Chlamydophila felis does not limit itself to the airways of cats; humans and birds are also susceptible to infection by this organism. Although this organism is not a virus, Chlamydophila behaves very similarly to the herpes virus and the calicivirus in causing disease and clinical signs. The incubation period for this organism is approximately the same as that for the calicivirus.
Chlamydophila felis is susceptible to antibiotic therapy and can be brought under control with rapid treatment. Unfortunately, as with the viruses, carrier states can occur, and recurrence of clinical signs might result secondary to stress.