{"id":439515,"date":"2023-11-15T13:58:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T18:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=439515"},"modified":"2024-09-24T20:11:54","modified_gmt":"2024-09-25T00:11:54","slug":"feline-upper-respiratory-infection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/cat-health-care\/feline-upper-respiratory-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"Feline Upper Respiratory Infection: Vet Reviewed Causes, Signs & Care"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nFeline Upper Respiratory Infection<\/a>
\nSigns<\/a>
\nCauses<\/a>
\nTreatment & Care Tips<\/a>
\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/a>
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Respiratory infections are unfortunately pretty common in cats, but are they something your cat will get over, or do you need to take them in to see the vet? And what about secondary illnesses? We\u2019ll take a closer look at the causes, signs, and care your kitty will need if they have an upper respiratory infection (URI).<\/p>\n

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What Is a Feline Upper Respiratory Infection?<\/h2>\n

The upper respiratory tract includes the oral cavity, nasal passages, the back of the oral and nasal cavity (pharynx), sinuses, and vocal folds (larynx). Respiratory infections are relatively common in cats, especially if they live or have spent time in high-density populations like shelters or batteries1<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Generally, the cats are crowded and stressed, which lowers their immune function. A variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses can cause infections, and while vaccines have been successful in reducing the incidence of respiratory disease in cats, they have not eradicated the highly contagious pathogens that cause them.<\/p>\n

The bacteria and viruses that cause URIs are highly contagious and are generally passed through infectious particles in the saliva or secretions from the eyes or nose2<\/sup><\/a>. Cats can get the infection by direct contact with the infected cat or by environmental exposure, like water and food bowls, toys, litter boxes, or bedding.<\/p>\n

Typically, the cases are associated with direct contact because the bacteria and the virus only survive in the environment for short periods and are destroyed by proper disinfection.<\/p>\n

What Are the Signs of Feline Upper Respiratory Infections?<\/h2>\n

Coughing or sneezing are signs that your cat has a URI. The most common signs include noisy breathing, discharge from the eyes or nose, no voice or a hoarse meow, and ulcers on the nose or mouth3<\/sup><\/a>. The discharge can be clear or cloudy in appearance and include puss. These signs can also be displayed:<\/p>\n

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