Distinguishing Early Feline Rhinotracheitis from Cat Co

How to Distinguish Between Early Feline Rhinotracheitis and Cat Cold

It's easy to confuse the early symptoms of feline rhinotracheitis with a common cat cold, as both conditions typically present with sneezing and runny noses. However, feline rhinotracheitis can escalate to more severe symptoms, including red eyes, conjunctivitis, and fever, which are far more pronounced than the typical cold. Therefore, if your cat exhibits symptoms of a cold accompanied by a fever, it's crucial to seek veterinary care promptly to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

1. Treating Feline Rhinotracheitis

If you suspect your cat has rhinotracheitis, it's important to isolate the cat immediately and thoroughly clean and disinfect their belongings and environment to prevent the spread to other healthy cats. To aid in your cat's recovery, consider providing additional nutrition, such as lysine supplements, which can be complemented with products like Vetoquinol's Feline and Canine Amoxicillin to alleviate symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and coughing.

2. Treating the Cat Cold

For a cat suffering from a cold, it's essential to ensure they stay warm, especially during chilly weather, as exposure to cold can exacerbate the symptoms. Feeding your cat dietary supplements like Meow Cleanse can help, and you may also consider administering Feline and Canine Amoxicillin if needed.

3. Prompt Medical Attention

Both feline rhinotracheitis and the common cat cold can lead to fever, so it's vital to monitor your cat's temperature regularly using a petspecific thermometer. If your cat's temperature exceeds 39.5°C (102.9°F), it's imperative to take them to the vet for fever management to prevent the condition from worsening.

Understanding how to differentiate between early feline rhinotracheitis and a cat cold can be incredibly helpful. Feline rhinotracheitis is just one of many pathogens that can cause a cat cold, with others including calicivirus infections, chlamydial infections, and influenza virus infections. Targeted treatment is key to a quicker recovery.