Respiratory
Infections in Cats
Upper respiratory infections (“colds”)
are the most common cat disease. In fact, the feline distemper vaccine protects for the most common and widely recognized
forms, although there are new viruses and bacterial infections being evolved constantly. As a cat owner you should be aware
of some facts about these infections.
What is an upper respiratory infection?
Commonly
abbreviated to URI, upper respiratory infections are often highly contagious diseases spread by airborne viruses. The incubation
period is approximately three to seven days from exposure to the first obvious symptoms. Sneezing, eye discharge, and nasal
discharge characterize URIs. Depending on the virus causing the disease, signs may last from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Most viral infections cause the same feeling in cats that a cold does in humans—lethargy, lack of appetite, and occasionally
a fever. Although a severe infection may develop into pneumonia, this is rarely the case. Breeds with short nasal passages,
like Persians, seem to be the most severely affected. Also, as with the common cold, a URI can affect the cat’s resistance,
making him more susceptible to other secondary infections. Observe your cat closely to avoid any complications.
How is it cured?
Just as with a common cold, it must run its course. Your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics
to prevent secondary infections or to fight a bacterial infection. Wiping any discharge from the nose or eyes will help keep
your cat more comfortable. Since cats depend upon their sense of smell to eat, keeping nasal passages open encourages your
cat to ingest food at a normal rate. If the appetite seems lessened, warming up a small amount of canned cat food may make
the food more appealing.
Do URIs occur only in pet care facilities?
No. Since these viruses
can be present anywhere, and can travel for distances through the air, they can affect any cat, even one at home on the windowsill.
Any cold is more likely to occur when the concentration of cats is greater—such as at cat shows, animal shelters, veterinary
offices, and pet shops, as well as in a boarding situation.
Yes, but isn’t my cat more likely to
catch a cold while being boarded?
Yes, because in a boarding facility the cat encounters two conditions that
do not occur at home: proximity to a number of potentially contagious cats, and the stress and excitement of a less familiar
environment, which can lower resistance to disease. (These are the same factors that explain why children are more likely
to catch a cold at school than at home.) However, the more often a cat is boarded, the greater the chances of acquiring immunity
to disease. Exposure to a virus that causes a minor infection may leave the cat protected for life against that strain of
URI.
Are these viruses a constant problem?
No. URIs (like the flu) are often seasonal.
The problem also tends to be epidemic. When veterinarians begin seeing cases, they normally come from any boarding facility
in town, as well as from the pet stores, shelters, and individual owners. Once an outbreak has run its course, another case
might not be seen for months.
Why doesn’t the vaccine protect my cat?
The feline
distemper vaccine protects against the most common forms of upper respiratory infections (also called herpes viruses). As
with the common cold, there are hundreds of varieties; and mutations of the viruses constantly occur as they themselves adapt
to their environment. Vaccinating against every form would be impossible. Your veterinarian can recommend a vaccine program
appropriate for your cat. Since these viruses can be present anywhere, and can travel for distances through the air, they
can affect any cat, even one at home on the windowsill.
Can the boarding facility prevent my cat from
being exposed to a URI?
Unfortunately, it cannot. No amount of supervision, sanitation, or personalized
care can prevent a cat from “catching” an airborne virus. All that a good boarding facility can do is require
immunization records, refuse to board an obviously sick cat, and watch for signs of any illness, the most obvious being sneezing
or sniffles. Your boarding facility will quickly segregate any infected pets, and seek medical attention to help prevent further
spread of disease. You have a right for your boarding facility to provide the best possible care, just as the facility has
a right to expect you to accept financial responsibility for such care.
Your ABKA member is devoted to your pet’s
well being. Look for the membership certificate proudly displayed.
