Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is a leading cause of upper respiratory disease in cats. Once infected, cats carry the virus lifelong — understanding management reduces recurrence and improves chronic welfare.
FHV-1 management is a chronic welfare challenge rather than a curable condition. Affected cats live with the risk of recurrent flares that cause pain, impaired vision, and respiratory discomfort. Welfare-positive management focuses on minimising stressors that trigger reactivation, providing prompt antiviral treatment during flares, and monitoring for ocular complications. The eye is particularly vulnerable — ulcerative keratitis can progress to corneal scarring or perforation if untreated. Multi-cat households and shelter environments require particular vigilance. Vaccination reduces disease severity but does not prevent infection or latency. Honest owner education about the lifelong nature of the condition enables realistic welfare planning.