Introduction
Feline upper respiratory infections (URI) are a common cause of sneezing and nasal discharge in cats. URI refers to infectious conditions that affect the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, sinuses, throat, windpipe, and sometimes the eyes. Viruses are the primary cause of URI in cats, with the most common being feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). Secondary bacterial infections can also occur. URI is highly contagious among cats and spreads rapidly through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, and airborne droplets. The prevalence of URI is quite high, especially in crowded environments like shelters where rates approaching 90% have been documented. While many cases are acute and mild, URI can become chronic in some cats. Prevention through vaccination and stress reduction are key, along with early veterinary treatment when signs occur.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of upper respiratory infections in cats include sneezing, nasal discharge, and congestion (VCA Animal Hospitals). Sneezing is caused by irritation and inflammation in the nasal passages and often occurs in sudden, rapid bursts. Nasal discharge can range from clear and watery to thick and discolored, depending on the type of infection. Congestion is swelling in the nasal passages that leads to difficulty breathing through the nose.
Other symptoms may include:
- Coughing
- Gagging
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Eye discharge
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Fever
Kittens, senior cats, and cats with compromised immune systems tend to develop more severe symptoms that need prompt veterinary attention (Cornell Feline Health Center).
Causes
The most common causes of sneezing and nasal discharge in cats are viruses and bacteria that lead to upper respiratory infections (source). Some key points on viral and bacterial causes include:
- Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) – This common and highly contagious virus targets a cat’s eyes, nose, throat, and upper airways, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and eye infections. It spreads through direct contact and can cause life-long latent infections. Stress can trigger recurrence (source).
- Calicivirus – Another upper respiratory virus that is highly contagious. It causes ulcerations and swelling in the mouth and upper airways. Sneezing and nasal discharge are common symptoms (source).
- Chlamydophila felis – A bacteria that infects cats’ conjunctiva and respiratory tract. It leads to inflammation, eye discharge, and nasal congestion. It spreads through infected eye and nasal secretions (source).
- Bordetella bronchiseptica – A bacterial infection that can be primary or secondary. It irritates the respiratory tract causing coughing and nasal discharge. More serious in younger kittens (source).
Viral and bacterial infections often combine, increasing severity of symptoms. Proper diagnosis is key to determine the underlying cause and best treatment options.
Diagnosis
If a cat is showing symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, the first step is to take the cat to the veterinarian for an exam. The vet will check for nasal discharge, eye discharge, ulcers on the tongue and mouth, sneezing, coughing, fever, and lymph node swelling. The vet may also take samples of the discharge from the eyes and nose to examine under a microscope.
There are several diagnostic tests the vet may perform to identify the specific cause of the infection:
- Bacterial culture – takes a sample and grows bacteria from discharge to identify the type of bacteria causing infection
- Viral tests – looks for specific viruses like feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and feline leukemia virus
- Fungal culture – identifies fungal infections
- Radiographs – X-rays to check for pneumonia or other lung issues
It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis so the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Viral infections won’t respond to antibiotics, while bacterial infections require antibiotic therapy. Diagnostic testing helps determine if the infection is due to a virus, bacteria, fungus, or combination of pathogens.
Treatment
Treatment for cats with upper respiratory infections usually involves antibiotics, antivirals, and supportive care (Feline Upper Respiratory Infection – VCA Animal Hospitals). Antibiotics like doxycycline are commonly prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections that can occur with URIs. Antivirals may also be given if the vet suspects the cat has a viral infection like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. These medications help shorten the duration and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Supportive care is also important and may include fluids, nutritional support, and rest. Cats with URIs often have decreased appetite, so tempting them with smelly, flavorful foods can help ensure they don’t become malnourished. Providing a calm, comfortable environment away from other household pets can also aid recovery. Vets may recommend using a humidifier and clearing nasal passages gently with saline drops or a damp cloth when congested (Feline Upper Respiratory Infection Symptoms – WebMD). With appropriate treatment guided by a veterinarian, most cats fully recover from URIs within a few weeks.
Home Care
If your cat has a mild case of upper respiratory infection, the vet may recommend home care to help keep your cat comfortable while their immune system fights the infection. Here are some tips for caring for your cat at home:
- Provide a quiet, comfortable place for your cat to rest. Cats with URI often appreciate a dark, secluded space where they can sleep undisturbed. Set up a comfortable bed in a spare room or closet.
- Gently clean any nasal discharge from your cat’s nose and eyes. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away any crusty buildup around the eyes or nose. This can help keep their airways clear and prevent irritation. Do not use cotton swabs inside the nose.
- Help your cat eat. Offer smelly, tempting foods like tuna or canned food to stimulate their appetite. Syringe feed small amounts of a recovery food if your cat is not eating enough.
- Use saline nose drops to help loosen mucus. Ask your vet for appropriate nose drops and how often to use them.
- Consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help loosen congestion.
- Monitor for worsening of symptoms and contact your vet if your cat stops eating, seems to have trouble breathing, or develops a high fever.
With supportive care at home, most cats recover fully within 1-2 weeks. Be sure to isolate the sick cat from other household pets to prevent spreading the infection. Talk to your vet about the appropriate duration your cat should be quarantined.
Prevention
There are some steps cat owners can take to help prevent upper respiratory infections in cats:
Vaccines: Vaccinating cats against the main viral causes of URI like feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia can help reduce the frequency and severity of infections. Core vaccines are recommended for all cats by veterinarians. Some may benefit from additional vaccines for chlamydia, bordetella or feline leukemia virus depending on risk factors. Vaccines can be administered as early as 8 weeks old and require booster shots (PetMD).
Reducing Exposure: Since URI is highly contagious between cats, limiting exposure to infected cats andisolation from other household cats during an active infection can help. New cats should be properly quarantined and screened by a vet before introducing to a household. Proper hygiene like washing hands and disinfecting food bowls between cats is also recommended. Avoiding crowded shelters, pet stores and catteries with poor air circulation and sanitation can reduce risk of exposure (VCA Hospitals).
Prognosis
Feline upper respiratory infections (URI) are often self-limiting, meaning many cats are able to fight off the infection on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, the infection can become chronic in some cats, especially if their immune systems are compromised. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, the prognosis for cats with URI caused by calicivirus depends on the severity of symptoms. Cats with mild upper respiratory symptoms often recover fully within 2-4 weeks. More severe infections may last 4-6 weeks. In rare cases, permanent damage to nasal tissues or chronic nasal discharge can occur.1
The overall prognosis is generally good if the cat receives prompt veterinary treatment when needed. However, secondary infections are possible, especially pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. According to VCA Hospitals, cats who have had URI are also at higher risk for recurrence of symptoms during periods of stress.2 Maintaining a healthy immune system through proper nutrition and reducing stressors can help prevent recurrent infections.
When to See a Vet
Cats with upper respiratory infections usually recover on their own, but it’s important to monitor your cat’s symptoms closely and seek veterinary care if they worsen. According to the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, you should take your cat to the vet promptly if they exhibit breathing difficulty, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
Specifically, contact your vet right away if your cat is having any trouble breathing, such as open-mouth breathing, wheezing, or making gurgling sounds. Cats with URI often develop secondary bacterial infections that can lead to pneumonia, so labored breathing is a red flag.
You should also monitor your cat’s energy levels and appetite. Lethargy and lack of interest in food are signs that your cat may be getting worse instead of better. According to PetMD, cats with URI need lots of calories to fight off infection, so not eating can quickly lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Seek prompt veterinary care if your cat stops eating or seems weak and listless.
While many URI cases resolve on their own, respiratory infections can become serious if breathing problems, lethargy, or lack of appetite develop. Contact your vet right away if your cat exhibits these potentially dangerous symptoms so they can receive medical treatment and supportive care.
Summary
In summary, a cat sneezing a lot with snot can indicate an upper respiratory infection (URI). The main symptoms are sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and fever. URI is usually caused by viral infections like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus, but can also be bacterial. If your cat has URI symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet for an exam and diagnostics like nasal swabs or bloodwork which can identify the cause. Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include antibiotics, antivirals, fluids, and supportive care. At home, you can help your cat by keeping their nose and eyes clean of discharge. To prevent URI, limit exposure to infected cats and keep your cat’s vaccines up to date. While URI usually resolves on its own, some cases can be severe or lead to pneumonia, so veterinary care is recommended. See your vet promptly if your cat has URI symptoms or the condition worsens.