Does Betty Blue have the flu?

[Soledad]

Little Betty is coughing (at least that's what I think she's doing) and sneezing. There is no mucus or discharge, but I'm still freaking out. It's only been happening today.

I will be taking her to the vet, but do you guys have any advice in the mean time???

[Karen]

How are her eyes, are they clear? Is she interacting with Boo much? If she isn't yet, I'd keep them seperate, in case it's comtagious - nothing as miserable as sharing a cold ... or Upper Respiratory infection or whatever ...

Is she eating, drinking and eliminating normally?

[Soledad]

She's eating, drinking and peeing/pooping. Her eyes are clear and she's plenty energetic and interactive, with the typical kitten pattern of bursts of energy and solid sleeping.

What do you think it is??

[Russian Blue]

Until you know for sure what is going on with the kitten, keep her isolated from Boo. Things spread so easily between cats.

Let us know what the vet says.

[NoahsMommy]

I would talk to a vet...it could just be something like asthma from running around. Basie gets that way when he gets all excited-not coughing, but breathing wierd.

[Soledad]

I think she might have kennel cough.

I'm going to make an appointment for tomorrow since the vet has been booked out yesterday and today.

I've been doing some research on the internet and it seems like there is some controversy over the kennel cough vaccine. Has anyone here had their cats vaccinated for it? Has anyone had their cat get kennel cough and what can be done for it?

My poor little Betty Blue. She is just starting to come around and be comfortable. I'm afraid taking her to the vet is going to be a setback.

Also, Boo and Betty have been covorting since before the cough (as in nose-to-nose) so now I may have two sick kitties.

I just wish the lady I adopted her from would have told me to keep them separated until I get her vet checked.

[Russian Blue]

Here's a website where a vet replied to the question of whether or not a cat would need the Bordetella vaccine (Kennel Cough)

Bordetella Vaccine

** Click on the heading Bordetella in Cats