Upper respiratory tract diseases in cats

Upper respiratory tract diseases in cats are common. The most common symptoms are sneezing and gagging. These can be caused by several different agents. Sometimes, it can get better on its own but if symptoms don’t improve, contact a vet.

Diseases of the upper respiratory tract in cats are a group of conditions. Cats of any age or breed can develop symptoms and any part of the upper airways can be affected. Some conditions are lifelong problems, while others can improve on their own, with medication or surgery. Contact a vet if your cat is showing signs of being unwell.

Overview

What are upper respiratory tract diseases in cats?

Upper respiratory tract diseases in cats include conditions of the nose, throat (pharynx and larynx), and windpipe (trachea).

These diseases can be due to:

Structural problems:

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Nasal foreign body
Tooth root abscess

Infectious diseases:

Cat flu

Inflammatory diseases:

Nasopharyngeal Polyps
Tumours

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of upper respiratory tract diseases in cats?

You might notice some or all of the following signs:

Difficulty breathing
Snorting
Snoring
Coughing
Gagging or retching
Sneezing
Vomiting and regurgitation
Collapse

Risk

Are some cats more at higher risk of upper respiratory tract diseases than others?

Risks vary depending on the underlying cause.

Breed: Persians, Himalayan, Exotic Short-Hair, British Short-Hair.
Age: kittens and older cats are at higher risk of complications from infectious causes of URTDs.
Lifestyle: multi-cat households are also at higher risk of infectious causes of URTDs.
Older cats are more prone to developing nasal polyps or tumours.
Cats with poor dental care are at a higher risk of developing abscesses.

Diagnosis

How do vets diagnose upper respiratory tract diseases in cats?

Diagnosis steps will depend on your cat’s signs and underlying condition.

Your vet usually starts by doing a full hands-on examination, focusing on assessing your cat’s facial shape and behaviour and listening to your cat’s chest.

They will also carry out:

Visual inspection sometimes using a camera scope under sedation or full anaesthesia
Radiographs (x-rays)
Blood and urine tests
Growth or discharge sampling
MRI or CT scans

Vet treatment

How do vets treat upper respiratory tract disease in cats?

Treatment for upper respiratory tract disease will depend on the cause.

Your vet may prescribe one or more of the following depending on your cat’s needs:

Anti-inflammatory medication and pain relief
Antibiotics
Surgery: foreign objects, growths and structural problems
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cases of tumours

Home treatment

Home treatment for cats with upper respiratory tract disease

Follow your vet’s recommendations and treatment. In addition:

Monitor your cat closely to identify any relevant changes in their condition
Consider giving them soft and wet food if they have reduced appetite or difficulty eating
Keep your cat in the bathroom during a shower as the steam helps softening secretions in the airways

Prevention

How to prevent upper respiratory tract disease in cats

Prevention tips will vary depending on the underlying cause.

Keep your cat up to date with their vaccinations and deworming
Take your cat to your vet for yearly checkups
If you are getting a kitten of a flat-faced breed, make sure you choose a reputable breeder
Avoid breeding from cats who show upper respiratory problems due to their face and airway conformation
Make sure your cat has a stress-free environment to reduce chances of developing diseases
Make sure dental disease is treated promptly

When to worry