Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: Shelter and Rescue Welfare

Upper respiratory infections in cats are common in rescue and shelter environments. Understanding their welfare implications and management is essential for anyone involved in rescue.

Key Facts

Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus cause the majority of upper respiratory infections in cats
Infections spread rapidly through shared air space, food bowls and hands
Shelter stress significantly increases susceptibility and disease severity
Many cats become persistently infected carriers of herpesvirus after initial infection
L-lysine supplementation may reduce herpesvirus recurrence but evidence is mixed

Welfare Considerations

Cats with acute upper respiratory infection experience nasal congestion, eye discharge, sneezing and reduced appetite — a genuinely miserable state. In overcrowded shelters, disease spreads rapidly and severity increases with stress. Good shelter welfare — single housing for sick cats, isolation protocols, stress reduction and prompt veterinary treatment — substantially reduces both incidence and severity. Vaccinating for herpesvirus and calicivirus before shelter entry (at intake) provides partial protection.

What You Can Do

Support rescue centres that vaccinate cats at intake and provide individual housing
Learn to recognise signs of respiratory infection and seek veterinary care early
Avoid introducing new cats to a household without a quarantine period
Follow veterinary advice on isolation and antibiotic use for secondary bacterial infections
Donate to rescue organisations investing in better housing and disease prevention infrastructure