Cat sounds stuffy10/11/2023 Many vaccines may not be 100% effective in preventing a disease, but they do help limit how sick your cat becomes if it is infected. Vaccines are available to help prevent or reduce the severity of the most common infections. Because of their immature immune systems, kittens are also at higher risk. Cats that are allowed outside have recently been in a shelter, boarding facility or cattery or live in a multicat household are at higher risk of contracting these diseases. How Can I Keep My Cat Healthy?Ĭats that are kept indoors are at lower risk of contracting upper airway diseases. Therefore, seek professional veterinary advice before introducing a new cat with an unknown vaccination history into your house, or before placing your cat in an unfamiliar setting with other cats, such as a boarding facility. And, just like the common cold, your hands can play a role in spreading viruses, so if you touch a sick cat, wash your hands before touching another cat!Įven after they are no longer sick, many cats that have been infected with feline herpesvirus and calicivirus can transmit these viruses to other cats. Feline calicivirus can also be spread when a healthy cat uses the same litterbox as an infected cat. Frequently disinfecting shared items can help reduce transmission risk. How Are These Viruses Spread?įeline upper airway infections are spread in the same way as the common cold: a healthy cat comes in contact with an object that has been used by an infected cat – for example, a shared food bowl or toy. It is common for cats to be co-infected – infected with more than one agent (e.g., a virus and a bacterium) at the same time – which can make treatment and recovery longer and more difficult. Upper airway infections in cats can also be causes by fungi or bacteria. Feline herpesvirus is related to the virus that causes cold sores and chicken pox in people: however people cannot get sick from the feline virus. What Causes Feline Upper Airway Infections?Īpproximately 90% of all upper airway infections are caused by two common viruses: feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus. Signs of upper respiratory disease can also be linked to other serious problems, like allergies, dental disease, cancer, or the presence of a foreign object in the nose or back of the mouth. Most feline upper airway infections are caused by viruses, but some cats develop secondary bacterial infections. In adult cats, untreated infections can lead to other (secondary) infections or damage delicate sinuses, resulting in chronic problems. Depending on their cause, upper airway infections can quickly become serious, especially in kittens. If your cat shows any signs of respiratory illness, such as sneezing, wheezing, ‘gummy’ eyes or a runny nose, make an appointment to have him or her evaluated right away. Sneezing? Coughing? Your Kitty May Need More Than Chicken Soup!Ĭats, especially kittens, often get upper airway (respiratory) infections.
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