09/23/2025
Good afternoon, all. If you have a kitten, or are planning to adopt a kitten, please read the following carefully. Cats are very susceptible to Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) that can cause nasal discharge and eye issues. There are 4 main causes of this disease pattern: feline herpesvirus type-1, feline calicivirus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Chlamydophila felis. The viral causes compose 90% of URIs, so treatment with an antibiotic is often ineffective, though your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic to treat infections secondary to the virus.
Any cat or kitten infected with the herpesvirus becomes a carrier for that disease, and approximately ½ of the animals infected with calicivirus will become carriers. A carrier is a cat who has the disease in their body for life. This means the virus can become reactivated due to stressors such as changing homes, boarding, disease, or surgery. This also means they can shed the virus to other animals at any time.
Additionally, many kittens infected will develop conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eye. This can lead to ulcers on the surface of the eye, and - in severe cases - rupture of the eye leading to the need for the eye to be removed.
Due to the risks of infection at an early age, the ideal vaccination schedule is as follows: kittens receive their first dose at 6 or 8 weeks of age, then they receive doses 4 weeks apart until they are 16-17 weeks old. If a kitten misses a vaccine, they are at a higher risk of contracting a URI and spreading the disease to your older cats.
If your kitten or cat is older than 16 weeks old, they still need one booster of the vaccine 3-4 weeks from the first. Then yearly vaccination is recommended.
As a reminder, we are not currently taking new clients. We suggest you call your current veterinary clinic and schedule with them.
Click here for more information about URIs in cats.
Learn about feline upper respiratory infection. VCA Animal Hospital offers professional guidance to help you ensure the health and happiness of your pet.