Upper respiratory tract disease (cat flu) is endemic in many cat shelters, causing significant welfare impacts and reducing adoption rates for affected animals.
Feline upper respiratory tract disease causes distress through nasal congestion, eye discharge, oral ulceration, and appetite loss. In shelters, the combination of novel environment stress and close cat contact creates ideal disease transmission conditions. Chronic carriers can relapse repeatedly under stress. Welfare-focused shelters implement small group housing, environmental enrichment, hiding places, and early vaccination to minimise disease impact. Severely affected cats require isolation, supportive care, and may need extended foster placement to recover.