Feline Herpesvirus (FHV‑1): Vet Guide 2025 🐱🩺💉

Hello, caring cat guardians! I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc 🩺. Feline herpesvirus type‑1 (FHV‑1), also called feline viral rhinotracheitis, is a top cause of upper respiratory and eye disease—commonly called “cat flu.” This comprehensive guide explains the virus, clinical signs, diagnostic tools, treatments like famciclovir, prevention strategies, and nurturing home care to support your feline family member 😊.

🔍 What Is Feline Herpesvirus (FHV‑1)?

FHV‑1 is an alpha‑herpesvirus affecting the upper respiratory tract, eyes, and occasionally skin. Nearly all cats are exposed—up to 97% by adulthood—and about 80% become lifelong latent carriers, reactivating during stress :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. The virus sheds in ocular/nasal secretions during initial infection (2–6 day incubation) and flare-ups :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

👂 How Is It Spread?

• Direct contact—eye, respiratory, and oral secretions :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Fomites like bowls, bedding, litter boxes, human clothing or hands :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Virus survives ~18 hours in moist environments but dies rapidly once dry :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

🧬 Clinical Signs

• Rapid onset (2–5 days): sneezing, nasal congestion/discharge, conjunctivitis, ocular discharge :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, drooling :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Corneal ulcers, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, chronic nasal discharge in severe or chronic cases :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Kittens, elderly, or immunocompromised cats may develop pneumonia or sinusitis :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Latent infection flares during stress, illness, or steroid use—often with milder ocular symptoms :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

🔬 Diagnosis

• Clinical exam and history—common in multi-cat environments :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• PCR testing on ocular/nasal swabs confirms active infection, especially in flare-ups :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Ruling out other pathogens in the feline respiratory disease complex is essential :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Ophthalmic exam for corneal ulcers with fluorescein stain :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

🏥 Treatment Strategies

There is no cure, but effective management reduces severity and improves quality of life.

Supportive Care

• Hydration—fluids subcutaneously or IV if dehydrated :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Clean eyes and nose multiple times daily :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Air humidifiers, steam from showers, and nebulization relieve congestion :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Nutrition—encourage eating with aromatic foods; consider syringe feeding or appetite stimulants for severe cases :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia, rhinitis) :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

Antiviral Medications

• Famciclovir: oral antiviral shown to reduce clinical signs and viral shedding :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Topical antivirals (eg, cidofovir, idoxuridine) for eye disease :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

Supplements & Immune Support

• L‑lysine may help reduce replication, though clinical evidence is mixed :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Immune stimulants like polyprenyl immunostimulant may reduce severity :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.

🛡️ Prevention

• **Vaccination** is core—reduces severity and shedding, but doesn’t prevent infection :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Maintain boosters per guidelines—typically every 1–3 years :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
• Isolate infected cats, clean/disinfect bowls, beds, and litter boxes daily :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
• Ensure a stress-free environment—use pheromones, play, enrichment :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
• Humidify air, avoid overcrowding, monitor multicat households and shelters :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}.

📈 Prognosis

• Most healthy adult cats recover fully with supportive care.
• Latent carriers may experience periodic mild flare-ups; quality of life remains high with management.
• Kittens, elderly, or immune‐compromised cats risk pneumonia, long-term ocular issues, or chronic URI :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}.
• Corneal ulcer survivors may develop scarring or tear duct issues :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}.

🏡 Home Care & Monitoring

• Use **Ask A Vet app** 📱 to track symptoms: sneezing, discharge, appetite, medication reminders.
• Clean discharges gently, discourage rubbing to avoid ulceration.
• Offer warm, humid resting spaces; keep nutritious food available consistently.
• Encourage play within comfort levels—avoid stress during flare-ups.
• Remain vigilant for pawing at eyes, changes in appetite, breathing, or sneezing—consult vet as needed.

📝 Key Takeaways

• FHV‑1 causes frequent respiratory and eye flare-ups in cats; latency is lifelong.
• Diagnosis uses history, exam, PCR testing, and ocular assessment.
• Treatment combines famciclovir, supportive care, cleaning, antibiotics, and supplements.
• Vaccination, hygiene, isolation, and stress management are key prevention tools.
• Most cats live well with managed flare-ups; serious illness can occur in vulnerable cats.

📞 When to Contact Ask A Vet

If your cat has frequent sneezing, eye issues, loss of appetite, fever, or breathing problems—message through the **Ask A Vet app** 💬 immediately. Early guidance can help prevent complications!

✨ Final Thoughts

Feline herpesvirus is common and requires vigilance—but with vaccination, hygiene, antivirals, and supportive care, cats live happily despite flare-ups. You’re the true guardian of their wellness—every loving step counts ❤️🐾.