Respiratory Infections in Cats Upper respiratory infections (URIs or "colds") are the most common cat disease, and as a cat owner, you need to be aware of some facts about this.

How to spot an Upper Respiratory Infection: URIs are highly contagious diseases spread by airborne viruses.  The incubation period is typically three to seven days from initial exposure.  Symptoms include sneezing, eye discharge, and nasal discharge.  Most viral infections cause the same feeling in cats that a cold does in humans - lethargy, lack of appetite, and occasionally a fever.  Although severe infections may develop into pneumonia, this is rarely the case.  Breeds, like Persians, with short nasal passages are generally the worst affected.  Observe your cat closely to avoid any complications that may arise from secondary infections.

Treatment for URIs: Just like a common cold, URIs must run their course.  Your vet will probably prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary infections or fight a bacterial infection.  Gently wiping any discharge from the nose or eyes will help keep your cat more comfortable.  And because cats depend on their sense of smell to eat, it is important to keep the nasal passages open to encourage your cat to eat its food.  Sometimes it's a good idea to switch to strong smelling foods, such as tuna or salmon.

Do URIs only occur at pet care facilities?  No, URIs can be caught anywhere, as the virus is airborne and can travel great distances, so your cat can pick it up while sitting at home in front of the window.  Because of the higher concentration of cats at a boarding facility, as well as the stress and excitment involved; however, the chances are definitely higher. Is this a constant problem for cats? Generally, no.  URIs are typically seasonal (like the flu).

Why doesn't the feline distemper vaccine protect my cat? The feline distemper vaccine protects against the most common form of URIs; however, there are hundreds of variations (just like the common cold), and not all can be prevented.

Can a boarding facility prevent my cat from getting a URI? No amount of supervision, sanitation, or personalized care can prevent a cat from catching an airborne virus. All that a boarding facility can do is require immunization records, refuse to board a sick cat, and watch for signs of any illness.  It is because of these very concerns that 'Ohana Pet Paradise chose to limit its cat boarding to three luxury suites.  Smaller numbers of boarders and greater health screening control means a significantly lower chance of your purring loved one catching something unnecessarily, and that means greater peace of mind for you.

Give us a call at (540) 347-9820 to book your kitty's suite now!