respitory?

Question
Hi...
My relatives cat and kittens have mucus coming out of their eyes and nose....is this upper respitory disease?
Thank you

Answer
If it isn't, it will certainly do until the real thing comes along!

Sorry, sometimes I get punchy/sarcastic when I am doing a big batch of questions, and I have been ill so they piled up. Sorry also for the delay in response.

Yes, this is almost definitely some type of upper respiratory disease and the cats should probably see a vet. You should find out if these cats are eating normally, because one of the biggest problems with upper resp. infections is that they take away a cat's ability to smell its food and consequently it won't eat. And it can be very dangerous for a cat not to eat.

You should also try to determine if the cats are dehydrated -- pinch the skin on the neck, just in front of the shoulder blades. It should spring right back down. If it seems to go back slowly, then you may have a dehydrated kitty, and if this is the case, you should try to check its temperature. This is best done rectally with a digital thermometer, preferably one with a flexible stem.
Normal temp. for a cat is 101 to 103. Over 103 means a fever. 103.5 to 104 is not a middle of the night emergency if the cat has been eating and doesn't seem to be in major distress, but if you find 104.5 or over, drop everything and head for the emergency room, whatever time it is.

Many upper respiratory infections are viral, just as they are in people. However, vets often treat them with antibiotics anyway to reduce the possibility of a secondary infection.

Hope this helps

iris