Disease Guide ·Upper Respiratory Infection ·2026

Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats — symptoms, vet costs & insurance

Upper respiratory infections (cat "colds") — vet exam costs $50-$100 and treatment runs $100-$400. Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus are the most common causes. Most healthy adult cats recover on their own, but kittens, senior cats, and immunocompromised cats can develop serious complications. Once infected with herpesvirus, cats carry it for life and may have recurring flare-ups.

By Marcel Janik · Reviewed by veterinary data
Upper Respiratory Infection — vet costs and insurance
Upper Respiratory Infection — real vet costs and insurance guide.
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Key Facts & Real Vet Costs

What Causes Upper Respiratory Infections

Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) account for 80-90% of upper respiratory infections in cats. These viruses spread through direct contact, sneezing, and contaminated surfaces. Bacterial infections (Chlamydia, Bordetella, Mycoplasma) can occur alone or as secondary infections. Multi-cat environments, shelters, and catteries have the highest infection rates. Herpesvirus and calicivirus cause 80-90% of cases

Symptoms — What to Watch For

Sneezing — often the first sign. Runny nose with clear or thick, colored discharge. Watery or goopy eyes. Congestion — mouth breathing. Loss of appetite (cats that can't smell won't eat). Fever. Lethargy. Drooling (calicivirus can cause mouth ulcers). Coughing is less common than in human colds. Kittens may develop eye ulcers. Sneezing + runny nose are the classic signs

Diagnosis — $50-$200

Physical exam ($50-$100) is usually sufficient for diagnosis — the combination of symptoms is distinctive. PCR testing ($100-$200) can identify the specific virus if needed but isn't always necessary. Chest X-rays ($150-$250) if pneumonia is suspected. Blood work ($100-$200) for severe or non-responsive cases. Average $50-$200

Treatment — $100-$400

Supportive care is the mainstay — keeping the cat eating, drinking, and breathing comfortably. Antibiotics ($30-$60) for secondary bacterial infections. Antiviral eye drops or oral lysine ($20-$40). Anti-inflammatory or pain medication ($20-$40). Nebulization or steam therapy to ease congestion. Severe cases needing hospitalization with IV fluids and feeding support run $500-$1,500. Average $100-$400

Total Cost — $150-$600

Mild cases: $100-$300. Severe cases with complications: $500-$1,500 including hospitalization.

Risk Factor — Kittens and Senior Cats

Flat-faced breeds (Persians, Himalayans) are more susceptible due to narrowed airways. Siamese and Scottish Folds also at higher risk.

Recovery — 1-3 Weeks

Most healthy cats recover in 7-21 days. Kittens and immunocompromised cats take longer. Herpesvirus remains dormant for life with potential flare-ups.

Prevention — Vaccination

Core FVRCP vaccine protects against herpesvirus and calicivirus. Keep new cats isolated for 2 weeks. Vaccination is the best prevention.

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The Real Cost

Mild cases: $100-$300.

Diagnosis$50-$200 Treatment$100-$400 Total Cost$150-$600
$150typical cost
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Insurance Traps A common infection that can recur — here's how insurance handles it.
Red flag · Waiting period

URI Coverage Basics

Most comprehensive pet insurance policies cover upper respiratory infection diagnosis and treatment. Standard 14-day illness waiting period applies. Vet exams, medications, diagnostic tests, and hospitalization for severe cases are typically covered under illness benefits.

Red flag · Pre-existing

The Chronic Herpesvirus Pre-Existing Trap

If your cat had any respiratory symptoms documented before enrollment, all future URI episodes may be denied as pre-existing. Since herpesvirus is lifelong and recurs, a single documented episode can disqualify coverage for all future flare-ups. Enroll before the first URI is in the records.

Red flag · Coverage

Simple vs. Complicated URI Costs

Simple URIs cost $100-$400 — not a huge insurance claim. Complicated cases (pneumonia, eye ulcers, hospitalization) can run $500-$1,500. Insurance provides the most value for these severe complications. Recurring herpesvirus flare-ups add up over a cat's lifetime.

Red flag · Coverage

Vaccination Requirements

Some policies require cats to be current on core vaccinations (including FVRCP). If your cat contracts a URI and wasn't vaccinated, some insurers may deny the claim on the basis that the condition was preventable. Keep vaccination records up to date.

Upper Respiratory Infection and pet insurance guide

🇺🇸 US Pet Insurance Guide

Enroll before the first symptom appears

Our guide shows exactly what to check in the fine print — before your first claim gets denied.

Insurance Guide
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Common Questions Real answers about costs, treatment, and insurance coverage.
0What are the symptoms of a URI in cats?
Sneezing is usually the first symptom, followed by runny nose (clear or thick/colored discharge), watery or goopy eyes, congestion (mouth breathing), loss of appetite, fever, and lethargy. Calicivirus can also cause mouth ulcers and drooling. Kittens may develop eye ulcers from herpesvirus. Most cats recover in 1-3 weeks, but if your cat stops eating or has difficulty breathing, see a vet promptly.
1How much does it cost to treat a URI in cats?
A simple URI typically costs $100-$400 for a vet exam, antibiotics, and supportive medications. PCR testing to identify the specific virus adds $100-$200 if needed. Complicated cases requiring hospitalization (severe congestion, pneumonia, dehydration) can cost $500-$1,500. Eye ulcers from herpesvirus may require specialist treatment at additional cost.
2Are cat upper respiratory infections contagious to humans?
Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus are not contagious to humans — they're species-specific. However, Chlamydia felis (a less common cause of feline URIs) can very rarely cause mild conjunctivitis in humans, particularly immunocompromised individuals. Cat URIs are highly contagious between cats — keep infected cats separated from other cats and wash your hands after handling a sick cat.
3Do cats carry herpesvirus for life?
Yes — once infected with feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), cats carry it for life. The virus goes dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate during periods of stress, illness, or immunosuppression. Flare-ups may cause sneezing, eye discharge, and nasal congestion. Stress reduction, lysine supplementation, and maintaining overall health can help reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences.
4When should I take my cat to the vet for a cold?
See a vet if your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours, has difficulty breathing or is mouth-breathing, has thick green/yellow nasal or eye discharge, seems very lethargic, develops eye ulcers or squinting, or if symptoms don't improve within 7-10 days. Kittens, senior cats, and cats with FIV/FeLV should see a vet promptly with any respiratory symptoms as they're at higher risk for complications.
5Can I prevent my cat from getting a URI?
The FVRCP core vaccine protects against herpesvirus and calicivirus — the two most common causes. While vaccination doesn't prevent infection completely, it significantly reduces the severity and duration of illness. Keep new cats isolated for at least 2 weeks before introducing them to resident cats. Reduce stress in multi-cat households. Good hygiene and ventilation help prevent spread.
6How long does a cat URI last?
Most healthy adult cats recover from a URI within 7-21 days. The sneezing and runny nose typically peak around days 3-5 and gradually improve. Kittens and immunocompromised cats may take longer to recover and are at higher risk for complications like pneumonia. If symptoms persist beyond 2-3 weeks or worsen after initial improvement, see your vet — a secondary bacterial infection may have developed.
7Does pet insurance cover URI treatment in cats?
Most comprehensive pet insurance policies cover URI diagnosis and treatment, including vet visits, medications, and hospitalization for severe cases. The critical requirement is enrolling before any respiratory symptoms are documented. Since herpesvirus is lifelong, a single documented URI can lead to all future respiratory claims being denied as pre-existing. Some policies require current vaccinations for coverage.

Breeds Most Affected by Upper Respiratory Infections

Persian Related
Persian
Persian
Persian Related
Persian
Persian
Siamese Related
Siamese
Siamese

Sources

  1. Gaskell RM, Dawson S, Radford A, Thiry E. Feline herpesvirus. Vet Res. 2007;38(2):337-54.
  2. Radford AD, Addie D, Belák S, et al. Feline calicivirus infection. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg. 2009;11(7):556-64.
Marcel Janik, founder of RealVetCost

I'm a dog owner who got burned

My mother-in-law took her German boxer to the veterinary emergency room — $1,200 in tests, no answers. A different vet solved it in minutes with $8 pills.

That moment stuck with me. When you’re scared for your dog, you’ll pay anything. Some vets take advantage of that. I started digging into vet costs and pet insurance. The policies were confusing, the exclusions buried, the pricing impossible to compare. So I built the resource I wish existed. Real costs, real exclusions, plain speak. I’m not here to sell you a policy. I’m here so you don’t get blindsided.

Marcel Janik Senior UX/UI designer