Feline Breathing Problems
Feline Respiratory Disease Complex (FRDC) is comprised of a disease class symptomatic of runny nose (nasal discharge), reverse sneezing (laryngospasm) or just frequent and continuous sneezing. These disease symptoms likely require your vet's attention if the infection is of moderate or severe symptomology.
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Causes of Respiratory Problems in Cats
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Numerous different organisms can cause cat respiratory infections. Several viral agents and bacteria-like organisms can infect your cat's nasal complex, respiratory tract, lungs, eyes and/or oral cavity. Symptoms range from mild to severe and are contagious. Therefore, if you have multiple cats, the problem may spread through contact among the cats. This disease complex is one of the most common seen in cats. Sometimes, vets must perform specific tests to isolate and rule out probable causes.
Symptoms and Degree of Severity
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Along with sneezing and watery or pus-like discharges from the mouth or nose, other symptoms include listlessness and absence of appetite. Drooling is common, and mouth ulcers may be present. Watery eye discharge (conjunctivitis) is also a symptom. Often, the cat will be uncooperative when the owner tries to give the cat some aid. The degree of infection is complicated by the age of the cat, acquired resistance from previous exposure and the exact strain of the infective organism.
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Cases Requiring Veterinary Intervention
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Cases requiring vet intervention include fever, lack of appetite, listlessness, dehydration, puss-like eye or nose discharges and continued cough, which may indicate the presence of pneumonia. Prompt and intensive treatment by a vet is recommended if any of the preceding listed symptoms are present.
Factors Contributing to this Disease Complex
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Whether a respiratory infection is mild, moderate or severe is dependent upon many factors---among them, the age of the cat, his general health, the acquired resistance from previous exposure or vaccination and the strain of the infective organism.
Caveats
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Go Pets America states the following: "[It] recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements, please contact your state and local licensing authorities."
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