What is Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis?

Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), also known as feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) or just Feline Herpes, is a common and highly contagious respiratory infection in cats. It’s caused by the feline herpesvirus type-1, which primarily affects the eyes, nose, and throat of cats. Think of it as the feline version of a bad cold, but it can be more serious, especially for kittens and cats with weakened immune systems.

How Do Cats Get FVR?

Cats usually contract FVR through direct contact with an infected cat’s saliva, nasal secretions, or eye discharge. It can also spread indirectly through contaminated food bowls, litter boxes, or bedding. The virus can survive in the environment for up to a few days, making it relatively easy for it to spread in multi-cat households, shelters, or catteries.

Outdoor cats greeting

What Cats Are At Risk?

All cats, regardless of age, size, or breed, can contract the herpes virus. However, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of infection:

  • Living in crowded environments with many other cats, such as catteries, shelters, or outdoor cat communities
  • Experiencing stressful living conditions, including households with fighting cats, outdoor environments, shelters, or new surroundings
  • Having a weakened or compromised immune system, which is common in very young or old cats, or those with Feline leukemia or Feline immunodeficiency virus

Sick cat on stepSymptoms to Watch Out For

The symptoms of FVR can vary in severity, but they often include:

  • Sneezing: Frequent and severe sneezing fits.
  • Nasal discharge: Clear, yellow, or green nasal discharge. Sometimes they can sneeze so many times that they get a pink/red discharge due to damaged blood vessels in they nose.
  • Eye discharge: Watery eyes or thick discharge that can crust over.
  • Conjunctivitis: Swelling and redness of the tissues around the eyes.
  • Lethargy: Reduced activity levels and general tiredness.
  • Fever: Elevated body temperature.
    • Cats run warmer than humans, the normal temperature range for them is between 100.5°F and 102.5°F (38.1°C and 39.2°C).
  • Loss of appetite: Due to nasal congestion and throat soreness, your cat might not eat well.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you notice these symptoms, it’s essential to take your cat to the vet. The vet can diagnose FVR through a physical exam and through specific tests like PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to detect the virus.

To definitively diagnose feline herpesvirus infection, laboratory tests are performed on swabs taken from the cat’s discharge (eyes, mouth or nose).

Testing your cat’s blood is not reliable for this purpose.

Given how common this viral infection is, your veterinarian may diagnose based on clinical signs and history and testing is not always required.

Feline herpesvirus should be considered as a potential factor in any cat exhibiting upper respiratory inflammation.

How to Treat Feline Herpesvirus (FVR)

There is no cure for Feline Herpesvirus (FVR), so treatment focuses on supportive care to help your cat feel better. Here are some ways to support your cat:

  • Keep Them Comfortable:
    • Provide a warm, quiet place for your cat to rest and grow more healthy..
  • Ensure Hydration:
    • Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
  • Nutritional Support:
    • Offer palatable, strong-smelling foods to entice your cat to eat.
    • Often warming their food slightly will increase the scent to entice them to eat.
    • Adding amino acids to their diet can help support their immune system.
  • Medications:
    • Antiviral Drugs: Systemic antiviral therapy, such as Famciclovir, is given orally and helps manage severe infections.
    • Eye Drops: Topical ocular antiviral drugs, like idoxuridine, trifluridine, and cidofovir, are used to treat eye symptoms. These are usually given daily.
    • Antibiotics: These are prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections.

In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend hospitalization for nutritional support or intravenous fluid therapy. With the right care and medication, your cat can recover well and live a healthy life.

How to Prevent Cat Herpes

The best way to protect your cat from FVR is get your cat vaccinated. The FVR vaccine is typically part of the core vaccines given to kittens and should be boosted regularly.

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Initial Vaccination: Your cat should get a booster shot between 6 months and 1 year old.
  • Regular Boosters: After that, your cat needs booster shots every 1-3 years, based on your vet’s advice.
  • Annual Check-ups: Make sure your cat sees the vet every year for a check-up.

While the vaccine won’t completely prevent cat herpes, it can make the disease sypmtoms much less severe.

Managing Flare-Ups of Cat HerpesRelaxing cat

Flare-ups of the cat herpes virus are often treated with ointments or eye drops. Your vet might also suggest amino acid supplements to strengthen your cat’s immune system.

You can help reduce flare-ups by keeping your cat’s environment clean and comfortable:

  • Wash their bedding and blankets regularly.
  • Clean their bowls, trays, and litter boxes daily.
  • Ensure these items are in an easily accessible area for your cat.

Can Feline Herpes Be Passed to Other Pets or Me?

No, humans and dogs cannot catch herpes from cats. However, cats can transmit herpes to other cats.

Final Thoughts

Feline viral rhinotracheitis can be a challenging condition for both cats and their owners, but with proper care and attention, affected cats can still lead happy, healthy lives.

If you suspect your cat has FVR, getting them in for veterinary care is crucial.

Always stay vigilant for symptoms, keep vaccinations up-to-date, and provide a nurturing environment for your feline friend.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a common, highly contagious cat virus that affects the eyes, nose, and throat.
  • Cats catch FVR from other cats’ saliva, snot, or eye discharge, or from contaminated items like food bowls and bedding. The virus can live for a few days on surfaces.
  • All cats can get FVR, but those in crowded places, under stress, or with weak immune systems are more likely to catch it.
  • Vaccinations help prevent FVR and reduce its severity. 

Want to know more about keeping your new cat or kitten healthy? Read our comprehensive post on feline vaccines here.