Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), also known as Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), is a highly contagious virus that affects cats, especially in multi-cat households or stressful environments. It is the leading cause of chronic respiratory issues in cats, causing symptoms like sneezing, nasal discharge, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis.

Cats are usually exposed to FHV-1 as kittens, and while many recover from the initial infection, the virus remains dormant in their system and can flare up during times of stress or illness. This flare-up can lead to virus shedding, posing a risk of infection to other cats.

More than half of all cats carry FHV-1, though not all show symptoms. In some cases, long-term FHV infection can cause complications such as FHV-associated dermatitis (inflammation and ulcers around the nose and mouth), as well as issues affecting the reproductive tract and complications during pregnancy.

Chronic upper respiratory infections

Runny nose and nasal discharge

Watery eyes, eye discharge and/or conjunctivitis (eye inflammation)

Sneezing

Coughing and difficulty breathing

Vomiting or loss of appetite

Fatigue or lethargy

Cat herpes symptoms (as well as other viruses) can come and go. When the virus is reactivated by stress, a weakened immune system or illness, the cat will become infectious and can spread the virus to other cats. This is called "shedding" the virus. It can be shed by saliva, nasal or eye secretions or blood.

Feline herpesvirus commonly affects a cat's eyes and can lead to the following conditions:

Conjunctivitis – Swelling and inflammation of the eyelid tissue. Can cause squinting and discharge.

Keratitis – Inflammation of the cornea layer of the eye. Can cause ulcers or sores on the cornea.

Eosinophilic keratitis – An immune reaction that causes white spots on the cornea that can lead to blindness.

Corneal Sequestrum – Brown or black spots on the cornea. Caused by tissue dying off.

Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca) – Tear glands do not produce enough tears; eyes can become dry, red, inflamed.

Treatment of feline herpes virus, FeLV, FIV and FCV are generally supportive and depend on the symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help with recovery, so please be sure to check with your veterinarian if you think your cat may have FHV or another virus. Some cats may need antiviral prescription medications to help ease the symptoms and make the virus latent. Oral or ocular antibiotics may also be required in some cases as feline viruses cause weakened immunity which can lead to secondary infections.

While there is no cure for feline viruses, the goal of feline herpes treatment at home is to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Here are a few treatment ideas that may help your kitty with feline viruses feel better:

Probiotics & Immune Support Supplements – Probiotics can help to rebalance the gut and immune system. A recent study showed that some cats who supplemented with a probiotic had reduced clinical symptoms of FHV-1. Using a natural antiviral for cats can help to reduce flare-ups.

Lysine – Lysine is an amino acid that is often recommended for managing feline herpes virus symptoms. Lysine for feline herpes helps to reduce the replication of the virus, potentially lessening the severity and frequency of flare-ups.

Drinking Water – Keep your cat hydrated by providing fresh water at all times and encouraging them to drink.

Stress-Free Environment – Common stressors for cats may include household changes, a vet visit, or loud noises. Stress can weaken the immune system and make symptoms worse.

Low-Inflammatory Diet – Feeding a high-moisture, hypoallergenic novel protein diet can reduce inflammation and help strengthen the immune system.

Warm, Moist Environment – Cats with nasal congestion can benefit from a steamy bathroom or a humidifier.

Hygiene – Clean the eyes and nose regularly to help clear mucus and reduce irritation from discharge.

Over time, as you reduce exposure to chemicals, allergens, stress and sources of inflammation, and provide antiviral supplements, your kitty’s viral episodes should be less frequent and not as symptomatic. Most viruses remain in the body, and flare-ups can still occur during stress, but strengthening immunity can help control severity and improve quality of life.

Feline viruses are highly contagious. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent the spread of feline herpesvirus, FeLV, FIV and FCV:

Keep your cat indoors. Infections are commonly transmitted through cat bites.

Avoid close contact with other cats. Viruses spread quickly in shelters and catteries.

Keep your cat's environment clean to reduce viral particles and secondary infection risk.

Get your cat vaccinated to help their immune system develop protection (such as calicivirus or feline leukemia).

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), often called feline AIDS or cat HIV, is a retrovirus spread primarily through deep bite wounds, making outdoor, unneutered males most at risk. FIV is not contagious to people or other animals, and transmission between household cats that get along is rare.

FIV vs FHV: What is the difference? Feline FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens a cat's immune system, making them more susceptible to infections, while FHV (Feline Herpesvirus) primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms like sneezing, eye discharge, and nasal congestion.

Regular vet visits and supplements like the Immune Support Kit, Immune Harmony and Power Probiotic can help manage symptoms. Keeping your FIV-positive cat indoors reduces exposure to secondary infections and helps prevent spread.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a highly contagious virus that weakens a cat's immune system, making them vulnerable to other illnesses. Many FeLV-positive cats succumb to secondary infections within a few years. Anemia is common, and FeLV is also the leading cause of cancer in cats.

The virus spreads through saliva, milk, urine, feces, and nasal secretions, often via shared food bowls or litter boxes, and affects only cats. Early testing and immune support can help some FeLV-positive cats live normal lives.

The virus infects 2-3% of cats in the US, with higher rates among kittens, outdoor cats, and those already ill.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cats, impacting the respiratory tract, mouth, intestines, and musculoskeletal system. Common symptoms include upper respiratory infections (sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis), mouth ulcers, inflammation, and fatigue.

FCV may also result in painful joint inflammation and chronic gingivitis or stomatitis. The virus spreads through saliva and secretions and can survive on surfaces for up to a month, making disinfection essential.

While humans cannot contract FCV, they can spread it to cats through contaminated surfaces. Home treatments, including supplements and a low-carbohydrate, novel-protein diet, can help manage symptoms. New strains of FCV are common due to the virus's ability to mutate.

Cats thrive on a hypoallergenic, low-carbohydrate diet. This doesn't just mean eliminating grains typically found in dry food. Grain-free is a sure improvement, but many grain-free dry foods contain starchy carbohydrates to reduce the cost of cat food.

To strengthen your cat's immunity, feeding a hypoallergenic, low-carbohydrate diet with a novel protein is helpful. Many quality pet foods, even "holistic brands," contain too many starchy carbohydrates that convert to sugar, weakening your cat's immune system.

Please include your cat's diet and treats on the order form at checkout, along with your kitty's health issues. Based on our extensive experience helping cats with viruses, we will include a diet suggestion on the packing slip that comes with the product directions.