How does a cat get an upper respiratory infection? The viruses and bacteria that cause URI in cats are highly contagious. An infected cat will shed contagious particles in saliva or secretions from the nose or eyes.
First and foremost, it is crucial to clarify that, within a maximum of three days of adoption, every animal you adopt from a shelter needs to be examined by your regular veterinarian. Many cats can recover from mild URIs in one to two weeks if they get enough rest and care. Sometimes cats need additional help, however. Contact your veterinarian if any of the following symptoms apply to your cat.
This illness is common in cats who have been exposed to other cats, like at a shelter, and is comparable to the common cold in humans. Sneezing, runny nose, red or runny eyes, sores on the tongue, lips, nose, or roof of the mouth, fever, anorexia, and low energy are all indicators of URI.
URI is contagious to other cats. Isolating cats that exhibit symptoms of the illness is a smart idea, and cleaning your hands after handling sick cats is advised. (Generally speaking, we advise keeping all newcomers in your home apart for eight to ten days following adoption in order to allow them to acclimate and ensure they are not sick. ) URI is not contagious to people or other animals.
Rarely fatal, URI typically goes away in one to three weeks. Treatment is generally supportive. Furthermore, antibiotics are occasionally administered to treat potential bacterial infections. But while secondary bacterial infections may exacerbate the issue, viral infections are frequently the root cause. Antibiotics cannot treat viral infections; similar to the common cold, there is no cure other than waiting it out and letting the cat’s own immune system do its thing. Rarely, URI can result in serious illnesses like pneumonia. Additionally, sick cats might not consume enough food or liquids, which could lead to severe dehydration. In such cases, hospitalization and fluid supplementation may be needed.
Does upper respiratory infection in cats cause death?
Most frequently, URIs cause self-limiting sneezing and nasal discharge. But some URIs can develop into more serious infections that need to be treated medically by your cat’s veterinarian.
2. McManus CM. et al. National Library of Medicine. Prevalence of upper respiratory pathogens in four management models for unowned cats in the Southeast United States. 2014.
3. Najafi, H. et al. National Library of Medicine. Molecular and clinical study on prevalence of feline herpesvirus type 1 and calicivirus in correlation with feline leukemia and immunodeficiency viruses. 2014.
4. Respiratory Infections. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Cornell Feline Health Center. 2018.
Featured : iStock/Kateryna Kukota
2. McManus CM. et al. National Library of Medicine. Prevalence of upper respiratory pathogens in four management models for unowned cats in the Southeast United States. 2014.
3. Najafi, H. et al. National Library of Medicine. Molecular and clinical study on prevalence of feline herpesvirus type 1 and calicivirus in correlation with feline leukemia and immunodeficiency viruses. 2014.
4. Respiratory Infections. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Cornell Feline Health Center. 2018.
Featured : iStock/Kateryna Kukota
Dr. The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine awarded Melissa Boldan her degree in 2012. She initially practiced mixed animal.
Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats
- Sneezing
- Drainage from the eyes
- Conjunctivitis (swelling or redness of the membranes around the eyes)
- Squinting
- Nasal drainage or crust
- Nasal congestion
- Decreased or absent appetite
- Cough
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Lymph node swelling
- Difficulty breathing
Cat with severe upper respiratory infection and has a significant amount of nasal discharge and some ocular discharge.
Photo By: Sandra Mitchell, DVM
FAQ
How long is URI contagious in cats?
Can I pass a URI to my cat?
Can cat URI go away on its own?