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Symptoms of Feline Upper Respiratory Infection: What to

20. December 2024
Common Causes of Feline Upper Respiratory Infections1. Feline Calicivirus (FCV) Feline Calicivirus

Common Causes of Feline Upper Respiratory Infections

1. Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Feline Calicivirus primarily affects kittens, leading to mild to severe respiratory infections and oral diseases such as ulcers on the tongue. It can also occasionally cause lameness. The virus is usually transmitted through the nose, mouth, and conjunctiva, with an incubation period of about 23 days.

2. Feline Herpesvirus (FHV1)

Also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis, this virus is spread through secretions from the eyes, nose, and mouth. Most often, it is transmitted by direct contact with an infected cat.

3. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common source of upper respiratory infections in cats, typically causing characteristic eye symptoms like conjunctivitis, swelling, and mucoid discharge.

4. Other Pathogens

Besides the mentioned pathogens, mycoplasma, corynebacteria, and Bordetella bronchiseptica can also lead to upper respiratory infections in cats.

Common Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and location of the infection. However, common clinical signs include sneezing, yellowgreen nasal discharge, nasal congestion, coughing, excessive eye discharge, red and inflamed eyes, frequent eye rubbing, and in severe cases, corneal ulcers, vomiting, drooling, fever, decreased appetite, nasal and oral ulcers, poor spirits, drowsiness, and abnormal vocalizations, such as a hoarse voice. If a cat shows signs of decreased appetite, difficulty breathing, or high fever, hospitalization may be necessary. Young cats with lower immunity may experience more severe symptoms, potentially leading to pneumonia and even lifethreatening conditions. Early veterinary care is crucial upon symptom detection.

Transmission Methods of Upper Respiratory Infections

These infections are highly contagious. While many pet owners believe they are spread through the air, it's more common for them to be transmitted through contaminated items or droplets that can travel up to 1.5 meters. Cats in the same household can easily become infected through shared toys, food bowls, or even the same litter box. Flatfaced cats with short noses are more susceptible to infection. Feline Herpesvirus infection is lifelong, and previously infected cats may experience symptoms again due to stress or other factors.

Diagnosis Methods

Most cases are diagnosed based on symptoms. Eye abnormalities may require corneal fluorescein staining to confirm the presence of corneal ulcers. Some cats may develop dry eye due to viral infections, necessitating tear tests. If routine treatment doesn't show improvement or if the specific pathogen needs to be identified, further testing is required, such as nucleic acid testing (PCR) by collecting ocular or nasal secretions. Chronic infections may require additional tests, including Xrays, blood tests, and bacterial cultures.

Treatment Methods

Although 90% of upper respiratory infections in cats are caused by viruses, antibiotics are still prescribed to prevent secondary infections. Oral lysine supplements may help inhibit viral replication. Eye drops are necessary for cats with eye abnormalities, depending on the results of the fluorescein staining. Cats with nasal congestion can benefit from increased humidity in their environment, such as using a humidifier in the room. This keeps the airways moist and helps soften nasal secretions. Cats with a stuffy nose may not be able to smell their food, so heating the food or offering highly aromatic treats can stimulate their appetite. Regularly cleaning facial secretions can reduce skin irritation. Severe cases may require hospitalization and intravenous fluids to maintain hydration. Young and old cats, as well as those with feline leukemia or immunodeficiency, are at higher risk. Although cats may recover from their first viral infection, they can still be reinfected later in life.

Prevention

Vaccination is key! Currently, only the Merial Trivac Feline vaccine is available in China. While it may not prevent infection, it can reduce the severity of the disease. Therefore, it's essential to follow the standard vaccination schedule. Reducing a cat's outdoor activities can lower the risk of infection. Isolate sick cats from other pets, and keep them isolated for at least 12 weeks after recovery. Since cats can still transmit the virus even after symptoms have resolved, it's best to vaccinate all cats in the household. Reducing a cat's stress and scheduling regular checkups and preventive care can help identify and treat issues early. A cat's best defense against upper respiratory infections is a healthy immune system.

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