I adopted my 3-month-old kitten last Saturday from a rescue centre. He was fine at first, but the day before yesterday he started acting really strange. I took him to the vet yesterday for his booster jab, and they ended up diagnosing him with cat flu and a temperature of 39°C. The vet gave him an anti-inflammatory and an antibiotic, and now I have to give him half a doxycycline tablet every morning for six days.
When we got home from the vet, he seemed okay—he was playing, moving about, and so on—but then in the evening, he was back to square one. I called the rescue to tell them, but they said it’s normal because of the antibiotics; I’m not really convinced, though. I’m going to book an appointment with the vet for Monday, but what do you all think?
Translated from French
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I know I’m being a bit of a killjoy and it’s probably not what you want to hear right now, but the most important thing is to 'isolate' your cat so he doesn’t pass the illness on. No matter the form or cause, cat flu is extremely contagious! For now, you just have to trust your vet to get him better. Let’s hope it’s not feline herpes, which is incurable (though not necessarily fatal) but remains contagious and virulent for life... Above all, make sure you follow the medical protocol to the very end to avoid any complications, and if the diagnosis confirms it isn’t 'feline herpes virus', get him vaccinated straight away—then you won’t have any more worries! I wish you all the best with your cat!
It’s okay, we live in a flat so he doesn’t go out.
I’ve still booked an appointment for Monday at 9:15 am with a vet partnered with the rescue. I went to my own vet on Friday, but since they aren't affiliated, I won't be covered, even though it was the rescue that gave me a sick cat in the first place. I think he’s got much more than just cat flu, considering the state he’s in.
I couldn’t find an open vet or a chemist that stocks anti-inflammatories for kittens, so I’ll check again tomorrow when I’m at the shopping centre. Maybe one of the pharmacies open there will have what I’m looking for.
I really hope he pulls through; I’ve got really attached to him and losing him would be heartbreaking. I’m going to sleep by his side tonight.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi, thanks for your reply. I called the vet and they told me to take his temperature, but I'm at work until 8 pm so I'll do it then and see about heading to the chemist tomorrow if he’s running a high fever.
Hi there,
Cat flu is a common condition that vets are very experienced in treating. It’s something that needs to be taken seriously, and as with any medication, side effects can occur during the course of treatment. There are several potential side effects associated with antibiotics, and you can find these listed on the medication's information leaflet.
Please don't hesitate to keep your vet updated on your kitten’s general health, as they will be able to adjust the treatment if they feel it’s necessary.
Have a nice day,
Clara
