Scratchings-and-Sniffings

Questions about Upper Respiratory Disease in Cats Posted: 28 Apr 2009 06:29 AM PDT We've had a couple of good questions lately dealing with disease transmission from stray, or feral, cats to pet cats. In both cases readers have rescued strays with obvious signs of disease and are worried about the potential for their own pet cats coming down with whatever the stray is carrying. Brian found a collared stray cat wandering down the middle of the road. This lucky kitty,(lucky she ran into Brian, that is), has obvious signs of Feline Upper Respiratory Disease. She's sneezing and has discharge from both her eyes and nose. On the positive side she's eating and drinking.   Brian wants to know about the possibility of transmission to his own cats and the likely duration of the disease.   First of all...   I'm making the assumption that this cat is afflicted with either Feline Herpes virus and or Feline Calici virus. Both of these viruses are highly contagious to other cats. Both viral organisms are spread by direct contact with the contaminated secretions from the eyes and nose of an infected cat. They can also be spread by contaminated objects such as food or water bowls. Even owners can spread the virus on their hands if they don't wash after they handle the infected cat. Brian had the good sense to isolate the infected stray which can help prevent the spread of disease.   If Brian's cats are vaccinated for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) and Feline Calici Virus (FVC) that will also help prevent infection. Kittens and unvaccinated adults are at highest risk. Some vaccinated cats may be susceptible to the wild strain but their symptoms are usually mild and short lived.   The duration of disease is usually 2-4 weeks for FVR and 1-2 weeks for FCV, but both may last longer in debilitated cats and may be complicated by secondary bacterial infections. After recovery a significant proportion of infected cats remain carriers of these viruses. They may never show signs again but they are capable of spreading infection to susceptible cats.   I guess the bigger question for all us cat owners is what to do if we come across a sickly stray. Most of us can't stomach the thought of just ignoring them and hoping someone else will do the dirty work. If you've read my stuff before you know I'm an advocate of the indoor lifestyle for cats. The bottom line is that they live longer and are healthier. One of the key reasons they live longer is that they don't come into contact with sick strays.   All that being said, I'd be hesitant to bring a sick cat into my home unless my cats were up to date on all vaccinations including Feline Leukemia Virus. FLV infection is serious and most commonly spread by contact with an infected cat. And I'd still quarantine them until I could find a humane shelter or the rightful owner is located.   So, thanks go to Brian for saving a sickly stray and remember, if you think your cats need to be outdoor cats, you better hope there are plenty of Brian's in the neighborhood.

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