Overview of Cats & the Herpes Virus

The herpes virus in cats is responsible for respiratory illnesses and infections and other eye conditions. Cat or feline herpes is known by many other names, such as feline viral rhinopneumonia (FVR) and feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1). FHV-1 can infect only cats, meaning any other creatures that live with an infected cat, such as humans or dogs, are safe from the contagion.

  1. Risk Factors

    • All cats--regardless of age, breed or gender--are at risk for catching FHV-1. No particular factors exist that increase any one cat's chances of becoming infected. Most cats, at some point in their life, are exposed to FHV-1, although not all will become sick from it. Of those that do develop symptoms, factors such as having a weakened immune system or being a flat-faced breed contributes to more severe symptoms.

    Transmission

    • FHV-1 is transmitted through the various secretions from an infected cat. Discharge from the eyes and nose can contaminate shared objects such as litter boxes or food and water bowls, and sneezing passes the virus through the air. Cats in the same household can pass the virus among themselves through social grooming.

    Symptoms

    • FHV-1 symptoms are similar to those of the common cold and include congestion, coughing and runny nose. Sneezing fits also occur, in which the cat sneezes quickly in rapid succession. Eye symptoms can include a discharge, ulcers and conjunctivitis or cat pinkeye. Heavy infections can result in weight loss because of a loss of appetite and the inability to smell.

    Diagnosis

    • Accurate diagnosis of FHV-1 depends upon a combination of factors, including symptoms, the cat's overall medical history and laboratory tests of any nasal and eye discharges. Herpes virus antibodies are searched for in the cat's secretions by an immunofluorescent assay. Smears are taken of eye discharge to check for viral-infected cells.

    Treatment

    • FHV-1 can never be fully destroyed once a cat is infected, so treatment depends upon controlling the severity and longevity of the symptoms when illness and infection occur. Your veterinarian can prescribe oral antibiotics and other medications to help relieve the symptoms associated with upper respiratory infections. Topical ointments or drops can alleviate the symptoms of and help heal eye infections.