Companion Animals

Cat Feline Respiratory Disease Complex

Feline upper respiratory disease complex causes significant welfare suffering, with prevention through vaccination and management in multi-cat settings.

Key Facts

Herpesvirus and calicivirus cause the majority of feline upper respiratory infections
Clinical signs include sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and mouth ulcers
Vaccination significantly reduces severity but does not prevent infection entirely
Stress and crowding in multi-cat environments increase disease transmission
Chronic carrier cats shed virus intermittently, particularly under stress

Welfare Considerations

Feline respiratory disease causes significant discomfort through blocked nasal passages, eye discharge, and in severe cases mouth ulcers that prevent eating. The welfare cost across shelter populations is enormous. Vaccination, stress reduction, and isolation of sick individuals are the primary welfare management tools.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate all cats against herpesvirus and calicivirus from kittenhood
Isolate any cat with respiratory signs from other cats
Support shelters with appropriate isolation facilities to prevent outbreak spread