Why Is My Cat’s Nose Running? Feline Upper Respiratory Infections Explained

Marty and Laura tackle a listener question about runny noses in cats and kittens — and it turns into a deep dive on feline health essentials every cat owner needs to know.

Topics covered:

• Common causes of feline upper respiratory infections (herpesvirus, calicivirus, chlamydia, Bordetella) and why herpes virus is a lifelong condition that flares under stress
• What FVRCP means and why keeping up with your cat’s vaccines matters — even for indoor cats
• Why cats “fall off the veterinary radar” after kittenhood and why that’s dangerous
• The risks of bringing stray or new cats into a home with existing cats without testing first
• Feline leukemia (FELV) and FIV: how they spread, what a positive test means, and why a $100 blood test can save your resident cat’s life
• Vaccine safety in cats: injection site sarcomas, non-adjuvanted vaccines, and why Marty prefers the intranasal FVRCP
• Convenia — the 14-day injectable antibiotic that can save you from trying to pill your cat twice a day
• Feline asthma vs. upper respiratory infections, and when a cough means it’s urgent
• Practical tips: gabapentin for vet visits, carrier training and at-home hygiene clips