Feline Upper Respiratory Diseases

A cat's common cold is not always due to a common cause. Though the signs may look alike, the causative agent may be one of several feline viruses.

The most frequent agents to induce a runny nose are feline herpes virus, calicivirus, and Bordetella broncheiseptica. Bordetella may be the worst of the three.

Upper respiratory diseases are frequently seen in kittens. Their immune systems are often not strong enough to fight off these types of viruses. You can also have adult cats that are inapparent carriers. These felines harbor the virus in their systems but have developed a truce with the disease. They show no ill effects of the organism but can spread the disease to other susceptible cats.

Upper respiratory diseases are frequently seen in kittens.

Beside the typical runny nose, cats with Bordetella also have a cough and enlarged lymph nodes.

Dog diseases usually don't affect their feline housemates but Bordetella can cross species lines. So if your dog was diagnosed with kennel cough and now your cat is coughing, you aren't crazy; your dog may have given your kitty its’ cold.

How can you protect your pets? Keep your cats indoors, and keep them well vaccinated.