FHV is a virus that mainly causes acute upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats.
Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) is one of the most common causes of cat flu, a highly contagious upper respiratory infection in cats.
It is part of the cat flu complex, meaning it can be present alongside other viruses such as calicivirus, and secondary bacterial infections can also develop, which is why a vet may sometimes prescribe antibiotics as part of the treatment plan, even though antibiotics do not treat the virus itself.
While FHV is manageable, many infected cats become lifelong carriers and may experience flare-ups during periods of stress or illness. These flare-ups are usually less severe than the original illness.
Signs of FHV can affect cats of any age, but they are particularly serious in young kittens, whose immune systems are not yet fully developed.
Viral testing can be carried out to identify which virus is present, though this is not always necessary. As the treatment approach is largely supportive and similar regardless of the specific virus involved. Your vet will advise on whether testing is appropriate for your cat.
FHV is included in the routine vaccination programme for cats. Vaccination does not prevent infection entirely but can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms. If your cat is not yet vaccinated, speak to your vet about getting them started on the right schedule.
Your vet will prescribe antibiotics and in some cases intravenous fluids will be required. Some anti-viral medication can help in managing the disease.
It’s a good idea to discuss costs with your vet before you start treatment.
Vaccination is the most effective from of preventative care from FHV. Your vet can advise you on this.
After being infected with FHV, most cats remain latently infected. This means the virus persists in their nerve cells, so infected cats effectively become life-long carriers of the virus. It’s vital that you keep your cat’s litter trays and bedding clean to prevent the spread of FHV.
Many cats don’t spread the virus so aren’t a risk to others. However, some cats will intermittently spread the virus again – this is more common after episodes of stress or when the cat’s immune system is suppressed. When virus is spread again, some cats will also develop mild clinical signs.
Make sure you review the clinical history of your new cat and ask for more details on how the disease was treated. You’ll need to sign a disclaimer to confirm you’ve been made aware of the condition. Any cat who’s had treatment is likely to have pet insurance exclusions, so it’s worth discussing potential on-going costs with your vet.
Cat flu is a term for upper respiratory infection and it’s a very common illness in cats. It’s highly contagious and while there’s no cure, there are things we can do to protect our feline friends. Spotting the symptoms is the first step.
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