🤧 Can Dogs Get Cat Flu? Understanding Cross-Species Illness in Pets

If you’ve got both cats and dogs at home, you might wonder — can dogs catch cat flu? It’s a fair question, especially if your dog starts sneezing or showing cold-like symptoms after your cat has been unwell.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• What “cat flu” actually is
• Whether it can spread to dogs
• Similar symptoms in dogs
• How to protect your pets
• When to speak to a vet (including from home, via Dial A Vet)

🧬 What Is Cat Flu?

“Cat flu” is a common term used to describe upper respiratory infections in cats, usually caused by a virus or bacteria. It’s not a single illness, but a group of infections that cause cold-like symptoms in felines.

The two most common viral causes:

• Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)
• Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Other bacteria that may be involved:

• Chlamydophila felis
• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Mycoplasma felis

🧪 Symptoms of Cat Flu

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth ulcers (Calicivirus)
• Eye infections or swelling (Herpesvirus)

🐶 Can Dogs Catch Cat Flu?

In most cases, no — dogs cannot get “cat flu” caused by FHV-1 or FCV. These viruses are species-specific, meaning they affect only cats.

However, there are exceptions:

1. Bordetella bronchiseptica

• This bacterium can infect both cats and dogs.
• It’s one of the causes of kennel cough in dogs.
• If a cat with Bordetella sneezes or shares food bowls with a dog, there’s a small chance of transmission.

🟡 Risk level: Low to moderate
🔁 Transmission: Direct contact, airborne droplets, shared bowls or beds

2. Mycoplasma spp.

• Some Mycoplasma bacteria can infect multiple species.
• Cross-species spread is possible but uncommon.

📌 Summary: Can Dogs Get Cat Flu?

• Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): ❌ Does not infect dogs – species-specific
• Feline Calicivirus (FCV): ❌ Does not infect dogs – only affects cats
• Bordetella bronchiseptica: ✅ Can infect dogs and cats – possible cross-infection in shared environments
• Mycoplasma felis: ✅ Rarely infects dogs – cross-species infection is uncommon but possible
• Chlamydophila felis: ❌ Does not infect dogs – no known dog transmission

🤔 Why Does My Dog Have Cold-Like Symptoms Then?

If your dog is sneezing, coughing, or has a runny nose, it could be due to:

1. Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)

• Also known as kennel cough
• Common causes:
  • Bordetella bronchiseptica
  • Canine parainfluenza virus
  • Canine adenovirus
  • Canine influenza virus

🟠 Often contracted in:

• Dog parks
• Kennels
• Grooming salons
• Multi-pet households

2. Environmental Irritants

• Smoke, dust, strong cleaning products, or perfumes can irritate your dog’s airways.

3. Allergies

• Pollen, grass, food, or dust mites may trigger sneezing and watery eyes.

4. Canine Influenza Virus

• A highly contagious respiratory virus
• Symptoms include coughing, fever, lethargy, and nasal discharge
• Not related to cat flu, but looks similar

🧼 How to Prevent Illness in Multi-Pet Homes

If your cat is sick with flu-like symptoms:

• Keep food and water bowls separate
• Avoid shared bedding during the infection
• Clean litter trays daily and wear gloves
• Wash hands after handling each pet
• Disinfect surfaces like floors, counters, and carriers

💡 Most feline viruses are not contagious to dogs, but bacteria like Bordetella are — so hygiene matters.

🐾 What If Both My Cat and Dog Are Sick?

If both pets are showing symptoms, it's likely that:

• A shared bacterial infection (like Bordetella) is at play
• They’ve both been exposed to contaminated environments
• It’s coincidental, and they have separate issues

Only a veterinary assessment can determine the cause.

👩‍⚕️ When to Speak to a Vet

Book a consultation if your dog (or cat):

• Is sneezing or coughing for more than 2 days
• Has nasal or eye discharge
• Shows signs of lethargy or fever
• Has stopped eating or drinking
• Has trouble breathing or is wheezing

💡 Dial A Vet can assess respiratory symptoms via video and recommend over-the-counter solutions or in-person follow-up only if needed.

📞 How Dial A Vet Can Help

You don’t have to guess whether it’s cat flu or something else. Our $49 online consults give you:

• Fast access to licensed Australian vets
• Expert advice on respiratory symptoms
• Recommendations for OTC meds or home care
• Guidance on whether your dog needs antibiotics or isolation

👉 Book Now

✅ Home Care Tips While You Wait

• Hydration: Make sure your dog is drinking — use chicken broth if needed
• Humidifier: Helps relieve nasal and sinus discomfort
• Wipe away discharge with a soft, damp cloth
• Limit walks if coughing is present
• Keep them warm and rested

If symptoms worsen or persist, seek veterinary advice quickly.

🧠 FAQs

Q1: Can my dog catch a cold from my cat?
No — the viruses that cause “cat flu” don’t affect dogs, but some bacteria (like Bordetella) can.

Q2: Should I separate my pets if one is sick?
Yes — especially if your cat or dog is showing sneezing, coughing, or discharge. Wash your hands between handling them.

Q3: Can I catch cat flu or kennel cough?
Very rarely. Bordetella can infect immunocompromised people, but this is uncommon. Always practice good hygiene.

Q4: My dog sounds congested. Is this serious?
Possibly. If there's wheezing, nasal discharge, or breathing issues, book a vet consult immediately.

Q5: How long does kennel cough or respiratory illness last?
Mild cases resolve in 7–10 days. More severe ones may take longer and require vet treatment.

📚 Citations

1. Australian Veterinary Association. (2023). Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats and Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.ava.com.au
2. RSPCA Australia. (2023). Kennel Cough and Respiratory Illnesses in Pets. Retrieved from https://www.rspca.org.au
3. MSD Veterinary Manual. (2024). Bordetella bronchiseptica in Dogs and Cats. Retrieved from https://www.msdvetmanual.com

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