Expert Verified
Thomas Meyer — Reviewed writer, former magazine editor
Approved Guide

How to Handle Treat Feline Upper Respiratory Illness Step by Step

When treat feline upper respiratory illness leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.

Link copied to clipboard!
1

Look at your cat’s eyes and nose.

Look at your cat’s eyes and nose.
Discharge from the eyes and nose is one of the most common signs of feline URI. The discharge may look clear in the early stages of disease, then become yellow and pus-like as the disease progresses. Your cat’s eyelids may also become red and inflamed.
  • Check for discharge from the eyes and nose
  • Look for yellow and pus-like discharge
  • Red and inflamed eyelids may be present
  • Discharge from the eyes and nose is one of the most common signs of feline URI.
  • The discharge may look clear in the early stages of disease, then become yellow and pus-like as the disease progresses.
2

Examine your cat’s mouth.

Examine your cat’s mouth.
Feline URI can cause sores to develop in and around your cat’s mouth. For example, you may see sores in the roof of her mouth, on her tongue, or on her lips. Your cat may start to drool; this is usually associated with FHV-1.
  • Sores in the roof of the mouth
  • Sores on the tongue and lips
  • Drooling may be present
  • Feline URI can cause sores to develop in and around your cat’s mouth.
  • For example, you may see sores in the roof of her mouth, on her tongue, or on her lips.
3

Observe your cat’s sneezing.

Observe your cat’s sneezing.
Sneezing is a common symptom Frequency and duration of sneezing can vary Increased mucus production may be present
  • Sneezing is a common symptom
  • Frequency and duration of sneezing can vary
  • Increased mucus production may be present
  • Sneezing is a common symptom Frequency and duration of sneezing can vary Increased mucus production may be present
  • Sneezing is a common symptom Frequency and duration of sneezing can vary Increased mucus production may be present
4

Take note of any changes in appetite.

Take note of any changes in appetite.
Decreased appetite is a common symptom Changes in eating habits may indicate URI Loss of interest in food may be present
  • Decreased appetite is a common symptom
  • Changes in eating habits may indicate URI
  • Loss of interest in food may be present
  • Decreased appetite is a common symptom Changes in eating habits may indicate URI Loss of interest in food may be present
  • Decreased appetite is a common symptom Changes in eating habits may indicate URI Loss of interest in food may be present

Community Q&A

Be the first to ask a question about this guide.

Was this guide helpful?

12 people found this helpful

Subscribe to the HowDadDo Newsletter

Get expert tips, weekly how-to guides, and dad wisdom delivered straight to your inbox. No spam, just good stuff.

Help us build the world's best
dad manual.

Every guide on HowDadDo is written and fact-checked by real people — no AI-generated fluff. Join our community of experts helping dads figure life out.