13/08/2026
🐾 HERPESVIRUS IN CATS — WHAT EVERY CAT OWNER SHOULD KNOW 🐾
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is one of the common causes of cat flu and upper respiratory infections in cats. It can affect cats of any age, including adult cats, and once a cat is infected, the virus can remain in the body for life.
🦠 How is it spread?
Feline herpesvirus is highly contagious between cats. It can spread through:
• Sneezing and coughing
• Eye and nose discharge
• Saliva and close contact
• Shared food and water bowls
• Bedding, blankets and grooming items
• Contact with contaminated hands or surfaces
Cats can also shed the virus again during periods of stress, even if they appear healthy.
👀 What are the signs?
Common symptoms include:
• Sneezing
• Runny or blocked nose
• Watery or infected-looking eyes
• Conjunctivitis
• Squinting or keeping the eyes closed
• Fever
• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy
• Nasal congestion
In some cats, especially kittens, eye infections can become serious and may cause permanent eye damage if not treated promptly.
❤️ Can herpesvirus be cured?
There is currently no medication that completely eliminates feline herpesvirus from the body. However, most cats can be managed successfully with veterinary care and supportive treatment.
Treatment may include medication for secondary bacterial infections, eye treatment, fluids, nutritional support and keeping the cat comfortable. Your veterinarian should determine the appropriate treatment.
😿 Stress matters!
Stress can trigger a herpesvirus flare-up in previously infected cats. Changes such as moving house, introduction of new animals, illness, overcrowding or other stressful situations can cause symptoms to return.
A calm, clean and comfortable environment can make a big difference.
🛡️ Prevention is important
Vaccination does not guarantee that a cat will never become infected, but it can help reduce the severity of disease.
Good hygiene, isolation of symptomatic cats, cleaning shared items and avoiding unnecessary contact between sick and healthy cats can help reduce transmission.
🚨 When should you see a vet?
If your cat has difficulty breathing, refuses food or water, becomes very weak, has severe eye discharge, or appears to be in pain, seek veterinary attention promptly.
And remember: never give human medication to a cat unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.
🐱 Herpesvirus does not mean a cat cannot live a happy life. With proper veterinary care, good nutrition, low stress and lots of love, many herpes-positive cats enjoy wonderful lives.
💙 Education saves lives. Awareness saves cats.