If you've ever noticed your cat sneezing, with watery eyes and a runny nose, you might have assumed it was just a mild cold. But what if those symptoms keep coming back or worsen over time? 

Feline herpesvirus is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats, affecting a large percentage of the feline population worldwide. It’s a highly contagious virus that primarily targets the respiratory system, leading to symptoms that closely resemble a severe cold. However, unlike a simple cold, feline herpesvirus never truly goes away. 

Once a cat is infected, the virus stays in their body for life.

Many cat owners don’t realize their pet is a carrier of feline herpesvirus until symptoms flare up, often triggered by stress, illness, or changes in their environment. Some cats only experience mild symptoms, while others can develop chronic respiratory issues, eye infections, and even long-term complications like corneal ulcers.

With that said, let’s talk about everything you need to know about feline herpesvirus.

What is Feline Herpesvirus?

Feline herpesvirus primarily affects a cat’s respiratory system, eyes, and overall immune health. It belongs to the Herpesviridae family, meaning it behaves similarly to the herpes viruses found in other species. However, the feline herpesvirus is species-specific, meaning it only affects cats and cannot be transmitted to humans or other animals.

Once a cat is infected with this virus, it takes hold in their body, usually in the nerves around the eyes and nose. Even after the initial infection clears up, the virus never fully disappears. Instead, it enters a dormant state, hiding inside the cat’s body, much like the herpes viruses in humans.

The virus can reactivate at any time, especially when a cat experiences stress, illness, or a weakened immune system. This means an infected cat can go long periods without symptoms, only to have flare-ups triggered by events such as moving, vet visits, stress, and illnesses.

How Does Feline Herpesvirus Spread?

Feline herpesvirus is extremely common and contagious, especially among cats in high-risk environments such as shelters and catteries, stray cat populations, and multi-cat households.

• Direct Cat-to-Cat Contact. Feline herpesvirus is primarily spread through bodily fluids. Sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, saliva, and mother-to-kitten transmission are the common ways the herpes virus is spread through direct cat contact. Additionally, a previously infected cat may appear healthy for months or years before experiencing a flare-up due to stress or illness.

  
  

• Indirect Transmission. Feline herpesvirus can survive for several hours on objects that an infected cat has touched. These surfaces include food and water bowls, litter boxes, bedding and blankets, toys, and humans.

Symptoms of Feline Herpesvirus

Since this virus primarily affects a cat’s respiratory system and eyes, many of its symptoms resemble those of a common cold or flu. However, feline herpesvirus infections will depend on the cat’s overall health.

Here are the symptoms of feline herpesvirus:

Early Symptoms of Feline Herpesvirus

Infected cats usually show symptoms within 2 to 5 days after exposure. The initial signs often appear as an upper respiratory infection and may include:

• Frequent sneezing

• Nasal discharge

• Runny or watery eyes

• Red, swollen eyelids

• Coughing or throat irritation

• Loss of appetite 

• Fever and mild to extreme lethargy in more severe cases

Eye Problems Associated with Feline Herpesvirus

One of the most distinctive symptoms of feline herpesvirus is its impact on the eyes. Many infected cats develop chronic eye issues, which can lead to complications if left untreated. 

Common eye symptoms include:

• Feline conjunctivitis, which is the inflammation and redness of the eye tissue, is often accompanied by discharge.

• Corneal ulcers cause squinting, pain, and cloudiness in the eye.

• Excessive blinking or squinting due to discomfort.

• Increased tear production or thick eye discharge.

  
  

Severe or Chronic Cases

While some cats recover quickly from an initial infection, others experience chronic or recurring symptoms. Severe cases of feline herpesvirus can lead to:

• Persistent nasal congestion that lasts for weeks or months.

• Difficulty breathing due to thick mucus blocking the nasal passages.

• Ulcers or sores in the mouth.

• Secondary bacterial infections in the eyes, nose, or lungs.

How is Feline Herpesvirus Diagnosed?

Since feline herpesvirus shares symptoms with other upper respiratory infections, an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment. While we can often diagnose feline herpesvirus based on clinical signs alone, additional testing may be needed in more complex cases.

• Physical Examination. Our vets will begin by conducting a thorough physical exam and reviewing your cat’s medical history. We will look for classic signs of feline herpesvirus, including frequent sneezing, swollen eyes, persistent coughing, fever, and lethargy.
  
  

• Polymerase Chain Reaction Test. A PCR test is one of the most reliable ways to detect feline herpesvirus. This test identifies the virus’s DNA in samples collected from the cat’s nasal secretions, eye discharge, and blood. This lab test is highly sensitive and can identify even small amounts of the virus.
  
  

• Other Laboratory Tests. Tests such as virus isolation and culturing, fluorescent antibody testing, and other tests will be used to potentially help identify the virus. Other tests will also be used to check for your cat’s condition.

Treatment and Management of Feline Herpesvirus

There is no cure for feline herpesvirus, but with proper treatment, most cats can lead happy, healthy lives. Managing the virus involves controlling symptoms, reducing flare-ups, and preventing secondary infections. 

Here are some of the methods to treat and manage feline herpesvirus:

• Supportive Care. Most cases of feline herpesvirus are treated with supportive care to help cats recover from flare-ups. This includes hydration and nutrition, grooming around the nose and eyes, and making use of steam therapy. These methods work to make your cat’s condition better.
  
  

• Antiviral Medications. Antiviral drugs, such as Famciclovir, can reduce the symptoms your cat is experiencing. These drugs can also decrease the viral shedding involved and are used to treat different corneal ulcers and eye infections.
  
  

• Antibiotics for Secondary Infections. In cases where your cat is having secondary infections because of the virus, antibiotics will be used to handle them. These can be in the form of eye drops or ointments.
  
  

• Reducing Stress to Prevent Flare-Ups. Since stress is one of the biggest triggers for feline herpesvirus flare-ups, creating a calm, stable environment is key to long-term management. Be sure to keep a consistent routine at home and provide areas to let your cat rest and be alone.

Preventing Feline Herpesvirus

Since feline herpesvirus is highly contagious and lifelong, prevention is the best approach to protect your cat. While it’s impossible to guarantee complete immunity, your cat’s chances are much better when you take steps to prevent feline herpesvirus.

1. Vaccination

The feline herpesvirus vaccine is part of the core vaccination schedule for cats. While it does not completely prevent it, it reduces your cat’s risk for an infection. Additionally, vaccines reduce the severity of the symptoms and lower the risk of the virus spreading. Regularly vaccinating your cat is one of the most effective ways to prevent feline herpesvirus.

2. Good Hygiene

Since feline herpesvirus can survive on surfaces for several hours, keeping your cat’s environment clean is essential. Wash food and water bowls daily, clean litter boxes regularly, and disinfect bedding and toys to prevent indirect transmission. 

3. Reduce Stress

Stress can cause herpesvirus flare-ups in infected cats. To minimize stress, keep a consistent routine, provide quiet resting areas, and use pheromone diffusers to create a calming environment. Avoid sudden changes, such as moving furniture, introducing new pets too quickly, or making abrupt changes in food or litter brands.

4. Strengthen the Immune System

A strong immune system helps reduce the frequency of feline herpesvirus flare-ups. Feeding a high-quality, balanced diet, ensuring your cat has access to fresh water, and providing regular veterinary checkups all contribute to better immune health.

A cat’s health starts with prevention. Vaccinations shield and help them have a longer, healthier life. Protecting them today means giving them a safer tomorrow.

- Dr. Leticia Maia

Conclusion

Feline herpesvirus is one of the most common viral infections in cats, affecting their respiratory system and eyes. While it cannot be cured, proper management can help infected cats live long, healthy lives. 

Prevention plays an important role in controlling feline herpesvirus. Vaccination, good hygiene, stress reduction, and immune support can lower the risk of infection and minimize flare-ups in affected cats. If your cat is already infected, simple lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference.