Feline Chlamydia - "Cat Pink Eye"

Chlamydia is a disease that is caused by an unusual bacteria, which like most viruses, does not survive well outside of the cat. This disease is less common in house cats than the other respiratory infections (about 5% of feline respiratory disease), but common in show cats and rescues. Chlamydophila bacteria are easily transferred by petting or grooming the carrier cat and then your cat. In the rescue – mutual grooming is a common transfer.

It can affect any cat, but often seen in kittens between 5 & 9 months of age. Feline Chlamydophila primarily causes conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) or eye infection with discharge. It can also infect the upper respiratory tract though less common. When seeing sneezing, coughing, and a low grade fever with Pinkeye suspect Chlamydia!

As with most bacteria this organism is susceptible to antibiotic treatment. Feline Chlamydophila is treated with an antibiotic eye ointment such as Pfizer Terramycin^® Ophthalmic Ointment or Vetericyn^® Animal Ophthalmic Gel. Oral Doxycycline or Chloramphenicol are also used effectively with eye treatment. This disease is also highly contagious and vaccines are available to help protect cats against it, and to reduce the carrier state when cats do get exposed.

The materials, information and answers provided through this website are not intended to replace the medical advice or services of a qualified veterinarian or other pet health care professional. Consult your own veterinarian for answers to specific medical questions, including diagnosis, treatment, therapy or medical attention.

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