Feline respiratory disease complex, also known as Feline Snuffels, includes those illnesses typified by runny noses, teary eyes, inflamed eyes, salivation, and oral ulcerations. It will look like your cat suffers from a cold.
This may be caused by various viruses and sometimes even bacteria. The most common culprits are Feline Herpes Virus and Feline Calici virus.
Upper respiratory infections can occur in any cat but are most common in kittens or under-vaccinated adults who have had contact with other cats.
Symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Eye discharge
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Lack of energy
- Anorexia
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Raised third eyelid
Treatment of Snuffels:
The most important factor in treatment of Snuffels is supportive care.
- Never give medication to your cat that is NOT prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Remove nasal and eye secretions as they build up.
- Keep your cat in a dry, warm, humidified and stress-free environment.
- Encourage your cat to eat. Give them warm canned cat food, strong smelling fish eg tuna.
- The amino acid Lysine is beneficial in cats with Snuffels. Get a veterinary approved product from your vet.
- If your cat is severely congested, leave him in a steamy bathroom for an hour a day.
- If your cat is not interested in food, severely lethargic or his symptoms becomes worse take him to the vet immediately.
Prevention:
There is various viruses that can cause Snuffels.
Fortunately your cat can be vaccinated against the two most common viruses.
Feline Herpes and Feline Calicicvirus.
Follow your vets recommendations closely.
The virus is highly infectious. Keep your infected cat away from any other cat in the household.
If you adopt or buy a kitten ensure that he received all his vaccinations.