Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) in Cats

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

Upper respiratory infection (URI) in cats—or "cat flu" as it's sometimes known—is a common and usually mild condition; however, it can lead to complications that may impact your cat's health and well-being.¹ Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment can make your cat feel more comfortable and help prevent complications associated with URIs.

What Is Upper Respiratory Infection?

An upper respiratory infection in cats is a condition that affects the nasal passages, throat and sinuses and is typically caused by viruses and bacteria. The most common viral causes include feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus.² These viruses account for up to 90% of all cases.³

Bacterial agents, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydophila felis, also contribute to URIs. These infections are highly contagious to other cats and can spread through close contact with an infected cat, though they cannot usually be spread from cat to human. However, Bordetella bronchiseptica is the exception and can cause problems for people who have a weakened immune system.⁴

Signs and Symptoms of URI in Cats

Cats with a URI often exhibit symptoms such as:

• Sneezing, nasal discharge and congestion
• Coughing and wheezing
• Conjunctivitis and eye discharge
• Lethargy and loss of appetite
• Trouble breathing (in rare cases)⁵

Correctly recognizing the symptoms of common cat health issues means you can get your cat the right care and help prevent the spread of infection to other animals. So, be proactive and seek veterinary advice and care if your cat is feeling unwell.

Causes of URI in Cats

Viral causes

Viral agents, including feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus, are primary culprits in causing URIs in cats. These viruses can remain dormant in the body and reactivate during periods of stress.

Bacterial causes

Bacterial infections, such as those caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydophila felis, can either cause URIs independently or complicate viral infections.

Role of stress

Stress plays a significant role in triggering URIs in cats. Stressful situations, such as changes in the environment or household dynamics, can weaken a cat's immune system, making it more susceptible to infections.⁶

Diagnosing URI

Diagnosing a feline URI involves a thorough veterinary examination and history. Diagnostic tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture and sensitivity tests help identify the specific pathogens involved, allowing for targeted treatment. Your vet may also order blood work and even a chest X-ray to rule out other infections.⁷

Treatment Options

Supportive care

Your pet needs a lot of loving care when they're feeling under the weather. Providing supportive care by ensuring your pet has adequate hydration, proper nutrition and plenty of rest can help them recover.

Antiviral medications

Antiviral medications, such as famciclovir, may be prescribed to combat viral infections. These medications help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and may be available in tablet or liquid form.⁸

Antibiotics

For bacterial infections, antibiotics like doxycycline may be prescribed. The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific bacteria identified through diagnostic tests.⁹

Environmental management

Maintaining a clean environment and reducing stress are vital components of managing and preventing future URIs. Regular cleaning of the cat's living area and minimizing exposure to stressful situations can also help.

Home care tips

• Use a humidifier or mist to ease breathing.
• Apply saline drops to your cat's eyes to relieve conjunctivitis.
• Gently wipe your cat's face or eyes with a moist tissue.
• Keep your cat inside so they can rest and avoid infecting other cats.
• URIs may affect your cat's sense of smell, so encourage them to eat by heating their food slightly or offering smelly foods like fish.¹

Preventing URI in Cats

Vaccination protocols

Vaccinations play a crucial role, but they cannot prevent all URIs. Instead, vaccines can help minimize symptoms.¹⁰

Vaccinating your cat against key pathogens, like feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus, is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. Vaccines can be given to prevent common kitten diseases starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age; these need to be continued monthly until cats are 4 months old. Cats should have a booster shot every three years, or yearly if they live in a multi-cat household.¹¹

Minimizing stress

Maintaining a calm and stable environment helps reduce stress, which in turn lowers the risk of a URI. If your cat shares the home with other animals, provide separate food and water bowls as well as extra litter boxes to reduce stress. Keep noises in the home low, give your cat toys to stimulate their mind and provide places they can hide away when they're feeling overwhelmed.⁶

Quarantine and isolation practices

Isolating infected cats and following quarantine practices can help prevent the spread of URIs within multi-cat households or shelters. Cats with URIs typically recover quickly in low-stress home environments without other animals. In fact, URIs in cats are often associated with overcrowded shelters.¹²

Pets Best Is Here to Help

Early recognition and treatment of URIs in cats can help your feline friend recover quickly and prevent complications. By understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek professional treatment, you can make a significant difference in your cat's health. If you're concerned about a particular symptom, or if your cat's behavior just seems off, speak with a veterinary expert at the Pets Best 24/7 Pet Helpline.

Regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations are essential to keep your cat healthy and prevent URIs. For more information on common pet health issues and pet insurance, visit Pets Best.

Sources/citations

1. "What to Know About Cat Flu," Christine Loconti (2/2024), WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/what-to-know-about-cat-flu
2. "Herpesvirus Infections in Cats (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis)," (n.d.), Reed Animal Hospital, https://www.reedanimalhospital.com/blog/feline-herpesvirus-fhv-infection/
3. "What Cat Owners Need to Know About Feline Respiratory Infections," (11/2023), Urgent Pet Care Omaha, https://urgentpetcareomaha.com/what-cat-owners-need-to-know-about-feline-respiratory-infections/
4. "Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment," Sarah Wooten (3/2021), Hill's Pet, https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/upper-respiratory-infections-in-cats
5. "Respiratory Infections," (6/2018), Cornell Feline Health Center, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/respiratory-infections
6. "Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)," (11/2022), Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, https://www.amcny.org/pet_health_library/feline-upper-respiratory-infection-uri/
7. "Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats," Melissa Boldan (9/2023), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/upper-respiratory-infection-cats
8. "Famciclovir," Rania Gollakner (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/famciclovir
9. "Antibiotic Stewardship in Canine and Feline Respiratory Infections," Wilson Cooper Brookshire and Jacob M. Shivley (6/2021), Today's Veterinary Practice, https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/respiratory-medicine/antibiotic-stewardship-in-canine-and-feline-respiratory-infections/
10. "Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats," Wendy Brooks (7/2022), Veterinary Information Network, https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951489
11. "Feline Calicivirus," (n.d.), Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/research-baker-institute/feline-calicivirus
12. "Feline Upper Respiratory Infection aka URI," (6/2024), University of Wisconsin-Madison Shelter Medicine Program, https://sheltermedicine.wisc.edu/library/resources/feline-upper-respiratory-infection-aka-uri