Kitten Respiratory Research

Supporting Groundbreaking Research on Kitten Respiratory Infections

Orphan Kitten Club is proud to have funded a pioneering study at UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital that shows promising results for a new method of treating viral upper respiratory infections in kittens!

Upper respiratory infections are some of the most common, and often serious, illnesses affecting kittens’ respiratory and ocular health. This groundbreaking research explored effective treatment strategies for kittens already exhibiting symptoms of upper respiratory infections.

Study Focus

This research investigated the effectiveness of combining the antiviral famciclovir with the antibiotic doxycycline in treating upper respiratory infections in kittens, especially those with eye complications—an approach that had not been previously studied in this vulnerable age group.

Study Design and Methodology

The study involved 373 kittens aged up to 12 weeks, categorized by age and severity of illness. Kittens were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups:

• Group A: Received doxycycline only.
• Group B: Received doxycycline plus famciclovir.

All kittens underwent a 21-day treatment regimen, with daily health monitoring by dedicated caregivers. Veterinarians conducted thorough examinations throughout the treatment period to evaluate the need for medical care and comprehensively assess each kitten’s progress.

Key Findings

The results are promising and underscore the potential benefits of this combined treatment:

• Faster Recovery: Kittens receiving famciclovir alongside doxycycline showed quicker clinical recovery and a more rapid resolution of symptoms, achieving improvement 4 to 5 days earlier than those receiving only doxycycline.
• Reduced Eye Complications: Fewer kittens in the famciclovir and doxycycline group developed serious eye issues, such as corneal disease.

Implications for Shelters and Rescue Groups

These new findings suggest that by considering the use of famciclovir alongside doxycycline, veterinarians may:

• Shorten Stay in Care: Kittens could spend less time in shelters and rescues, freeing up space and resources for more animals in need.
• Enhance Health Management: Early intervention with effective treatment can reduce the likelihood of eye complications, resulting in healthier kittens ready for adoption.

At Orphan Kitten Club, we believe in the power of ethical scientific research to help transform the lives of kittens. By sharing these findings, we hope to inspire shelters and rescue groups to work with veterinarians, to adopt new practices that enhance the well-being of young felines. Together, we can create a brighter future for kittens in need.

Study Links

• Doxycycline with or without famciclovir for infectious ophthalmic and respiratory disease: a prospective, randomized, masked, placebo-controlled trial in 373 kittens
• Symblepharon in kittens: a retrospective study of 40 kittens and 54 eyes (2002–2022)

Check out the images below to see kitten, Sockies, from day one of the study to a year later!

Enrollment – Day 1

Treatment – Day 21

Post-Treatment 

One Year Old

Learn about our other research studies!