Chlamydial Infection in Cats

Chlamydia psittaci is a microscopic organism resembling a bacterium. The various strains of Chlamydia may infect a certain species of animal, including people. One strain infects birds and people, another strain infects cats and people, but none infects dogs.

Chlamydial conjunctivitis appears as swollen, congested, reddened tissue surrounding the clear, unaffected cornea. Small blisters (follicles) may develop on the conjunctiva. Typically one eye becomes infected, and then the other eye 10 to 20 days later.

The disease is spread by direct contact with the discharge from the eyes; therefore, always wash your hands after handling or treating infected cats.

Other cats in the household should be separated, if at all possible, especially during the early stages of the disease. Some individuals are more likely to contract the disease than others because of differences in natural resistance.

Chlamydia is usually included in your cat's yearly combination vaccinations.