Feline respiratory diseases.

Respiratory diseases in kittens can quickly result in life-threatening emergencies if not identified and managed early. Congenital anomalies of young cats are extremely uncommon. Viral respiratory infections in the cat are primarily caused by feline herpesvirus type 1 and feline calicivirus. Primary bacterial respiratory infections occur sporadically in cats. Bordetella bronchiseptica may cause severe respiratory signs in young kittens.