Treatment for Feline Upper URI in a Multiple Cat Household

Feline URIs, upper respiratory infections, are a common problem among cats in crowded conditions, such as shelters, or among outdoor cats exposed to other animals. Indoor cats who live alone or with few other cats are seldom affected.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of upper respiratory infections in cats are usually mild and can include a runny nose, loss of appetite, watery eyes and sneezing.

    Causes

    • Feline URIs are caused by a wide range of different viral and bacterial infections, the most common of which are the herpes virus (rhinotracheitis) and the calici virus.

    Treatment

    • Standard treatment involves addressing the symptoms of the virus, since there is no cure for URIs. In severe cases, the cat may need antibiotics or intravenous fluids.

    Multiple Cat Considerations

    • In a multiple cat household, preventing the other cats from catching the URI is difficult. As soon as signs appear in one cat, that cat should be isolated from all the others in the household. However, the incubation period is two to seven days, so cats may spread their illness before symptoms occur. Disinfecting the home is also necessary.

    Carriers

    • Some cats may become carriers and pass along disease even after they have recovered themselves. The only absolute way to avoid this possibility is by removing the infected cat from the home.