Streptococcus pyogenes, sometimes known as group A strep, is a kind of bacterium that frequently causes strep throat in people.
It results in a sore throat, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and occasionally other consequences, including kidney damage or rheumatic fever.
But are cats susceptible to strep throat? How can you cure them and stop the illness from spreading if they do?
In this post, we will give answers to these queries as well as some practical advice for cat owners.
Understanding Strep Throat
Strep throat is caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. It primarily affects humans, leading to symptoms like a sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
Cats, however, have a different biological makeup and immune system[1], raising questions about their vulnerability to this infection.
Can Cats Get Strep Throat from Humans?
The Answer is Yes, but only very occasionally.
Cats can catch group A streptococci from infected humans, although they often don’t exhibit any symptoms.
They won’t suffer any consequences from the microorganisms living in their skin, hair, and saliva.
Dr. Malcolm Weir, DVM states on VCA Hospitals, “In cats, coughing is most often a sign of an inflammatory problem affecting the lower respiratory tract, especially some form of bronchitis.“
Cats can, however, sometimes get strep throat symptoms, including soreness, fever, coughing, and trouble swallowing.
If their immune system is weakened or damaged as a result of advancing age, stress, or other illnesses, this may occur.
Can Cats Get Strep Throat from Other Cats?
Yes, it is the response as well; however, it happens more frequently from people.
Streptococcus canis, a distinct form of the streptococcus bacterium, is what causes strep throat in cats[2].
Cats may exhibit more severe symptoms from this strain since it is more compatible with animal DNA.
Fatigue, arthritis, pneumonia[3], and swollen tonsils are some of the symptoms of cat strep throat caused by Streptococcus canis.
How to Treat Strep Throat in Cats
Take your cat to the doctor as soon as you can if you think they may have strep throat.
The veterinarian will identify the infection by swabbing the animal’s throat and looking for the streptococci bacteria.
Typically, a course of antibiotics is used to treat cats with strep throat. These drugs will kill the bacteria and reduce the symptoms.
During the healing process, you should also make sure your cat is comfortable and well–hydrated.
A heating pad, blankets, soft food, and plenty of water are things you can provide them.
How to Prevent Strep Throat in Cats
Avoiding contact with infected people or animals is the best approach to preventing strep throat in cats.
Wash your hands often and refrain from kissing or feeding your cat if you have strep throat yourself.
You should keep your cat away from other animals and family members while it is getting well if it has strep throat.
Additionally, you should sanitize your house and remove any cat hair that could have germs in it.
FAQs
Do cats experience sore throats like humans do?
Cats may exhibit symptoms similar to sore throats, such as coughing or difficulty swallowing, but these symptoms are often caused by different bacterial or viral infections specific to feline health.
Are there bacterial infections that cats can get in their throat?
Yes, cats can contract bacterial infections that affect their respiratory and oral health. However, these infections are typically caused by different bacteria than the ones responsible for strep throat in humans.
Can strep throat in humans affect other pets, like dogs?
Strep throat caused by Streptococcus pyogenes is generally not a concern for dogs either. Similar to cats, dogs have their own set of bacterial infections that can affect their health.
Can kittens get strep throat?
Similar to adult cats, kittens are unlikely to get strep throat from Streptococcus pyogenes. Their age, immune system, and general health are frequently associated with their susceptibility to respiratory and oral illnesses.
Is strep throat a concern for all cat breeds equally?
Strep throat caused by Streptococcus pyogenes is not typically related to specific cat breeds. All cats share a similar susceptibility to this particular bacteria.
Can strep throat affect a cat’s ability to breathe normally?
Although respiratory infections can impair a cat’s capacity to breathe normally, strep throat, produced by Streptococcus pyogenes, is not frequently the source of such symptoms in cats.
Conclusion
While cats can develop bacterial infections that affect their respiratory and oral health, strep throat caused by Streptococcus pyogenes is not a common concern for felines.
It’s important to be vigilant about your cat’s health and seek professional veterinary care if any unusual symptoms arise.
Remember, understanding the unique health needs of your cat is key to providing them with the best possible care.
Reference:
- IMMUNOLOGY OF THE CAT | National Library of Medicines
- Bacterial infection (Streptococcus) in cats | PetMD
- Bacterial pneumonia in dogs and cats | National Library of Medicines
Dave is our best team member when it comes to taking care of pets on daily basis. This is because he used to be a full-time pet sitter before joining CatLikesBest. Besides contributing his precious knowledge on cat care tips and everyday-use pet products, he still does pet sitting as part of his hobby in his free time.
