Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI): Caused by bacteria and viruses which infect the tissues of the nose, eye and throat, and are all contagious. It is more severe to kittens and elderly cats.

Symptoms: Sneezing, fever, lack of energy, loss of appetite, watery or pus-like discharge from eyes and nose. Too much discharge in kittens eyes may make them unable to open.

Prevention: There is an annual vaccination (combination of rhinotracheitis, calici and panleukopenia) that can be given to kittens starting at six to eight months of age. Avoiding contact with stray cats and keeping a sanitary environment for your cat can help prevent the disease.

Treatment: Veterinarians can prescribe antibiotics and medicated eye ointments. The cat needs to be isolated from other cats and they can be nursed back to health.