Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Cat

More information about the most common infectious agents that cause an upper respiratory infection in cats can be found in separate handouts in this series of client education materials.

Upper respiratory tract infection cat.

These infections usually respond well to treatment though some cats can become quite ill with severe cases occasionally becoming pneumonia. Cat flu or upper respiratory infection uri is a very common disease that can vary considerably in severity and on occasions can even be life threatening. A cat with an upper respiratory infection loses some sense of smell so you may need to tempt your cat with an extra smelly treat like fish. However cats kept in crowded quarters are at a high risk of infection as bacteria travels easily from direct or indirect contact.

Healthy cats can become infected through direct or indirect contact. In the vast majority of cases disease results from infection with feline calicivirus fcv or feline herpes virus fhv or fhv 1. A sneezing cat or a coughing cat can signal an upper respiratory infection. Respiratory infections are too common in kittens as is the case with urinary tract infections.

If breathing is a problem your vet may suggest putting your cat in a bathroom with a steamy shower running. Gently clean any discharge from its eyes and nose. Upper respiratory infections are very common in cats especially kittens and shelter cats.