Feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus)
Also known as Cat flu, Feline herpesvirus type 1, FHV-1.
The most common cause of a “cold” in cats. The herpesvirus causes sneezing, nasal discharge and conjunctivitis, and stays dormant for life: it can flare up again with stress.
If your cat has not eaten for more than 24 hours, is breathing with its mouth open or is a kitten, see the vet.
- System
- Infectious diseases
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- Yes
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Consultation and treatment of a flare-up, €60–150; PCR, €50–90.
Contagious between cats. It does not affect people or dogs.
Symptoms
- Bouts of sneezing
- Nasal and eye discharge, clear at first and then thick
- Red, swollen or half-closed eyes
- Fever and listlessness
- Stops eating because it cannot smell its food
- Corneal ulcers
Causes
Feline herpesvirus type 1, spread by direct contact, sneezing and shared objects. Almost every cat from a colony or shelter has had it.
How it is diagnosed
An examination is usually enough. In unclear or chronic cases, PCR on an eye or throat swab and a corneal stain.
Treatment
Supportive care: cleaning the eyes and nose, steam or nebulisation, and warmed wet food with a strong smell. The vet may prescribe antivirals, eye drops and antibiotics if there is a secondary bacterial infection.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Good in adults; delicate in kittens and immunosuppressed cats. Many remain carriers with mild flare-ups when they are stressed.
Prevention
Core vaccination: it does not stop infection, but it makes the illness much milder. Keep stress down during house moves, trips and the arrival of new cats.
Breeds at higher risk
It is described more often in these breeds. That does not mean all of their cats will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
Frequently asked questions
Is feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus) contagious?
To other cats: yes. To people: no. Contagious between cats. It does not affect people or dogs.
Can feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus) be cured?
Good in adults; delicate in kittens and immunosuppressed cats. Many remain carriers with mild flare-ups when they are stressed. Supportive care: cleaning the eyes and nose, steam or nebulisation, and warmed wet food with a strong smell. The vet may prescribe antivirals, eye drops and antibiotics if there is a secondary bacterial infection.
How much does it cost to treat feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus)?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Consultation and treatment of a flare-up, €60–150; PCR, €50–90. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
Which breeds are most at risk?
It is described more often in Persian, Exotic Shorthair and Himalayan. That does not mean every cat of those breeds will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
More in infectious diseases
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.