Cat owners warned of 'cute' behaviour that is red flag of fatal illness – Buckinghamshire Live

Cat owners have been warned to look out for one 'cute' sign in their pets which is actually a symptom of a potentially fatal illness. As colder surges hit, cats tend to huddle together indoors and outside, spiking cat flu transmission as colder weather drives higher feline respiratory infection rates.

Dave Martin, Group Director of Animal Welfare at IVC Evidensia, said there are subtle signs every cat owner should watch for. He said :“Cats have a reputation for being independent and even a bit aloof, so when a usually hands-off cat suddenly becomes very cuddly, it shouldn’t be overlooked.

"Cat flu is highly contagious between cats via respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces, making isolation essential if symptoms appear. The easiest way to stop your cat from getting severe cat flu is by getting them vaccinated – it’s the most effective protection against serious illness.

Owners should watch closely for sudden behavioural changes and contact a vet urgently if the cat or kitten is struggling to breathe, not eating, is extremely lethargic or multiple signs appear together, particularly in kittens, seniors, or cats with other health issues. Kittens are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. If their mum has been vaccinated, they’ll get some temporary immunity when they’re born, but this fades after a few weeks, so it’s important they receive their first course of vaccinations at around eight to nine weeks old.”

Wide, watery “Puss in Boots” eyes might look cute, but they can be a sign of conjunctivitis and eye discomfort. Tearful eyes, squinting, rapid blinking or pawing at the face are all warning signs that flu may be affecting your cat’s eyes.

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