Feline Chlamydophila

Feline Chlamydophila

Disease Overview

Feline Chlamydophila (formerly Chlamydia) is caused by a bacteria known as Chlamydophila felis and primarily causes conjunctivitis in cats. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid.

Merck Animal Health Solutions

For Feline Chlamydophila

Shown to be effective for vaccination of healthy cats 9 weeks of age or older against feline rhinotracheitis, calici, and panleukopenia viruses, as well as feline Chlamydophila.

A quality core vaccine shown to be effective for vaccination of healthy cats 9 weeks of age or older against feline rhinotracheitis, calici, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia viruses, as well as feline Chlamydophila. The duration of immunity against feline leukemia virus is at least 2 years.

Transmission

Transmission of Chlamydophila between cats occurs through direct contact with other cats or infected animals.21

Clinical Signs

  • Watery or yellowish discharge from one or both eyes
  • Swelling and reddening of the conjunctiva
  • Mild sneezing and nasal discharge
  • Mild fever (occasionally)
  • Lethargy (occasionally)

Risk Factors

  • Boards often or comes from a shelter environment
  • Shares food and water bowls, or litter areas
  • Lives in a multiple cat household
  • Kittens may become infected by their mothers during birth 21

References:

21. Greene CE, Sykes JE. Chlamydial infections. In: Greene CE, ed. Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier; 2006:245–252.