Difference Between Cat Cold & Feline Rhinotracheitis: K

What is Feline Rhinitis?

Feline Rhinitis, also known as Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease affecting the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and pharynx. The causative agent is the Feline Rhinotracheitis Herpes Virus, hence the condition is often referred to as herpesvirus infection. It is typically transmitted through respiratory and digestive routes under natural conditions.

Who is at Risk of Feline Rhinitis?

Feline Rhinitis is a dangerous respiratory infection with a strong transmission rate. It is often spread through direct contact between cats. The virus, which is a type of herpesvirus, thrives in cooler temperatures and primarily affects kittens under six months of age due to their weaker immune systems. The mortality rate for this disease can be as high as 50%, so it is crucial for owners to isolate and treat affected cats separately.

Causes of Feline Rhinitis

The virus responsible for Feline Rhinitis is the Feline Herpesvirus, which is released through a cat's respiratory droplets and nasal secretions. The incubation period for the virus is approximately 23 days. The disease is only transmitted between cats, with no known cases of transmission to humans.

How to Prevent Feline Rhinitis

Ensure Good Ventilation

Many cat owners seal their homes tightly to prevent escape, but this can lead to a buildup of bacteria, which is harmful to the cat's health.

Regular Cleaning and Disinfection

Wipe down the home daily, especially areas where the cat spends most of its time, to minimize the growth of bacteria and pathogens.

Avoid Contact with Stray Cats

Most infections occur when a cat comes into contact with stray cats or when a new, potentially infected cat is introduced to the home. Owners who have been in contact with infected cats should also take precautions and ensure proper disinfection.

Vaccination and Lysine Supplementation

While many cat owners vaccinate their pets with the Feline Trivalent Vaccine to prevent certain diseases, this vaccine is not a panacea and requires regular boosters. It is also dependent on the cat's environment and nutrition. The Feline Rhinotracheitis Herpes Virus relies on arginine for replication and spread. Lysine can inhibit the replication of the rhinitis virus, as cats often lack sufficient lysine, making them more susceptible to infection. To prevent rhinitis, owners should aim to reduce the amount of arginine in their cat's body. Catamine, or cat lysine, can help achieve this by competing with arginine. Therefore, providing lysine to cats is essential.

Feline cold and feline rhinitis share very similar symptoms. Rhinitis is a severe condition, whereas a common cold in cats may present with symptoms like sneezing and clear nasal discharge, with the cat's spirits and appetite remaining normal. This could be due to a cold or weakened immunity. Some believe that rhinitis can be considered a complication of the common cold or a viral cold, as a weakened immune system during a cold can lead to the development of rhinitis. Therefore, during peak seasons, cat owners should be particularly vigilant about their pets' health.