If your cat is sneezing, has runny eyes, and nasal discharge, they may be suffering from a feline respiratory infection, a condition that affects nearly all cats at some point in their life. While these infections are often relatively mild and clear up on their own, some can cause severe illness, and your feline friend may require medical treatment to feel better. If a cat who has an existing health condition develops a respiratory infection, they can die if the problem is left untreated. To better understand how a respiratory infection can affect your whiskered pal’s health, read our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team’s responses to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about these conditions, and learn to recognize the signs and manage them.

Question: What are feline respiratory infections?

Answer: Various viruses and bacteria can cause a feline respiratory infection, which affects a cat’s nose, throat, and sinuses. The following infectious agents are the most common culprits:

  • Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) — This pathogen is the most common feline respiratory infection cause. FHV-1 (i.e., feline viral rhinotracheitis) is spread through an infected cat’s saliva and ocular and nasal discharges. A cat can also contract this virus by coming in contact with surfaces viral particles have contaminated. This infection is extremely common, with up to 97% of cats, especially those from shelters or feral colonies, having been exposed to FHV-1 at some point in their lives. The virus remains dormant after initial infection in 80% of infected cats, but the infection can reactivate later in life from stress or concurrent illness. To prevent FHV-1 transmission, good hygiene must be practiced, and cats should be vaccinated regularly. The FHV-1 vaccine is a core vaccine that is often combined with vaccines for other common feline diseases. FHV-1 treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing secondary infections, and supporting an affected cat’s overall health through proper nutrition and hydration. 
  • Feline calicivirus — Similar to FHV-1, feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common viral infection that can affect cats of any age. The virus is particularly prevalent in environments where many cats live, such as shelters or multicat households. Between 10% and 90% of cats are infected with calicivirus, which usually causes upper respiratory signs and mouth ulcers, but may spread to the lungs. In rare cases, systemic infection can be fatal. Vaccination is the primary method for preventing FCV and can significantly reduce the disease’s severity and transmission likelihood. Cats diagnosed with FCV are usually treated supportively, with a focus on relieving symptoms, ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition, and preventing secondary infections. Antiviral medications may also be administered in some cases.
  • Feline chlamydiosis — Feline chlamydiosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia felis. This condition primarily affects cats’ eyes, causing conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the eye’s pink membrane. While cats of any age can contract feline chlamydiosis, kittens aged 5 to 9 months are most susceptible to this infection, which commonly occurs in multicat environments, because the infection spreads through close contact. To reduce the transmission risk and the infection’s severity, high-risk feline populations should be vaccinated. 

Q: What are feline respiratory infection signs?

A: Recognizing feline respiratory infection signs when your cat is first affected helps ensure they receive the necessary prompt treatment. Common feline respiratory signs may include:

  • Sneezing — Frequent, intense sneezing is one of the earliest and most common feline respiratory infection signs and often the first sign an affected cat exhibits.
  • Nasal and eye discharge — Clear or colored nasal or ocular discharge is a key infection sign. In severe cases, the discharge might become thick or colored, potentially indicating a secondary bacterial infection.
  • Coughing or difficulty breathing — Any changes in your cat’s respiration, such as coughing or labored breathing, should be addressed immediately, as they likely have a severe infection.
  • Conjunctivitis — Inflammation of the eye’s outermost layer and the eyelid’s inner surface causes conjunctivitis, which leads to red, swollen, or watery eyes.
  • Oral ulcers — Particularly associated with FCV infections, ulcers on the tongue or gums are a feline respiratory infection sign.

Fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy are also common feline illness signs that may accompany a respiratory infection. If your whiskered pal has minor respiratory signs but continues to behave and eat normally, you can manage the problem at home for a few days. Most infections are viral and should resolve in one to two weeks without treatment. However, if your cat’s minor respiratory signs do not resolve within a week, schedule an appointment with our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team, so we can provide treatment to prevent the infection from becoming more severe and help your feline friend recover more quickly.

Q: How are feline respiratory infections treated?

A: Most infections are viral and should resolve in one to two weeks without treatment. You can help your cat recover by following these tips:

  • Reducing your cat’s stress
  • Encouraging your cat to eat and stay hydrated
  • Creating a steam room to help break up your cat’s congestion and mucus
  • Keeping your cat’s vaccinations up-to-date to help their immune system fight viruses more efficiently and reduce flare-ups
  • Seeking veterinary care if your cat’s symptoms persist

Keep your cat’s vaccinations up-to-date and schedule their regular veterinary examinations to help protect them from contracting feline respiratory infections. Schedule your whiskered pal’s annual wellness exam with our Creature Comfort Veterinary Service team.