Mary Allen
A weakened immune system favors a herpes infection and a flare-up in cats. The feline herpes virus is also known as FHV-1 and is contagious for 24 hours at temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius. But at colder temperatures, the pathogen sometimes survives for several months.
How Cats Get Infected With the Herpes Virus
It is usually cats infected with the herpes virus that infect their fellow cats. The virus is transmitted through the excretions of sick animals, for example through saliva. The perfidious thing is that apparently, healthy velvet paws can also be carriers of the virus and therefore contagious.
Because the symptoms of acute herpes infection usually subside after about two weeks, in many cases, the viruses remain latent in the cat’s body. However, the herpes viruses can also settle on objects or in the environment and get to your cat in this way.
This is How a Herpes Infection Works
The first symptoms become noticeable about two days after infection with the herpes virus. Your cat’s airways and eyes are affected. First, the nasal mucous membranes are affected until the herpes infection reaches the upper respiratory tract via the pharynx and often also attacks the conjunctiva of the eyelids.
Your cat will sneeze after herpes infection and purulent mucus may come out of her nose. The kitty then finds it difficult to breathe – just like people do when they have a cold. In addition, affected cats can get conjunctivitis. After the symptoms have subsided about two weeks later, the virus usually stays in the cat’s body. However, it is dormant so that the kitty can lead a normal life. However, stress and other immune-depleting events can trigger a new flare-up of the disease.
Possible Complications
If the conjunctivitis is not treated in time, the cat can go blind. Occasionally, a herpes infection also spreads to the oral cavity, tongue, trachea, and lungs and can lead to severe inflammation with fever. If a bacterial infection is added to herpes, the inflammation is aggravated and painful blisters and sores form in the mouth.
Prevent Herpes Infection: Is That Possible?
Young kittens, in particular, should be vaccinated against herpes infection and later have the vaccination boosted annually. If you also observe the basic rules for a healthy cat and a few tips for the mental health of your kitty, you can also strengthen your cuddly tiger’s immune system. In this way, the velvet paw is better protected against infections. If your cat has contracted the virus despite everything, you can ensure that your furry friend does not suffer from flare-ups too often by adopting a healthy lifestyle.