Can Kittens Get Kennel Cough? | Critical Pet Facts

Understanding Kennel Cough: A Canine Condition

Kennel cough, medically known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that primarily affects dogs. It’s caused by a combination of bacterial and viral agents, the most common being Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus type 2. This infection inflames the upper airways, leading to a persistent, harsh cough that sounds like a honking goose.

Despite its name, kennel cough isn’t limited to kennels. Dogs can catch it in any environment where they come into close contact with other dogs—dog parks, grooming salons, boarding facilities, or dog training classes. The disease spreads through airborne droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes and via contaminated surfaces.

Why Kittens Are Not Susceptible

The question “Can kittens get kennel cough?” often comes up among pet owners who have both dogs and cats at home or who are concerned about cross-species infections. The short answer is no. Kittens are not susceptible to kennel cough because the pathogens involved target species-specific receptors in the respiratory tract of dogs.

The primary bacterium involved in kennel cough, Bordetella bronchiseptica, while closely related to the species that causes whooping cough in humans (Bordetella pertussis), behaves differently across species. Cats can carry their own strain of Bordetella bronchiseptica, but it causes feline respiratory disease complex (cat flu) rather than kennel cough.

Moreover, the viruses implicated in kennel cough are canine-specific and do not infect cats. This means that even though kittens may be exposed to these pathogens in mixed-species households or environments, they won’t develop kennel cough.

Feline Respiratory Infections: What Affects Kittens?

While kittens can’t get kennel cough, they are vulnerable to their own set of respiratory infections that can mimic some symptoms of kennel cough but arise from different causes. The most common feline respiratory illnesses include:

• Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): Causes sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and sometimes ulcers on the cornea.
• Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Leads to oral ulcers, sneezing, nasal congestion, and mouth ulcers.
• Bordetella bronchiseptica (feline strain): Can cause mild to moderate upper respiratory symptoms but not the classic kennel cough syndrome seen in dogs.
• Chlamydia felis: Causes conjunctivitis and mild respiratory symptoms.

These infections are often grouped under “feline upper respiratory infection complex” or simply “cat flu.” They spread easily among cats through direct contact or contaminated objects but do not cross over into causing kennel cough.

Symptoms of Feline Respiratory Disease vs Kennel Cough

It’s important to distinguish between symptoms seen in kittens with feline respiratory infections and those typical of kennel cough in dogs:

Symptom	Kennel Cough (Dogs)	Feline Respiratory Disease (Kittens)
Coughing	Harsh, hacking “honking” cough common	Coughing rare; more sneezing and nasal discharge
Sneezing	Occasional sneezing possible but less prominent	Frequent sneezing common symptom
Nasal Discharge	Usually clear; may be mild or absent	Clear to mucopurulent discharge typical
Eye Discharge/Conjunctivitis	Rarely affected	Common symptom with redness and discharge
Lethargy & Fever	Mild lethargy possible; fever uncommon unless secondary infection develops	Lethargy and fever frequent with severe infections

Understanding these differences helps pet owners avoid confusion when their kitten shows signs of illness.

The Role of Bordetella bronchiseptica Across Species

One fascinating aspect is the role of the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica in both dogs and cats. While it is a major player in canine kennel cough, its behavior varies significantly depending on the host species.

In dogs:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica attaches firmly to cilia lining the trachea and bronchi.
• This attachment leads to inflammation and irritation causing that characteristic harsh cough.
• The bacteria can also impair mucociliary clearance making secondary infections more likely.

In cats:

• The feline strain can cause mild upper respiratory signs but rarely severe illness by itself.
• Kittens infected with this bacterium often show sneezing and nasal discharge rather than coughing fits.
• Treatment for Bordetella infection in cats involves antibiotics targeting this bacterium specifically.

While cross-species transmission is theoretically possible under extreme conditions due to genetic similarity between strains, natural transmission resulting in illness like kennel cough does not occur between dogs and cats.

Zoonotic Concerns: Can Humans Catch Kennel Cough?

Another common worry is whether humans can catch kennel cough from their pets. The answer is no for healthy individuals. The bacteria responsible for kennel cough are species-adapted pathogens with minimal risk of infecting humans.

However:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica has been reported very rarely as an opportunistic infection in immunocompromised people.
• This is extremely uncommon and generally requires direct exposure combined with weakened immune defenses.

`

So while it’s good hygiene practice to avoid close contact with coughing animals when immunocompromised individuals are present at home, there’s no significant public health risk from kennel cough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can kittens get kennel cough from dogs?

No, kittens cannot get kennel cough from dogs. Kennel cough is a canine-specific respiratory infection caused by bacteria and viruses that primarily affect dogs. The pathogens involved do not infect cats or kittens.

Why are kittens not susceptible to kennel cough?

Kittens are not susceptible because the bacteria and viruses causing kennel cough target receptors specific to dogs’ respiratory tracts. Although cats can carry a related bacterium, it causes different feline respiratory diseases, not kennel cough.

Can kittens carry the bacteria that cause kennel cough?

Kittens can carry a feline strain of Bordetella bronchiseptica, but this does not cause kennel cough. Instead, it leads to feline respiratory disease complex, which is distinct from the canine condition.

Are there any respiratory infections in kittens similar to kennel cough?

Yes, kittens can suffer from respiratory infections like Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus, which cause symptoms such as sneezing and nasal discharge. These illnesses differ from kennel cough but may appear similar.

Is it safe for kittens to be around dogs with kennel cough?

Yes, it is generally safe since kittens cannot contract kennel cough. However, close monitoring is advised because kittens have their own respiratory illnesses that require attention if symptoms develop.

Treatment Protocols for Kennel Cough vs Feline Respiratory Illnesses

Treatment strategies vary greatly between canine kennel cough and feline upper respiratory infections due to differences in causative agents.

For dogs with kennel cough:

• Mild cases: Usually self-limiting within two to three weeks without treatment.

`

`

`
• Cough suppressants: May be prescribed if coughing interferes with rest or eating.

`

• Antibiotics:` Used if bacterial infection like Bordetella bronchiseptica is confirmed or suspected secondary bacterial pneumonia develops.`
• Avoid strenuous exercise:` Rest helps recovery.`
• Kenneling isolation:` Prevents spread among other dogs.`
  `
  For kittens with feline respiratory diseases:
  `
  • Supportive care:` Includes hydration support, nutrition encouragement.`
  • Adequate warmth:` Helps maintain body temperature during illness.`
  • Nasal decongestants/saline drops:` To ease breathing.`
  • Antibiotics:` Used if bacterial infection like Bordetella or Chlamydia felis suspected.`
  • Avoid stress:` Stress worsens viral shedding.`
    `
    Vaccines exist for both conditions but differ significantly:

    `

    `
    `

    `

    `

    Disease/Vaccine Type	Main Target Pathogen(s)	Treatment/Prevention Notes
    Kennel Cough Vaccine (Dogs)	Bordetella bronchiseptica; canine parainfluenza virus; adenovirus type 2`	Aerosolized or injectable vaccines available; recommended for high-risk dogs` `
    Cats’ Respiratory Vaccines`	Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1); feline calicivirus (FCV); Chlamydia felis`	No vaccine against Bordetella specifically licensed for cats widely; vaccines reduce severity` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` The Importance of Veterinary Diagnosis for Respiratory Symptoms in Kittens and Dogs Respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, or eye inflammation should never be ignored regardless of species. While kittens cannot get kennel cough specifically, they may suffer from other infectious diseases requiring prompt treatment. Veterinarians use various diagnostic tools including: ` Nasal swabs and cultures:` To identify bacterial pathogens.` PCR testing:` Detects viral DNA/RNA rapidly.` X-rays:` Evaluate lung involvement if pneumonia suspected.` Blood work:` Assesses overall health status.` Correct diagnosis ensures targeted therapy rather than guesswork. It also prevents unnecessary antibiotic use which promotes resistance. Caring for Mixed-Species Households During Outbreaks of Respiratory Illnesses If you have both dogs and kittens sharing your home: ` Keeps areas clean by disinfecting surfaces regularly since some pathogens survive on fomites.` Avoid close nose-to-nose contact during active infections even though cross-infection risk is minimal.` If your dog catches kennel cough isolate them from other pets until fully recovered.` If your kitten shows signs of cat flu seek veterinary care promptly to minimize spread within feline population.` ` This approach keeps everyone safer without unnecessary worry about cross-species transmission where it doesn’t occur. Conclusion – Can Kittens Get Kennel Cough? To wrap things up clearly: kittens cannot get kennel cough because this disease targets specific pathogens adapted only to infect dogs’ respiratory systems. While similar bacteria exist in cats causing their own unique illnesses under the umbrella of feline upper respiratory disease complex, they do not produce classic kennel cough symptoms seen in canines. Understanding these distinctions helps pet owners provide appropriate care without confusion or misplaced concern about cross-species infections. If your kitten shows any signs of respiratory distress—sneezing fits, nasal discharge, eye problems—prompt veterinary attention remains crucial regardless of whether it’s related to canine diseases or not. Keeping vaccinations current for both your dog’s kennel cough vaccine schedule and your kitten’s feline respiratory vaccines forms an essential part of maintaining a healthy multi-pet household free from preventable illnesses.