Cat Herpes

Feline herpes is known by different names, including feline viral rhinopneumonia, or FVR, and feline herpesvirus type 1, or FHV-1. Whatever the name, it describes a virus responsible for most feline upper respiratory infections. This particular species of herpes virus can only be passed among and infect cats, and poses no risk to dogs or humans who live with the infected cat.

  1. Risk Factors

    • Your flat nosed kitty may have more severe symptoms.

      There are no breed, gender or age factors that make any one cat more susceptible to catching feline herpes than another. Most cats are exposed to the virus in their lifetime, with multi-cat households or institutions at greater risk of infection. Kittens, cats with weakened immune systems, or flat-faced breed such as Persians usually develop more severe symptoms.

    Transmission

    • Grooming may give kitty more than a bath.

      Infected cats spread the virus directly through secretions from the eyes, nose and mouth, and indirectly by sneezing or touching communal objects such as food and water bowls or litter boxes. Social grooming may also pass the virus among a colony. Some cats may not show symptoms of illness but can still carry the virus and pass it to other cats.

    Symptoms

    • Runny eyes or nose could mean herpes virus.

      The symptoms of feline herpes are similar to those of a common cold and include sneezing, congestion and coughing. Eye problems may also be seen, such as ulcers, lesions and conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Some cats may also experience depression, and a loss of appetite, which could lead to weight loss in heavy infections.

    Diagnosis

    • Your veterinarian can run tests to confirm the herpes virus.

      Since the symptoms of feline herpes can appear in other health conditions, the eye or nasal secretions of your cat are usually tested for the herpes virus. An immunofluorescent assay is performed on secretions to check for the presence of herpes virus antibodies, and conjunctival smears are performed to check for infected cells.

    Treatment

    • Antibiotics are the usual coarse of treatment for most infections.

      Cats typically do not completely ever get rid of the herpes virus once infected. Symptoms may appear again throughout the cat's lifetime. Oral antibiotics and antiviral medications prescribed by your veterinarian help ease symptoms caused by upper respiratory problems, and creams or drops are effective in the healing of eye problems.

    Prognosis and Precautions

    • Vaccinations can help prevent kitty from getting very sick.

      Feline herpes itself isn't a danger to your cat, and most recover in about a week or so, even with no medical assistance. Secondary infections can lengthen the healing time, and often require medications to reduce symptoms. Vaccines are available for feline herpes, and although it cannot guarantee against infection, it can help reduce the severity of the symptoms. Chronic symptoms such as sneezing may appear in some cats following an infection, and kittens or older cats are at risk of death or developing more severe symptoms.