Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are the most common infectious disease in cats, particularly in shelters. Understanding prevention and management protects vulnerable feline populations.
Upper respiratory infections cause significant suffering in affected cats including conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, sneezing, and in severe cases pneumonia and inability to eat due to nasal congestion. For kittens and immunocompromised cats, URI can be fatal. The chronic carrier state of herpesvirus means many cats experience recurring disease throughout their lives, particularly at times of stress such as rehoming. Shelter populations are especially vulnerable due to stress, overcrowding, and exposure to multiple pathogens simultaneously.