Companion Animals

Cat Feline FHV Advanced Management: Stress and Immunity

Managing feline herpesvirus requires understanding the stress-immunity link that drives recurrence.

Key Facts

FHV-1 reactivation from latency is triggered by immune suppression from physiological stress
Common reactivation triggers include new pets, house moves, boarding, and owner illness
Lifestyle management that minimises stress reduces recurrence frequency in FHV-positive cats
L-lysine supplementation was widely used but systematic reviews show limited evidence of efficacy

Welfare Considerations

FHV reactivation causing corneal ulcers and respiratory symptoms is directly linked to immune suppression from stress. Owner understanding of their individual cat's stress triggers and lifestyle management to minimise them directly reduces welfare compromise from recurrent FHV disease. Stress reduction is the most evidence-based FHV prevention.

What You Can Do

Identify and minimise specific stress triggers for your FHV-positive cat
Use Feliway pheromone support during unavoidable stressors such as boarding or household changes
Discuss antiviral treatment (cidofovir) rather than lysine with your vet for active outbreaks