Almost every cat meets a respiratory bug at some point. Knowing the signs, and how vaccination fits in, lets you act early.
What it is
Cornell's Feline Health Center describes upper respiratory infections as a group of illnesses caused by several viruses and bacteria, with feline herpesvirus and calicivirus the main viral causes. Respiratory infections are common in high-density settings such as shelters and catteries. Signs include sneezing, clear or colored discharge from the eyes or nose, coughing, swollen tissue around the eyes, mouth ulcers, lethargy and a poor appetite.
Why FVRCP is required
FVRCP is the feline combination vaccine: rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus), calicivirus and panleukopenia. Cornell notes the vaccines reduce disease but do not prevent a cat from shedding calicivirus or cure cats already infected. Happy Paws requires rabies and FVRCP for every cat, current through the end of the stay, because every guest is then protected the same way. Read FVRCP for cats.
What to do if you notice signs
Call your vet, and mention any recent boarding or travel. Most mild colds are managed with supportive care such as keeping the cat hydrated, clearing the nose and encouraging food, while a vet decides whether antibiotics, which treat secondary bacterial infection, are needed. A cat that will not eat, has trouble breathing or is very lethargic needs prompt attention. Keep a sick cat apart from other cats at home.
Before and after a stay
Before boarding, check that your cat is healthy: no sneezing, clear eyes and a normal appetite. A cat that is already ill is better kept home until recovered. Each cat at Happy Paws has an individual condo with its own litter box and blanket. After the stay, watch for sneezing or discharge over the next few days and call your vet if you see it. Also see the signs of stress in cats, since stress can bring a latent herpesvirus infection back.
Keeping the home safe
If a cat in your household is sick, wash hands between handling cats, keep bowls and bedding separate, and clean surfaces with a pet-safe disinfectant. Do not bring a cat with active signs of illness to a boarding stay. If your cat is recovering, ask your vet when it is safe to return to normal activity, and tell the kennel if the dates shift.