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84 results for “feline upper respiratory infection”
Feline rhinotracheitis (cat flu)
Feline rhinotracheitis, or infectious feline rhinotracheitis, is an upper respiratory disease caused by herpesvirus. Unvaccinated kittens of 2 to 3 months and those in poor environments are susceptible. Signs include conjunctivitis, eye discharge, sneezing, and runny nose; severe cases drool, are lethargic, anorexic, feverish, or cough. It is highly contagious and cats carry the virus for life, relapsing when immunity drops. Test for respiratory pathogens if suspected.
Runny nose: what to do if a cat has feline rhinotracheitis (cat flu)?
Cat flu is an upper-respiratory infection from the herpes virus with no specific cure and easy relapse; seek prompt veterinary care. Treatment uses interferon, lysine, and antivirals; clean eye discharge and isolate the cat.
How Long Must a Cat Take Medication for Feline Herpesvirus (Cat Flu)?
Feline herpesvirus (cat flu) treatment lasts about two weeks. It is an upper respiratory infection needing prompt antiviral and antibacterial care.
My cat tested negative for feline rhinotracheitis, but the vet says it is a cold; the cat has no other symptoms
There are many reasons a cat may cough, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, viral colds, and feline rhinotracheitis, and coughing can also be caused by food aspiration. Since rhinotracheitis has been ruled out and the vet diagnoses a cold-related cough, prompt symptomatic treatment is needed.
What are the symptoms of feline herpesvirus?
Feline herpesvirus progresses through early, middle, and late stages, each with different symptoms. Early signs resemble an upper respiratory infection, making it easy to confuse with a common cold.

Cat Upper Respiratory Infection: Symptoms and Treatment
A cat upper respiratory infection is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper airways. Affected cats typically cough, sneeze, and have a runny nose, sometimes with yellow nasal discharge, and a sudden drop in temperature, poor nutrition, or stress can trigger an outbreak. The usual culprits are viruses such as herpesvirus and calicivirus, bacteria such as Chlamydia, and fungi such as Cryptococcus. This article covers the common pathogens, how viral, bacterial, and fungal infections differ in their signs, what else can mimic these symptoms, and the supportive care and medications veterinarians rely on to treat them, from keeping the eyes and nose clear to antiviral, antibiotic, and antifungal therapy.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a chronic, progressive, and often fatal viral disease of cats caused by a mutated feline coronavirus. It is marked by inflammation of the abdominal lining, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (the 'wet' form), and a high mortality rate. Young cats under 12 months, purebreds, and cats in multi-cat or shelter environments are most at risk.

Feline Calicivirus Infection: Symptoms and Treatment
Feline calicivirus is a common viral cause of upper-respiratory and oral disease in cats, marked by fever, mouth ulcers, and runny nose. It spreads easily and causes high illness rates, but deaths are uncommon except in very young kittens.

Feline Infectious Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpesvirus-1): Symptoms and Treatment
Feline infectious rhinotracheitis, or cat flu caused by feline herpesvirus-1, is a highly contagious upper-respiratory disease. It produces sneezing, eye and nose discharge, conjunctivitis, and fever, and can cause serious eye ulcers and abortion in pregnant cats.

Feline Infectious Respiratory Diseases: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Lethargy, loss of appetite, sneezing, and persistent runny nose in cats often signal an upper respiratory infection, a highly contagious disease that is especially dangerous for kittens.