If you have a cat, there's a good chance that it will develop an upper respiratory infection at some point during its life. This common health issue isn't particularly serious, but should still compel you to seek help from a veterinarian at your local animal clinic. People who have owned multiple cats over several years will often know the warning signs of an upper respiratory infection, but this condition will be new if you're a first-time cat owner and the animal has yet to be sick. Here are some things to watch for that can suggest your cat is dealing with an upper respiratory infection.
Frequent Sneezing
It's common for cats to sneeze for a variety of reasons. If the cat is sniffing around in a dusty room, it may sneeze because of dust in its nose. Similarly, if you're outside with your cat and it's playing in the grass, it may sneeze because of the grass tickling its nose. An upper respiratory infection can also cause the animal to sneeze, but the difference is that the sneezing will be more frequent. You may notice your cat sneezing several times back to back, or just sneezing more than usual throughout the day. An upper respiratory infection causes irritation to the cat's nose, which is the reason for the sneezing.
Runny Nose
When humans suffer from respiratory issues, they often develop runny noses. If you have a child, their runny nose may be your first warning sign of something amiss. The same is true for cats. While a cat's nose can often be a little wet, you'll be able to tell when it's running because there will be mucus beneath the nostrils. Often, the cat will excessively lick around its nose, which can also be a good warning sign if you haven't actually noticed its nose running.
Difficult Breathing
If your cat's upper respiratory infection is serious, it may cause the animal to have some difficulty breathing. Normally, you'll pick up on this issue because you'll be able to hear the cat inhaling and exhaling. Often, a snoring-like sound may be evident, even when the animal is awake. If you suspect your cat may have an upper respiratory infection, it's helpful to also listen to its breathing when it's asleep. If it's louder or more labored than usual, you'll want to contact a local animal clinic, explain the symptoms, and schedule a visit so that the veterinarian can help your cat.
Share1 November 2022
For years, I wanted to fill my home with happy animals. When I got married, my spouse wanted a pet just as much as I did, and it was great to start looking for pets together. We were able to find a rescue animal who worked well with our budget and our lifestyle, and it was neat to give that sweet animal a home. However, after we brought the pet into our home, we realized that he needed some medical care. We turned to a veterinarian for advice on his medical health, and we worked on getting him completely vaccinated. Check out this blog for more information on finding help early.
