Feline herpesvirus causes recurring upper respiratory infections triggered by stress, requiring both medical treatment and stress reduction.
Cats with recurrent herpesvirus infections experience chronic discomfort from eye discharge, sneezing, and nasal congestion. The stress-activation cycle means that environmental stress causes infections that cause further stress, creating a difficult welfare spiral. Addressing underlying stress through environmental enrichment, predictable routines, and multi-cat household management reduces infection frequency more effectively than medication alone.