Maladies

Feline viral respiratory diseases affect the upper air passages and sometimes involve conjunctivitis. Highly contagious, these illnesses are caused by a variety of pathogens, particularly the herpes virus group, which produces Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) and the Calicivirus group, which produces Feline Calici Virus Disease (FCV). A less common cause can be Chlamydia, a bacteria-like organism which can cause conjunctivitis and a relatively mild, persistent upper respiratory disease called Feline Pneumonitis.

Symptoms: frequent sneezing, increased licking of the nose area, lack of appetite, choking, vomiting, coughing, fever, thickening of the throat, and watery discharge from nose and eyes, clear at first, turning thick and yellow later on. Veterinary help is urgently required. 


The most important treatment measures are: antibiotics against secondary infections, administration of fluids in case of dehydration, cleaning of secretions from mouth, nose, and eyes.

The protective vaccine is very important. Normally, kittens are vaccinated at eight to nine weeks of age, followed by a second shot about three weeks later. Yearly boosters are recommended.

A combination Panleukopenia/Respiratory Virus vaccine is available.