Lower respiratory tract infections may cause coughing, lethargy, anorexia, and difficult or rapid breathing (which should not exceed 35 breaths per minute at rest). Young and adolescent cats are most susceptible to this common infection.
Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) is similar to a common cold in humans. It is especially common in cats who have been exposed to a lot of other cats, such as at an animal shelter. URI is very rarely fatal, and usually resolves within one to three weeks.
Once a cat is exposed to an infectious agent, it will go through an incubation period of 2-10 days before developing clinical signs. If the infection is uncomplicated, it will typically last for 7-10 days, although signs may persist for up to 21 days in some cases.
Diagnosing Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats
If testing is required, usually a swab from the eye, nose or back of throat is collected. In rare cases, additional testing such as X-rays, blood tests and culture testing may be recommended.
You may also notice that your cat starts pawing at their nose and mouth, has trouble swallowing, or makes wheezes or choking sounds while trying to breathe.
What are the symptoms of a feline upper respiratory infection? The typical upper respiratory infection involves the nose and throat, causing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membranes lining the eyelids), and discharge from the nose or eyes.
Diagnosing Respiratory Infections in Pets
Your vet will take your animal's temperature and inspect his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. The vet may also take samples of fluids from the nose and throat to examine under the microscope.
Feline Upper Respiratory Infection Treatment
The veterinarian will tell you what the best course of treatment is for your cat. This may include medications, isolation, rest, fluids from an IV, and nutritional support. Cats often get a bacterial infection on top of a viral infection, so yours may need antibiotics.
Nausea. Cats that are nauseated or dehydrated can excessively lick their lips or smack their lips. Many times, cats will also drool and vomit following lip smacking behavior. Learn more about Nausea in Cats.
Some cats may also be left with permanent damage within the nose and may have persistent or recurrent nasal discharge (so-called 'chronic rhinitis'). In rare cases, a much more severe and often fatal form of FCV infection may occur.
URI is similar to the common cold in humans. It is especially common in cats that have been exposed to a lot of other cats, such as in an animal shelter. URI is rarely fatal and usually resolves in one to three weeks. Treatment generally consists of supportive care.
add Is URI contagious? URI is contagious to other cats. It is a good idea to isolate cats that are showing signs of the disease, and wash hands after handling sick cats.
When Should You Bring Your Cat in for a Vet Visit? Most upper respiratory infections in cats will resolve themselves with a little extra TLC and time.
Chronic upper respiratory tract disease is a relatively common problem in unvaccinated cats. The most common form is termed chronic post-viral or idiopathic rhinitis. In this condition, a viral infection (e.g., caused by feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus) causes the initial mucosal damage.
Yes, upper respiratory infections are contagious. They pass from person to person through respiratory droplets or hand-to-hand contact. People who have an upper respiratory infection can pass it to others through: Sneezing or coughing without covering their nose and mouth.
Viral upper respiratory disease usually causes signs associated with the eyes and nasal passages. These frequently include sneezing, nasal discharge, runny eyes and changes in energy level or appetite. If your pet begins showing these signs, it is not necessarily an indicator that antibiotics are needed.
Some cats can benefit from steam therapy, and your veterinarian may recommend that you keep your cat in the bathroom while showering to keep nasal passages moist. URIs in cats at times can involve bacteria, and these patients are usually prescribed an antibiotic.
Doxycycline is an inexpensive and effective antibiotic for treating feline URI-- but wait there's more! In addition to the cost-saving benefits, Doxycycline has also been proven to be the most effective treatment for URI when compared to Clavamox.
What causes acute respiratory distress syndrome? ARDS is a complication of other severe systemic diseases. These diseases may include sepsis (infection), pancreatitis, pneumonia (due to infection or the inhalation of foreign materials), and other severe illnesses.
Unusually loud breathing sounds are often the result of air passing through abnormally narrowed passageways, meeting resistance to airflow because of partial blockage of these regions. The origin may be the back of the throat (nasopharynx), the throat (pharynx), the voice box (larynx), or the windpipe (trachea).
Owners of indoor cats are surprised that their cats are able to contract upper respiratory infections without contact with other cats. Most of the viruses that cause these infections are airborne, and some are also transmitted through water.