We all know people can get herpes, but we bet you didn’t know that your cat can too? However, you and your cat fortunately cannot give the disease to each other. In fact, feline herpes is closer to a human respiratory ailment than one distinguished by painful lesions in sensitive areas of the body. So, if your vet suddenly announces your precious companion pet has herpes, do not panic.
Unlike the human form of herpes, feline herpesvirus is not an sexually transmitted, but rather an upper respiratory virus. The most common version in this viral family is called feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR or HFV-1).
Essentially, your cat has what humans call “the flu.”
Feline herpes virus shares some of the same symptoms as human flu, plus a few extras which are specific to cats:
Fever
Sneezing (especially sudden and uncontrollable bouts)
Eye discharge and/or inflammation with rash on inner lids
Spasm of eyelids
Runny nose
Excessive salivation
Lack of appetite
General malaise
Loss of pregnancy
Cat Herpes is rarely fatal in adult cats who are otherwise healthy, but can be dangerous for kittens, pregnant cats and older felines. As the illness progresses, eye problems can arise such as ulcers, conjunctivitis, not to mention blindness. This part of the illness can be serious and permanently damaging, so you should see your vet as soon as possible.
Again, you shouldn’t panic. The cat herpes virus is actually quite common and most cats, especially those who are allowed outdoors or have been in a shelter will have come into contact with the virus at some point in one of their nine lives. The virus spreads through sneezing and also though saliva, but fortunately the virus does not last long in well-ventilated sunny areas. In moist dark environments it may remain active for days. Humans are also a vector after they pet a cat suffering from cat herpes and then go and pet another cat. The small number of cats who actually do catch the virus will likely experience intermittent symptoms throughout their lives.
Fortunately, herpes in cats rarely shortens their lifespan.