Did you just get a new kitten from the shelter, and they started sneezing a week later?
Fat not – upper respiratory infections are common in cats, especially those who have recently joined the family from a rescue, protection or breeder.
Where there are lots of kittens that are close to each other, there are many opportunities to see an upper respiratory tract infection in cats.
Let's look at everything that a pet parent should know and what to do if you notice symptoms.
Key dealers
- Upper respiratory tract infections in cats are usually caused by viruses such as cat herpes virus or calicivirus and are highly contagious, especially in multi-cat environments.
- Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal emissions, eye drains, congestion and reduced appetite; More serious cases may require veterinary attention.
- Treatment depends on the severity and may include supportive care, antibiotics, eye drops and immune -enhancing supplements; Most cats recover in one to two weeks.
- Preventive steps include routine FVRCP vaccination, reduction in exposure to other cats and isolates new or symptomatic pets to prevent spreading.
What is an upper respiratory tract infection in cats?
Upper respiratory tract infections in cats are the result of either a viral or bacterial infection.
They are usually contagious and spread easily from cat to cat, which leads to sneezing and drainage from the eyes and nose.
While some affected cats may act and feel completely normal except for some sneezing, other affected cats may feel very sick and stop eating. The severity of signs depends on the viruses or bacteria they have and how strong their immune system was before the infection.
Breathing infections enter the cat's body from their airways. They breathe in contagious particles, which land in their airways and lead to illness.
If your cat is still light, has decent energy and eats they can wait and be seen by a veterinarian during normal opening hours. If they are depressed and stop eating, an emergency visit may be needed.
Symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection in cats
Symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection in cats may include the following:
Causes of an upper respiratory tract infection in cats
Upper respiratory tract infections in cats may be the result of a viral infection, bacterial infection or both. Over 90% of upper respiratory tract infections in cats are caused by either cat herpes virus-1 or cat calicivirus.
Feline Herpes virus, also known as cat -miral rhinotracheitis (FVR), is the most common cause of upper respiratory tract infections.
Researchers estimate that 97% of the CAT population will be exposed at some point in their lives. This usually leads to sneezing and nasal drainage for a few weeks before the symptoms disappear.
While signs of the virus clean up, the virus stays in the cat's system and can flare up again in the future during times of stress.
Calicivirus is the second most common upper respiratory tract infection in cats. It often leads to cold -like symptoms.
Influenced kittens will often sneeze, have drainage from the nose and eyes and often develop wounds in the mouth, which causes them to slices in some cats. A mild content and fever can also happen.
Other viruses and bacteria can also cause upper respiratory tract infections in cats.
Chlamydophila felisThe Mycoplasma Felisand Table bronchiseptica are the most common bacterial sinners. All of these are easily scattered from cat to cat through their saliva, nose or eye draining and drops in the air as they sneeze.
Young cats are more often affected by upper respiratory diseases, especially those in shelters, rescues and breeding colonies where many cats are housed close to each other.
How veterinarians diagnose an upper respiratory tract infection in cats
Upper respiratory tract infections in cats are usually diagnosed after a physical examination of your veterinarian.
They will look in your cat's eyes and ears and the nostrils for signs of inflammation (swelling) and drainage. They will feel your cat's lymph nodes for swelling and listen to the lungs. They will also take the temperature of the pet.
The following tests may also be recommended:
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Feline Leukemia and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) Testing. These are common viruses that can lower a cat's immune system, making them more exposed to upper respiratory tract infections.
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Bacterial culture or PCR test. Sometimes water sticks of the nose, eyes or mouth are recommended. These water sticks can be sent off for a bacterial culture or a polymerase chain reaction test (PCR) to look for viral DNA.
Upper respiratory tract infections are common. They often cleanse on their own and are easily diagnosed with an exam.
However, let your veterinarian know if your cat does not eat well or acts depressed. This can change their diagnostic or treatment recommendations.
Treatment of an upper respiratory tract infection in cats
If your cat's upper respiratory tract infection is mild they may need no treatment. Often, common viral infections, such as cat herpes virus, will clean up on its own after a couple of weeks.
Sometimes eye medicines, such as tobramycin drops or terramycin ointment, are prescribed, if your cat has goopy eyes.
Antibiotics, such as Clavamox or Azitromycin, can also be prescribed if a bacterial infection is suspected.
If your cat has a fever or has pain, an anti -inflammatory medication such as Onsior may be prescribed.
Herpes virus is not cured, but it goes into remission.
Most cats with upper respiratory tract infections are inevitably treated.
Some cats may have a herpes inflammation when they are young and never have another upper respiratory infection for the rest of their lives.
Others may have their symptoms return when they become stressed, such as when their pet parents move to a new home or get a dog. During stressful times like these, ask your veterinarian about a soothing chew, such as Vetriscience Veterinary Strength Calm & Seciv Composy Soft Chew Caling Supplement for Cats, is OK to offer your pet.
Recovery and handling of an upper respiratory tract infection in cats
Recovery from an upper respiratory tract infection in cats usually takes one to two weeks.
During that time, it is good to keep the cat's airways moistened. Keep them in the bathroom as you shower so they can breathe in the steaming air for a few minutes.
You can also use infant's saline drops to moisten the airways, if your cat allows.
Because their sense of smell can be reduced from a full nose, consider offering them more tasteful, fragrantly preserved foods (such as stylish party causes) or use toppers (such as Rachel Ray Nutrish Purrfect -Broths) to encourage them to eat.
Prevention of an upper respiratory tract infection in cats
Your cat's risk of getting an upper respiratory tract infection can be reduced with vaccinations.
Although vaccination does not always prevent the viruses to which it is directed, it decreases the severity of their symptoms if exposed.
The FVRCP vaccine recommended for healthy kittens and most adult cats are protective against many of the most common viruses that cause upper respiratory infections in cats.
FVRCP stands for:
Apart from vaccinating your cat, you can also reduce their risk by minimizing their exposure to other cats.
If you visit cat cafes or other places where there are cats outside your home, be sure to wash your hands before returning to your house.
If you have a cat in your home with an upper respiratory tract infection, separate them in their own room for three weeks to avoid shared food and water bowls or mutual care.
Wash your hands thoroughly between handling infected and unaffected cats.
To be on the safe side, isolate new cat supplements to your home for a couple of weeks, to ensure that they do not start showing signs of upper respiratory tract infections before introducing to your other cats.
Upper respiratory tract infection at CATS common questions
How do I treat my cat's upper respiratory tract infection?
While many upper respiratory tract infections will clean up on their own, some may need medicated eye drops or oral antibiotics.
Can a cat survive an upper respiratory tract infection?
Most cats will survive to have an upper respiratory tract infection and have a complete recovery.
How long does it take a cat to get rid of an upper respiratory tract infection?
Most upper respiratory tract infections clear after a couple of weeks.
Is a cat's upper respiratory infection contagious for humans?
Cat -övre respiratory infections are generally not considered to be contagious to humans.
