It’s a common concern for pet owners: can our beloved feline companions catch illnesses from their canine housemates? If you have both cats and dogs, you might have wondered, “Can Cats Get Kennel Cough From Dogs?” The short answer is yes, cats can indeed contract kennel cough, although it’s less prevalent in felines than in canines. While kennel cough might be just one of several reasons your cat might be coughing, any persistent cough in your cat warrants a prompt visit to the veterinarian. Understanding the nuances of kennel cough in cats, especially its transmission from dogs, is crucial for responsible pet ownership.
What Exactly is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, medically termed infectious tracheobronchitis, is an infection affecting the upper respiratory tract, specifically the trachea and bronchi. While most commonly associated with dogs – hence the name – it’s important to recognize that cats are also susceptible. This contagious respiratory illness is characterized by inflammation of the windpipe and larger air passages.
In dogs, kennel cough can be triggered by a multitude of viruses and bacteria. Among these, the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica stands out as a primary culprit. In fact, the terms “kennel cough” and “Bordetella” are often used interchangeably in canine contexts. Interestingly, Bordetella bronchiseptica is also the main infectious agent responsible for kennel cough in cats. This shared pathogen is a key reason why cats can indeed get kennel cough from dogs.
The Link Between Dogs and Cats: Can Cats Catch Kennel Cough from Dogs?
Yes, cats can absolutely contract kennel cough from infected dogs. The transmission of Bordetella bronchiseptica, the bacteria causing kennel cough, occurs through various routes, making cross-species infection possible. The primary modes of transmission include:
- Airborne droplets: Coughing and sneezing from infected animals (dogs or cats) release respiratory secretions into the air, which can then be inhaled by susceptible cats.
- Direct contact: Close interaction with an infected animal, such as nose-to-nose contact or mutual grooming, can facilitate the spread of the bacteria.
- Fomites (contaminated objects): Shared items like water and food bowls, toys, bedding, or even contaminated surfaces can harbor the bacteria and act as vectors for transmission between dogs and cats.
Because Bordetella bronchiseptica can readily jump between species, a dog with kennel cough can easily pass the infection to a cat living in the same household. Similarly, cats can transmit kennel cough to each other through the same mechanisms. While it’s also theoretically possible for dogs to catch kennel cough from cats, the transmission from dogs to cats is a more frequently discussed concern due to the higher prevalence of kennel cough in dogs.
Risk Factors for Cats Getting Kennel Cough
While any cat can potentially contract kennel cough, certain factors increase a feline’s susceptibility to infection. Understanding these risk factors can help you take preventative measures to protect your cat:
- Crowded Environments: Cats housed in crowded conditions are at a significantly higher risk. Shelters, animal rescues, boarding facilities, and pet stores, especially those with suboptimal hygiene practices, can be hotspots for respiratory infections like kennel cough.
- Multi-Pet Households: Cats living in homes with dogs, particularly dogs that frequently visit dog parks, boarding kennels, or other places where they might be exposed to kennel cough, are at increased risk. The presence of another pet that ventures outdoors or interacts with numerous animals raises the chances of exposure.
- Travel and Outdoor Access: Cats that travel frequently or are allowed outdoors have a greater chance of encountering infected animals, thus increasing their risk of contracting kennel cough.
- Weakened Immune System: Stress, poor ventilation in the home, and exposure to smoke can compromise a cat’s immune defenses, making them more vulnerable to infections, including kennel cough. Young kittens, senior cats, and cats with pre-existing health conditions that weaken their immune system are particularly susceptible.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Cats: What to Watch For
Recognizing the symptoms of kennel cough in cats is crucial for early intervention and treatment. While the severity of symptoms can vary, common signs to watch for include:
- Coughing: This is the hallmark symptom of kennel cough. The cough in cats may sound dry, hacking, or like a goose honk, similar to the cough seen in dogs with kennel cough.
- Sneezing and Runny Nose: Nasal discharge, ranging from clear to mucus-like, and frequent sneezing are common indicators of upper respiratory irritation.
- Eye Discharge and Eye Symptoms: Watery or mucus-like discharge from the eyes, along with conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), can occur.
- Lethargy and Reduced Appetite: General signs of illness, such as decreased energy levels, tiredness, and loss of interest in food, may be present.
- Fever: An elevated body temperature can indicate that the cat’s body is fighting an infection.
- Difficulty Breathing: In severe cases, particularly in vulnerable cats like kittens or those with underlying health issues, kennel cough can progress to pneumonia, leading to labored breathing or rapid breathing.
It’s important to distinguish a true cough from other sounds a cat might make, such as retching or gagging associated with hairballs. Hairballs originate from the stomach and are usually accompanied by a different sound than a respiratory cough. While occasional hairballs are normal, persistent coughing should always be evaluated by a vet.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Kennel Cough in Felines
If you observe any coughing or respiratory symptoms in your cat, it’s imperative to schedule a veterinary appointment promptly. A cough in cats should never be ignored, as it can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, some of which are serious.
Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination of your cat. Based on the exam findings, your cat’s history, and the observed symptoms, the vet may recommend diagnostic tests to confirm kennel cough or rule out other potential causes of coughing. These tests might include:
- Bloodwork: To assess the cat’s overall health and check for signs of infection.
- Radiographs (X-rays): Chest X-rays can help visualize the lungs and rule out pneumonia or other respiratory conditions like asthma or heart disease.
- Swabs of the Throat or Nasal Discharge: Samples can be collected and sent to a laboratory to identify the specific infectious agent, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, and determine antibiotic sensitivity if bacteria are present.
Fortunately, most cases of kennel cough in cats are mild and respond well to veterinary treatment. Common treatments include:
- Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection like Bordetella is confirmed or suspected, antibiotics are typically prescribed to combat the bacteria.
- Cough Suppressants: Medications to help relieve coughing and make the cat more comfortable.
- Immune System Supplements: In some cases, supplements to boost the cat’s immune system may be recommended.
- Hospitalization: Cats with severe symptoms, pneumonia, or difficulty breathing may require hospitalization for more intensive care, including oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids.
Never administer any medications to your cat without consulting your veterinarian first. Many human medications and even some pet medications can be toxic to cats.
Preventing Kennel Cough in Your Cat (and Minimizing Transmission from Dogs)
While there’s no foolproof way to completely eliminate the risk of kennel cough, several measures can significantly reduce your cat’s chances of getting infected and prevent transmission between your pets:
- Hygiene Practices: Practice good hygiene, especially if you interact with other animals outside your home. Wash your hands thoroughly after petting dogs or cats, particularly if they are sick or from an unknown environment. Teach children the importance of handwashing as well.
- Isolation of Sick Pets: If one of your pets (dog or cat) is diagnosed with kennel cough, isolate them from healthy pets to prevent further spread. Use separate food and water bowls and clean shared areas thoroughly.
- Minimize Exposure to High-Risk Environments: If possible, limit your cat’s exposure to crowded environments like shelters or boarding facilities, especially if you know there’s a risk of respiratory infections.
- Vaccination (Considerations): While a Bordetella vaccine exists for cats, it’s not routinely recommended due to the lower incidence and typically milder nature of kennel cough in cats. Veterinarians usually reserve it for specific high-risk situations, like young kittens in shelter environments. However, ensuring your cat is up-to-date on core feline vaccines for other common respiratory viruses (like feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus) is a good way to support their overall respiratory health. Discuss vaccination options with your vet based on your cat’s individual risk factors.
- Maintain Good Overall Health: Providing your cat with a balanced diet, fresh water, a stress-free environment, and regular veterinary check-ups strengthens their immune system and makes them less susceptible to infections. Keeping your cat indoors can also reduce their exposure to pathogens and other risks.
While kennel cough is less common in cats than in dogs, the answer to “can cats get kennel cough from dogs?” is a definite yes. Being informed about the risks, symptoms, and preventive measures is essential for every pet owner. If your cat develops a cough or other signs of illness, prompt veterinary attention, combined with supportive home care, will help them recover quickly and return to their playful, purrfect selves.
