Q: What is feline upper respiratory
infection?
A: Feline upper respiratory infection (URI) is a highly contagious disease
affecting the nasal passages and sinuses of cats and kittens.
Q:
How is it transmitted?
A: Feline URI is transferred between cats by fluid
discharged from the mouths and noses of infected cats. Cats shed the
virus through the air by sneezing, coughing, or breathing; or by direct
physical contact with cages, toys and food bowls.
Q:
What are the signs?
A: Symptoms of feline URI include sneezing; fever;
runny nose or red, watery eyes; nasal congestion; and ulcers on the
tongue, gums, lips, nose, or roof of mouth. Symptoms are generally mild
at first and worsen within one to three days. The incubation period
(the time period between infection and the first signs of illness) lasts
from 2 to 17 days. The illness typically lasts from one to four weeks.
Q:
Which cats get it?
A: Any cat who is stressed by poor nutrition,
cold or heat, age, or fear. Cats who are especially at risk for infection
include unvaccinated cats, kittens (because they have immature immune
systems), and cats whose immune systems are compromised by another disease,
such as feline leukemia (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV),
cancer, malnutrition, or parasites.
Q:
How is feline URI treated?
A: Feline URI is easily treatable even though
there are no drugs available to kill the feline URI viruses. Treatment
of feline URI is aimed at strengthening the cat‚s body and immune
system to help the animal fight the virus, and usually consist of vitamins,
good nutrition, and good nursing care. Infected cats may stop eating
or drinking, and may require special therapy to combat dehydration and
malnutrition. The disease can lead to fatal pneumonia if medical care
is not provided. A few cats may have chronic (long-lasting) symptoms
and some symptoms may recur whenever the cat is stressed or ill.
Q: How
is feline URI prevented?
A: Feline URI cannot be totally prevented; many
cats will enter the shelter already infected. Sanitation programs, health
evaluations, isolation, vaccinations and deworming all play a part in
the control of feline URI.
|
