# Cat Respiratory Infections UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-respiratory-infection-uk): Cat Respiratory Infections UK — Quick answer. Upper respiratory infections (URI) — often called cat flu — cause sneezing, nasal discharge, eye watering and fever. Most UK cats recover with supportive care, but kittens, seniors and cats with chronic disease can become seriously ill. Open-mouth breathing is an emergency.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-respiratory-infection-uk): Cat Respiratory Infections UK — Common signs of respiratory infection. - Sneezing — frequent or violent - Runny nose — clear, yellow or green discharge - Eye discharge — watery or thick - Conjunctivitis — red, swollen eyes - Reduced appetite (cats rely on smell to eat) - Fever and lethargy - Mouth ulcers (calicivirus) Symptoms often worsen in the first week then gradually improve over two to three weeks. Some cats become chronic carriers, with signs recurring during stress.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-respiratory-infection-uk): Cat Respiratory Infections UK — Main causes in UK cats. | Agent | Notes | |-------|-------| | Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) | Most common; lifelong carrier possible | | Feline calicivirus (FCV) | Can cause mouth ulcers and lameness | | Bordetella | More common in multi-cat households and shelters | | Chlamydia felis | Primarily causes conjunctivitis | Bacterial infections often develop secondary to viral illness, especially if nasal discharge becomes thick and green.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-respiratory-infection-uk): Cat Respiratory Infections UK — Home care while recovering. - Warm, humid environment — steam from a shower room can loosen nasal secretions - Tempting food — warmed wet food with strong aroma; hand-feed if needed - Clean eyes and nose — gently wipe discharge with warm water - Isolation — separate food bowls and litter trays from other cats - Hydration — ensure fresh water is always available; syringe water only if your vet advises Never give human cold medicines or paracetamol to cats.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-respiratory-infection-uk): Cat Respiratory Infections UK — Veterinary treatment. Your vet may prescribe: - Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection - Eye drops for conjunctivitis - Antiviral medication in severe herpes cases - Appetite stimulants or fluid therapy if dehydrated - Nebulisation or oxygen for severe cases Kittens under six months are most vulnerable. Hospitalisation may be needed if they stop eating entirely.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-respiratory-infection-uk): Cat Respiratory Infections UK — Prevention. - Vaccination — core UK cat vaccines include FHV-1 and FCV components - Reduce stress — stress triggers flare-ups in carrier cats - Limit exposure — avoid introducing new cats without gradual introduction - Good hygiene — clean bowls and litter trays regularly in multi-cat homes

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-respiratory-infection-uk