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