Upper Respiratory Infections In Cats

Just like people can get upper respiratory tract infections, so can cats. Upper respiratory infections in cats can cause typical symptoms of a common cold such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a reduction in physical activity. The feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) and feline calicivirus (FCV) are two different viruses that can cause feline upper respiratory tract infections. Upper respiratory infections in cats cannot be spread to humans, but feline upper respiratory infections are extremely contagious to other cats that come in contact with the sick cat.

Like the common cold, the viruses that cause feline respiratory infections are airborne. Not only can the virus be spread to other cats through the air, but blankets, people’s clothing, feeding bowls, and other surfaces can become contaminated with the virus. A cat owner may have some success of preventing the spread of the feline respiratory tract infection by putting the sick cat in seclusion and sterilizing cat bowls, toys, and other surfaces. However, the contagious virus may still infect the other cats in the household despite measures taken.

Feline viral rhinotracheitis can cause symptoms that are more severe than the symptoms from infections caused by feline calicivirus. Feline viral rhinotracheitis can cause loss of appetite, excessive salivating, sneezing, thick nasal discharge, and a reduction of physical activity. The feline upper respiratory tract infection can progress to pneumonia. A respiratory infection caused by feline calicivirus may cause ulcers in the cat’s mouth.

The feline respiratory infection symptoms usually subside within several days just like the human version of the common cold. The feline upper respiratory tract infection rarely needs veterinary care. Kittens and senior cats may struggle more with the symptoms of feline upper respiratory tract infections. If upper respiratory infections in cats make it difficult for the cats to breathe, the cats’ veterinarians should be notified.

If a cat is refusing to eat, either from the cold itself or the pain from mouth ulcers, the cat should be examined by the veterinarian. There are vaccinations for these respiratory infections. If a cat has not been vaccinated for these viruses, the cat owner may want to discuss this vaccine with the veterinarian.