Mycoplasma Infection in Cats

Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 08/18/2016Updated: 09/24/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Mycoplasma Infection in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Mycoplasma Infection?

Mycoplasma infection is caused by a type of bacteria that acts as a parasite in the blood, causing anemia and other signs of infection. Antibiotic treatment may be needed to overcome the disease, especially in cats with poor immune performance.

Mycoplasma infection is a medical condition that affects cats, dogs, farm animals, and people. The bacteria are present in most environments and are often commensals. Most healthy animals will experience little to no symptoms, but the very young or old or those with immune disorders may have severe anemia and other signs of infection. Mycoplasma commonly causes respiratory symptoms like bronchitis and pneumonia, but can cause infection in other parts of the body as well.

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Symptoms of Mycoplasma Infection in Cats

The symptoms of Mycoplasma infection can vary based on several factors. The most common symptom is anemia. Clinical signs can vary depending on the severity of the infection, the species of Mycobplasma involved and the immune status of the cat. Symptoms are considerably more severe in animals who have immune disorders and weakened immune systems. The location of the infection also affects the type of symptoms the cat will have. Infections can be located in the respiratory system, urinary tract, joints, or reproductive system. 

Common symptoms include:

Symptoms related to the infection location include:

Causes of Mycoplasma Infection in Cats

Mycoplasma infection is caused by exposure to the bacteria. This can occur in almost any setting, as this type of bacteria is very common. It can spread easily between animals, making it common in shelters and kennels as well as multi-pet homes. The infection is not limited to cats, and can be caught from or given to other companion animals. Humans are also at risk of infection. Immunodeficiency and conditions that weaken or suppress the immune system increase the risk of contracting the disease.

Diagnosis of Mycoplasma Infection in Cats

A veterinarian can diagnose Mycoplasma infection using various medical testing procedures to visually confirm the organisms in blood, urine, or other fluids. PCR tests are frequently used. Before proceeding to this step, a physical examination and medical history of the cat are required. Be prepared to discuss the symptoms and timeframes associated with your pet’s illness. If clinical signs point to a bacterial infection, your veterinarian will collect fluids for testing purposes. The fluid collected will depend on the type and location of the symptoms your cat is exhibiting. For example, a urinalysis or urine testing are effective in situations where the animal is experience related symptoms. Joint fluid, mucus, and blood samples can also be analyzed. Dye staining has been shown to be an effective method for locating the bacteria that cause the infection in cats.

Treatment of Mycoplasma Infection in Cats

No single treatment or protocol is considered consistently effective in treating Mycoplasma infection. Treatments will vary depending on the severity of symptoms and location of the infection within the body. Antibiotics are the most common form of treatment, but the type of antimicrobial the bacteria is susceptible to is not the same in all cases. To completely overcome the disease, treatments may continue for an extended period of time. Although treatment plans may differ, most cats will not require hospitalization unless their symptoms are very severe or in animals with poor immune function. Recommended treatments may include:

Antibiotics:  Most cats will require a minimum seven to ten-day course of antibiotics to treat the primary infection. Because Mycoplasma infections can be hard to eradicate, more than one course of antibiotics may be necessary for a full recovery. 

Analgesics:  If pain, inflammation, or fever is severe, painkillers may be prescribed. Be sure to carefully follow your veterinarian’s instructions if you will be dosing your pet with painkillers at home. Too much of this type of medication can be very dangerous to your cat. 

Supportive care: Ensuring your cat is eating well, is well hydrated and well rested will go a long way towards healing their recovery.

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Recovery of Mycoplasma Infection in Cats

Most cats with normal immune function are expected to make a full recovery from the disease, although it may take several weeks to completely rid your pet of the infection. Once antibiotic treatment has begun, symptom improvement can be expected within a few days. Anemia symptoms may take longer to recover from. Carefully monitor your pet’s food and water intake while they are recovering to make sure your cat is receiving the proper nutrition to recover.

Reinfection is a risk with Mycoplasma, so pet areas should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Continued disinfection should be maintained until your pet has completed their antibiotic treatment. If there are multiple animals in the home, isolation may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection. Take your pet back to the veterinarian if symptoms get worse, don’t improve after a week’s time, or come back.

Mycoplasma infection can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat has a mycoplasma infection or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

Mycoplasma Infection Average Cost

From 355 quotes ranging from $150 - $350

Average Cost

$220

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Mycoplasma Infection Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Short hair tabby

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molly

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8 Years

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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing Coughing
my multi cat household is going thru the herpes virus, however one of my older girls tested positive for mycroplasma with a swab panel. my question is because she qas getting better they put her on doxycycline. But my other cats are getting better after 2 wks. Does this mean because she has it they all will?

Jan. 19, 2018

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

0 Recommendations

Thank you for your email. Mycoplasma bacteria are fairly common bacteria in the environment, and often cause problems when there is a challenge to the immune system. Since everybody is fighting off the Herpesvirus infection, Molly may be the only one that will be affected by Mycoplasma signs. Once all of their immune systems are stronger, if they are otherwise healthy, the bacteria should not cause problems. If they continue to have sneezing and coughing, or eye discharge or redness, there may be underlying immune concerns, and it would be best to have them re-examined with your veterinarian. I hope that everyone recovers well.

Jan. 19, 2018

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tabby

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Bailey

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6 Years

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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Discharge
My cat was first diagnosed with Kitty Herpes, and symptoms would last for several days. I would give her Lysine, double up when needed. It seemed to affect her left eye so much. We gave her doxycycline, which worked for awhile. Then our vet ran tests and results came back that she had mycoplasma. On Dec. 23, we started her on Terramycine Ophthalmic ointment for her eye. Took about a week to get her cleared up. Now it just seems like she is cleared up for a couple of weeks and her eye gets messed up all over again. I wonder if there is a better plan out there to help reduce the outbreaks? Her left eye pupil becomes a slit, she squints a lot, has discharge, lethargy. She is just miserable at times.

Jan. 18, 2018


2 Recommendations

Terramycin is a suitable treatment for Mycoplasma, but a systemic approach to treatment may be required since ophthalmic disorders are usually secondary to a respiratory tract infection which would also need to be addressed as well. You should discuss with your Veterinarian about a two sided treatment (topical and systemic). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

Jan. 18, 2018

Hi, my cat has been diagnosed with Mycoplasma. She is 5-6 weeks pregnant and cant have the recommended antibiotics. what do you suggest? Will she be ok to raise the kittens herself or is it best to take the kittens away so they don't catch the infection? Thanks

March 2, 2018

Laura


Thanks for the information. I will discuss it with my vet and hopefully Bailey will have less relapses and discomfort.

Jan. 18, 2018

Bailey's Owner


Hi, what type of antibiotics would you give to treat the systemic infection?. My cat hasn't responded to her treatment

Feb. 20, 2018

Leigh P.

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Average Cost

$220

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