Feline Basics

Quarterly Tips

Upper Respiratory Infections

Like people, many cats can develop the sneezing, runny nose, and general lethargy of an upper respiratory infection. Although the outward signs of a feline upper respiratory infection resemble the signs of a human cold most of the organisms that infect a cat’s nose and throat have no effect on people. And the opposite is true, human colds will not infect cats.

Feline respiratory infections are very contagious to other nearby cats. Just as a human cold virus can spread quickly through a household or workplace, a feline respiratory infection can spread quickly to other felines in close proximity. In some cases, the disease can be prevented from spreading by isolation and sanitation of the feeding bowls. The problem is that most respiratory diseases are airborne and also can contaminate and be transmitted on clothing. Therefore, quick recognition and action are necessary prevent the infection from spreading to other household or neighborhood cats.

Appetite and water intake are two crucial areas owners should pay attention to. An infected cat may lose its appetite because of debility and discomfort brought on by the illness, a decreased sense of smell due to a stuffy nose, or sores in its mouth that make eating painful. Owners can try feeding their cat a special food - something the cat really likes or something particularly strong smelling, like sardines, which might arouse the cat’s interest in eating.

If a cat stops eating and drinking altogether for a day or more or is eating and drinking poorly for several days, an owner should take the cat in for a veterinary examination. Veterinarians generally try to avoid hospitalizing cats with upper respiratory infections because they usually eat better and recover faster at home. However, a veterinarian may recommend putting a dehydrated or malnourished cat in the hospital so it can receive intravenous fluids or tube-feeding for a few days. The veterinarian may also administer antibiotics if there are signs of secondary bacterial infection.

To better understand upper respiratory infections in cats, please view the following online resources

Cat Upper Respiratory Tract Disease - the Cat Flu
Chronic Nasal Discharge in the Cat
What You Should Know About Cat Flu
Cat Upper Respiratory Disease: Rhinotracheitis & Calicivirus
Cat Upper Respiratory Viruses - Rhinotracheitis
Cat Upper Respiratory Viruses - Calicivirus
Cat Asthma
Cat Asthma - Cat Bronchitis

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