This infectious disease of the cat is recognizable by its very specific symptoms that can also make you suspect a coryza. It is therefore essential to consult the veterinarian as soon as a nasal and/or ocular discharge is noticed in the animal. But the symptoms of chlamydia do not stop there. Let's review the causes of this feline pathology, its manifestations, the solutions to cure infected cats. Let's also take the opportunity to review the ways to prevent feline chlamydia.
What is feline chlamydia?
Feline chlamydia is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydophila felis. It is essentially transmitted from a carrier cat to a healthy cat through secretions from the nose (nasal) and eyes (ocular).
Feline Chlamydia: Symptoms to be aware of
A cat with feline chlamydia first develops unilateral and then rapidly bilateral conjunctivitis, which manifests itself as a purulent discharge from the eyes. This is accompanied by discharge from the nose as mucus escapes from the nostrils. Subsequently, the cat sneezes and the sneezing attacks intensify. The eyelids become swollen, which means that they swell up due to the inflammation, which also leads to a reddening of the eye area. Sometimes the swelling is so severe that the cat cannot even open its eyes.
The cat is usually feverish at this stage. It eats less than before, seems to have lost its appetite completely, and is no longer lively. The cat's state of fatigue intensifies.
The disease leads to other manifestations such as breathing difficulties. The sick cat then multiplies the dry coughing fits and sneezes even more frequently. If at this stage he does not benefit from any veterinary care, his health is very exposed because, in the absence of treatment, the feline chlamydia leads to :
- Serious complications at the :
- pulmonary,
- renal,
- cardiac.
- A chronicity of certain respiratory pathologies.
There are even cases of miscarriage in female cats and infertility in both sexes following untreated feline chlamydia.
It is extremely important not to wait to consult a veterinarian.
How do you treat a cat with chlamydia?
The symptoms of feline chlamydia can, at least in the early stages of the disease, be mistaken for those of coryza. Many owners don't worry too much, believing that it's just a bad moment to pass and that their little friend will eventually get better on its own. This is a mistake! Feline chlamydia does not heal without treatment. Worse, it gets worse and puts the animal's health at risk. In some cases, fortunately quite rare, it can even be fatal.
The diagnosis of feline chlamydia is not easy during a simple auscultation. It usually requires additional examinations. The presence of the bacterium is confirmed by analysis of samples of the fluid draining from the eyes of the sick cat.
The treatment of this infectious disease is based on :
- Antibiotics,
- An adapted eyewash,
- Fumigation.
This protocol allows to get rid of the germ in question and to calm down the symptoms little by little until they disappear completely, which lets predict the cure of the cat. To obtain good results, it is therefore necessary to :
- Consult the veterinarian as soon as possible,
- Give the cat the treatment prescribed by the veterinarian, respecting the dosage and duration to the letter, even if the symptoms seem to fade. Do not discontinue treatment without the advice of the practitioner who prescribed it.
A cat that is treated and completely cured is still a carrier of the disease. It is therefore likely to contaminate many other cats.
Can this infectious cat disease be prevented?
Vaccination is the best way to limit the risk of contamination with the bacteria that causes feline chlamydia. It is very important to have your cat vaccinated as soon as possible. This act can be reimbursed by a mutual insurance company for pets, totally or partially depending on the chosen formula. You should not hesitate to insure your small animal to protect it because this disease, let's remember, can be serious.
As a general rule, the vaccine against feline chlamydia is administered at the same time as those against coryza and typhus. One must be very careful when owning several cats because this disease can become a real problem because of the ease with which unvaccinated cats can be contaminated.
Finally, it is important to be aware that in order for your cat to stay healthy, it is essential that his body be able to defend itself against germs and bacteria. To do so, the animal must benefit from good care, which implies a regular veterinary follow-up but also a very good quality food perfectly adapted to its needs.
To know all the preventive measures to take in order to save the good health of your cat, whatever its age, and consequently prolong its life expectancy, do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice.
