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bacterial disease Cat Vaccine available Transmissible to humans

Feline chlamydia

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Definition Signs Causes Transmission Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Vaccination Complications When to see a vet Zoonosis Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Feline chlamydia is an infection caused by a particular bacteria, which can only multiply inside the cells of its host. It is one of the agents of the feline respiratory complex, alongside the calicivirus and the herpesvirus: the Cat Coryza sheet presents the whole, this one details the part attributable to chlamydiosis. Its main target is the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids. The disease therefore manifests itself mainly by persistent conjunctivitis, more than by sneezing. It particularly affects kittens and young cats living in groups.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Discharge from the eyes Red eyes Sneezing Runny nose Loss of appetite Fever

Intense redness of the inside of the eyelids, which may swell to the point of partially covering the eye.

Tearing then thicker discharge, first on one eye, often on both a few days later.

Discomfort to light, repeated blinking, half-closed eye.

Moderate sneezing and runny nose, less marked than in viral infections.

Discreet fever, decreased appetite and depression in kittens.

Without treatment, conjunctivitis can last for weeks and recur.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

The infection is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia felis, which settles in the cells of the conjunctiva and, to a lesser degree, the upper respiratory tract.

It survives poorly outside the body: contamination requires close and recent contact between cats.

Other agents can be added, which explains mixed pictures where conjunctivitis and signs of coryza mix.

Community life: shelters, catteries, colonies, homes with several cats.

Young age: kittens and cats under one year old are most affected.

Stress, overcrowding, insufficient hygiene.

Coexistence with other respiratory infections, which weaken the mucous membranes.

Transmission

Direct contact between cats, through secretions from the eyes and nose: mutual licking, sneezing, shared sleeping.

From the mother to the kittens in the days following birth.

Indirect contact through hands or contaminated equipment, but the bacteria has little resistance in the external environment.

A cat treated for too short a time can remain a carrier and recontaminate its peers.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The veterinarian carefully examines the eyes and distinguishes chlamydia from other causes of conjunctivitis, in particular herpesvirus: the application of a dye allows you to check for the absence of a corneal ulcer, which is not typical for chlamydia.

A swab of the conjunctiva can be analyzed to identify the bacteria, which is particularly useful in a community setting or when several cats are affected.

All cats in the household are examined, because discreet carriers maintain the circulation of the bacteria.

Treatment

The treatment is based on an antibiotic active on this bacteria, prescribed by the veterinarian, generally generally rather than in the form of eye drops alone.

The duration of treatment is longer than for an ordinary infection: stopping it as soon as the eyes are better exposes you to an almost certain relapse. Always follow the prescription to the end.

In a multi-cat household, the veterinarian often suggests treating all the animals at the same time, including those that appear healthy.

Daily local care, with gentle cleansing with physiological serum, completes the treatment.

Never use eye drops or an antibiotic left over from a previous treatment: an unsuitable product prolongs the disease and can damage the eye.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Isolate any new cat for a veterinary visit, before bringing it into contact with others.

Maintain reasonable staff numbers, ventilate and clean the premises, separate bowls and litter boxes.

Treat all cats in an affected group simultaneously, to prevent the bacteria from coming and going.

A vaccine exists and is being discussed for communities where the disease is present.

Vaccination

A vaccine against chlamydia exists. It is not part of the basic vaccines recommended for all cats: it is reserved for high-risk situations, in particular communities where infection has been confirmed.

It reduces the severity of signs without completely preventing infection.

The decision to vaccinate is up to the veterinarian, based on the cat's lifestyle and the history of the group.

Possible complications

Conjunctivitis which sets in over several weeks and recurs when treatment is stopped too early.

Adhesions between the eyelids and the surface of the eye in very young affected kittens.

Superinfection or association with other coryza agents, which aggravates the picture.

Extension to the lower respiratory tract, rare but possible in fragile kittens.

When to see a veterinarian

Your cat's eyes have been red, swollen, or watery for more than two days.

An eye becomes cloudy or remains closed: consult quickly.

A kitten presents with conjunctivitis, even discreet.

The signs return as soon as treatment stops.

Several cats in the household are affected at the same time.

Transmission to humans

The risk to humans is considered very low. Rare cases of conjunctivitis have been reported in people in close contact with an infected cat.

A few simple precautions are enough: wash your hands after treating the cat's eyes, avoid touching your own eyes before washing, do not let a child clean the eyes of a sick cat.

People whose immune system is weakened should seek advice from their doctor.

Prognosis

The prognosis is good when treatment is completed: the eyes return to normal and the disease leaves no after-effects.

Failures almost always come from too short a treatment, or from untreated cats in the same household who recontaminate others.

Serious forms are rare and mainly affect very young kittens.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the same as coryza?

Chlamydia is one of the agents of coryza, but it is only a part of it. It especially causes persistent conjunctivitis, where the calicivirus affects the mouth and the herpesvirus the eyes and nose. The cat's Coryza sheet presents the entire complex.

Can I catch it from caring for my cat?

The risk is very low. Rare human conjunctivitis has been reported following close contact. Washing your hands after treatment and avoiding rubbing your eyes is sufficient in practice.

Why does the treatment take so long?

This bacteria lives inside cells and is difficult to reach. A shortened treatment allows the last bacteria to survive, and the conjunctivitis returns. Respect the indicated duration even if the eyes appear healed.

Should I treat my other cats who have nothing?

Often yes, and it is the veterinarian who decides. Cats without visible signs can harbor the bacteria and permanently recontaminate the one being treated.