Cat Herpesvirus Management in Shelter and Home

Feline herpesvirus is endemic in cat populations worldwide and causes recurrent upper respiratory disease. Effective management reduces suffering for affected cats in shelters and homes.

Key Facts

Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) infects most cats; up to 80% of shelter cats are latent carriers
After initial infection, the virus becomes latent in nerve ganglia and reactivates during stress
Clinical signs include sneezing, ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers
Stress triggers including new environments, other cats, illness, and veterinary visits cause reactivation
L-lysine was formerly recommended but evidence for efficacy is lacking
Antiviral treatment with famciclovir is effective for severe episodes

Welfare Considerations

FHV-1 causes recurrent bouts of misery for affected cats throughout their lives. Shelter cats face particular burdens because shelter stress reliably triggers reactivation. Upper respiratory disease in shelters reduces adoptability and increases euthanasia risk, creating a welfare crisis at scale. In home settings, minimizing stress and providing appropriate veterinary care when episodes occur significantly reduces the severity and frequency of recurrence.

What You Can Do

Minimize stress for herpesvirus-positive cats through stable routines and enriched environments
Ensure affected cats have safe hiding places that provide genuine retreat from stressors
Consult your vet about famciclovir treatment during severe episodes
Apply eye lubricants as recommended to protect the cornea during active disease
Vaccinate against FHV-1 even in positive cats — vaccination reduces disease severity
In shelter settings, house recovering cats in quiet, low-stress areas separate from the main population