Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) is similar to a common
cold in humans. It is especially common in cats who have been
exposed to a lot of other cats, such as at an animal shelter.
URI is very rarely fatal, and usually resolves within one to
three weeks. Treatment generally consists of supportive care.
Antibiotics are sometimes given to treat possible bacterial
infections. However, while secondary bacterial infections can
make the problem worse, the underlying cause is often viral.
Viral infections are not cured by antibiotics, so as with the
common cold, there is no completely effective treatment besides
time and allowing the cat's own immune system to do its job. In
rare cases, URI can cause serious disease such as pneumonia.
Also, sick cats may not eat or drink enough thus becoming
severely dehydrated. In such cases, hospitalization and fluid
supplementation may be needed. URI is contagious to other cats.
Most cats are vaccinated against it (as part of the standard
yearly vaccination program recomme