Do cats get the flu/colds? Dolly was sick and gave it to Spunky...based on what I describe below wha

trudy1

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Here's the background: Spunky and Dolly are both inside/never out cats, both are up to date with all shots

Story: Dolly came down with sneezes, rubbing nose and one eye runny (clear, not colored matted material)...the vet said she was running 1/2 degree fever...she got a shot of antibiotic and within 3-4 days she was all cleared up BUT...since they groom each other a lot now Dolly has the same symptoms and we put her on antibiotic pills $18 vs Spunkys $84 vet visit/shot.

The question: Any ideas what this sound like?  If it is the flu/cold..where would they get it since they are not around other cats?  The vet said cold.  Another odd thing is that all us humans in the family just got through with the real flu about the time Spunky came down with what ever he had.
 

stephanietx

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Yes, upper respiratory infections are contagious in cats, just like in humans.  It's possible that they came in contact with the virus from you, if you've been around another sick kitty, or from another person who has a sick cat.  Also, stress can induce upper respiratory infections.
 

klag

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Four of my cats have the same symptoms, started with one and spread to the others.  Do they all need to go to the vet?  The ones who got it first 4 days ago are almost fully cleared up, just a few lingering sneezes.  One of my cats is a feral rescue that cannot go to the vet without being fully anesthetized - he just got it yesterday.  He is also CRF.
 

klag

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Forgot to mention they are all indoor kitties, never go outside.  One came back from the vet recently from a checkup and probably brought it home.
 
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