Most infectious upper respiratory diseases of cats are caused by 2 highly contagious viruses- feline herpesvirus(also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis or FVR) and feline calicivirus (FCV). Both viruses are grouped together as one disease group, the feline respiratory viruses. A third organism called feline Chlamydia also causes upper respiratory infections.
All three of these germs cause feline upper respiratory disease. The most common signs of respiratory disease are sneezing, runny nose, coughing, conjunctivitis, discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth, difficulty breathing, gagging, lack of appetite, and weight loss. Some infections last only a few days, while others may last for weeks to months. These respiratory disease organisms are very contagious and cats that recover from the disease often become carriers. Without showing any signs of disease, these cats can remain carriers for months to years. Some cats never fully recover and show symptoms throughout the rest of their lives. Once several cats in the household become infected, the disease is often impossible to eliminate from multicat households. Kittens, unvaccinated cats, and cats in multicat households are at greatest risk.
Respiratory diseases are transmitted by direct contact with infected cats or discharges from their eyes, mouth, nose, or other bodily fluids. Close contact between cats is not necessary for spreading the disease. Food bowls, water bowls, bedding, play toys, and a caretaker’s hands or clothing are possible sources of infection also.
When introducing a new cat into a multicat household, be sure all resident cats are current on their vaccines. Vaccinate then quarantine the incoming cat for at least 3 weeks in order to 1) protect the resident cats from the new cat which may be infected or incubating the disease, and 2) to protect the incoming cat from viruses in the multicat household.
Because respiratory disease is extremely contagious, vaccination is highly recommended for ALL cats. The respiratory and feline Distemper vaccine are administered at the same time. Kittens are vaccinated at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age and all adult cats receive an annual booster vaccine.