Is feline herpesvirus contagious to other cats?

Yes, it is contagious. Feline herpesvirus spreads mainly through direct contact or respiratory droplets. Infected cats may experience repeated episodes during times of stress or when their immune system is suppressed. If infection is suspected, discuss isolation and testing arrangements with your vet.

How long does it take for a cat to recover after infection?

Most mild cases improve within a few days to two weeks, but some cats may become latent carriers and experience recurring episodes. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, return to the vet promptly.

Can feline herpesvirus be prevented with a vaccine?

A vaccine is available that reduces the likelihood of illness and the severity of symptoms, though it cannot completely prevent infection. Vaccinating on schedule as recommended by your vet helps reduce the risk of serious complications.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Feline Herpesvirus Infection in Cats: Sneezing, Eye Discharge & Supportive Care [2025]

Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) causes upper respiratory and ocular symptoms including sneezing, nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis. The virus can lie dormant for life and reactivate under stress. Antiviral medication can shorten the course of illness.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ISFM, WSAVA

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Persistent obvious difficulty breathing or open-mouth panting
•Sustained high fever with extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness
•Refusing to drink water or continuous vomiting causing visible dehydration

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Continuous sneezing with nasal discharge
•Excessive eye discharge, redness, or persistent tearing
•Noticeably reduced appetite or low energy levels lasting one day or more

01What Symptoms Indicate Something Is Wrong?

Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) primarily causes upper respiratory and ocular symptoms that vary in severity. Some cats experience recurrent episodes or secondary bacterial infections.

Reduced appetite or noticeably refusing food over a short period
Persistent or intermittent fever with body temperature above normal
Frequent sneezing accompanied by clear or mucoid nasal discharge
Increased eye discharge, conjunctival redness and swelling, or excessive tearing
Decreased activity, lethargy, or general malaise

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Rapid breathing or obvious difficulty breathing
⚠️ Persistent high fever with extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness
⚠️ Refusing to drink water or persistent vomiting leading to dehydration

02How to Assess Symptoms at Home: Key Observations and When to Seek Emergency Care

Keeping a home record helps your vet assess the progression and guide treatment. Use objective data alongside photos or videos wherever possible.

Note the date and time when symptoms first appeared
Take your cat's temperature regularly and record the readings with timestamps
Track daily changes in food and water intake
Observe and note the frequency and characteristics of bowel movements and urination
Take photos or short videos of eye or nasal discharge or sneezing episodes to show the vet

03How Will the Vet Make a Diagnosis? Common Examination Steps

At the clinic, the vet will assess whether it is a viral infection, whether there is a secondary bacterial infection, and evaluate your cat's overall condition to determine the next steps.

Physical examination

assessing respiratory status and nasal and ocular condition

Blood tests

evaluating systemic inflammation markers and degree of dehydration

PCR testing

detecting viral genetic material to confirm infection

Ophthalmic examination

checking the cornea and conjunctiva for damage or ulceration

Chest X-ray

assessing for secondary lower respiratory tract infection

04How to Treat and Care for Your Cat After Diagnosis: Medication, Diet, and Care Guide

Treatment focuses on supportive care, with further management and follow-up for secondary bacterial infections, ocular lesions, or dehydration.

Use of antivirals or antibiotics is determined by your vet's assessment
Administer medication on schedule and record the course of treatment and any potential side effects
Isolate your cat at home when there is a risk of transmission to prevent spreading to other cats
Ensure adequate hydration and offer easy-to-swallow or high-calorie food to maintain nutrition
Schedule follow-up visits as directed to monitor symptoms and carry out any necessary tests

05What to Prepare Before the Vet Visit: Key Information to Help Your Vet Quickly Identify the Cause

Compile a record of when symptoms started and how they have changed to share with the vet

Bring a log or rough estimates of appetite and water intake

Bring previous medical records, vaccination history, and medication records if available

Prepare photos or short videos of eye or nasal discharge or sneezing for the vet to review

Consider calling ahead to check which clinics can perform PCR or specialist tests

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.