Upper respiratory infections spread rapidly through cat shelters, causing significant welfare problems and reducing adoption outcomes for affected cats.
URIs cause significant discomfort including nasal congestion, eye pain, mouth ulcers, and fever. Severely affected cats may be unable to smell food and stop eating, requiring supportive feeding. Kittens are particularly vulnerable to life-threatening complications. The shelter environment creates a cycle where stress drives infection spread which increases shelter length of stay which increases stress. Welfare-focused shelter practices including prompt treatment, foster programmes, and reduced density interrupt this cycle.