As a new year begins, we in the feral cat “business” are already looking ahead at what the coming kitten season will bring. 2011 was difficult year, full of the usual drop offs of unwanted kittens on our doorsteps, many of them ill with chronic URI (Upper Respiratory Infection). URI is the generic term used for any viral or bacterial infection causing cold-like symptoms in a cat.

Kittens either came to us sick or developed symptoms while in crowded foster homes. URIs are highly contagious (to other cats only), so treatment must be quick in order to prevent full fledged outbreaks within multi-cat households. Each year local shelters and rescue groups temporarily have to close their doors due to the presence of these and other contagions.

An added dilemma is that a symptomatic animal is not a surgical candidate for spay/neuter and remains in foster until well, sometimes several extra weeks. This can result in a kitten missing the optimum adoption window of eight-ten weeks of age.

Cats will not eat or drink if they are unable to smell, so a young one which is sneezing and sporting a stuffy nose may soon languish and die. The death rate among kittens can be nearly 50% and is a slow, agonizing way to go.

One common “cold” we see is caused by the herpesvirus which attacks the eyes along with the sinuses. Unless treated quickly and thoroughly, this virulent disease can claim the sight by manifesting in severe corneal ulcers which subsequently rupture, taking the eye with it.

Once infected, the animal becomes a carrier for life and can infect other feline household members through shared grooming and food/water dishes. The most contagious period is when sneezing and coughing are present, and any cat showing these symptoms should immediately be isolated.

Symptoms often lie dormant until stress stirs them into action and accounts for a normally healthy indoor cat suddenly catching a “cold.” If this happens in your own home, think back to possible triggers and offer some extra love and attention and L-lysine (an amino acid) in the food until the disease is once again in check.

Although sometimes a tough disease to knock down, the herpesvirus can be effectively controlled by adding L-lysine daily to your pet’s wet food during times of obvious symptoms. It may also work as an immune-booster so can be safely given to all feline members in the home. L-lysine capsules can be easily found at health food stores and at Walmart in tablet form. Wherever you buy it, read the label. Do NOT purchase any product which contains any “glycol” ingredient, which is toxic to cats. Dosage is 250-500mg per day for kittens, 500-1,000mg for adults.

If the URI symptoms are severe enough to cause your cat to refuse food due to mucus buildup in the sinuses, a single drop of Afrin Children’s Strength Nose Drops (.025 percent Oxymetazoline hydrochloride) can be administered to one nostril per day. Use no longer than five days in a row, switching nostrils for each drop.

Don’t panic at a first sneeze as it may just be dust, but do watch for signs of eye-weeping and lethargy. Most importantly, if your cat has a fever, becomes dehydrated and stops eating, a trip to the veterinarian is essential. There may be a secondary bacterial infection present requiring prescribed antibiotics and IV fluids.

Wishing all my two- and four-legged friends a very healthy and Happy New Year.