What Is Feline Herpesvirus?
While feline herpes may sound daunting, it is a very common disease seen around the world, with many cats becoming infected at some point in their lifetime and almost always overcoming the disease. This strain of herpesvirus is not transmissible from cats to humans.
Feline herpesvirus causes a disease called feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR). It affects the upper respiratory tract such as the nose, tonsils, and the eyes.
Feline herpesvirus is a very contagious virus, so it’s often seen in multi-cat homes, pet boarding facilities, and shelters. Once cats are infected, they can carry the virus for life and sometimes relapse at times of stress.
Most cats with feline herpesvirus will recover within a couple of weeks with supportive care. It can be more serious though, especially in kittens and cats that are immunosuppressed. This article will help you understand feline herpesvirus, how to help prevent it, and how to detect it early.
Signs of Feline Herpesvirus
Signs of feline herpesvirus vary, with most cats mildly affected while others may seem very ill.
The most common signs are:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge (clear to yellow in color)
- Conjunctivitis (squinting, redness, and discharge from the eyes)
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Decreased appetite
- Excessive salivation
- Eye ulcers
If you notice any of these signs in your cat, have them checked by your veterinarian immediately.
Feline Herpesvirus Transmission
Feline herpesvirus is transmitted from cat to cat by direct contact through mucus or saliva. Bedding, feed bowls, and grooming brushes can serve as sources of contamination and spread the virus.
Because close contact is important for transmission, places with lots of cats (multi-cat homes, pet boarding facilities, and shelters) are particularly effective breeding grounds for herpesvirus. Some cats are also more likely to feel stressed when they’re in close quarters with other cats, and stress can also make them more vulnerable to feline herpesvirus.
Treating Feline Herpesvirus
While there is no cure for the virus, most cats respond well with general supportive care. Some cats need more intensive treatment. Your veterinarian will help guide your cat's care.
Typical treatments may include:
- Supportive care
- Antiviral medicines
- Antibiotics (for secondary infections)
Supportive Care
General care such as keeping your cat well-nourished and hydrated can help support them as they fight off the virus. If they have conjunctivitis or ulcers in their eyes, then your veterinarian may also recommend a suitable eye ointment.1
Antiviral Medicines
In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe antiviral medicine to help slow the multiplication of the virus. This can help to make it easier for your cat to fight it off. These medicines, such as famciclovir, can help to reduce the severity and duration of your cat’s symptoms, but they are not needed by all cats.2
Antibiotics
Although antibiotics won’t treat feline herpesvirus, some cats can be more vulnerable to developing secondary bacterial infections while their immune system is managing the virus. If this happens, antibiotics may be needed to help bring the infection back under control.3
Prevention
Feline herpesvirus vaccines are key to managing the virus. While they don’t completely prevent infection, vaccines can help reduce the severity of symptoms while also helping minimize the risk of complications.
Vaccines should be started in kittens, with regular booster vaccines throughout the cat’s life to help keep them protected.4
Some cats will carry feline herpesvirus for much of their life. With regular veterinary visits and treatment, the disease is manageable, and cats can still have an excellent quality of life.
Minimizing Flare-Ups
If your cat carries feline herpesvirus and has occasional flare-ups, you can help minimize the frequency and severity by taking these steps:
- Provide a low-stress environment: provide places for your cat to retreat to, provide enrichment to keep them occupied in your home, and avoid introducing new pets to your home if possible
- Feed a quality diet so that your cat is well-nourished
- Sanitize food and water bowls and surfaces you cat touches regularly
- Provide protection from weather extremes
Key Takeaways
Feline herpesvirus is a very common cause of sneezing and upper respiratory signs in cats.
While it’s normally mild, feline herpesvirus can be serious in some cats.
Regular vaccination is key to helping prevent feline herpesvirus.
Cats that carry feline herpesvirus benefit from a low-stress life.
Regular checkups with your veterinarian are important to monitor your cat's health.
