Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats A cat’s upper respiratory
tract-the nose, throat and sinus area-is susceptible to
infections caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria. What
Causes Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats? By far, viruses are
the most common causes of upper respiratory infections (URIs) in
cats. Feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus account for 80
to 90 percent of all contagious upper respiratory problems, and
are prevalent in shelters, catteries and multi-cat households.
These viruses can be transmitted from cat to cat through
sneezing, coughing, or while grooming or sharing food and water
bowls. Once infected, cats can become carriers for life, and
though they may not show clinical signs, they can still transmit
the viruses to others. Cats often develop bacterial infections
secondary to these common viral infections. There are also upper
respiratory infections in cats that are primarily caused by
bacteria. Chlamydia and Bordetella-also commonly found in
shelters and areas with multiple