Cat Upper Respiratory Infection: Shelter and Home Management

Feline upper respiratory infections are highly common in shelter settings and require prompt treatment and prevention to protect cat welfare.

Key Facts

Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus cause over 90% of upper respiratory infections in cats
Shelters with high intake and limited space face endemic URI challenges affecting welfare
Signs include sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, oral ulcers, and appetite loss
Stress suppresses immunity and is a major driver of URI severity in shelter cats
Vaccination reduces severity but does not prevent infection with already-circulating viruses
Home quarantine of new cats for 14-21 days protects resident cats from URI exposure

Welfare Considerations

URI causes significant discomfort including nasal congestion, reduced smell (which suppresses appetite), eye pain, and mouth sores. In kittens and immunocompromised cats, it can be life-threatening. Shelter cats with URI often spiral into reduced food intake, weight loss, and secondary pneumonia if not treated promptly. Reducing shelter stress through better housing design and capacity management is the most effective prevention.

What You Can Do

Quarantine all new cats for 14-21 days before introducing to resident cats
Seek veterinary care promptly if new or shelter cats show sneezing or discharge
Donate to shelters investing in better housing and stress reduction programs
Support foster network development to reduce shelter crowding and URI prevalence
Keep cats current on feline respiratory virus vaccines
Warm wet food to enhance aroma for cats with nasal congestion to encourage eating