Is Feline Herpesvirus (Cat Flu) Contagious? How Is It Treated?

1. What Is Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)?

Feline herpesvirus, commonly known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) or just “cat flu”, is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection caused by feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1). It’s one of the main viruses covered by the core FVRCP vaccine (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia).

It often affects:

Kittens and unvaccinated cats
Cats living in multi-cat households or shelters
Cats under stress or with weakened immune systems

2. Is Feline Herpesvirus Contagious?

✅ Yes — it is highly contagious among cats.

How FHV-1 spreads:

Transmission Method	Description
Respiratory Droplets	Sneezing, coughing, or nasal discharge from an infected cat
Direct Contact	Nose-to-nose or grooming contact with infected cats
Indirect Contact	Shared bowls, litter boxes, bedding, toys, or contaminated human hands
Vertical Transmission	In rare cases, passed from an infected mother to her kittens

🛑 Feline herpesvirus only affects cats — it does not spread to humans or dogs.

3. What Are the Symptoms of Feline Herpesvirus?

Feline herpesvirus causes cold-like symptoms, but with more severe and longer-lasting effects.

Most common symptoms include:

Frequent sneezing
Runny nose (clear discharge turning thick or yellow-green)
Eye issues: conjunctivitis, swelling, discharge, or ulcers
Coughing or noisy breathing
Fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite
Drooling or mouth ulcers (especially when co-infected with calicivirus)

For kittens or weak cats:

Severe symptoms may lead to dehydration, malnutrition, or death
Long-term immune damage or recurrent flare-ups may occur

4. Can Cats Recover from Feline Herpes? Is It Fatal?

✅ Adult cats often recover — but the virus never fully goes away

Infected cats can appear healthy after treatment but remain lifelong carriers
The virus may lie dormant and reactivate during stressful situations (moving, vet visits, new pets, etc.)

❌ Kittens have a higher risk of death

Especially if unvaccinated or suffering from secondary infections
Bacterial complications or coinfections can be life-threatening

5. How Is Feline Herpes Treated?

There is currently no cure for feline herpesvirus. Treatment focuses on supporting the immune system, managing symptoms, and preventing secondary infections.

Key treatments:

Goal	Treatment Methods
Control the virus	Antiviral meds like famciclovir; L-lysine supplements may help reduce outbreaks
Relieve symptoms	Eye drops, saline nose sprays, anti-inflammatory meds, decongestants
Prevent infections	Antibiotics to manage or prevent bacterial infections
Boost immunity	Immune support like interferon, vitamins, and good nutrition
Hydration support	IV fluids or subcutaneous fluids to correct dehydration
Encourage eating	Strong-smelling wet food, meat broths, or assisted syringe feeding
Provide comfort	Warm, quiet, low-stress environment

⚠️ Important:

Do not give human cold medicine to cats — many are toxic
Always consult a vet if your cat stops eating or shows signs of distress

6. Can Feline Herpes Be Cured Completely?

❌ No — FHV-1 remains in the cat’s system for life

Like other herpesviruses, it becomes latent in nerve cells and can reactivate
Symptoms may reappear during periods of stress, illness, or weakened immunity
Many cats become asymptomatic carriers, appearing healthy but still contagious

✅ Good care can prevent flare-ups

Healthy diet, routine vet care, vaccinations, and a low-stress lifestyle can help keep the virus in check for years

7. How to Prevent Feline Herpesvirus

✅ Vaccination is the best protection

The FVRCP vaccine protects against FHV-1
Schedule:
- First dose at 6–8 weeks of age
- Booster 3–4 weeks later
- Annual booster for adult cats

🧠 Even indoor cats should be vaccinated — the virus can be brought in on shoes, clothing, or hands.

Additional prevention tips:

Quarantine new cats
- Isolate any new or rescued cats for at least 2 weeks before introducing them
Keep a clean environment
- Regularly clean litter boxes, bowls, and bedding with pet-safe disinfectants
Minimize stress
- Avoid sudden changes in environment; provide hiding spaces and consistent routines
Support the immune system
- Provide a balanced diet, access to fresh water, and regular wellness checks

8. Quick Recap: What Every Cat Owner Should Know

Topic	Key Info
Is it contagious?	✅ Yes — very contagious among cats
Is it deadly?	⚠️ Risky for kittens or sick cats, rarely fatal for healthy adults
Is it curable?	❌ No cure — but symptoms can be managed
How to treat it?	Supportive care + antivirals + hydration + nutrition
How to prevent it?	Vaccination + quarantine + stress reduction + hygiene