Cats are most prone to upper respiratory tract infections and if left untreated, these can lead to serious conditions such as pneumonia. Here we look at common symptoms to help owners recognize the signs and stop a condition becoming life threatening.
Cats are susceptible to infections most commonly of the upper respiratory area such as the nose, throat and sinus area and from causes such as viruses or bacteria. So how do you know if your cat has this type of infection and what to do about it?
Causes of infections
The two main causes of upper respiratory infections in cats are feline calcivirus and feline herpesvirus, accounting for some 80-90% of these illnesses. They are particularly prevalent in shelters, catteries and houses with more than one household because the infection can be passed from one cat to another by sneezing, coughing or through sharing food or water bowls. Once a cat becomes infected with these viruses, they are carriers for life even if they aren’t showing any symptoms, so can still transmit it to others. Secondary bacterial infections are also common.
Other infection can be caused by chlamydia and bordetella, particularly when there are multiple cats living in one place. The latter is less common in cats than in dogs and is also associated with overcrowding and stress.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the exact nature of the infection affecting the cat but some common symptoms can including:
• Sneezing and coughing
• Runny nose and congestion
• Nasal discharge either clear or coloured
• Gagging and drooling
• Fever
• Loss or decrease in appetite
• Squinting or rubbing at eyes
• Depression
Some cats can be more vulnerable to contracting these illnesses than others, particularly as mentioned when there is more than one cat in the household. Stress has also been shown to cause outbreaks of these illnesses when the cat becomes more susceptible to catching them. Breeds such as the Persian is particularly prone to these types of infection due to the physical structure of their faces.
Diagnosis and treatment
If you think your cat is suffering from some kind of respiratory infection, it is important to get in touch with your vet at the earliest opportunity. Vets will normally conduct a quick examination to diagnose the illness and decide what medication is needed along with treatment for symptoms such as dehydration or fever. Never try to self-diagnose this type of illness as there is a great infection risk to other cats and additional care may be needed.
Treatments include medication, isolation, rest and support along with fluids and nutritional support if needed. If the condition isn’t treated, it can lead to pneumonia or other complicated conditions as well as blindness or chronic breathing problems.
Preventative measures
While it can be impossible to stop all chance of your cat getting one of these infections, there are steps to be taken that can help reduce the risk. Indoor cats are less likely to encounter other cats that are carrying an infection while if a cat in the household has an infection, isolation is important to stop it transmitting to others. Regular check-ups with a vet can help spot a problem at an early stage and get the best treatment to prevent it worsening as well as spotting any overall health problems that may leave them vulnerable. Finally when dealing with more than one cat, such as volunteering at a shelter, ensure you use good hand hygiene to lessen the risk you bring an illness home to your own cat.
