viruses and bacteria.

How is kennel cough treated in cats?

Treatment involves antibiotics if bacterial infection is confirmed, plus supportive care like fluids and rest. Always consult your vet for diagnosis.

Can cats spread respiratory infections to dogs?

Yes, cats with Bordetella bronchiseptica can potentially spread bacteria to dogs, so keep sick pets separated and seek veterinary advice.