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What is feline flu?
Feline flu is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract but can also infect the bronchi and lungs. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted directly through sneezing and the secretion of body fluids. Feline flu can also be spread indirectly on food bowls, bedding, litter boxes, and grooming brushes, etc. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny eyes or nose, fever, and mouth or tongue ulcers.
Cats who have had feline flu will be lifetime carriers of the virus. Therefore vaccinations against feline flu are essential as, without them, your cat may contract pneumonia which can be fatal. Home remedies for cats with flu can help your cat recover more quickly from the condition.
Treatment
Although the infection cannot be cured, conventional treatment typically involves medications such as antibiotics or eye drops. In severe cases, if your cat experiences eating or drinking difficulties, force-feeding or intravenous therapy may be required.
There are several ways to control the symptoms of feline flu and home remedies for cats with flu can play an important role in relieving symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and promoting quicker recovery in a gentle, safe manner.
Homoeopathic remedies
Remedies with ingredients such as borax, phosphorus, and pulsatilla promote respiratory health and boost the immune system. They are completely safe for kittens, pregnant, and senior cats without any harmful side effects.
Borax is a mineral which beneficial for mouth ulcers and cold sores. Phosphorus, commonly known as calcium phosphate, is used for severe coughs and a sore throat, whereas pulsatilla helps to cure weepy eyes, cough and colds, congested catarrh, and a blocked nose.
If you want to buy ready-made natural remedies, FCV Protect from Pet Alive is a good choice. It relieves symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. It contains the above-mentioned ingredients and comes in granule form. Simply sprinkle on the back of your cat’s tongue. For more information on how to administer home remedies to cats click the link.
FeliSafe is a homeopathic remedy to relieve cat flu symptoms such as feline sneezing, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. It will also help protect your cat’s immune system when fighting viral infections, alleviate nausea and vomiting and restore normal appetite. It increases levels of iron in the blood and improves rehydration.
Alternatively, if your cat is suffering from eye and nasal discharge, use salt water to wipe it away meticulously. Also, give your cat a chamomile steam bath to help relieve any nasal congestion or let your cat inhale the steam from your bath or shower.
For a steam bath put your kitty into a mesh cage and suspend about 1m above a bowl of hot water with the herbal infusion. Throw a large heavy towel over the top of the cage that covers all sides and prevents vapors from escaping. Finish the treatment after 10 minutes.
Diet
To help your cat recover feed high-quality commercial food or, even better, a natural diet without any preservatives, additives, or colorants. To overcome the loss of appetite, feed your cat strong-smelling foods, e.g. fish in small amounts. Ensure that fresh, clean drinking water is always available and encourage your cat to drink regularly.
Also make sure the sleeping place is comfortable and warm, but well ventilated. Keep this area as clean as possible and clean the litter box and food bowls regularly.
These measures, together with the home remedies for cats with flu discussed above, will help your cat to make a speedy recovery.