Feline Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) are some of the most common infections in cats, and generally include one or more signs such as sneezing, discharge from the eyes and/or nose, ulcers in the eye or mouth, fever, decreased appetite, and lethargy.
What causes the infection?
Feline herpes virus or calicivirus are estimated to be involved in 90% of cases. There are a number of bacteria that are less commonly involved, and sometimes a cat can be infected with multiple organisms at the same time. While humans have their own versions of these viruses, FELINE herpes virus and calicivirus are only infectious to cats. The bacterial agents involved are also unlikely to cause disease in a healthy human – however, if you are immune-compromised, please consult your health care provider.
How do we treat Upper Respiratory Infection?
Like a cold, most feline URIs will run a course of 7-10 days. Our goal during that time is to reduce severity of signs, prevent progression to more serious lower respiratory infections (pneumonia), and to make your cat as comfortable as possible.
Treatments that may be prescribed by your veterinarian, depending on severity of symptoms, include:
- Oral antibiotics or a topical antibiotic ointment for the eyes
- Fluids given under the skin to support hydration in pets who are not eating or drinking as much as normal.
- Very rarely, oral or topical antiviral medications may be prescribed.
- Hospitalization for more intensive care may be recommended for very ill cats, especially those who are having difficulty breathing or are not eating at all.
Nursing care that can be provided at home includes:
- Gently clean any discharge from the eyes or nose 3-4 times daily with a warm damp washcloth.
- Offer warmed canned food to enhance flavor and smell, as this may help improve appetite.
- Running a hot shower and closing kitty in a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes may help with congestion.
What if my cat isn’t getting better – or gets worse?
Serious complications with feline URIs are fortunately rare, though they are more common in very young or old animals, or those with additional medical problems. Should your pet persistently refuse to eat, become increasingly lethargic/weak, or worsen in any way that causes you concern please contact us for a recheck appointment as more aggressive care may be necessary.
About Feline Herpes virus and Calicivirus
Herpes virus and calicivirus are similar to the virus that causes cold sores in people – once a cat has been infected, the viruses may persist in the body even after the cat appears healthy again. For many cats, the virus is present for life and can be re-activated, especially during times of stress or other illness. Some infected cats may deal with URIs again in the future – often we see flare ups when people make major changes that affect the cat’s lifestyle and routine, such as moving or adding new pets/people to the household.
However, keeping your cat healthy and happy is the biggest protection you can provide. Regular check-ups with Access Veterinary Care will allow a tailored plan for vaccinations based on lifestyle, early detection of any other health issues that could aggravate an existing infection, and discussion of changes to the living environment to help reduce stress. We recommend a veterinary consultation before introducing any new pets to the household.