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To help prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus
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Feline Upper Respiratory Disease (URI)
by Shannon Belt, RVT
Just like people get colds, cats can get viral infections that make them sneeze, sniffle, and get watery eyes. And much in the same way a cold can run through a child's kindergarten class, cats can get the feline equivalent by associating with other cats. Outdoor cats or cats exposed to other felines in shelter or boarding kennels may get what is referred to as an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI).
A URI refers to an infection that is centered around the sinuses, eyes, nose and throat. Two viruses are responsible for most upper respiratory infections: herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus. A bacterial infection called feline chlamydia is also responsible for some feline URI cases.
Although the infection itself generally isn't serious, complications can arise, especially with young kittens. Complications include eye ulcers, mouth ulcers and anorexia.
Because the infection is viral, the only thing we can do
is treat with antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
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To help prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus
we ask that people |