Feline Bordetella

Often seen in catteries or shelters, Bordetella is most lethal to young kittens and whole litters have been known to die overnight because pneumonia can develop quickly. A kitten may seem fine and then be at death's door a few hours later.

Coughing in a cat is never normal. According to Dr. Janet Foley of UC Davis, "My (four) rule-outs for cat cough are pneumonia, heart failure, asthma, and Bordatellosis, all bad." Other symptoms that are often seen are difficulty breathing, discharge from nose and eyes, lack of energy, fever, and loss of appetite.

The only way to make a true diagnosis of Feline Bordetella is with a tracheal wash and culture and sensitivity, and your veterinarian has to send the sample in as "canine" because most labs don't have it on the feline charts. Read the rest of Kari Winter's experiences with this controversial disease.

Related Reading:

Respiratory Disease in Cats
Feline Infectious Diseases
Other Feline Health Resources