Cats can get kennel cough from dogs, but it is quite rare. The illness, caused mainly by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, can be transmitted between dogs and cats, especially in environments where multiple animals are in close contact, such as multi-pet households, boarding facilities, or shelters. Cats tend to be more resistant to this infection compared to dogs, but they can still develop symptoms like coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and lethargy if infected. Transmission occurs through coughing, sneezing, direct contact, or shared objects contaminated with the bacteria. While the disease is similar in both species, it is not as common or severe in cats as it is in dogs.
In summary, cats can get kennel cough from dogs due to the shared bacterial agent, but the occurrence is rare and usually less severe in cats.
