Feline Infectious Bronchitis: Welfare and Management

Key Facts

• Feline upper respiratory infection (URI) affects up to 90% of shelter cats in some settings
• Calicivirus and herpesvirus together cause approximately 80-90% of URI cases
• Virulent systemic feline calicivirus (VS-FCV) causes severe ulcerative disease, limb edema, and high mortality
• Shelter cats are at highest risk due to stress-induced immunosuppression and close contact with infectious animals
• Vaccination reduces severity but cannot prevent infection — environmental and stress management are critical

Welfare Considerations

Feline infectious bronchitis causes significant welfare suffering in affected cats. Nasal congestion, sneezing, ocular discharge, and oral ulceration impair normal functions — cats cannot smell food (impairing appetite), have painful mouths, and experience the discomfort of continuous nasal discharge. In shelter settings, URI creates a welfare cascade: sick cats are less adoptable, experience prolonged shelter stays with increased stress, and may be euthanized in resource-limited environments. Prevention through vaccination, stress reduction, and isolation of symptomatic cats addresses both individual welfare and shelter-level disease management.

What You Can Do

• Vaccinate all cats against calicivirus and herpesvirus — vaccination is the foundation of URI prevention
• Reduce shelter stress through single housing, hiding boxes, positive human interaction, and enrichment
• Isolate cats showing respiratory signs immediately to prevent herd-level URI outbreaks
• Ensure good nutrition and hydration — warm food, strong-smelling varieties, and appetite stimulants support recovery
• Treat secondary bacterial infections with appropriate antibiotics as directed by your vet