The ferals in my area have runny noses and goopy eyes. What should I do?
A. A veterinarian should examine feral cats exhibiting any sign of illness. Upper respiratory infection is one very common and very contagious virus found in feral cat colonies. The symptoms are usually runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and mucous build up in and around the eyes. This virus can be deadly, especially in young kittens. If you are trapping the cats in order to have them altered, make sure you alert the veterinarian staff if you have noticed any of the above symptoms. Your veterinarian can advise you as to the best course of action. Some feral cat caregivers, on the advice of the veterinarian, will have the cats injected with an antibiotic shot, and, if possible, administer prescribed antibiotics by mixing the recommended dosage into a small bit of tasty bait such as fishy soft cat food or mackerel. Prescribed eye ointment is often used to treat upper respiratory infection in tame cats, but this should not be attempted with a cat that cannot be easily handled. If possible,
