Felines in Focus: Upper Respiratory Infections
By Yvonne Stecher, Compendium journal
Sneezing? Coughing? Your kitty may need more than chicken soup!
Most feline upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses, but some cats develop secondary bacterial infections. Signs of upper respiratory disease can also be linked to other serious problems, like allergies, dental disease, cancer or the presence of a foreign object in the nose or the back of the mouth.
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| What Are the Signs? |
| Signs of upper respiratory tract disease in cats vary depending on what is causing them. The most common ones are: |
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Sneezing |
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Watery or mucous discharge from the eyes or nose |
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Cough |
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Fever |
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Lethargy |
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Loss of appetite or weight |
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| Less common signs include: |
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Hoarse “voice” |
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Change in face shape |
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Ulcers in the mouth or eyes |
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What causes feline upper respiratory infections?
Approximately 90% of all upper respiratory infections in cats are caused by two common viruses: feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus. Feline herpesvirus is related to the virus that causes cold sores and chicken pox in people; however, people cannot get sick from the feline virus. Upper respiratory infections in cats can also be caused by fungi or bacteria. It is common for cats to be “co-infected” — infected with more than one agent (e.g., a virus and a bacteria) at the same time — which can make treatment and recovery longer and more difficult.
How are these diseases spread?
Feline upper respiratory infections are spread the same way as the common cold: a healthy cat comes in contact with an object that has been used by an infected cat — for example, a shared food bowl or toy. Disinfecting shared items on a regular basis can help cut down on the transmission risk. Feline calicivirus can also be spread when a healthy cat uses the same litter box as an infected cat. And, just like the common cold, your hands can play a role in spreading these viruses. Therefore, if you have or touch a sick cat, wash your hands before touching another cat! Also, one of the major ways these viruses are spread — like human respiratory pathogens — is through sneezing or coughing, aerosolizing the virus into droplets.
Raising the Red Flag
Signs of upper respiratory disease can be caused by underlying conditions, such as nasal tumors or dental disease. If your cat’s illness lasts an unusually long time or is accompanied by unusual pain, facial deformity, significant weight loss or some other odd sign, additional diagnostic tests may be needed to rule out other problems.
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Even after they are no longer sick, many cats that have been infected with feline herpesvirus and calicivirus can transmit these viruses to other cats. Therefore, seek professional veterinary advice before introducing a new cat with an unknown vaccination history into your house or before placing your cat in an unfamiliar setting with other cats, such as a boarding facility.
How can I keep my cat healthy?
Cats that are kept indoors are at a lower risk of contracting upper respiratory diseases. Cats that are allowed outside; have recently been in a shelter, boarding facility or cattery; or live in a multicat household are at higher risk of contracting these diseases. Kittens, because of their immature immune systems, are also at higher risk.
Vaccines are available to help prevent or reduce the severity of the most common infections. Many vaccines may not be 100% effective in preventing a disease, but they do help limit how sick your cat becomes if it is infected. See the box about the current guidelines regarding which vaccinations cats should get and how often.
What should I do if my cat is already sick?
Diagnosing the exact cause of an upper respiratory infection can be difficult because many cats are co-infected. When you bring your cat in to the veterinary office, it helps if you can remember what vaccinations your cat has had, when your cat might have been exposed to an infected cat, and when your cat began to show signs of being sick. Some laboratory tests may be necessary to help with the diagnosis.
Vaccination Guidelines
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP; www.catvets.com) considers feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus vaccines as “core,” meaning that they should be given to virtually every cat. They are usually given in a single combination vaccine. The current AAFP recommendations include vaccinating kittens as young as 6 weeks, accompanied by a series of booster shots. The number of boosters depends on the kitten’s age when the first shot is given.
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As in people, very few drugs can control viral infections, so treatment typically consists mostly of keeping your cat warm, comfortable, and eating and drinking properly. Many sick cats lose their appetite because nasal congestion affects their sense of smell; therefore, these cats may need to be tempted with baby food or another delicious treat. Discharge from the nose and eyes should be gently cleared away if the cat will allow it, and any lesions in the mouth or eyes should be treated. You may be given a prescription for a broad-spectrum antibiotic to help combat any secondary bacterial infections. Dehydration can be a problem in seriously ill cats, so fluid therapy may be called for in some cases.