Go to a clinic immediately if
- The cat breathes with an open mouth or marked effort, gums turn blue, or a kitten is very weak or stops eating and drinking
- Strong chest and abdominal effort, inability to lie down or poor responsiveness requires immediate care
Possible signs
- Sneezing, nose or eye discharge, conjunctivitis, mouth ulcers, fever, lethargy or reduced appetite
- Nasal blockage and mouth ulcers can impair smell and eating; check the cat’s food intake every day
What it is
Feline upper respiratory disease is most often caused by herpesvirus or calicivirus, although bacterial and other causes occur. A virus may remain in the body and reactivate during stress. Nasal congestion and oral pain can stop a cat smelling food and eating; kittens, unvaccinated cats and those weakened by other disease are more vulnerable to severe illness.
What to expect at the veterinarian
The veterinarian will assess breathing, temperature, eyes and corneas, mouth, hydration and nutritional status. A typical mild case may not need a specific test; severe, recurrent or prolonged disease can require swab or PCR testing, blood work or chest imaging. Care focuses on hydration and nutrition, eye and nose care, pain control and targeted medicines only when indicated.
Sources
- Guideline or consensus statement. Respiratory Infections