SHELLEY: Cats are unique creatures.
But they also tend to experience the same health issues over and over and over again.
Feline Upper Respiratory Infections and urinary tract infections are two of the most common
problems we hear about in cats.
So what if we told you there are ways to help prevent these infections from happening in
the first place.
In this episode of the Pet Care Pro Show, we have LISA joining us to talk about URI
and UTI infections in cats.
Before we start, consider subscribing to the Revival Animal Health YouTube channel, by
clicking this little red heart, or the subscribe button down below if you’re watching this
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Okay, now let’s talk about Upper Respiratory Infections and urinary tract infections in
cats and the best ways to prevent these from reoccurring?
LISA: Let’s start with upper respiratory infections.
Every species of animal has a weak spot and for cats, its respiratory problems.
That’s why most vaccines for cats protect against viruses that attack the respiratory
tract.
If left untreated, these respiratory infections can turn fatal.
SHELLEY: So what are the biggest causes of upper respiratory infections in cats?
LISA: Feline herpesvirus also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis is the number one issue
in kittens and breeding queens.
This virus attacks the eye and upper respiratory system.
Inbreeding queens, it can even cause abortions.
SHELLEY: Right.
But the tricky thing about herpes is it has an incubation period, so you may not know
a cat is infected until it’s already spread it to other cats in the area.
LISA: Exactly.
Herpes has an incubation period of two to six days and sometimes even longer.
If a cat is a carrier of herpes, it can shed the virus throughout her life.
When a carrier cat is stressed, which often happens when a queen is giving birth, it can
start shedding the virus and expose those newborn kittens to herpes.
SHELLEY: Now another cause of URIs in cats is calicivirus.
Tell us about that.
LISA: Eye and nasal discharge and lots of sneezing are typical indications of calicivirus.
The incubation period for calicivirus is five days but it sheds for at least 75 days after
recovery.
And like herpes, some cats can be carriers.
SHELLEY: And
finally Bordetella bronchiseptica is the third main cause of URIs, especially in young kittens
and rescues where cats are housed together.
LISA: Yes, Bordetella Bronchiseptica is a bacterial issue and it can be fatal.
If Bordetella has been diagnosed, early vaccination is the key to prevention.
SHELLEY: Right, you mentioned vaccination, which really is important when it comes to
preventing upper respiratory infections.
LISA: Yes, preventing URI's is most effective with vaccinations.
The Nobivac Feline Bb prevents Bordetella bronchiseptica in cats while the Fel-O-Vax
4 plus CaliciVax helps prevent herpes and calicivirus.
SHELLEY: Now if your cat does get an upper respiratory infection.
What are some good treatment options?
LISA: Treatment of URIs in cats should include doxycycline because it penetrates mucus and
can treat eye issues at the same time.
In addition, Clavamox also works well as a treatment for URI, especially for kittens.
SHELLEY: Doxycycline and Clavamox are both prescription items that we do carry.
So if you get a prescription from your vet, our pharmacy team can help you out with that.
LISA: Yes, and in addition to doxycycline, nose drops given several times a day is also
a great option.
When giving nose drops, just drip it in the nose and let the cat sneeze it back out, then
wipe their nose with a soft paper towel.
SHELLEY: And we have more information on making those nose
drops Lisa mentioned along with a few other URI treatment options in the article Cat Respiratory
Disease.
You can find that in the Learning Center on our website at RevivalAnimal.com or we’ve
put a link to that article in the description below.
Now before we talk urinary tract infections or UTIs, if you are finding this video helpful,
click the like button below.
Okay, now let’s talk UTIs.
These are also, very common in cats.
LISA: Yes, they are.
Bladder infections and crystals are common in cats, especially males.
SHELLEY: And the cat’s urine, die, and water all are factors that can cause UTI's.
LISA: That’s correct.
The most common cause of crystals is alkaline or basic urine and minerals in the cat’s
diet and water.
If there are excess minerals in the cat's diet, they are eliminated through the urine,
where under alkaline conditions, these minerals can crystallize and form crystal sand-like
a stone.
SHELLEY: These crystals then irritate the urinary tract.
LISA: Exactly.
The urinary tract is then more prone to bacteria and that can sometimes cause blood in the
urine and infections.
SHELLEY: Okay, so what is the best way to achieve the ideal urine ph balance in cats?
LISA: Potassium citrate affects the pH of the urine and cranberry has properties that
keep bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.
These products are generally well tolerated by cats.
I recommend Doc Roy’s Potassium Citrate plus Cranberry.
It helps maintain a healthy urinary tract in cats and dogs and inhibits the formation
of bladder stones.
SHELLEY: Thanks, Lisa!
If you’ve found this advice helpful, make sure to share this video with other cat owners
who you think could benefit.
And if have you have questions, comment below and we will get those answered!
I’m Shelley with the Revival education team.
This is LISA, a Revival Pet Care Pro.
Thank you so much for joining us on this cat health episode of the Pet Care Pro Show.
SHELLEY: Hi!
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If you have more questions on UTIs or URIs in cats or any other pet health issue, call
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