2022-11-09

It is flu season for Fluffy too

Kelly Inglis, manager

SHAID Tree Animal Shelter

Here at SHAID Tree Animal Shelter, and all shelters across the nation, kitty flu season has arrived.

Comparable to children passing around a cold virus at school, upper respiratory infections are very common in shelter settings; when one cat starts sneezing, it quickly passes on to the others.

It has been estimated that over 80 per cent of the entire cat population carries a dormant strain of the upper respiratory virus. Cats are well known to be emotionally fragile creatures, and when a cat feels stressed, it can start spreading the virus and subsequently develop the symptoms: watery eyes, sneezing, and mucus from the nose.

Upper respiratory infections usually pass through healthy cats within 10-14 days; some will show mild symptoms of watery eyes, sneezing, and snotty noses while others will have no symptoms at all.

Provided your cat is still eating, drinking, pooping and peeing, there is no need for a vet visit.

You can help them feel better by keeping them extra warm and cozy, giving them small treats of warmed chicken broth, putting a warm compress on their stuffy noses, and many veterinarians also recommend a daily dose of powdered Lycine on their food.

If your cat develops a green or brown mucus-y discharge, and/or becomes lethargic and not interested in food, then it is time to call your vet and book an appointment for antibiotics and a treatment plan.

A reminder that SHAID Tree Animal Shelter is hosting a Christmas Open House and inviting the entire community to come on out to 950 Mullock Road in Whynotts Settlement on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a complimentary barbecue, sandwich platters, homemade Christmas snacks and desserts, hot mulled cider and other beverages.

It's also the perfect time to pick up your 2023 SHAID calendar for $20, and your 2022 SHAID Tree Lottery tickets for your chance to win $25,000, a 2023 Honda Rancher ATV, or a $500 Giant Tiger shopping spree! Santa Claus, himself, will be here, along with SHAID staff, volunteers, and directors, and of course, our shelter greeter, Crumpet the cat.