Feline Herpes (Cat Flu): Symptoms and Treatment

Older cats and younger kittens, both generally have weak immune systems. The weak immune system subjects them to certain agents that can pose a major threat to their health. There are many viruses that cause cat flu but 80 to 90 percent of them are caused by feline herpes viruses. They are generally of two types, feline herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1), also known as the feline rhinotracheitis virus (FVR), and the feline calcivirus (FCV).

The eyes, ears, nose and mouth are the various pathways, through which a feline herpes virus finds entry into a cat's body. Unhygienic food and contaminated water increases the risk of cat flu. Generally, FHV-1 infection is risky and spreads fast in cats. Stress in cats is a basic problem that increases the probability of getting infected with a feline herpes virus. Stress is usually the result if they are uncomfortable in their living area. This may be due to the overcrowded place and lack of proper sanitation. Often cats become uncomfortable with the arrival of a new member (cat or any other pet animal), and that may trigger stress in them. Also, excessive cold makes cats more vulnerable to feline herpes viruses.

Symptoms of Feline Herpes Virus

Cats infected from feline rhinotracheitis virus may show different symptoms as per their age and the severity of the case. Usually, the incubation period is 2 - 17 days. The most dangerous sign of cat flu is severe loss of appetite of the cat. The cat may not eat anything for long hours and grow weak as a result of it. Fever is common and running nose/eyes make the situation worse. Heavy mucus secretions ooze out from the eyes and drooling occurs frequently. The saliva that comes out of the mouth of a cat suffering from cat flu is very contagious, it spreads the virus to other cats. The lower part of the eyes swell and eyes squint in most of the cases. Cats become very lethargic due to the weakness caused by loss of appetite.

Diagnosis of Feline Herpes Virus

Diagnosis is a crucial part in the treatment of feline herpes virus. Samples of mucus from the eyes are taken and tested for the herpes virus. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and virus isolation are the two commonly conducted tests. If the cat is suffering for two weeks or longer, then it must be tested for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus.

Treatment of Feline Herpes Virus

Feline herpes virus or cat flu, is basically a contagious disease. In a long run treatment, cats are not hospitalized but are treated at home in a hygienic environment. But still, if the case is very severe, it's better to hospitalize the cat.

The worst hit part in a cat with cat flu is the digestive system, so it must be ensured that the cat takes regular food and necessary water, or else it may grow weak and show worse signs. Due to the inability of the cat to smell food, it may be unable to show any response towards the food as well. Assisted feeding or force feeding is the technique used when a cat is not eating on its own as it is necessary to feed the cat. Fluid therapy or putting a tube inside the stomach of the cat may be employed to give the cat sufficient amount of nutrition.

The eyes and nose are also badly hit, with continuous mucous discharge and sneezing. It is necessary to clean the nasal passage of the cat by using a vaporizer in the room or by using the medicines advised by a veterinarian.

Relaxing the cat is also important as it may show extreme anxiety or restlessness. On the prescription of the veterinarian, one may also use antibiotics in order to treat bacterial infections. Any cuts, wounds or other lesions must be treated with proper medication as they increase the chances of aggravating the disease. Once a cat is affected by the feline herpes virus or feline rhinotracheitis virus, it may become a life time carrier of the virus or what we normally call, a chronic carrier of the virus.

Prevention as we all know is better than cure, so care must be taken to keep cats clean, provide them with proper space to live, play and be themselves. At the time of a cat's pregnancy it's best to consult a veterinarian. Domesticating a cat is a beautiful experience, they respond well to love and affection and also become a sweet and inseparable part of the family. We should take care of their health so that they are free from such diseases and have a good health.