Cats cannot contract the viruses responsible for the common cold in humans, as these pathogens are generally species-specific. However, felines suffer from a highly contagious illness with nearly identical symptoms, known as Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (FURI) or Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis. This condition affects the cat’s nose, throat, and sinuses.
What Causes Feline Upper Respiratory Infection
The vast majority of FURI cases, roughly 90%, stem from infection with one or both of two primary viral agents. Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV) are highly prevalent in cat populations worldwide, especially in multi-cat environments. FHV-1 often results in more severe eye involvement, while FCV is commonly associated with painful ulcerations on the tongue and oral tissues.
These viruses are easily spread through aerosol droplets from sneezing, direct contact, or shared items like food bowls and bedding. Many cats who recover from the initial illness become lifelong carriers, particularly of FHV-1, which can become reactivated and cause symptoms again during times of stress. The initial viral infection can also damage the respiratory tract lining, allowing for secondary infections to take hold.
Secondary infections are often bacterial and complicate the cat’s recovery, turning a mild viral illness into a more serious condition. The bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydophila felis are common secondary invaders, often causing thick, colored discharge. While the initial cause is typically viral, the presence of these bacteria often necessitates specific medical intervention.
Recognizing the Signs of Illness
Repeated, forceful sneezing is one of the most common signs, often helping to spread the infectious particles to other cats. Nasal discharge may begin as clear and watery, but can progress to a thicker, yellow or green consistency, especially if a secondary bacterial infection is present.
The eyes are frequently affected, showing signs of conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the pink membranes around the eyeball. Owners may observe excessive tearing, redness, or squinting, sometimes with a crusty discharge forming around the eyelids. In more severe cases, particularly those involving FHV-1, the virus can cause painful inflammation or ulcers on the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye.
A decreased appetite is common because nasal congestion reduces the cat’s sense of smell, making food less appealing. Lethargy and a slight fever may also accompany the infection.
Home Care and Prevention
Supportive home care can help manage the symptoms while the immune system fights the infection. Owners should gently clean any discharge from the cat’s eyes and nose multiple times daily using a warm, damp cloth to keep airways clear. Encouraging a sick cat to eat is important, which can be achieved by warming food slightly to enhance its aroma.
Using a humidifier or placing the cat in a steamy bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day can help loosen congestion and ease breathing. However, if the cat stops eating entirely, shows signs of difficulty breathing, or the nasal discharge becomes persistently thick and colored, veterinary attention is necessary.
The most effective tool for prevention is the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP) core vaccine. This inoculation does not guarantee a cat will never contract FURI, but it significantly reduces the severity and duration of the illness if exposure occurs. Isolating any new cat in the household for a minimum of two weeks is also recommended to prevent the spread of unseen infections to current pets.