Feline Herpes Causes

Feline herpes (feline herpes virus type 1, or FHV-1), is one of the two major viral groups that causes highly contagious, upper respiratory tract infections such as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR). (The calicivirus group is the second major viral group, which includes illnesses such as feline caliciviral disease.) Fortunately, and despite their contagion among cats, these viruses do not spread to human caretakers.

These viruses spread among cats by direct contact with shared objects, like food and water bowls, litter boxes and cages and a cat owner’s clothing and hands, that have been contaminated with the oral, nasal and eye discharges of infected cats. Sneezing sends the virus airborne; FHV-1 can live outside its host for anywhere from 24 hours to ten days. Worldwide, wild and domesticated cats of all breeds can contract feline herpes, but kittens born to infected mothers and cats living in animal shelters, multi-cat homes and catteries are most susceptible, particularly in situations involving overcrowding, stress, poor nutrition and unsanitary living conditions. While Feline Herpes Virus FHV-1 is rarely fatal in adult cats, close to 50 percent of infected kittens die from the disease. Cats that are pregnant, unvaccinated or sick (particularly those with weakened immune systems) also easily contract the virus. Asymptomatic, once-infected cats that have not entirely shed the virus from their systems (referred to as latent carriers) also transmit feline herpes to uninfected cats.

The viral respiratory diseases caused by feline herpes follow two distinct stages: the acute stage and the chronic carrier stage. The acute stage varies in its severity. Most of the cats infected with feline herpes that go on to develop FVR become chronic carriers. FVR establishes itself in the cells lining its host’s throat and resurfaces as a mild respiratory illness during times of stress when the cat’s immune system breaks down. Circumstances under which FVR may resurface include illness, aesthesia and surgery, lactation, steroid therapy and emotional stress. Calicivirus, another of the feline herpes-mediated respiratory diseases, presents a more serious risk to its host’s housemates, as the virus sheds continuously. Eighty percent of cats infected with calicivirus become chronic carriers; vaccination will not cure a chronic carrier of the virus.

Immune system health clearly impacts a cat’s susceptibility to the feline herpes virus. A weak immune system lays the groundwork for feline herpes infection in cats living under stressful conditions, especially so if those conditions include poor nutrition. These cats may be better able to fight the virus if their diet strengthens and supports their immune systems.

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