There are many reasons why cats sneeze or have a sniffly nose — allergies, inflammation or even something stuck in their nose. But one of the more common reasons is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1; also known as feline rhinotracheitis virus). The good news is that vaccination can help reduce the effects of a feline herpesvirus infection and help reduce the spread of the virus to other cats.
What Is Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis?
A feline rhinotracheitis infection (also called feline herpesvirus) can cause severe upper respiratory disease and is one of the most common causes of conjunctivitis (pink eye) in cats. Cats of any age can become infected with FHV-1, but the symptoms tend to be more severe in kittens as well as cats who have a compromised immune system or have an underlying health condition.
Feline Herpesvirus Symptoms and Clinical Signs
Once a cat is infected with feline herpesvirus, it can take a few days for them to show symptoms, but they can infect other cats within 24 hours. Symptoms typically last between 5 and 20 days, depending on the cat’s vaccination status, age, preexisting health conditions and other factors affecting their immune response. As well as conjunctivitis (pink eye), the herpes virus can cause feline upper respiratory infections. Symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Blinking or squinting a lot
- Red eyes
- Eye and nasal discharge (could be clear or thick and green)
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Corneal ulcer
Can a Cat with Herpes Be Around Other Cats?
No. Feline herpesvirus-1 is highly contagious. Viral particles are spread by direct contact between cats as well as via saliva and nose and eye secretions. It’s important that cats infected with FHV-1 are isolated from other cats in the home. This includes making sure they have separate water and food bowls, bedding, litter boxes and anything else that saliva and nasal or eye secretions could be left on. You should also disinfect areas that your cat has come in contact with, and always wash your hands with soap and water, then use hand sanitizer — especially before touching other cats.
All cats who are infected with feline herpes will become carriers of the virus. However, the virus will remain latent (dormant) until it’s reactivated, typically by stress or illness. Once FHV-1 is reactivated, the carrier cat is infectious again.
Can People Become Infected with Feline Herpesvirus?
This herpes virus is specific to felines, so only domestic and wild cats can become infected. But you should always practice good hygiene around an infected cat because if they have a secondary bacterial infection, it is possible for the bacteria to make you sick in some cases.
Feline Herpes Treatment
Feline herpesvirus is diagnosed by a veterinarian based on a physical examination, patient history and clinical signs. There is a sensitive PCR test available for diagnosis, but cats can also test positive when the virus is in a latent state (no active infection).
If your cat has mild symptoms, your veterinarian may not recommend treatment — just like when we have a mild cold. It’s important to provide plenty of fluids, rest and encourage your cat to eat. Since their nose probably isn’t working like it should, you can encourage them to eat by providing strong-smelling and extra-tasty food that they may not usually get. Wiping discharge from their eyes and nose can also help them feel more comfortable.
There is no specific cure for a feline herpesvirus infection, so treatment usually involves supportive care. Severe infections may be treated with human antiviral medication, and antibiotics may be prescribed to control secondary bacterial infections. Other medications include eye drops and steroids. If your cat is dehydrated, your vet may administer subcutaneous fluids. Corneal ulcers can occur in severely infected cats, so they need to be treated as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage to the eye.
Feline herpesvirus life expectancy is good, with most cats recovering within 14 days or so, and leading normal lives. However, the infection can be fatal in young kittens as well as cats who have suppressed immune systems.
How to Prevent Feline Herpes
The feline distemper combination vaccine (FVRCP) protects against feline herpesvirus type 1, as well as feline panleukopenia and feline calicivirus. As a core vaccine, FVRCP is recommended for all cats because of the risk of exposure to the diseases it protects against and how severe the diseases are.
Even if your cat spends all of their time indoors, it’s still recommended that they receive the FVRCP vaccine as the viruses that cause these infections can be brought into your home on your clothes, shoes or other objects that have come in contact with an infected cat.
Cats who receive the feline herpesvirus vaccine can still become infected, but they typically develop a milder illness for a short duration. It’s important to follow your vet’s recommendation for booster vaccines to keep up protection against FHV-1 and help your cat avoid conjunctivitis and acute upper respiratory infections.
