Feline Rhinotracheitis

Feline rhinotracheitis is another name for feline herpes, and this is a condition that can affect all cats, both young and old, and is highly infectious. It can be passed on through fluids, such as one cat sneezing on or near to another, as well as through shared water and food bowls, litter trays, and even through humans, which means that you could end up inadvertently passing it from one cat to another.

It is important to take your cat to be checked out by the vet if it displays any symptoms of feline rhinotracheitis, and this is for a number of reasons. Firstly, your cat will be miserable and uncomfortable without treatment, which is something that neither the car nor the owner wants. Secondly, the condition is highly infectious, which means that your cat could pass it onto other cats in your household or other cats that it comes into contact with. Finally, the outlook may not be as bright for older cats and kittens, and the earlier your pet is treated the brighter the outlook.

What Symptoms To Look Out For

One thing to remember about the symptoms of this condition is that they are common symptoms in many other conditions as well, so the earlier you get your cat checked out the quicker a diagnosis can be made, and the earlier appropriate treatment can be administered.

Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition include sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, runny nose, and loss of appetite. If your cat is pregnant the condition may also cause complications with the pregnancy. If your cat develops these symptoms you should make an appointment so that the vet can then make a firm diagnosis.

How Will Your Cat Be Treated?

There are a number of different treatments that your vet may prescribe for your cat once a firm diagnosis of rhinotracheitis has been made. The vet may prescribe antibiotics, anti-viral drop or ointments, and decongestant. You will also need to do your big, and your ball of fluff will need some serious pampering for at least a week or two whilst recovery takes place.

Making sure your cat is kept warm, gets plenty of rest, and is given fresh water and food from bowls that are not being used by other cats will aid the recovery of your pet.

Can It Be Prevented?

The condition feline rhinotracheitis can be prevented, and taking precautionary measures is something that you will be thankful for your cat will probably thank you for (as it means one less trip to the vets if the condition does strike later in life not to mention avoiding a variety of medications!).

When you kitten is 8-10 weeks old the first vaccination can be administered to protect against feline rhinotracheitis, and this is then repeated via an annual booster, which will ensure that your cat remains protected against the condition. Making sure that your cat is vaccinated against this and other conditions will save you both a lot of hassle, pain, and potentially money in the long run.

What Is The Outlook For Cats With This Condition?

The good news is that for cats of average age the outlook is very good even if they do develop feline rhinotracheitis – although they will still be unhappy about being dragged to the vets and being given loads of unpleasant medication.

However, for older and younger cats the outlook may not be so good, and this is because of the effect that feline rhinotracheitis can have on their immune systems, which are not as strong as those of average aged cats.

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