What is an upper respiratory infection?
Commonly abbreviated to URI, upper respiratory infections are often highly contagious diseases spread by airborne viruses. The incubation period is approximately three to seven days from exposure to the first obvious symptoms. Sneezing, eye discharge, and nasal discharge characterize URIs. Depending on the virus causing the disease, signs may last from a few days to a couple of weeks. Most viral infections cause the same feeling in cats that a cold does in humans—lethargy, lack of appetite, and occasionally a fever. Although a severe infection may develop into pneumonia, this is rarely the case. Breeds with short nasal passages, like Persians, seem to be the most severely affected. Also, as with the common cold, a URI can affect the cat’s resistance, making him more susceptible to other secondary infections. Observe your cat closely to avoid any complications. How is it cured? Just as with a common cold, it must run its course. Your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics to prevent se
