--- title: Cat Colds (Upper Respiratory Infection) and Boarding url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Cat colds (upper respiratory infection) and boarding # Cat colds (upper respiratory infection) and boarding A cat cold, or upper respiratory infection, causes sneezing, runny eyes and nose, and sometimes mouth ulcers; it is common where cats meet, which is why boarding requires the FVRCP vaccine. Call your vet if your cat shows these signs, especially if he stops eating. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) 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](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/fvrcp/). ## 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](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/), 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. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Cornell Feline Health Center, respiratory infections](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/respiratory-infections) - [Cornell Feline Health Center, feline vaccines: benefits and risks](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-vaccines-benefits-and-risks) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [FVRCP for cats](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/fvrcp/) - [Which vaccines does a cat need for boarding?](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/cat-vaccines-for-boarding/) - [Signs of stress in cats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/) - [FVRCP](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/fvrcp/) - [Cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/) ## Read next - [Senior cats and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/senior-cats-and-boarding/) - [Boarding a cat on medication](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-on-medication/) - [What is a cattery?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/what-is-a-cattery/) - [Cat condos & towers](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-condo-vs-tower/) - [Boarding two cats together](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/multi-cat-boarding/) - [Signs of stress in cats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/) - [Bringing your cat home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/bringing-a-cat-home-after-boarding/) - [Cats in Central Valley heat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-and-heat/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Is a cat cold contagious to people? The common feline respiratory viruses are specific to cats. Ask your vet if you have questions about your household. ### Does the vaccine make a cat immune? Vaccination reduces the severity of disease, but a vaccinated cat can still catch a cold. ### Should I board a cat with a runny nose? A cat showing signs of illness should see a vet first. Call 707-678-6600 to talk it through.