Feline chronic rhinosinusitis is a common sequel to herpesvirus infection that causes persistent nasal discharge, sneezing, and difficulty breathing, requiring long-term management to maintain quality of life.
Chronic upper respiratory disease causes sustained discomfort through impaired nasal breathing, persistent discharge, and frequent sneezing. Cats that cannot breathe comfortably through their noses may reduce food intake because smell is essential to feline appetite. Periods of acute decompensation with severe congestion and reduced appetite can compromise nutritional status. Management focuses on reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups rather than achieving cure. Identifying and minimizing stress triggers - which activate herpesvirus replication - is a welfare-positive, cost-effective intervention.