My cat has feline herpes. Is this virus fatal or life-threatening?

Hi there. I’m sorry Snow got sick! Yes, feline herpes virus usually stays in their system for life. Similar to people who get herpes virus cold sores. However, most cats do. Especially those who have been in a shelter. Most cats never have clinical signs after they recover. Some will have recurrence during times of stress, such as a move or boarding. Even more rare are cats that end up with chronic eye problems second to the virus. So, yes she will have it for life but unlikely that it will play much of a role in her life. I hope this helps! Best of luck to you and Snow! Thank you for using Pet Coach.

It's probably not a "cold". It is most likely herpes virus. If it is herpes virus, it will never go completely away. They will have recurring episodes. All you can do to minimize future episodes it is to reduce stress. You can try some Feliway diffusers, they may help. You can continue with the lysine but it has not really shown to be that effective in studies. There is another immune booster you can try though that seems to work pretty well. The link is below. ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-herpesvirus-infection-or-feline-viral-rhinotracheitis ) ( https://www.feliway.com/us/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSIC-Diffuser ) ( https://www.petwellbeing.com/products/immune-sure-for-feline-immune-system-support )

I have to say that I have never heard of a cat dying from FHV. It is normally a very mild disease, producing only a mild upper respiratory infection and occasionally conjunctivitis. Rarely immunocompromised cats (i.e.those that have other illnesses, such as feline leukemia or feline AIDS) can get pneumonia from FHV, but again, that's rare. Most cats that are chronically infected do well with supplementation with the amino acid lysine, which keeps the virus from rapidly reproducing, and keeps most cats symptom-free. In comes in a variety of formulations that cats will readily eat - try the brand Viralys, which makes powder, gel, and treats.

In an uncomplicated case of feline herpes, cats will mount and immune response to it so the infection is minimal if it even occurs again. Their vaccines also protect them against it also. Cats with severe cases and poor immune can be chronically infected. Even though yours is not symptomatic with it anymore and has a good immune system, they are a carrier for life. They do make anti viral such as Lysine treats to help with viral infections such as this

I agree with your vet! Herpes virus is a very common cause of sneezing (and that sneezing can be pretty noticeable!). The fact that she is eating and playing is great! This will likely go away on its own with time but if Asia does stop eating, becomes lethargic, or gets squinting eyes, head back to the vet as these could be signs of a secondary bacterial infection or other co-infection. Congrats on the new kitten!

How lovely of you to foster this young cat! It's great that Cleo is up to date on her vaccines, which will help minimize her risk. Given that this new cat is potentially showing signs of herpes, you should isolate her from Cleo while she is symptomatic. Make sure this new cat has her own litter box, food, and water bowls, and be sure to keep them clean. You might try a humidifier in the new cat's room to help her if she has any congestion. Make sure she is as rested as possible, and gently warm really smelly wet food if her appetite goes down. When cats can't smell their food, they won't eat, which is why I recommend gently warming the food. Once her symptoms are clear, it's fine to allow her near Cleo. I hope this helps!

The virus does not last long on it's own in the environment. It needs moisture to survive, so once it dries it dies. It would be much easier to contract it through direct contact with an infected cat or objects used by that cat, namely food or water bowls. Hand washing after handling an infected cat and before handling yours should be sufficient to prevent spread.