Can Cats Get Strep Throat? Understanding Feline Streptococcal Infections

Spotting bacterial infections early can change the outcome for your feline friend.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 11, 2025

Spotting bacterial infections early can change the outcome for your feline friend.

Can Cats Get Strep Throat?

Cats, like humans and many other animals, are susceptible to a variety of infectious diseases. One question that often arises among pet owners is whether cats can get strep throat. While the answer isnât a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’, understanding how streptococcal infections manifest in felines can help pet guardians recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate veterinary care. This article will review feline streptococcal infections in detail, including causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and the potential for transmission between cats and humans.

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat in humans is a very specific infection caused by the Group A Streptococcus bacterium, also known as Streptococcus pyogenes. The typical symptoms in people include a sudden sore throat, pain with swallowing, fever, inflamed tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes. Most commonly diagnosed in children, it can spread quickly among humans.

But can cats suffer from the same infection? Letâs take a closer look.

Can Cats Catch Strep Throat from Humans?

While it is very rare for cats to contract classic human ‘strep throat’âthe form caused by Group A Streptococcusâit is not impossible. Scientific literature and case studies have shown extremely rare but possible instances of S. pyogenes being detected in cats, especially those in close contact with a human suffering from active strep throat. Most times, however, even when the bacteria are present, cats do not display the typical ‘sore throat’ symptoms familiar to humans.

Key Points on Transmission

Cats primarily contract different strains of Streptococcus bacteria than humans do. Streptococcus canis is the most frequent in feline cases.
Existing research shows that cats are usually not a significant reservoir for Group A Streptococcus, but rare cross-species transmission is possible, especially in immunocompromised cats or those with underlying respiratory disease.
In a few documented instances, cats have acquired Group A Streptococcus from human family members, but this is exceedingly rare.

Types of Streptococcal Infections in Cats

Rather than the classic human strep throat, cats are prone to other streptococcal infections, most commonly caused by:

Streptococcus canis â the most frequent strain in cats
Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus â an emerging pathogen in the feline respiratory tract
Other less common strains: Streptococcus agalactiae, S. pneumoniae, S. suis

Table: Common Streptococcus Species Affecting Cats

Streptococcus Species	Usual Host/Reservoir	Clinical Relevance in Cats
Streptococcus canis	Cats, Dogs	Most common, causes mild to severe respiratory/systemic illness
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A)	Humans	Rarely observed in cats, but can occur
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus	Horses, pigs, dogs	Emerging feline respiratory pathogen, sometimes severe
Streptococcus agalactiae	Humans	Rare, isolated cases in cats

How Do Streptococcal Infections Present in Cats?

Unlike humans, cats rarely show the classic symptoms of sore throat or tonsillitis when infected with streptococci. Their symptoms tend to be more varied, often related to the respiratory system or serious systemic infections.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Fever
Lethargy or overall decrease in activity
Coughing
Purulent (pus-like) nasal discharge
Respiratory distress â rapid or labored breathing, wheezing
Difficulty swallowing (due to tonsillitis)
Sneezing, sinusitis
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Swollen lymph nodes
Joint pain or signs of arthritis (especially in chronic cases)
Pneumonia (in severe cases)
Abscesses or skin lesions (rare)

It is important to remember that many of these symptoms are non-specific and can overlap with other respiratory or systemic diseases. Mild cases may show little to no obvious signs.

Causes and Risk Factors

Streptococcal infection in cats is usually opportunistic, meaning it exploits certain weaknesses or exposures.

Age: Young kittens and senior cats are more vulnerable due to weaker immune systems.
Immune Status: Chronic illness, immunosuppressive diseases, or stress can predispose cats to infection.
Close Confinement: Environments such as shelters, catteries, or multi-cat households increase risk of transmission, especially for highly contagious strains like S. zooepidemicus.
Exposure to Infected Animals (including horses for S. zooepidemicus or humans with strep throat for S. pyogenes).
Wounds or Recent Surgeries may provide entry points for bacteria.

How Do Vets Diagnose Streptococcal Infections in Cats?

Diagnosing a streptococcal infection in cats requires a combination of observation and laboratory testing.

Veterinary Exam: Assessment of clinical history, symptoms, and physical signs.
Bacterial Swabs: Samples taken from the throat, nose, or affected lesions.
Culture and Sensitivity: Growing the bacteria in a lab to identify the species and determine antibiotic susceptibility.
Supportive Testing: Bloodwork, X-rays, or other diagnostics to rule out complications like pneumonia, sepsis, or immune deficiency.

Treatment: How Are Streptococcal Infections Managed in Cats?

Treatment for feline streptococcal infections usually involves:

Antibiotic Therapy: Veterinarians typically prescribe penicillin, amoxicillin, or other antibiotics effective against the specific strain. In some cases, resistant bacteria may require specialized antibiotics or longer treatment regimens.
Supportive Care: Ensuring the cat remains hydrated and comfortable, with fluid therapy if needed.
Pain Management: For cats showing severe or painful symptoms.
Monitoring: Regular checks to ensure recovery and adjust medications as needed.

Note: Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Some strains, especially S. zooepidemicus, can cause rapidly progressive and even fatal infections in young, elderly, or immunocompromised cats.

Prognosis: What Is the Outcome for Cats with Streptococcal Infection?

Most cats recover well with early intervention and appropriate antibiotics. However, outcomes depend on the strain, severity, and overall health of the cat. Rapidly progressing infectionsâparticularly those involving S. zooepidemicusâcan be fatal, especially in crowded shelters or cats with underlying illness.

Mild to moderate infections: Usually recovery is complete with proper care.
Severe systemic disease: Prognosis may be guarded, especially if sepsis, pneumonia, or neurological symptoms develop.

Prevention: How Can Streptococcal Infections Be Avoided?

While not all cases are preventable, you can reduce your catâs risk with the following strategies:

Avoid overcrowded living environments (especially multi-cat shelters or catteries).
Isolate sick animals from healthy cats when infection is suspected or confirmed.
Maintain good hygiene practices, including regular cleaning of living areas and food bowls.
Promptly treat wounds or upper respiratory symptoms in your cat.
Minimize stress and maintain general health through proper nutrition, routine vaccination, and regular veterinary checkups.
Monitor for human-to-animal transmission if someone in your household has an active strep infection, though the risk is low.

There are no vaccines specific to streptococcal infections in cats. General good health and quick response to the first signs of illness are the best protection.

Streptococcal Infections: When to Call the Vet

Your cat displays any signs of respiratory distress, fever, lethargy, or profound loss of appetite.
Multiple cats in the household or shelter develop respiratory symptoms or unexplained illness.
Your cat is very young, old, or has a pre-existing condition and develops a new illness.

Prompt veterinary assessment can make all the difference in quick recovery and preventing complications.

FAQs: Can Cats Get Strep Throat?

Q: Can my cat catch strep throat from me if I have it?

A: It is extremely rare, but cats have occasionally been infected with human Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Cats are much more likely to contract their own strains, such as Streptococcus canis, than the strains responsible for classic human strep throat.

Q: What are the warning signs of streptococcal infection in cats?

A: Watch for respiratory distress, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, nasal discharge, cough, and sometimes difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian with concerns.

Q: How are feline streptococcal infections diagnosed?

A: Vets use careful physical examination, swabs, culture and sensitivity testing to identify the bacteria and decide on the best antibiotic therapy.

Q: How are these infections treated?

A: Most respond well to antibiotics, but rapid medical attention and monitoring are essential. In some cases, more intensive care or hospitalization may be needed.

Q: Can people get strep from their cats?

A: Very rarely, people have contracted certain types of Streptococcus from their pets. However, such cases are unusual. Practicing good hygiene and limiting close contact when either pet or human is sick may offer additional protection.

Key Takeaways for Cat Owners

Streptococcal infections in cats are not the same as human strep throat, but can cause serious illness, especially in young, old, or immunocompromised cats.
Classic ‘sore throat’ is rarely observed; watch for respiratory distress and general illness.
Diagnosis requires veterinary assessment, testing, and often culture of bacteria.
Most affected cats make full recoveries with timely antibiotics and supportive care.
Maintain good hygiene, minimize stress, and provide prompt veterinary care for best prevention and outcomes.

References

Sources include recent veterinary guidelines, peer-reviewed articles, and expert consensus.
For further reading, consult your veterinarian or veterinary academic publications on feline infectious diseases.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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