Reasons Why Cats Often Suffer from Feline Rhinotracheit

Also known as feline rhinotracheitis, feline herpesvirus rhinotracheitis is a common infectious disease in cats, particularly affecting kittens. If puppies contract the illness, it can easily lead to fatal outcomes. But why are cats so susceptible to this infection? What can be done to prevent it? This article aims to delve into the causes and preventive measures for feline rhinotracheitis.

Why Do Cats Easily Contract Feline Rhinotracheitis?

Cats primarily contract feline rhinotracheitis due to infection with the feline herpesvirus. When cats are weak and have compromised immune systems, they are more vulnerable to the virus. Moreover, healthy cats can easily become infected by coming into contact with infected ones. Feline rhinotracheitis is an acute, highly contagious respiratory disease that primarily affects kittens, often leading to their demise. While adult cats are also at a higher risk, the disease is generally not fatal. Due to various factors, most stray cats are likely to contract feline rhinotracheitis. Additionally, domestic cats may become infected due to poor living conditions, inadequate care, or contact with infected cats. After infection, the virus is released through the cat's nasal, eye, and oral secretions. Healthy cats can contract respiratory infections by direct contact with the sick cat or by inhaling its droplets. Even after treatment and recovery, infected cats carry the virus for life, though it usually only flares up when their immune systems are weakened.

Feline Rhinotracheitis Symptoms

After an incubation period of 2 to 6 days, cats with feline rhinotracheitis typically exhibit upper respiratory symptoms in the early stages, such as a lack of energy, decreased appetite, elevated body temperature, sneezing, tearing, increased nasal and eye discharge, and coughing. Initially, the eye discharge is serous, but it may become purulent as the condition worsens. Some cats may also develop symptoms like oral ulcers, pneumonia, and vaginitis. Chronic cases may present with symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, sinusitis, and ulcerative conjunctivitis.

Prevention and Treatment of Feline Rhinotracheitis

Feline rhinotracheitis can be prevented through vaccination, with the feline trivalent vaccine, which is the most commonly used, offering protection against feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia. Initial vaccination usually requires three doses, followed by an annual booster. If multiple cats are kept together, it is crucial to isolate any cat showing signs of feline rhinotracheitis promptly, and to ventilate and disinfect the indoor environment to prevent the spread to other cats. When adopting a stray cat, it is advisable to have it examined by a veterinarian first to ensure it is free of contagious diseases before bringing it home.

For cats infected with feline rhinotracheitis, treatment involves injecting feline interferon, using antiviral and antiinflammatory medications, and providing symptomatic treatment based on the cat's condition. Additionally, it is important to ensure that cats receive adequate lysine supplementation. Cats cannot synthesize lysine, and a deficiency in lysine can lower their resistance to the herpesvirus.

This article provides insights into why cats are prone to feline rhinotracheitis, hoping to offer you valuable information. If your cat contracts feline rhinotracheitis, it is essential to seek veterinary care promptly and ensure proper posttreatment care to prevent recurrence.