Feline Herpes: Symptoms and Treatment

The feline herpes virus is sometimes called feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR). Like other herpes viruses, this virus causes infections in both domestic and wild cats. Cats of all ages can get this viral infection. FVR can cause both conjunctivitis and respiratory illnesses. 

What are the Symptoms of Feline Herpes Infection?

Symptoms of Feline Herpes viral infection include

• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Lots of blinking
• Conjunctivitis
• Squinting
• Discharge from the nose and eyes that’s yellowish.
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

This virus causes keratitis and infection in a cat’s cornea. This can lead to a corneal ulcer, scarring, or severe cornea infection.

How Does a Veterinarian Diagnose FVR?

Your vet will diagnose FVR by swabbing your cat’s nose, throat, or eyes. Your vet will also consider your cat’s age, exposure to other cats, and DNA. Be sure to tell your vet the symptoms you’ve noticed. This can help them diagnose this virus accurately.

How Does a Cat get a Feline Herpes Infection?

It’s alarming when your pet is sick. You want to know not only how to help them feel better but how to prevent another infection. Cats can get infected when they come in direct contact with the virus. It’s spread through saliva or discharge from an infected cat. Other ways your cat could get the virus include

• Sharing water or food bowls
• Breathing viral droplets from an infected cat left on furniture, rugs, or other furniture
• Sharing a litter box with an infected cat
• Grooming tools that are contaminated
• Mother cat transmits the virus to her kittens in the first weeks

The feline herpes virus is extremely contagious. Your cat can get it from an infected cat or just an infected environment.

How is FVR Treated?

If your cat has FVR, you can nurse them back to help with the help of drugs prescribed by your vet. You should give your cat specially prepared foods to encourage them to eat. Your vet will give your cat bromhexine drugs to give them breathing relief. They’ll also give your cat antibiotics for bacterial infections. They may give you topical antiviral drugs for their eyes to prevent cornea damage.

You will need to wash and sanitize your cat’s bedding and toys. You should clean your entire house using cleaners that kill germs.

After treating your cat for feline herpes, they may be stressed from being sick and on medication. Here are some simple suggestions to helping your cat feel better.

• Make sure the environment is clean and comfortable for them.
• Be sure your home is quiet so they can relax
• Make sure they have clean or new water bowls to prevent contamination
• Follow any directions from your vet to continue to give your cat the prescribed medication.
• Be proactive in asking your vet for help or advice if you have questions about your cat’s condition or treatment.

Feline Herpes Virus can lead to severe respiratory illness such as pneumonia. This will cause coughing and difficulty breathing. Even though your cat recovers from FVR, it may still carry the latent virus for the rest of their lives. 

Can Feline Herpes Cause Death?

Yes, left untreated, the feline herpes virus is fatal, especially to kittens and cats with a weakened immune system. Even though FVR is a common viral infection for cats, it can get severe depending upon the cat and treatment.

There are several ways you can prevent your cat from getting feline herpes.

Feline Herpes Vaccination

Of course, the best way to prevent your cat from getting FVR is to vaccinate them. Cats are recommended to get two anti-feline herpes vaccinations at nine and twelve weeks. They will need another booster vaccination a year later. Cats at a higher risk of getting FVR should get a yearly vaccination. Feline herpes vaccination can prevent or minimize the symptoms of FVR.

Cleaning your cats’ area

If you have more than one cat, be sure to keep their bowls, bedding, and toys clean. If you’ve recently adopted a cat, be sure they’ve been vaccinated. Ask your vet to check out the cat before you bring them home to avoid contaminating your cat at home.

If your cat is exposed to FVR, it could begin to show symptoms 2 to 5 days later. During this period, your cat could spread the disease to other cats in the house. The FVR can last anywhere from 10 to 21 days, and your cat will continue to be contagious as long as three weeks after this.

What Cats Are Most Susceptible to Getting the Herpes Virus?

All cats, no matter their age, size, or breed, are susceptible to getting FVR, but certain cats are more prone to getting this virus. This includes things such as

• Cats living with several other cats
• Cats with a weak immune system due to disease
• Stressful living situations
• Kittens under the age when they can receive the FVR vaccination

Conclusion

Feline Herpes Virus (FVR) is a common cat infection. Cats of all ages can get this virus. It’s treatable with antiviral drugs and antibiotics for secondary infections. Your cat is like family, so you want to do the best you can to help them get healthy again. If you suspect your cat has FVR, contact your vet immediately for a quick diagnosis and treatment. Lack of treatment can lead to more severe problems such as cornea scarring and ulcers.

If you have any questions about your cat’s health, give us a call at (704) 275-2109 or schedule an appointment online!