Companion Animal Welfare

Cat FHV Advanced Management

Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) causes lifelong latent infection with periodic reactivation - management through nutrition, supplementation, and stress reduction improves welfare.

Key Facts

FHV-1 establishes lifelong latency in trigeminal ganglia after primary infection
Stress (boarding, illness, new cats) triggers viral reactivation and clinical signs
L-lysine supplementation reduces viral replication - evidence is mixed but widely used
Antiviral eye drops (cidofovir, famciclovir) are effective for severe ocular disease
Vaccination reduces severity but does not prevent infection or latency establishment

Welfare Considerations

FHV-1-positive cats can experience recurrent respiratory and ocular disease throughout their lives. Stress reduction, appropriate nutrition, and prompt treatment of reactivation episodes are the cornerstones of welfare management for affected cats.

What You Can Do

Minimise stress triggers for FHV-positive cats, especially boarding and new pets
Seek prompt veterinary treatment for any FHV reactivation with eye or respiratory signs
Discuss L-lysine supplementation and antiviral options with your vet for recurrent cases