Comparison between multiple cat households with and without upper respiratory tract disease

Objective: Upper respiratory tract disease in cats is a common problem in veterinary practice. A number of risk factors have an influence on the development of the disease. The aim of this study was to compare multiple cat households ( ! 5 cats) with and without upper respiratory tract disease and to determine the risk factors, which were different in these households. Material and methods: The investigation comprised 21 "case" and 20 "control" households. In every household, data on possible risk factors were gathered by a questionnaire. The cats were examined for feline herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus, Chlamydophila felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, feline immunodeficiency virus, and feline leukemia virus. Additionally, a complete blood count was performed. Results: Only the parameters overrepresentation of male cats and the higher prevalence of Chlamydophila felis varied statistically significantly between "control" and "case" households. Other pathogens were almost equally present in "control" and "case" households. Clinical relevance: Only small differences existed between "control" and "case" households. Most of the investigated factors, including introduction of new cats or poor hygiene, did not show statistically significant differences between these households. In addition, households without upper respiratory tract disease are not devoid of pathogens. Many cats can be infected and occasionally shed the pathogen without showing clinical signs.