Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Chronic Upper Respiratory Welfare

Chronic upper respiratory disease caused by herpesvirus and calicivirus causes persistent discomfort and requires long-term welfare management.

Key Facts

Approximately 80% of cats carry feline herpesvirus and shed during stress
Recurrent nasal discharge, sneezing, and conjunctivitis cause chronic discomfort
Lysine supplementation is widely used but evidence for efficacy is limited
Anti-viral treatment with famciclovir reduces herpesvirus shedding in clinical trials
Stress management is essential as flare-ups are triggered by stress events

Welfare Considerations

Chronic upper respiratory disease causes persistent nasal congestion, eye discharge, and sneezing that significantly reduces quality of life. Affected cats may have reduced appetite due to reduced ability to smell food. Managing stress to reduce flare-up frequency and treating active episodes promptly with appropriate antivirals improves welfare for chronically affected cats.

What You Can Do

Manage stress in cats with chronic herpesvirus to reduce flare frequency
Consult a vet about famciclovir treatment for herpesvirus cats
Provide nutritionally enhanced food to encourage eating during flare-ups