Companion Animals

Upper Respiratory Infections and Cat Welfare

Feline upper respiratory infections are among the most common welfare problems in cats, particularly in shelter and multicat environments.

Key Facts

Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus cause the majority of cat flu cases
Cat flu causes painful oral ulceration, ocular discharge, and respiratory distress
Herpesvirus infection is lifelong with recurrent flare-ups during stress
Vaccination reduces severity but does not prevent infection
Good hygiene and airflow management reduces transmission in cattery environments

Welfare Considerations

Upper respiratory infections cause significant suffering through painful mouth ulcers, difficulty eating, nasal congestion, and eye inflammation. In shelters, cat flu can spread rapidly causing welfare problems for entire populations. Individual management through appropriate isolation, supportive care, pain management, and antiviral treatment for herpesvirus reduces both severity and duration of suffering.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate your cat against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus annually
Support shelter infection control programs to reduce cat flu transmission
Consult your vet early if your cat shows signs of respiratory infection
Manage stress in cats with known herpesvirus to reduce recurrence frequency
Provide appropriate nutrition and nursing care for cats recovering from cat flu