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Viral Infections Fighter Pack

Felimm, Resp-Aid & Natures Immuno

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Cat flu season: viral infections in colder months

Vet Talks 4 min read
Photo of a tabby cat sleeping on gray sheets with eyes closed and looking sick as a representation of cat flu and respiratory viruses in pets.

As humans, we know too well that when the temperatures start to drop, flu season is just around the corner. As pet parents, we might be worried that the same can happen to our little ones. Even though there is a chance of higher infection of kennel cough in dogs or cat flu near the holidays, you should have your eyes out for respiratory viruses affecting your pet all year round. 

Higher risk of respiratory infections in pets

The truth of the matter is that your furkiddo can catch a respiratory virus anywhere and at any time. But there is usually a higher number of pets spending time with other animals in kennel or cattery boarding during the holidays when fur parents are out visiting the family. And that is why we can see an increase in the infection rate of diseases like kennel cough or cat flu near the holiday season.

We can see an increase in the infection rate of diseases like kennel cough or cat flu near the holiday season.

So if you think your little one might be sick, please separate them from other pets and visit a veterinarian. Typical signs of cat flu and kennel cough, like sneezing, can be present in many conditions, such as asthma, allergies and even nasal tumors. A thorough examination by a specialist will give you a confirmed diagnosis, so you can know whether or not to quarantine your pet from other furkiddos.

Vaccination ahead of the season may help protect your little one against viral infections. Boosting your little one’s immune system and keeping their blood panels up to date is also a great proactive measure. Lastly avoiding overcrowded places and contact with sick animals are great ways to prevent your cat from catching a cold or flu or your pup from getting kennel cough.  

How can cat flu affect your little one? 

Feline rhinotracheitis, or cat flu, is an upper respiratory infection that affects domestic cats and demands special attention. That’s because once infected, the animal becomes a carrier of the virus for life. The feline flu can remain dormant and return to cause symptoms during periods of stress and weakened immunity. 

Once infected, the animal becomes a carrier of the virus for life.

Some of the most common symptoms of cat flu are fever, constant sneezing, tearing eyes, difficulty breathing, coryza and injuries inside the mouth. Just like us humans, sick cats also tend to lose their ability to smell or taste food, which can really affect their appetite. But it’s really important to make sure they are ingesting enough nutrients to strengthen their body and immune system. 

To help entice your sick cat to eat, we suggest adding a little bone broth (specific for cats) to their food and using high-quality canned food that has high palatability. You can also consider giving NHV Yucca for its natural appetite-stimulant properties. 

Photo of a ginger tabby cat sneezing as a representation of common signs of cat flu.

Helping your kitty recover from the flu

It’s heartbreaking to see our little one struggling with the symptoms of respiratory viruses. But as pet parents, we need to stay strong and offer our support. These are some easy ways to make sure your kitty is more comfortable as they fight off the flu:

  • Offer fresh water: feline flu can cause dehydration very quickly, so it’s important to keep your cat hydrated.
  • Provide a warm place: It is essential to provide heat with a blanket or at room temperature.
  • Clean the cat’s eyes and nose: use gauze and saline solution to clean areas such as the nose and eyes (it is important to use clean gauze for each area and not the same one, it will help to avoid contamination). If nasal congestion is severe, apply saline solution inside of the nostrils. 
  • Give extra eye health support: In some cases, if there is the presence of conjunctivitis, you will have to apply eye drops prescribed by the vet. Discuss with your vet a natural option like NHV Ey-Eas in cases where a corneal ulcer isn’t present. 
  • Let your feline friend rest: prioritize the cat’s rest without walking or playing as usual. The body is weak and needs to recover fully to a regular routine.

Natural support for cat flu & respiratory infections

The best way to support your cat’s recovery is inside out. Natural herbal supplements alongside a balanced diet can help offer the nutrients they need to stay strong and power through influenza. 

NHV Felimm is a herbal blend that contains ingredients, like St. John’s wort, with strong antiviral properties. Some studies have revealed that pre-treatment with this plant extract may reduce viral titers (amount).

NHV Resp-Aid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help ease chest and nose congestion, support healthy breathing and help fight infections. Therefore, it would benefit pets suffering from respiratory diseases like Kennel Cough. 

NHV Natures Immuno has antiviral and antibacterial properties. So, pets with respiratory diseases caused by viruses or bacteria can benefit from this blend of five mushrooms.


If you have any questions about cat flu, kennel cough in dogs or any other respiratory viral infections in pets, we are here to help. As a matter of fact, we would love to offer support with any health concerns you may have as a pet parent. Press the button below and let someone on our team extend a helping hand or paw! 

Dr. Amanda Nascimento DVM, MVSc, PhD

Dr. Amanda Nascimento DVM, MVSc, PhD

Dr. Amanda completed her undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine in 2010 and graduate studies in veterinary pathology (MVSc. 2012 and PhD 2016) at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo. She completed her post-doctoral training at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Saskatchewan in 2018. Dr. Nascimento will be hosting her own blog series and sharing her knowledge with our extended NHV family.

Published: October 4, 2022

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