Introduction
Feline bordetella can be successfully treated using antibiotic therapies. Treatment protocol in areas that house multiple cats includes treating all cats for the disease and using proper disinfecting measures.
Treating Bordetella in Cats
The most common types of antibiotics that are used to treat bordetella in cats and kittens are Clavamox and Baytril. Other types of antibiotics are effective as well, but these two antibiotics have minimal side effects. Depending on the cat or kitten’s condition, the veterinary may prescribe a 2 week, or 3 week, course of antibiotics. As bordetella is highly contagious and rapidly progresses in younger cats and kittens, many veterinarians may begin antibiotic treatments for suspected bordetella infection even when the laboratory results have not been completed.
As bordetella is a highly infectious and airborne bacteria, all cats that have come into contact with an infected cat, or areas the infected cat came into contact with, should be placed on antibiotic treatments as well. Pet owners should not wait until the cats or kittens begin to show symptoms, instead they should immediately begin antibiotic therapies on all of their cats. Feeding dishes, water dishes, and living spaces should also be thoroughly disinfected.
Cats and kittens that are infected with bordetella should be quarantined from all other cats until their treatment is finished. Even with precautions and antibiotic treatments of all cats in the same area, cats can still become re-infected with the bordetella bacteria. Areas that house multiple cat populations should use the feline bordetella vaccine to prevent these types of outbreaks.