Ninety percent of upper respiratory infections in cats are caused by either feline rhinotracheitis virus, or feline calici virus. A secondary bacterial infection may also be present, due to the cat’s weakened immune system, which is fighting off the virus and unable to protect that cat against other illnesses. Upper respiratory infections of URIs are most common in cats that are young, have weakened or suppressed immune systems, or cats that are stressed.
URIs are very contagious. They are passed on by direct contact with an infected cat. They are also passed on by contact with infected items such as a carrier, food and water dishes, blankets, or unwashed hands. Cats that have recovered from an upper respiratory infection may become carriers and are able to pass on the virus, but show no signs of illness.
Infection in cats may be acute, intermittently chronic, or a persistent chronic condition. Acute conditions occur suddenly and when they are resolved the cat completely recovers and doesn’t show any more symptoms unless re-infected. Intermittent chronic conditions flare up suddenly every so often during the cat's life. Often this occurs during times of stress or illness. A persistent chronic condition never seems to go away. The cat will appear to improve or recover on antibiotics, but as soon as the antibiotics are discontinued, the cat becomes sick again. Thankfully, most infections are acute and easily treated with a good prognosis for the cat.
Symptoms of upper respiratory infections include
- fever
- sneezing
- nasal discharge
- red, watery eyes
- increased drooling or salivation
- loss of appetite
- dehydration
In addition to this, cats infected with rhinotracheitis may also show corneal ulcers, abortion, or death of young kittens. Cats with calici virus may have sores on and in the inside of the cat’s mouth, mild pneumonia, and stiff or sore joints.
Feline upper respiratory infections are typically diagnosed based on the cat’s history and physical exams' findings. Veterinarians may also send out samples to a reference lab for a titer, which measures antibody levels, or a PCR, which scans for the virus itself.
Treatment for mild symptoms include: fluids under the skin, canned food to encourage appetite, and cleaning secretions from the cat’s eyes and nose. Cats may also be placed in a steamy bathroom 15-20 minutes, two to three times a day to help clear congestion and secretions.
Treatment for severe infections and symptoms may require hospitalization and intravenous fluids. The pet may also be given decongestants and antibiotics to prevent or treat secondary infections. Treatment for additional symptoms might also be necessary, along with possibly syringe feeding the cat until it’s appetite returns.
To protect cats against upper respiratory infections, it is important to avoid contact with strange cats. Separate new additions to the household for at least two weeks. Practice careful handling on contaminated objects and wash hands carefully after handling cats.
There are vaccines available for both rhino and calici virus. Kittens should be vaccinated at 8-10 weeks of age and have their vaccines boostered in 3-4 weeks. After the initial vaccines, cats should be re-vaccinated every year or according to veterinary guidelines.
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