Can a URI affect a cat's overall life?

[Ashly154]

I have been searching for a bonded pair of cats and finally found a good match.  I went to meet them at the shelter, and was told they have URIs.  They are 2-3 yrs old, no other medical issues.  I called about them today (10 days later) and found out the had to have IV fluids and are finally eating on their own again but will be on antibiotics for another 7 days.

My question is:  Does this extreme reaction to a URI indicate that they could be sick a lot later in their lives?  Any lasting effects of the URI we could potentially run into?  Just wondering if this means we could be caught with expensive medical bills later as a lingering result of this illness.  I know you can never say 100% what will happen with health, but a general idea would be greatly appreciated!  

Thank you in advance for the advice!  

[Ashly154]

Thank you all!!  

[opus88]

bkitty gave you very good advice....

if I may add its very common for cats living in shelters to acquire the herpes virus and nothing to be afraid of by adopting them, because of living in shelter conditions their immune system is low...as with us and a human flu.

Its good they are on IV's and antibiotics to help them recover. When you get them home(please don't be afraid of this its all very treatable) I strongly suggest you start them on an amino acid supplement called L-lysine...this will support their immune systems and help prevent any flare ups(cold like symptoms) Every Vet I know recommends this.

I will give you the product name, you can use this brand in the human line rather than the more expensive and lesser quality ones available thru your Vet clinic.....ask for this brand at your local health food store or vitamin supply outlet, if they don't carry this one than you can order it online from iherb a very reputable company I deal with all the time...it comes in powder form,.they can use 250 mg per day... thats 1/4 of a scoop..(thats included) in their wet food.

http://www.iherb.com/Carlson-Labs-L-Lysine-Amino-Acid-Powder-100-g/13608

great of you to be adopting two kitties that greatly need a loving home and TLC. keep us posted we'd love to know all about them♥

[Bkitty]

IV fluids most likely were given to help if they had a fever or were not eating. If their noses are stopped up cats wont eat. They have to be able to smell their food to eat it. You have to support them with IV fluids until they get unclogged. That's why I had to steam my kitties in the shower to open them up and then Id feed them in the bathroom tuna fishy foods with extra water added into it and they ate fine. They would not eat their dry food for a while.

[Bkitty]

Hi and welcome! Ive been thru this. One year my kitties all started getting sick with nasal drainage, congestion and fevers. I took them to the vet and they were given IV fluid boluses for the temp and started on antibiotics.They were diagnosed with a URI. Most URI's are caused by a common herpes virus that cats come into contact with. I would have to steam them in the shower 3 times a day and had to feed them wet stinky food.It lasted about 5-7days.Once they all had it, they have never gotten it ever again. I have 5 healthy cats. This was about 10 years ago. I would use a little extra caution and go and check out the facility again where you are adopting them from. Are all the cats sick? What is the condition of the other animals in the place,,etc. What type of shots have they had and what kind of Vet history and record are available. Its typical to be on anti biotics for 7-10 days. Hope this helps some
(((hugs))))