The Feline Herpes Virus

Feline Herpes Virus is known to cause respiratory infection in cats. The disease is known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) or cat herpes in common terms.  Fifty percent of cats that contract upper respiratory disease is caused by this virus and can be fatal to other animals in a shared kennel. The virus does not choose specific cat types and it can be found around the world. It is contagious and can cause death from pneumonia especially with kittens. Like humans, the respiratory disease in cats affects the eyes, ears, nose, throat and lungs.

Cats easily pass on the virus because of their nature of huddling. Its grooming practice that use saliva can quickly spread the virus, as well as scratching other cats. Infected felines will have nasal secretions and the most obvious symptom is the swell around the eyes coupled by the yellowish fluid the builds up around it. The conjunctivitis is also accompanied by fever and loss of appetite because the cat’s sense of smell and taste is diminished. The cat will also be heard coughing and sneezing.  Ulceration of the mouth and tongue will be evident as well as depression and lethargy.  This can be followed by severe dehydration and weight loss. Kittens are more susceptible to FVR than older cats and they’re also at greater risk of dying from the virus.

Once infected, the cat’s health condition is intermittent meaning that the animal will remain infected for life.  The first outbreak will seem disturbingly severe but once the cat has recovered, the feline immune system will be able to keep the virus at bay.  Occasional outbreak happens due to feline stress namely pregnancy, overcrowding, nursing and undernourishment. Corticosteroid treatments are also known to prompt a viral outbreak. Secondary outbreaks are very common because of the damage done to the tissues.

An infected cat is advised to be placed in isolation especially when there is more than one cat in a household. Aside from the sick cat, the healthy ones that share the house must be taken to the vet for a physical examination, too. Infected cats will also have to be taken to the pet clinic for the first signs of an outbreak.  There is still no known cure for the FVR but there are treatments that can help it survive the respiratory disease.  It includes ensuring food and vitamin intake which is done through forced feeding. Anti-viral drugs are also administered to an infected cat to keep it from contracting other kind of viruses.