Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Feline Herpesvirus Management

Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) causes recurrent respiratory and ocular disease in cats, with stress as a major trigger for flare-ups requiring ongoing welfare management.

Key Facts

An estimated 80% of cats are infected with FHV-1 which establishes lifelong latency
Stress including rehoming, illness, and multi-cat conflict triggers viral reactivation
Clinical signs include sneezing, nasal discharge, and corneal ulceration during flare-ups
L-lysine supplementation has limited evidence but remains widely used
Reducing chronic stress is the most important management strategy for recurrent flare-ups

Welfare Considerations

FHV-1 reactivation causes recurring periods of respiratory discomfort and ocular pain throughout an infected cat's life. Minimising chronic stressors is the most effective welfare intervention, making multi-cat household management and fear-free environments important priorities for FHV-positive cats.

What You Can Do

Minimise chronic stressors for FHV-positive cats through environmental enrichment
Treat ocular flare-ups promptly with antiviral eye drops under veterinary guidance
Vaccinate cats against FHV-1 to reduce severity if infection occurs