Infectious upper respiratory disease, or I-U-R-D, is a scourge to kittens — especially those in multi-cat situations. Beyond targeting the respiratory tract, the pathogens — like herpesvirus — can cause severe eye infections. IURD is one of the main reasons kittens are euthanized in shelters.

IURD treatment often involves the antibiotic doxycycline [dox-uh-CĪ-clin]. But a new study has found that adding the antiviral famciclovir [fam-CĪ-cluh-veer] to treatment plans can lead to quicker recoveries and fewer cases of eye disease.

If mildly affected kittens can be treated with this combined regimen, they may recover and find their forever homes. That’s great for them — and it opens space for another cat in need of shelter care.