Introduction
Feline respiratory infections in cats are diagnosed most commonly based on the cat’s history and symptoms. Bacterial cultures, and tissue cultures, may also be used to diagnose the specific cause of the respiratory infection.
Diagnosing Respiratory Infections in Cats
Cats with respiratory infections display common types of symptoms. Most veterinarians are well acquainted with these symptoms, and they are often able to diagnose a cat, or kitten, with a respiratory infection just by looking at the cat’s symptoms. To rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms, many veterinarians recommend a FeLV and FIV test at the time of diagnosis as well.
The cat’s history also plays an important role in respiratory infection diagnosis. Cats that live in overcrowded conditions and shelters are in a high risk category for becoming infected with this condition. Unvaccinated cats, especially outdoor unvaccinated cats, are also at risk for infection. Frequently, pet owners that just adopt a cat, or kitten, from a shelter or pet store may find that a few days, or even up to over a week, after the adoption their new pet starts showing respiratory infections.
Due to the similar treatments that are provided to cats with respiratory infections, finding out the exact cause of the respiratory infection is not normally necessary. Tissue and bacteria cultures can be used to try to determine exactly which virus, or viruses, and/or bacteria are causing the respiratory infection to occur. However, many veterinarians do not feel that this information is necessary for the cat’s successful recovery and treatment.