July 2022
Cats are especially prone to respiratory infections that spread easily in high-density populations such as shelters, breeding facilities and feral cat colonies.
Coughing cats common in colonies
Cats are especially prone to respiratory infections that spread easily in high-density populations such as shelters, breeding facilities and feral cat colonies.
Vaccines greatly reduce the chance of severe feline respiratory disease from occurring, but the causative pathogens haven’t been eliminated. Fungi, bacteria and viruses can cause these infections.
Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections can include clear or coloured discharge from eyes or nose, coughing, sneezing, swelling of mucus membranes around the eyes, or conjunctivitis, mouth ulcers, lethargy and anorexia. In rare cases, cats may have trouble breathing.
Symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection include coughing, lethargy, anorexia and difficult or rapid breathing.
Click here for more information from the Veterinary Information Network (VIN).