Cat Upper Respiratory Infection: Signs & Care
Start here
A feline upper respiratory infection (URI), often called "cat flu," is a common contagious infection of the nose, throat and eyes — usually caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. Signs include sneezing, runny eyes and nose, congestion and mild fever. Most healthy adult cats recover with supportive care in a week or two, but kittens, seniors and cats that stop eating need veterinary attention.
When to call the vet
Get veterinary care promptly if your cat: stops eating or drinking, is struggling to breathe or breathing with an open mouth, is very lethargic, has a high fever, or is a young kitten or senior. Not eating is especially serious in cats — a congested cat that can't smell food may quickly stop eating, which can lead to dangerous complications.
Most mild URIs in healthy adult cats can be managed at home with supportive care, but the situations above need a professional. When in doubt, a quick call to your vet is worth it.
What causes cat URIs
The large majority of feline URIs are viral, most often feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). Bacterial infections such as Chlamydia felis and Bordetella can also play a role, sometimes on top of a viral infection.
These viruses spread easily through sneezing, shared bowls, and contact — which is why URIs are so common in multi-cat homes, shelters and after adoption. Importantly, cats infected with herpesvirus often become lifelong carriers, and stress can trigger flare-ups later in life even without new exposure.
Signs to watch for
Signs usually appear a few days after exposure and can range from mild to significant:
- Sneezing, sometimes in bouts
- Watery or thick discharge from the eyes and nose
- Congestion and noisy breathing
- Red, squinting or gummy eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Reduced appetite, often because a blocked nose dulls the sense of smell
- Mild fever, drooling, mouth ulcers (especially with calicivirus), and low energy
A cat that's eating, alert and just a bit sneezy is usually on the milder end; a cat that's withdrawn and off food needs closer attention.
Home care that helps
Supportive care is the backbone of recovery, since antibiotics don't touch the viruses themselves (they're reserved for confirmed bacterial complications):
| Care step | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Keep the face clean | Gently wipe discharge from eyes and nose with a warm, damp cloth. |
| Steam / humidity | Sitting with your cat in a steamy bathroom helps loosen congestion. |
| Tempt the appetite | Warm, strong-smelling wet food is easier to smell and eat through a blocked nose. |
| Hydration and rest | Encourage water and give a quiet, warm place to recover. |
| Isolate | Keep an infected cat away from other cats to limit spread. |
Practical take: The single most important thing to watch is eating. A cat that keeps eating is usually recovering; a cat that stops needs the vet.
Recovery, recurrence and prevention
Most cats improve within one to two weeks. Because herpesvirus carriers can flare with stress, some cats have recurrent bouts throughout life — often milder, and often tied to a stressful event like boarding or a new pet. Core vaccines help reduce the severity of the common viral causes, and reducing stress helps prevent flare-ups.
Tracking flare-ups over time is genuinely useful here: noting when symptoms appear, what preceded them, and how long they last helps you and your vet spot triggers and tell a routine flare from something that needs more testing.
Spot the pattern behind recurring flare-ups
Tavi lets you log symptoms, appetite and vet visits and see them over time, so you can catch a URI cat going off food early and show your vet what triggers each flare. Free for your first pet.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a cat upper respiratory infection last?
Most healthy adult cats recover within one to two weeks with supportive care. Kittens, seniors and cats with complications may take longer and need veterinary treatment, especially if they stop eating.
Do cats with a URI need antibiotics?
Not usually. Most feline URIs are viral, and antibiotics don't work against viruses. They're reserved for confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial complications, which your vet will decide based on the signs.
Is a cat URI contagious to other cats?
Yes, very. The viruses spread easily through sneezing, shared bowls and contact, so infected cats should be isolated from other cats. They are not contagious to humans or dogs.
When should I take my cat to the vet for a URI?
See a vet if your cat stops eating or drinking, struggles to breathe, is very lethargic, has a high fever, or is a young kitten or senior. Not eating is especially urgent in cats and shouldn't be left to see if it passes.
Can a cat URI come back?
Yes. Cats infected with feline herpesvirus often become lifelong carriers, and stress can trigger recurrent flare-ups later in life. These bouts are frequently milder, and reducing stress helps prevent them.
Tavi's guides are informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. Sources: Cornell University Feline Health Center; American Association of Feline Practitioners; VCA Animal Hospitals; Merck Veterinary Manual