Cat Upper Respiratory Infections: Prevention and Care

Upper respiratory infections are extremely common in cats, particularly in shelter environments, and cause significant discomfort if untreated.

Key Facts

Feline herpesvirus-1 and calicivirus account for the majority of upper respiratory infections in cats
Signs include sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, reduced appetite, and lethargy
Stress is a major trigger for herpesvirus reactivation in carrier cats
Vaccination reduces severity of disease but does not prevent infection entirely
Shelter cats are at particularly high risk due to stress, crowding, and pathogen exposure
Supportive care including warmth, steam inhalation, and appetite stimulation is the mainstay of treatment

Welfare Considerations

Upper respiratory infections cause measurable discomfort — nasal congestion impairs smell, which suppresses appetite in cats, creating a cycle of reduced food intake and weakened immune function. Shelter cats experience this problem disproportionately due to the combined stressors of unfamiliar environment, social disruption, and pathogen exposure. Welfare-centred shelter management uses isolation protocols, stress reduction strategies, and prompt veterinary treatment to limit spread and severity. For pet cats, reducing household stress and maintaining vaccination status provides meaningful protection. Herpesvirus carriers benefit from long-term L-lysine supplementation as a supportive strategy, though evidence is mixed.

What You Can Do

Keep vaccinations for herpesvirus and calicivirus current for all cats
Isolate newly acquired cats for 2 weeks before introducing them to resident animals
Support stressed or recovering cats with warmth, gentle steam, and palatable foods
Seek veterinary care promptly if a cat stops eating due to nasal congestion
Advocate for stress reduction programmes in shelter facilities to reduce outbreak risk