Feline herpesvirus-1
Latent virus reactivates with stress — producing sneezing, eye ulcers, and lifelong carrier status.
Cat Condition
Cat Upper Respiratory Infection — Online Vet Help
Upper respiratory infections are one of the most common cat illnesses. Get a same-day assessment and prescription antibiotics or antivirals from a licensed online vet.
Licensed Vets
$65 Flat Fee
Same-Day Rx
24/7 Access
Feline URI complex
Treating cat colds and upper respiratory infections
Herpesvirus vs. calicivirus symptom pattern review
Secondary bacterial infection antibiotic prescription
L-Lysine and antiviral supportive care guidance
Appetite stimulation when cats cannot smell food
Nebulization and steam therapy instructions
Emergency criteria for open-mouth breathing and dehydration
Cat upper respiratory infections spread in shelters and multi-cat homes via feline herpesvirus and calicivirus — causing sneezing, conjunctivitis, ulcers, and fever. Secondary bacteria turn clear discharge green and prolong illness without antibiotics.
Cats stop eating when they cannot smell — a dangerous spiral in overweight cats prone to hepatic lipidosis. TelaVets prescribes antibiotics and appetite support while monitoring breathing effort for pneumonia requiring hospitalization.
Common signs of cat upper respiratory infection we can help with
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge (clear, yellow, or green)
- Eye discharge
- Conjunctivitis
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Open-mouth breathing (severe)
What causes cat upper respiratory infection?
Most URI is viral at root — antibiotics target bacterial complications, not the virus itself.
Feline calicivirus
Calicivirus causes oral ulcers, limping syndrome in kittens, and more severe systemic outbreaks in shelters.
Secondary bacterial infection
Chlamydia and Bordetella plus opportunistic bacteria complicate viral URI after three to five days.
How our vets diagnose it online
URI telehealth focuses on keeping cats eating and breathing while antibiotics fight bacterial overlap.
- Characterize discharge — unilateral eye often herpes; oral ulcers suggest calicivirus
- Assess fever signs — ear warmth, lethargy, reduced grooming
- Weigh appetite and hydration — skin tent in scruff
- Listen for increased breathing effort or open-mouth breathing at rest
- Review vaccination history and shelter or show exposure
Treatments we may prescribe
Plans combine antibiotics when indicated, L-Lysine supplementation, eye drops for conjunctivitis, and aggressive appetite support.
Doxycycline (antibiotics)
Amoxicillin
L-Lysine supplement (herpesvirus)
Antiviral eye drops
Steam therapy
Appetite stimulants if not eating
Supportive care
All medications are prescribed only when clinically appropriate by a licensed veterinarian and dispensed through our FDA-compliant pharmacy.
Reducing URI spread in cats
Vaccinate against core URI viruses as kittens with boosters per vet schedule.
Quarantine new cats for two weeks before introducing to household.
Reduce stress during moves and new pet introductions — stress reactivates herpes.
Disinfect shared bowls during outbreaks; viruses survive on surfaces briefly.
Isolate sick cats to protect housemates while contagious.
Why pet parents choose TelaVets
Licensed DVMs Only
Every consultation is with a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine — not a chatbot or technician.
$65 Flat Fee
One transparent price covers your full video consultation and treatment plan. No facility fees or surprise charges.
Same-Day Appointments
Most pet parents are connected with a vet within 1–3 hours of booking, 7 days a week.
Next-Day Prescriptions
When medication is appropriate, prescriptions are issued same-day and delivered to your door next business day.
Stress-Free Home Visits
Your pet is assessed in their calm home environment, which often makes symptoms easier to evaluate on video.
Secure & Private
Encrypted video calls and HIPAA-compliant records keep your pet's health information protected.
How TelaVets works
Book your consultation
Pick a same-day or upcoming slot — appointments available 7 days a week.
Connect with a licensed vet
Your vet assesses your pet via secure video, asks detailed questions, and reviews their history.
Get your treatment plan
Receive a diagnosis, personalised care plan, and same-day prescriptions delivered next-day.
What Our Pet Parents Say
Join thousands of happy pet parents who trust TelaVets for their furry family members care
"Fantastic service! My dog gets extremely anxious at the vet, so having a virtual appointment from home was a game-changer. The vet was kind and helpful, and getting his medication delivered the next day made the whole process stress-free and more affordable than going to the clinic."
DL
David Long
Verified Pet Parent
"The vet I spoke with Dr. Ricksaw was very knowledgeable and nice. He took the time to go through all of my options and ideas with me. Reassured me that all we were doing for my dog's anxiety was good and gave me a couple of new ideas as well."
CH
Courtney Hughes
Verified Pet Parent
"I would definitely use them again. I'm cat sitting for 2 weeks and needed to see a vet. I was so worried about the kitten. I used Televets the cat got his prescription and all is good. Excellent service!"
M
Maria
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr Corey was amazing, helpful, compassionate and well versed. I would highly recommend using this. It is so much easier than trying to get a 3 legged cat into a carrier, take him to a doctor's office and stress him out, love it!!!"
JG
Jackie Gardner
Verified Pet Parent
"I had a TelaVets Zoom appointment and couldn't be more impressed. They spent a lot of time with me, walking through every option to help my cat recover from her skin issues. I've also reached out about getting her medication through Chewy.com, and they've been extremely helpful every step of the way."
LD
Lara Durand
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. Moppin is a dedicated professional who truly cares about his furry patients and their humans, too! It's such a relief that Dr. Cole took the time to listen and address my concerns thoughtfully. Thank you for taking care of our cats 🐈"
WW
Wanida Walker
Verified Pet Parent
"This service was amazing! My dog ran out of his medication before we were able to get in with a new vet and they were able to help get him a short term supply quickly. I would definitely use them again!"
AT
Amanda Tobias
Verified Pet Parent
"Knowledgeable, professional caring provider! Needed urgent Vet care on a weekend and TeleVet kept me from having to miss a day of work, as well as half the price of local weekend options. Thank you!"
JH
Jana Humble
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. McGinnis was very knowledgeable and listened to my cat's issues. She addressed the problem and may have come up with an answer after 5 years of trying with local vet practices."
MK
Marilyn Kerr
Verified Pet Parent
"Fantastic service! My dog gets extremely anxious at the vet, so having a virtual appointment from home was a game-changer. The vet was kind and helpful, and getting his medication delivered the next day made the whole process stress-free and more affordable than going to the clinic."
DL
David Long
Verified Pet Parent
"The vet I spoke with Dr. Ricksaw was very knowledgeable and nice. He took the time to go through all of my options and ideas with me. Reassured me that all we were doing for my dog's anxiety was good and gave me a couple of new ideas as well."
CH
Courtney Hughes
Verified Pet Parent
"I would definitely use them again. I'm cat sitting for 2 weeks and needed to see a vet. I was so worried about the kitten. I used Televets the cat got his prescription and all is good. Excellent service!"
M
Maria
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr Corey was amazing, helpful, compassionate and well versed. I would highly recommend using this. It is so much easier than trying to get a 3 legged cat into a carrier, take him to a doctor's office and stress him out, love it!!!"
JG
Jackie Gardner
Verified Pet Parent
"I had a TelaVets Zoom appointment and couldn't be more impressed. They spent a lot of time with me, walking through every option to help my cat recover from her skin issues. I've also reached out about getting her medication through Chewy.com, and they've been extremely helpful every step of the way."
LD
Lara Durand
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. Moppin is a dedicated professional who truly cares about his furry patients and their humans, too! It's such a relief that Dr. Cole took the time to listen and address my concerns thoughtfully. Thank you for taking care of our cats 🐈"
WW
Wanida Walker
Verified Pet Parent
"This service was amazing! My dog ran out of his medication before we were able to get in with a new vet and they were able to help get him a short term supply quickly. I would definitely use them again!"
AT
Amanda Tobias
Verified Pet Parent
"Knowledgeable, professional caring provider! Needed urgent Vet care on a weekend and TeleVet kept me from having to miss a day of work, as well as half the price of local weekend options. Thank you!"
JH
Jana Humble
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. McGinnis was very knowledgeable and listened to my cat's issues. She addressed the problem and may have come up with an answer after 5 years of trying with local vet practices."
MK
Marilyn Kerr
Verified Pet Parent
Related resources
Helpful reading and services from the TelaVets team.
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Explore cat health conditions our licensed vets treat via video.
Read moreCat Urinary Health
Expert guidance on feline urinary issues and when to seek urgent care.
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Frequently asked questions about cat upper respiratory infection
Open-mouth breathing at rest, blue gums, extreme lethargy, or a cat not eating for 24+ hours especially if overweight — seek emergency care. Hepatic lipidosis develops fast in anorexic cats.
Viruses cause the initial illness; antibiotics help bacterial complications. We prescribe when discharge turns purulent or fever persists.
Most cats remain latent carriers — stress management and L-Lysine may reduce flare frequency but do not eliminate virus.
Warm aromatic wet food, hand feeding, and appetite stimulants when prescribed. Clearing nasal congestion with steam helps restore smell-driven appetite.
Yes — isolate sick cats, wash hands between handling, and separate food bowls until recovery.
Get expert help for your cat's upper respiratory infection today
Same-day appointments — $65 flat fee — licensed vets