If you have any questions

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

If you have any questions at all, please contact the foster department directly. Other KHS phone numbers, emails, or departments are unable to help with any foster concerns.

Contacting other departments will delay you getting answers and delay your animal getting care.

Our contact info can be found at the bottom of every page on this site and in our signature in every email you receive.

Thank you so much for your cooperation with this important policy.

What is a URI?

Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) is similar to the common cold in humans. It can be caused by one or more viral or bacterial agents. Many cats and kittens will get a URI at some point in their life. During times of stress or illness, the likelihood is increased. This means that during your time as a foster, it is likely you will have a foster with a URI.

Symptoms

Sneezing
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Red, swollen, or runny eye
Hiding/decreased energy/lethargy

Coughing or hard swallowing
Sores (ulcers) on the tongue, lips, nose, or roof of mouth
Fever
Lack of appetite

Treatment

If your foster is showing signs of a URI, let our vet team know immediately so we can begin treatment. This will usually include an eye medication to combat any eye-related symptoms, and an antibiotic/antiviral medication. Your foster may need more than one medication if the symptoms do not improve after the initial treatment.

You may also need to provide some more at-home care for the cat depending on the severity of the URI. This could include:

Making sure the cat is eating. When cats get stuffy noses, they can't smell their food well. Offering canned food warmed gently in the microwave can stimulate appetite. Make sure the food is not too hot before offering it.
Gently clean discharge from their nose and eyes with a warm, moist cloth at least once daily. This is especially important if the eyes crust shut, as you will need them open to properly apply the eye medication.
Give them a warming pad to make them more comfortable. This is especially helpful to younger kittens who may not be able to regulate their body temperature as well as an adult.
House them in a quiet space where they can recover in a low-stress setting.

Protecting Your Pets

Keep your foster separated from your resident animals for 7-10 days after bringing them home. Signs of illness may remain dormant for a few days before showing symptoms. You foster will be contagious during this time, so keeping them separated is the best preventative for your pet.
Wash your hands thoroughly and change your clothes after interacting with an infected animal.
Leave your foster separated for a few more days after the treatment is complete. This will allow time for any residual symptoms to resolve.

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