Cat Upper Respiratory Infection: 5 Foods to Heal Naturally

Upper respiratory infection is an illness your sweet cat may be exposed to at least once in their life. While not as serious as most feline health problems, this disease can be potentially serious in both very young and older cats.

It's important to know that many people mistakenly believe that the only way to prevent a cat's upper respiratory infection is to resort to conventional medications. However, they are unaware that there are several natural foods that can help prevent this condition.

We're sharing the best information we've found from our research, along with the natural foods in question. But before we get down to business, let's start by explaining what exactly an upper respiratory infection in cats is...

What is a cat upper respiratory infection?

This infection, also known as feline URTI, is a disease comparable to the human common cold. While all cats can be prone to this health problem, it is more common in young kittens, due to their underdeveloped immune systems, as well as in older felines whose immune responses have weakened.

Although upper respiratory infections in cats are almost never life-threatening, there are very rare cases where they can trigger more serious lung problems, such as pneumonia. This highlights the importance of being prepared for this disease.

Following this introduction, let's examine the possible causes of URTI in cats...

What causes upper respiratory infection in cats?

Feline URTIs are usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Statistics show that most cases of infection are caused by feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus (FHV or FHV-1).

However, bacteria such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, mycoplasma, and feline chlamydia can also cause URTI in cats. It's not uncommon for your feline companion to be infected with more than one virus or bacteria at the source.

Now let's talk about the symptoms of upper respiratory infection in cats...

What are the signs of an upper respiratory infection in cats?

Here are the most common symptoms that indicate your kitty is suffering from an URTI:

• Sudden lethargy

• Fever

• Continuous sneezing fits

• Cough and bad breath

• Presence of ocular and nasal secretions

• Runny nose

• Sores in and around the mouth area

• Sudden loss of appetite

• Vomiting and diarrhea

Let's continue the discussion by addressing the risk factors to watch for in feline IVRS...

Risk factors to consider

As explained above, all cats are susceptible to contracting a feline URTI at some point in their lives. However, this risk is much higher for the following categories:

• Very young kittens that do not yet have a fully developed immune system

• Older and immunocompromised cats

• Cats living in large groups, such as those in a feral cat colony or rescue center

• Several cats living side by side in the same domestic setting

Now let's determine how long feline URTIs typically last...

How long do URTIs usually last in cats?

Upper respiratory infections in cats normally persist for a minimum of seven (7) days, and in some cases up to twenty-one (21) days. In addition to the age of the affected feline, this duration may also depend on factors such as immunosuppression or the presence of another illness prior to the URTI.

Furthermore, it is crucial to keep in mind that a cat can easily transmit the disease to other cats during the period of infection.

What's really interesting is that the majority of cases of URTI in cats tend to resolve on their own, especially when the affected felines are otherwise healthy and not experiencing other welfare issues.

However, it is different when the affected cat is very young or rather old, or is suffering from another health problem at the time the URTI occurs.

In any case, regardless of your pet's age or general health, a cat with feline URTI should always receive the necessary care and attention, as the possibility of serious complications is ever-present.

Speaking of giving your pet the proper care and attention, here are some natural foods that will make your adorable kitty more resistant to upper respiratory infections...

Are there any foods that increase a cat's resistance to upper respiratory infections?

Absolutely! And I've put together a quick list so you can add them to your pet home care checklist ASAP:

Blueberries help prevent oxidative damage.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) points out that blueberries are so rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins that, in several laboratory tests, they have been found to "protect lung tissue from oxidative damage."

Additionally, aside from the respiratory protection anthocyanins provide, these antioxidants are also considered powerful anti-inflammatory agents and may help ward off heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Adding a maximum of two (2) or three (3) blueberries per day to your cat's meals will do the trick.

Oily fish helps reduce the risk of lung disease.

Another study by the NCBI reveals that there is a link between eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and the prevention of lung problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

According to the study authors, this could be due to the additional antioxidant defenses provided by omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight potentially toxic or inflammatory oxidants in the respiratory system.

Oily fish you can use include trout, herring, cod, mackerel, sardines, and salmon. Be sure to remove any bones and cook the fish plain, without adding any flavoring or seasoning, before serving it to your adorable little feline.

Lentils and beans help strengthen lung function and resistance to inflammation.

In another study published in the NCBI , it was highlighted that lentils and beans are loaded with very high levels of fiber that not only help promote optimal digestive health but also maintain respiratory well-being at its best.

The study found that the rich amounts of fiber in beans and lentils "significantly reduce systemic inflammation, which has previously been linked to vulnerability to COPD and lung cancer."

It is highly recommended to boil beans and lentils in plain water for at least fifteen (15) minutes or until they become soft. One teaspoon of these legumes will be enough for the whole day.

Olive oil helps maintain the elasticity of the lung airways.

The Wiley Online Library points out that regular consumption of olive oil is correlated with a reduced risk of asthma and other respiratory diseases. The hypothesis is that this could be due to its richness in vitamin E and polyphenols, which are known anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

Adding half a tablespoon of olive oil to your feline family member's meals daily will do the trick. Just be sure to mix it into their food as much as possible so it doesn't end up at the bottom of their bowl.

Yogurt helps prevent the decline of lung function.

As reported by the NCBI , a study conducted in Japan shows that adults who regularly consume a lot of calcium are less likely to be prone to respiratory problems such as COPD. One of the foods highlighted in the study is yogurt.

If you add a teaspoon of yogurt a day to your feline companion's meals, he will already be receiving the amount of calcium he needs to protect himself against upper respiratory infections.

Continuing with natural options for treating feline URTI, here's a product to include in your pet home care checklist:

A natural product to prevent upper respiratory infections in cats

Homeoanimo's MuseauAnimo #1 offers a three-pronged approach to upper respiratory tract infection in cats: supporting respiratory health, increasing oxygen delivery to the airways, and promoting balanced hydration of the body and tissues.

MuseauAnimo #1 - Gold Formula is also designed to reduce sneezing, ease breathing difficulties, relieve irritated nostrils and nasal discharge that may be prevalent when feline URTIs such as feline coryza occur unexpectedly.

Now that we've covered the basics, why not address the most frequently asked questions about upper respiratory infections in cats?

FAQ

If my cat is sneezing all the time, does that mean he's sick?

The short answer is it depends.

In addition to being an indicator of feline URTI, sneezing is also an involuntary action your feline does when they come into contact with substances and particles that irritate their nose. There's a good chance your precious cat is suffering from feline URTI if they sneeze continuously for several days or show other symptoms of the disease.

How did my indoor cat get an upper respiratory infection?

Even if your cat always stays indoors, they can still contract an upper respiratory infection by coming into contact with contaminated items such as litter boxes, collars, toys, litter boxes, and food bowls.

Are URTIs contagious to cats?

The short answer is yes.

I cannot stress this enough. Feline URTIs are extremely contagious and can be easily transmitted from one cat to another in a very short period of time. It is crucial to provide your pet with the necessary care and attention at the first signs of infection.

Are feline URTIs fatal?

The short answer is no.

Upper respiratory infection in cats is not fatal. This disease can be easily treated if the affected feline receives immediate care and attention. Although there have been cases where cats infected with Feline Calicivirus (FCV) have developed pneumonia, these cases are still very rare.

Can upper respiratory infection in cats be transmitted to humans?

The short answer is no.

Feline URTIs are "species-specific," which essentially means they can only be transmitted from cat to cat and not to humans. However, it's highly recommended that you practice rigorous hygiene and cleaning when you notice signs of an upper respiratory infection in your feline companion. This way, you won't be taking any risks.

The final word

The risk of your cat contracting an upper respiratory infection at some point in their life is very real. Therefore, it is certainly beneficial to have an idea of ​​natural foods that can help your cat become more resistant to this disease.

Would you like to learn more about how homeopathy can help you provide your pet with the best possible quality of life? Don't hesitate to visit our Free Online Referral page now.

Our Free Online Referral helps you address your pet's specific needs and treat the root of the problem rather than the symptoms. It's also helpful for all types of conditions, especially those affecting pets with multiple, chronic, or behavioral disorders.