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

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.