Can Cats Get Kennel Cough From Dogs? Symptoms And Prevention
Although rare, cats can catch kennel cough from dogs via Bordetella bacteria—learn symptoms, risks, and prevention strategies.
Although rare, cats can catch kennel cough from infected dogs, particularly in multi-pet households or boarding facilities. While kennel cough primarily affects dogs, the bacterial agent Bordetella bronchiseptica can spread to cats, causing respiratory symptoms similar to an upper respiratory infection (URI).
This highly contagious condition, known medically as canine infectious respiratory disease in dogs, warrants attention from cat parents sharing homes with dogs. Understanding transmission, symptoms, and prevention is crucial to protect feline companions.
What Is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a common respiratory illness in dogs characterized by a persistent, dry hacking cough. It results from a combination of viruses and bacteria irritating the airways, leading to inflammation in the trachea and bronchi.
In cats, the equivalent presentation is often classified as a URI rather than “kennel cough,” but the symptoms overlap significantly. Cats are generally more resistant to severe illness from the primary shared pathogen, Bordetella bronchiseptica, but infection remains possible.
Kennel Cough Causes
In dogs, kennel cough arises from multiple pathogens working synergistically:
- Canine parainfluenza virus: A common viral trigger.
- Coronavirus (distinct from the human variety): Contributes to respiratory inflammation.
- Canine herpesvirus: Another viral culprit.
- Canine adenovirus-2: Often included in vaccines.
- Bordetella bronchiseptica: The key bacterium transmissible to cats, colonizing the respiratory tract.
Bordetella bronchiseptica spreads via airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing, or through fomites like shared bowls, toys, or bedding. In cats, this bacterium can cause infection, though viruses causing canine kennel cough are species-specific and do not cross over.
Cats may also encounter feline-specific causes of URI, such as feline herpesvirus or calicivirus, which mimic kennel cough but are unrelated to dogs.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Cats
Cats infected with Bordetella exhibit milder symptoms than dogs, with less frequent coughing. Common signs include:
- Sneezing: Frequent due to nasal irritation.
- Appetite loss: From discomfort or nasal congestion.
- Coughing: Dry, hacking, but infrequent and less severe.
- Difficulty breathing: In severe cases, with wheezing.
- Lethargy: General tiredness and reduced activity.
- Nasal or eye discharge: Clear to mucopurulent.
- Fever: Low-grade in some cases.
These symptoms resemble feline URI, asthma, or allergies, necessitating veterinary diagnosis via exam, radiographs, or cultures.
Can Cats Get Kennel Cough from Dogs?
Yes, but it’s uncommon. Only Bordetella bronchiseptica transmits from dogs to cats; canine viruses do not. Transmission occurs through direct contact (nose-to-nose) or indirect fomites, thriving in crowded environments like shelters, boarding, or multi-pet homes.
Cats rarely show illness from dog exposure due to natural resistance, but outbreaks occur in high-density settings. Conversely, cats can infect dogs with Bordetella.
Transmission Methods
| Method | Description | Risk Level for Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Airborne | Cough/sneeze droplets | High in close quarters |
| Fomite | Contaminated objects (beds, bowls) | Moderate; bacteria survive 1-2 weeks |
| Direct Contact | Sharing space with infected dog | High in households |
Kennel Cough Risk Factors for Cats
Not all cats are equally vulnerable. Key risk factors include:
- Compromised immunity: FeLV or FIV-positive cats face higher illness risk.
- Age extremes: Kittens prone to pneumonia; seniors with comorbidities like diabetes.
- Environment: Crowded shelters, boarding, poor ventilation, or stress.
- Multi-pet homes: Exposure to infected dogs.
Immunocompromised humans (e.g., post-vaccination reports) should isolate pets, as rare Bordetella transmission to people occurs.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Veterinarians diagnose via history, physical exam, chest X-rays, and swabs for Bordetella PCR or culture. Treatment focuses on supportive care:
- Antibiotics: Doxycycline or azithromycin for bacterial cases.
- Cough suppressants: To ease discomfort.
- Nebulization/humidifiers: Moisten airways.
- Isolation: Prevent spread; most recover in 1-3 weeks.
Severe cases (pneumonia) may require hospitalization. No specific antiviral for most causes.
Prevention Strategies
Vaccination is key:
- Bordetella vaccines: Intranasal or injectable for dogs and cats in high-risk settings.
- Core vaccines: Protect against feline URI viruses.
Other measures:
- Isolate sick pets immediately.
- Clean fomites with disinfectants (bacteria survive weeks).
- Avoid crowded areas if unvaccinated.
- Maintain hygiene in multi-pet homes.
Can Humans Get Kennel Cough?
Rarely. Bordetella bronchiseptica, related to human whooping cough agent, has caused mild respiratory illness in immunocompromised people post-pet exposure. Risk is minimal for healthy individuals; isolate pets if owners are vulnerable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my cat coughing?
Cats cough from URIs, asthma, airway irritation, or lung disease. Consult a vet for exams and radiographs.
Can cats get kennel cough?
Yes, via Bordetella bronchiseptica, though rare and milder than in dogs.
Can cats catch kennel cough from dogs?
Possible via bacteria, but uncommon due to cat resistance. Higher risk in close contact.
What does kennel cough sound like in cats?
Dry, raspy, hacking cough, less frequent than in dogs.
Can cats die from kennel cough?
Yes, rare but possible in kittens, seniors, or immunocompromised cats leading to pneumonia.
Can kennel cough spread to humans?
Extremely rare, mainly in immunocompromised individuals.
This comprehensive guide equips cat parents to safeguard against cross-species respiratory risks. Prompt vet consultation ensures early intervention.
References
- Can Cats Get Kennel Cough From Dogs? — Kinship (Dr. Bartley Harrison, DVM). 2023. https://www.kinship.com/cat-health/can-cats-get-kennel-cough-from-dog
- Feline Bordetellosis — Merck Animal Health USA. 2024. https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/hub/nobivac/feline-bordetellosis/
- Kennel Cough in Dogs & Cats: Does My Pet Have It? — Hill’s Pet (Indonesia site, authoritative nutrition). 2023. https://www.hillspet.co.id/pet-care/healthcare/kennel-cough-in-dogs-and-cats
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