Feline Upper Respiratory Infection in Danville, CA
Feline Upper Respiratory Infection in Danville, CAUpper respiratory infections are among the most common feline illnesses we treat, and Tassajara Veterinary Clinic offers prompt diagnosis and supportive care to help your cat recover.
Feline upper respiratory infections (URIs) are extremely common, particularly in kittens, cats from shelters or multi-cat households, and cats with weakened immune systems. Most cases are caused by feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus, both of which are included in our core vaccination protocol, though bacterial infections can also play a role.
Signs of a Feline Upper Respiratory Infection
- Sneezing
- Nasal or eye discharge
- Congestion or difficulty breathing through the nose
- Reduced appetite, especially if smell is affected
- Lethargy or mild fever
- Squinting or redness around the eyes
Most cats recover within one to two weeks with supportive care, though kittens, senior cats, and cats with other health conditions are at higher risk of more serious complications, including secondary bacterial infections or pneumonia.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is usually based on a physical exam and history, though in persistent or severe cases, we may recommend additional testing to identify the specific virus or rule out other causes. Treatment focuses on supportive care, including keeping the eyes and nose clean, encouraging your cat to eat, and providing fluids if needed. In cases involving a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Cats with chronic herpesvirus infections may experience recurring flare-ups, especially during periods of stress, and our team can help you develop a long-term management plan.
Preventing Feline Upper Respiratory Infections
Keeping your cat current on core vaccinations is the most effective way to reduce the severity of URIs, even if it doesn’t prevent every infection. Reducing stress, maintaining good hygiene in multi-cat households, and isolating a newly adopted or ill cat from other pets can also help limit spread. If your cat has recurring symptoms, our wellness exam visits are a good opportunity to discuss a longer-term prevention plan.
Contact Our Danville Veterinarian
If your cat is sneezing, congested, or showing eye discharge, don’t wait to have them seen. Contact Tassajara Veterinary Clinic at (925) 736-8387 to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Feline Upper Respiratory Infections
Are upper respiratory infections contagious between cats?
Yes, they spread easily between cats through direct contact, shared bowls, or sneezing, especially in multi-cat households or shelters.
Can indoor-only cats get an upper respiratory infection?
Yes. Indoor cats can still be exposed through contact with other pets, new animals in the household, or a latent herpesvirus infection flaring up under stress.
How long does a URI typically last?
Most cats recover within one to two weeks with supportive care, though some infections take longer, especially in kittens or immunocompromised cats.
Will vaccination prevent my cat from ever getting a URI?
Vaccination reduces the severity and frequency of infections but doesn’t guarantee complete prevention, since multiple viruses and strains exist.
Can stress trigger a URI flare-up?
Yes, especially in cats with chronic herpesvirus infections, stress from boarding, moving, or a new pet can trigger a recurrence.
When should I bring my cat in for URI symptoms?
If symptoms last more than a few days, your cat stops eating, or breathing seems labored, schedule an exam promptly.
Can a URI lead to more serious illness if untreated?
Yes, especially in kittens or older cats, an untreated URI can progress to pneumonia or a secondary bacterial infection.
Is your cat sneezing or congested? Schedule an exam today.