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 URI's (Upper Respiratory Infections) 

What are URI's?? Upper respiratory infections in cats is extremely common, and the vast majority of the URI's in cats today are due to a herpes virus and a calici virus. There is a newcomer to the list, growing rapidly, and that is chlamydia psittaci, a bacterium. These infections are sometimes referred to as "cat flu" or "feline pneumonia"; however, these are not correct terms for these infections.

What are the symptoms of URI's?? he clinical signs may vary quite a bit, but often include sneezing, runny eyes, runny nose and sometimes even ulcers on the mouth. Another symptom often seen is a fever that may last as long as a week to ten days.

How does a cat usually contract an URI?? URI's are extremely contagious and it is very common for all cats within a multi-cat home to become infected. And, while the viruses last less than 18 hours in the environment for feline herpes virus, and less than 10-18 days in the environment for feline calici virus, these viruses last a very long time in the cat's respiratory tract. Often the virus is continuously passed back and forth as up to 80% of cats that recover from acute URI's are likely to become chronic carriers and therefore are likely to infect susceptible cats and kittens. Feline calici virus carriers probably represent a greater overall threat to susceptible cats than do carriers of feline herpes virus.

What are the best ways to treat URI's?? Vaccinations are available as a preventive measure for many of the major URI's Vaccinations alone, however, will not completely eliminate URI outbreaks. Fortunately, most cats who get URI's recover completely if they receive prompt and complete veterinary care. Many cats with URI's are given antibiotics to help ward of secondary bacterial complications. It is important for the owner to watch the cat carefully and step in if needed to ensure the cat is eating and drinking, as URI's may greatly reduce the cat/kitten's ability to smell and taste their food. For stubborn infections that aren't responding to oral antibiotics, a process called "Nebulization" can be used which dispenses medication via a nebulizer through the air (sort of like a vaporizer with medicine), where the medication can be inhaled right into the afflicted cats' lungs where it is most needed.

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NUVET PLUS FELINE SUPPLEMENT

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FELIWAY PLUG-INS & SPRAY
~ Click on links above for more information and to order these exceptionally calming Feliway products for felines. Used and recommended by Foothill Felines! Wonderful for cats of all ages, weights, and breeds. Contains natural cat pheromones for extremely effective stress relief and eliminating need for cats and kittens to mark or exhibit other unwanted behaviors. Every multi-cat household should know about these plug-ins; they are odorless to people, yet they are especially helpful to kittens/cats during a move, any change in your household routine, periods of stress of any kind, and queening.

TOY-GO-ROUND CAT EXERCISE WHEELS ~ Click on image above to learn about the incredible new exercise wheels for cats; the Toy-Go-Round wheels!! They're simply the best designed, best built and best priced wheels we've found anywhere!!

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