Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infection - U.R.T.I.

This is one of the most common and highly contagious feline diseases.  It can very very unpleasant and nasty.  As the virus is airborne is can affect all the cats of a household and any cats in the general area.

The symptoms include:

sneezing, runny nose, general lethargy, excessive salivation, loss of appetite, nasal discharge and conjunctivitis.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection is also referred to as Feline Upper Respiratory Infection Complex, and refers to an infection in the nose, throat and sinus area.  If cannot be caught by humans.  Feline chlamydia, a bacterial infections, can also result in URTI infections.

There a two known viruses - Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) and Feline Calicivirus (FCR).

A kitten with URTI

There are no drugs available to kill these viruses, so treatment is aimed at the symptoms and maintaining the cat’s overall health to bolster the immune system and help a speedy recovery.

This can be a serious disease and can be fatal, especially to kittens, elderly cats, nursing mothers and kittens and any cat whose immune system in already compromised because of other illnesses.  Eyes can be affected very seriously.

The best advice is GO TO SEE YOUR VET and then get your cat or kitten vaccinated.