If your cat has started sneezing, squinting or going off their food as the cold weather sets in, you are not imagining a winter pattern. Cat flu tends to flare when the temperature drops and cats spend more time huddled together indoors. It is one of the most common reasons Aussie owners end up at the vet over the cooler months, and the good news is that a bit of know-how goes a long way.
What is cat flu, really?
“Cat flu” is the everyday name for feline upper respiratory disease. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with human influenza and you cannot catch it from your cat. According to RSPCA Australia, two viruses — feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus — are responsible for around 90% of cases, with the rest caused by certain bacteria.
The symptoms look a lot like a heavy human cold, which is where the nickname comes from. Kittens and older cats tend to be hit hardest because their immune systems are less robust.
Signs to watch for this winter
Cat flu usually shows up as a cluster of cold-like signs. Common ones include:
- Sneezing and a runny nose
- Watery or gunky eyes, sometimes with conjunctivitis
- Mouth or tongue ulcers (more typical of calicivirus)
- Dribbling, loss of appetite and a general flat mood
- Fever and, in worse cases, a hoarse or lost voice
A blocked, sore nose is a big deal for cats because they rely heavily on smell to want to eat. A cat that stops eating for more than a day can go downhill quickly, so appetite is worth watching closely.
Why the cold months make it worse
Winter does not create the virus, but it does help it spread. Cats curl up closer together for warmth, indoor households share bowls and bedding, and stress plays a hidden role. RSPCA Australia notes that many cats become life-long carriers after infection and can shed the virus during stressful periods — a cattery stay over the school holidays, a house move, or a new pet in the home. Stress also dampens the immune system, making a fresh infection more likely to take hold.
The virus spreads by direct contact through saliva, tears and nasal discharge, and indirectly via shared food bowls, litter trays, bedding and even your hands. That makes multi-cat homes, shelters and boarding facilities the classic hot spots.
How to help a cat with cat flu at home
There is no magic cure that kills these viruses, so treatment is about supportive care while your cat’s own immune system does the work. Things that genuinely help:
- Gently wipe away eye and nose discharge with a warm, damp cloth
- Tempt appetite with warmed, strong-smelling food such as fish or a favourite wet food
- Keep fresh water up and watch for dehydration
- Set up a warm, draught-free resting spot away from other pets
- Sitting with your cat in a steamy bathroom can ease a stuffy nose
See a vet promptly if your cat stops eating, is a young kitten, seems lethargic or dehydrated, has laboured breathing, or is not improving after a couple of days. Secondary bacterial infections may need antibiotics, and severe cases sometimes need fluids or antiviral medication. This article is general information only — consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis or treatment specific to your pet.
Prevention: your best winter defence
Vaccination is the single most useful step. The core F3 vaccine covers feline herpesvirus and calicivirus (plus panleukopenia). RSPCA Australia advises kittens start their course from around eight weeks of age, with boosters as often as your vet recommends. Vaccination will not always stop infection outright, but vaccinated cats generally get milder signs and shed less virus.
Beyond the needle, a few practical habits lower the risk:
- Keep bowls, bedding and litter trays clean, and wash your hands between cats
- Reduce stress around big changes like boarding or a house move
- Isolate a sneezing cat from housemates where you can
- Book boarding early so your cattery’s vaccination requirements are sorted before the holiday rush
Frequently asked questions
Can I catch cat flu from my cat?
No. The viruses that cause cat flu are specific to cats and do not infect people. You can, however, carry the virus between cats on your hands or clothing, so hygiene still matters in multi-cat homes.
Does cat flu ever go away completely?
Most cats recover from the acute illness within one to two weeks, but many stay life-long carriers of feline herpesvirus. Flare-ups can return during stressful times, often looking milder than the first bout.
Is cat flu more common in winter?
Owners often notice more cases in the cooler months. The virus itself is around all year, but close indoor contact and seasonal stress make spread and flare-ups more likely.
My indoor cat never goes out — do they still need vaccinating?
Yes. Carrier cats can shed virus without looking sick, and the virus can travel indoors on hands, clothing and shared items. Talk to your vet about the right schedule for your cat.
Key takeaways
- Cat flu is feline upper respiratory disease, driven mostly by feline herpesvirus and calicivirus — not human flu.
- Watch for sneezing, runny eyes and nose, mouth ulcers and loss of appetite, especially in kittens and senior cats.
- Winter spreads it faster through close indoor contact, shared items and stress.
- Treatment is supportive care at home plus prompt vet help if your cat stops eating or worsens.
- Vaccination (F3) is the best prevention and keeps signs milder even if your cat is infected.
