Cat With Feline Herpes

Feline herpes is also known as feline rhinotracheitis virus and feline herpesvirus type 1, or FHV-1. The virus affects the respiratory system, as well as the eyes and reproductive tract. FHV-1 is one of a group of viral and bacterial infections and can appear on its own or with other upper-respiratory infections. It's common for cats to have numerous infections simultaneously.

  1. Occurrence

    • FHV-1 knows no physical boundaries and appears in cats worldwide. Cats of any age, breed or gender are at risk of contracting the virus. Certain risk factors make some cats more susceptible to infection, including young kittens, cats with weakened immune systems or pregnant queens. Cats with other respiratory problems, such as infections, are more vulnerable to developing FHV-1.

    Transmission

    • Feline herpes can be spread from cat to cat via direct and indirect contact. The eye, nose and mouth discharge associated with FHV-1 is ripe with the virus and can pass among cats directly via a sneeze or cough and communal grooming, or by touching shared water or food bowls or litter boxes. Some cats become carriers of the virus and spread it to other cats without showing symptoms themselves.

    Symptoms

    • Common symptoms of feline herpes are similar to those of other respiratory infections and include coughing, runny nose and sneezing. Loss of appetite can result from a stuffy nose and overall feeling of lethargy, and can cause anorexia if not addressed. Runny eyes can also occur as a result of conjunctivitis, or cat pink eye, caused by FHV-1.

    Diagnosis

    • Since other respiratory infections exhibit the same symptoms as feline herpes, a proper diagnosis involves laboratory tests, observation of symptoms and a complete medical history. Tests such as an immunofluorescent assay of the nose or eye secretions and swabs from the back of the throat help identify if the virus is present.

    Treatment

    • In most cases treatment involves helping your cat manage the symptoms associated with feline herpes. Offer food and water at all times to help your cat stay strong and fight the infection and keep the animal's eyes and nose clean. Secondary infections sometimes occur and require medicinal intervention such as oral or topical antibiotics and decongestants.