Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) causes one of the most common infectious diseases in cats worldwide. Once infected, cats carry the virus for life, experiencing recurrent episodes of sneezing, nasal discharge, and eye inflammation triggered by stress or immune suppression.
Cats experiencing FHV-1 reactivation suffer from sneezing fits that may persist for weeks, conjunctivitis causing eye pain and discharge, and in severe cases corneal ulceration that is acutely painful. Cats with symblepharon — adhesion between the conjunctiva and cornea from severe neonatal infection — have permanently compromised vision. Recurrent disease in multi-cat households is triggered by the stress of territorial competition, making environmental management — separate resources, adequate space, and Feliway pheromone diffusers — central to welfare management. Cats with severe episodes benefit from famciclovir treatment, interferons, and topical ocular treatments for ulcerations.