What is URI in Cats?
URI stands for “upper respiratory infection.” It is a contagious viral or bacterial infection that affects a cat’s upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and sinuses (VCA Hospitals).
Common symptoms of URI in cats include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Congestion
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Eye discharge
- Coughing
URI is easily transmitted between cats through sneezing, coughing, and sharing food bowls or litter boxes. Kittens and cats from shelters are especially susceptible as they are in close contact with many other cats (PetMD).
If left untreated, URI can lead to more serious secondary infections like pneumonia. It’s important to see a vet and get proper treatment with antibiotics or antivirals if symptoms persist (City of Austin).
When to See the Vet
URI can usually be managed at home with supportive care. However, you should take your cat to the vet immediately if they have any of these severe symptoms:
- High fever (above 103°F)
- Not eating or drinking for 24+ hours
- Severe lethargy or weakness
- Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
- Thick nasal discharge or eye discharge
- Dehydration
- Any symptom that persists for more than 7-10 days without improvement
Left untreated, URI can progress to pneumonia, which is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication. Chronic URI may also lead to permanent damage of the sinuses or throat. Seeking prompt veterinary care is crucial, especially if your cat has risk factors like age under 1 year or a compromised immune system.
Your vet will examine your cat and may run lab tests to determine the underlying cause of the URI. They can provide prescriptions for antibiotics or antivirals as needed. Hospitalization with oxygen therapy may be required for cats with severe respiratory distress. With aggressive treatment from your vet, most cats fully recover from URI.
Home Treatment Overview
While most cases of URI will require veterinary oversight and medication, there are some home remedies that can help ease your cat’s symptoms and support their immune system as it fights the infection. It’s important not to rely solely on home treatment, as antibiotics and other medications prescribed by your vet are often necessary, especially for more severe cases. However, the following remedies can provide comfort and relief when used in conjunction with veterinary care:
- Increasing fluid intake to stay hydrated
- Using humidifiers or steam from the shower to open congested airways
- Supplements that support the immune system like vitamin C and echinacea
- Natural decongestants and expectorants like honey or ginger to loosen mucus
- Soothing sore throats with broths or herbal teas
- Ensuring your cat rests and stays comfortable
While supporting your cat through a URI at home, be sure to follow up with your veterinarian and give all prescribed medications as directed. Call your vet if symptoms persist or worsen. With a combination of medical treatment and natural home remedies, most cats can recover fully from URI within 1-2 weeks.
Increase Fluid Intake
It’s important to keep your cat hydrated when they have an upper respiratory infection. Dehydration can make symptoms worse and prolong recovery. Here are some tips to increase fluid intake:
Give broths and canned food. The moisture in canned food and broths can help increase fluid intake. Avoid dry kibble during an URI as it provides little hydration.
Get a cat water fountain. Cats prefer flowing water sources. A fountain circulates and aerates the water, making it more appealing. Place it away from food to encourage drinking.
Avoid milk. While milk may seem hydrating, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Milk can cause diarrhea which leads to dehydration.
Try catnip tea or tuna water. The smell and flavor can entice picky drinkers. Mix a teaspoon of catnip into hot water and let cool before serving.
Add water to canned food. Mix extra water into canned food to make a soup. This boosts the moisture content.
Use hydrating treats. Treats like freeze dried chicken and tuna provide hydration along with appetite stimulation.
Monitor urine volume. Dark yellow or scant urine could indicate dehydration. Contact your vet if dehydration persists despite encouraging fluids.
With a few simple tricks, you can keep your cat well hydrated during an upper respiratory infection. Proper hydration supports the immune system and keeps mucus thin.
Open Airways
One of the main symptoms of URI in cats is congestion, which can make it difficult for your cat to breathe. There are a few natural remedies you can try at home to help open up your cat’s airways and make breathing easier:
Use a humidifier or take your cat into the bathroom while you shower to let them breathe in the steam. The moisture can help loosen mucus and provide relief. Be sure to monitor your cat closely to ensure the steam isn’t too hot for them.
Administer saline nasal drops or use a saline spray. Saline drops and sprays can help moisten your cat’s nasal passages, loosen mucus, and flush out irritants. This can aid breathing and relieve stuffiness. Only use products specifically formulated for pets. Follow package directions closely.
Keep your cat in a warm area of your home. The warmth may help loosen secretions and make breathing easier. Avoid drafty areas that could further congest your cat.
Gently massaging your cat’s throat can sometimes help loosen mucus. Apply light pressure and strokes to the sides of the throat near the jaw line. Stop if your cat seems uncomfortable.
While home remedies may provide some relief, severe breathing difficulties require veterinary intervention. If your cat is struggling for air, panting excessively, breathing with an open mouth, or seems lethargic, contact your vet right away.
Support Immune System
One of the best ways to help cats fight off URI is to support their immune system. Here are some tips:
Vitamin C and lysine supplements can help boost immunity. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights infection while lysine helps inhibit virus replication. Ask your vet for a recommended lysine dosage. Too much can cause diarrhea. Give supplements orally or mix powder into food.
Feed your cat a nutritious diet with quality protein and antioxidants. Avoid cheap grocery store cat foods filled with fillers. A healthy diet provides the nutrients a cat needs to stay strong.
You can also try immune-boosting supplements like echinacea, astragalus or reishi mushrooms. Research dosages and ask your vet first.
Keep stress low. Stress weakens the immune system. Allow rest, provide affection and keep your cat’s routine normal.
Probiotics support healthy gut bacteria, which interact with the immune system. Ask your vet for a cat-safe probiotic.
While not proven, some vets recommend the amino acid N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to thin mucus secretions.
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/upper-respiratory-infection-cats
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-upper-respiratory-infection
Relieve Congestion
Congestion can make breathing difficult for cats with URI. To help relieve stuffy noses and open up airways, there are a few natural remedies you can try at home:
Use a saline nasal spray formulated for cats to help loosen mucus. Tilt your cat’s head back and gently spray the saline solution into each nostril. Be careful not to spray too forcefully. Allow the cat to sneeze to help clear the nasal passages. Do this 2-3 times per day.
Use an infant nasal suction bulb to gently remove mucus from your cat’s nostrils. Make sure to only insert the tip into the nostril and do not squeeze forcefully, as this can damage the delicate nasal tissue. Reward your cat with treats afterwards so they associate the experience positively. Repeat 2-3 times daily as needed.
Avoid using over-the-counter decongestants without consulting your vet first. Decongestants like phenylephrine can actually worsen URI symptoms in cats and have harmful side effects.[1]
Other ways to relieve congestion include placing your cat in the bathroom while you run a hot shower, or using a cool mist humidifier near your cat’s sleeping area.
Soothe Sore Throat
Cats with URI often have sore throats that can make swallowing painful. To help soothe your cat’s sore throat:
- Feed soft foods that are easy to swallow, like canned food or meat baby food. Avoid dry kibble.
- Try warming up wet food to release more aroma and make it more appetizing.
- Offer unflavored Pedialyte, low-sodium broths or plain bone broth to keep your cat hydrated.
- Give a small amount of pure honey or honey water if your cat is over 6 months old. Honey has natural antibacterial and soothing properties for sore throats. Do not give honey to kittens under 6 months.[1]
Also avoid giving your cat any foods or treats that could irritate their throat, like crunchy treats or foods with spices.
[1] https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-upper-respiratory-infection
Keep Cat Comfortable
While your cat recovers from an URI, it’s important to keep them as comfortable as possible. Here are some tips:
Provide a warm, comfortable place for your cat to rest. Prepare a bed with soft, warm bedding like blankets or towels. Your cat will appreciate a quiet, tranquil spot to sleep and recover. Gently stroke your cat while it rests to provide soothing comfort.
Maintain litter box hygiene. Scoop waste from the litter box frequently so smells don’t irritate your cat’s respiratory tract. Consider placing the litter box in an easy-to-access spot so your ill cat doesn’t have to go far. Use low-dust, unscented litter to reduce further irritation.
Keep an eye on your cat’s appetite and hydration. Offer tasty canned food warmed to enhance smells and entice eating. Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Monitor litter box use to ensure your cat is drinking and eliminating normally.
Prevention Tips
There are a few key ways to help prevent upper respiratory infections in cats:
Reduce exposure to irritants and allergens. Keep your home clean and free of dust, smoke, and strong smells that can irritate your cat’s respiratory system. Avoid using fragranced products and cleaning supplies around your cat. Consider an air purifier to filter irritants from the air.
Support immune health year-round. Keep your cat’s immune system strong by feeding a nutritious diet, giving supplements if needed, and minimizing stress. A healthy immune system can help your cat fight off infections.
Annual vet visits. Bring your cat to the vet once a year for a wellness exam. Your vet can check for early signs of respiratory issues, ensure vaccines are up-to-date, and prescribe preventative medication if needed.
Other tips include keeping your cat indoors to reduce exposure to infected animals, properly introducing new pets to the household, and isolating cats that appear ill until they recover. With some simple precautions, you can help protect your cat against upper respiratory infections.