Common Feline Respiratory Diseases and Their Transmissi

When it comes to feline upper respiratory diseases, symptoms can be quite telling, including drowsiness, loss of appetite, sneezing, conjunctival congestion, purulent nasal discharge, and excessive salivation. In severe cases, pneumonia can lead to respiratory distress or even death.

The scariest part about upper respiratory infections in cats is their highly contagious nature.

This transmission isn't just through the air; it's often via contaminated surfaces, droplets, or direct contact. For instance, sharing toys, bowls, or even the same "pooper scooper" can spread the infection.

Surprise! You may think you're a noble cat owner, but in the eyes of a cat, you might just be a terrifying virus bomb!

Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Causes

However, there are many causes of upper respiratory infections in cats. Dr. A Yuan discussed the common symptoms and causes of feline upper respiratory diseases in his live class.

Feline Herpesvirus

Feline Herpesvirus (FHV), also known as feline rhinotracheitis, typically causes acute upper respiratory and ocular diseases, especially severe in kittens. Symptoms usually start with drooling, sneezing, and coughing, followed by fever, depression, and anorexia. The virus can lead to erosions and ulcers on the mucosal surface, causing rhinitis, conjunctivitis, increased eye discharge, and occasionally keratitis.

The most common way for herpesvirus to spread is through contact with the eyes, mouth, or nasal discharge of an infected cat. Pregnant cats can also transmit the virus to kittens still in the womb.

Feline Calicivirus

Feline Calicivirus (FCV) can lead to multiple oral and respiratory infections in cats. Symptoms include upper respiratory symptoms, biphasic fever, serous and mucoid nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, depression, anorexia, or joint and muscle pain, and occasionally pneumonia. Common oral and gingival ulcers, difficulty eating, and drooling are also seen.

FCV is mainly spread through droplets, and outbreaks are often due to weakened immunity (stress) in cats.

Feline Chlamydia Virus

Feline Chlamydiosis, also known as feline pneumonitis, is a cat传染病 characterized by conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and pneumonia. Symptoms include conjunctivitis, sneezing, nasal discharge, and in severe cases, secondary bronchitis and pneumonia, difficulty breathing, coughing, fever, and purulent nasal discharge. Ulcers may also appear in the nasal and oral mucosa.

Chlamydia cannot survive outside the host, so transmission must be between cats, with eye discharge being the most important source of infection. Kittens can also be infected during the birthing process.

Feline Mycoplasma Virus

Mycoplasma is a bacteria that lacks a cell wall and is widely found in the mucous membranes of mammals. Feline mycoplasmas are more likely to cause disease than other types. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, serous or purulent secretions, conjunctival congestion, and keratitis.

Bordetella bronchiseptica

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a small, pleomorphic Gramnegative bacterium that can cause respiratory diseases in dogs and cats. In cats, it often occurs in multicat environments and is often associated with viral or mycoplasma infections. Symptoms include sneezing, purulent discharge from the eyes and nose, and coughing. Kittens are more prone to clinical symptoms and may develop severe bronchopneumonia, presenting with rapid breathing and cyanosis of the mucous membranes.

Streptococcus

Streptococcus is a Grampositive球菌, an opportunistic pathogen that can invade tissues when the body's normal immune barrier is broken down. Streptococcal infections can lead to severe pneumonia, purulent rhinitis, and meningitis.

Upper Respiratory Disease Treatment

Compared to other diseases, upper respiratory infections in cats are relatively easy to treat.

Generally, the treatment for feline upper respiratory infections includes the following methods:

1. Antiviral

Administer interferon, antiviral serum, and other medications to cats.

2. Antibiotics

Use antibiotics such as amoxicillinclavulanate potassium and doxycycline to prevent secondary infections.

3. Symptomatic Treatment

Treat symptoms with medications such as valacyclovir, oral spray for stomatitis, iodine, and cidofovir based on the cat's clinical symptoms.

4. Adjunctive Treatment

Common adjunctive therapies include nebulization, intravenous fluid therapy, oxygen therapy, and supplementing cats with lysine appropriately.

Tip:

The treatment period for feline upper respiratory infections is generally 710 days, but it can sometimes last for several weeks.

Prevention Guidelines

Prevention is the best treatment. After all, compared to treating feline upper respiratory infections, prevention is much easier.

1. Vaccination

We've emphasized the importance of full feline trivalent vaccination many times. Vaccinating cats on time with the feline trivalent vaccine is the most important way to prevent upper respiratory infections.

The feline trivalent vaccine can prevent cats from being susceptible to three major viruses:

Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV)

Feline Calicivirus (FHV)

Feline Herpesvirus (FCV)

For detailed information on vaccinating cats, please refer to the old article link.

2. Daily Disinfection

The transmission of feline upper respiratory infection pathogens mentioned above mainly includes: contaminated surfaces in the environment, droplets, and contact transmission. Therefore, cat owners must pay attention to disinfection of the home environment. For multicat households, environmental disinfection is even more urgent.

When choosing disinfectants, it is recommended to prioritize products used by major pet hospitals, catteries, pet stores, and pet rescue organizations, such as DuPont Disinfectant.

Disinfect effectively without harming the cat.

In addition to the two main preventive measures mentioned above, Dr. A Yuan also suggests the following for cat owners:

1. In daily life, provide cats with adequate nutrition to enhance their resistance.

2. Avoid stress reactions in cats. As territorial animals, cats should have a fixed living environment as much as possible, and owners should minimize outdoor activities.