Kittens can die from the disease, especially if they get pneumonia. Cats with respiratory disease have watery or sticky discharge from the nose and eyes, nose and mouth sores, inflamed eyes, and fever. Most respiratory diseases are caused by one of two viruses feline rhinotracheitis virus or feline calicivirus. Rhinotracheitis tends to be more severe and can cause abortions in pregnant cats. Vaccination against these two viruses is usually given in a single vaccine for convenience.
Veterinarians can use either an injectable vaccine or one given as droplets in the cats nose.
Another respiratory disease is caused by an organism called Chlamydia psittaci . Although once called pneumonitis, the disease primarily causes inflammation of the eyes and nose. This disease can also be controlled by vaccination. Vaccination helps prevent, not cure, disease. Vaccines contain viruses or bacteria that have been altered so they don't cause disease.