Can a cat survive an upper respiratory infection?

What does an upper respiratory infection look like in a cat?

An upper respiratory infection in cats can look a lot like the common cold in people. Sneezing, runny nose, coughing, congestion, discharge from the eyes, fever, ulcers in the mouth or around the nose and eyes—all signs your cats may have a viral upper respiratory infection.

When to take your cat to the vet for upper respiratory infection?

This article has been viewed 20,892 times. To treat feline upper respiratory illness in your cat, take it to the vet whenever you notice common symptoms, including discharge from its eyes or nose, mouth sores, sneezing, and a loss of appetite.

What is upper respiratory disease complex in cats?

These infections are also referred to as Feline Infectious Respiratory Disease, or Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex (URD) in the veterinary community. The infections vary in severity and have the potential to become life threatening. Upper respiratory infections are extremely common ailments among cats.

What is a feline upper respiratory infection?

Feline Upper Respiratory Infection. What causes a feline upper respiratory infection? Feline upper respiratory infection (URI) is the common term for a respiratory infection caused by one or more viral or bacterial agents. Synonyms for this condition include feline infectious respiratory disease and feline upper respiratory disease complex (URD).

How long does feline respiratory disease last?

Feline respiratory disease complex is highly contagious when healthy cats come into contact with the mouth, nasal, or eye discharges of infected cats. Because the viruses live on objects, they can make healthy cats sick as well. Feline herpesvirus can live on hard objects for up to 24 hours and feline calicivirus can survive up to 10 days.

What is feline respiratory disease complex?

Vets describe feline respiratory disease complex as a grouping of respiratory conditions caused by several viruses that can work alone or jointly to cause illness. Feline respiratory disease complex can show up as one of several illnesses in cats.

How long does upper respiratory infection last in cats?

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. Treatment generally consists of supportive care.

Is upper respiratory tract infection in cats contagious?

In cats, these infections are quite common and very contagious. Below is an overview of Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) followed by detailed in-depth information on the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

What is feline respiratory disease complex (RDC)?

Because feline respiratory disease complex can infect the eyes, nasal passages, mouth and throat of the cat, vets try to prescribe medications for not only symptoms, but for the cat’s comfort.

What kind of respiratory disease does a cat have?

Feline Respiratory Disease Complex Feline respiratory disease complex includes those illnesses typified by rhinosinusitis, conjunctivitis, lacrimation, salivation, and oral ulcerations. The principal diseases, feline viral rhinotracheitis… read more

Is upper respiratory infection in cats contagious?

Is URI Contagious? Feline upper respiratory infection is very contagious and 80 percent of cats that have contracted the infection are contagious for months or years. They become carriers and can spread the disease when they come in close contact with other pets. If these cats become ill or suffer from stress, the infection can flare up again.

What causes upper respiratory tract infections in cats?

The pathogens that most commonly cause URT infections in cats are viral. 2,3 Feline herpes virus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) account for approximately 90% of all feline URT disease. 1 Viral URT disease is especially common in kittens and stressed or immunocompromised adults.

What to do if your cat has respiratory disease complex?

Because feline respiratory disease complex can infect the eyes, nasal passages, mouth and throat of the cat, vets try to prescribe medications for not only symptoms, but for the cat’s comfort. Broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat presenting illness and secondary bacterial infections are prescribed.

What is another name for upper respiratory infection in cats?

Synonyms for this condition include feline infectious respiratory disease and feline upper respiratory disease complex (URD). The infection may be caused by one or more viral and bacterial agents capable of causing disease in cats.

How does Uri spread in cats?

The Spread of the Infection. URI is an airborne infection that can affect healthy cats when they come in contact with infected cats. Objects like feeding bowls, bedding, litter boxes and toys serve as carriers of the infection. Young kittens, unvaccinated cats and cats in catteries or shelters are most susceptible to the infection.

How long is upper respiratory infection in cats contagious?

Feline upper respiratory infection is very contagious and 80 percent of cats that have contracted the infection are contagious for months or years. They become carriers and can spread the disease when they come in close contact with other pets. If these cats become ill or suffer from stress,…

How are URI symptoms transmitted in cats?

Transmission is through direct contact with an affected cat. • Mycoplasma: Mycoplasma is a bacterium that can contribute to URI symptoms in cats and may even cause asthma like symptoms. It rarely causes disease by itself, but can add to clinical signs if another organism is involved in the URI.

What is a feline upper respiratory infection (URI)?

… Follow On: A feline upper respiratory infection (or URI) is an infection in the upper respiratory tract of your cat and involves areas such as the nose, throat and the sinus area. URI is more common in cats that live outdoors, in shelters, in catteries or in multiple pet households.

How long does it take for a cat to get Uri?

If your cat is immunosuppressed (meaning their immune system has trouble fighting infections) or has other issues, the URI may last longer. Once a cat is exposed, the virus or bacteria incubates for 2 to 10 days, and then symptoms develop. A cat is considered contagious the whole time.

What tests are used to diagnose upper respiratory infection in cats?

Tests for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) Chronic upper respiratory infections require additional tests, such as radiographs to evaluate the lungs and sinuses, cultures of cells, and microscopic evaluation of discharge.