Cat Uri

Feline Upper Respiratory Infection or URI is caused by group of viral and bacterial infections. Rhinotrachitis and calicivirus are the most common causes. URI is like the human common cold; it causes sneezing and discharge from the eyes and nose.

Treatment of URI

Most cats get over URI's on their own with a little TLC from owners. In more sever cases of URI's antibiotics may be needed because of secondary bacterial infection.

Owners can help their cat feel better by keeping eyes and nose clean of discharge. Cats are more likely to eat if they can smell their food. Sometimes feeding them food that has a really strong smell helps. If still having trouble subcutaneous or intravenous fluids may be needed. Also keeping them quiet and warm.

Prevention of URI

* The best way to prevent your cat from contracting URI is to have them vaccinated. The vaccine should be given at 8 weeks old, again at 12 weeks and then once a year.

* If you have a multi cat house or cats that go outdoors keep dishes, toys, litterbox clean.

How is URI transmitted?

* Direct contact with infected cat

* Some cats that have already had the disease can shed the virus without showing signs of illness themselves

* Contact with toys, food bowls, litter box, bed of infected cat

*Humans cannot get URI but can transfer it by contact with the infected cat and then touching your own cat

Symptoms

* Sneezing

* Discharge from eyes and nose

* Fever

* Cough

* Ulcers