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Information About Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)What is URI?
Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) is similar to a common cold in humans. It is especially common in cats that have been exposed to a lot of other cats, such as at an adoption event. URI is very rarely fatal, and usually resolves within one to three weeks.
How is URI Transmitted?
URI is highly contagious to other cats. URI is spread through contact with infected animals. Contact can be direct or through “fomites" such as dust particles that have germs on them.
What are the Signs? - Clear or colored nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- Red/Inflamed conjunctiva (eyes)
- Ulcers/sores on the nose, lips, tongue or gums
- Fever/lethargy/loss of appetite (these may be signs of other diseases as well)
How is URI Treated?
Most of the time, no special medicine is needed. Some cats are placed on antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections, at the discretion of the veterinarian. Because the cause of the illness is usually viral (like with humans), the disease just needs to run its course. During this time, special food may need to be offered to encourage eating. This is because when cats get stuffy noses, they can’t smell their food very well and may not want to eat. If the cat is very congested, the use of a humidifier might offer some comfort to the congested cat.
Information source: Maryland SPCA website.
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