Chronic upper respiratory infections, particularly those caused by Feline Herpesvirus and Calicivirus, cause persistent welfare compromise in shelter cats and household cats with multi-cat exposure histories.
Cats with chronic upper respiratory infections experience repeated episodes of sneezing, nasal congestion, and conjunctivitis that impair normal feeding and sleeping. Calicivirus oral ulcers cause painful mouth lesions that prevent normal eating. Stress triggers herpesvirus reactivation, creating a cycle where stress causes illness that causes further stress. Shelter cats with chronic infections face reduced adoption prospects and prolonged welfare compromise. Management focuses on stress reduction, appropriate nutrition, and L-lysine supplementation.