Managing chronic rhinitis and sinusitis in cats — a frustrating condition with significant quality of life impacts.
Chronic upper respiratory disease causes sustained welfare impairment that profoundly affects quality of life. The constant nasal discharge, sneezing, and laboured breathing are distressing. Cats that cannot breathe through their noses must breathe through their mouths, which is unnatural and uncomfortable. Reduced smell impairs appetite — cats that cannot smell food adequately often refuse to eat, causing weight loss and secondary welfare problems.
The chronic, incurable nature of established turbinate disease means welfare management is ongoing and may span years. Periodic exacerbations — often triggered by stress (FHV-1 reactivation) or secondary infections — cause acute deterioration. Owners experience frustration at managing a condition that cannot be cured but only controlled.
Management strategies include long-term low-dose antibiotics during flare-ups, mucolytics to thin secretions, nasal saline flushes, nutritional support (appetite stimulants, strongly scented foods), and antiviral treatment (famciclovir) for FHV-1 reactivation. Environmental humidification reduces nasal drying and crusting.