Signs & Symptoms of Feline Herpes

Feline herpesvirus, or rhinotracheitis, is a common upper respiratory disease in cats, especially cats who live in a crowded, stressful environment or who have an autoimmune disorder such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Once infected, the cat may harbor the virus for the rest of its life and may have flare-ups from time to time, usually when stressed. Although there's no cure for feline herpes, the symptoms respond to treatment.

  1. Conjunctivitis

    • Conjunctivitis, or red, itchy eyes, is a common sign of herpes. The cat may have brownish discharge from its eyes.

    Corneal Ulcers

    • Conjunctivitis can lead to cloudy eyes and painful corneal ulcers that will not heal. The cat may squint or keep its eyes closed because it's in pain.

    Sneezing

    • Some cats with herpes have "sneezing attacks" and sneeze several times in a row. A cat with herpes may also have a runny nose.

    Loss of Appetite

    • Since cats are unwilling to eat if they can't smell their food, cats with runny noses caused by herpes often lose their appetites.

    Drooling

    • Some cats with herpes develop lesions or even ulcers in the mouth and on the tongue. The lesions cause drooling.

    Depression

    • Cats with herpes frequently suffer from severe depression and lethargy.