What It Is:
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, or FVR, is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection in cats caused by feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1). It is one of the most common and significant respiratory diseases in cats and is a major component of feline upper respiratory disease complex.
FVR affects the nose, throat, eyes, and sinuses, often leading to sneezing, nasal discharge, and eye inflammation. Once infected, most cats become lifelong carriers of the virus.
🐾 Common Symptoms
Symptoms of FVR usually appear two to five days after exposure and may include:
- Sneezing fits
- Nasal congestion or discharge
- Watery or goopy eyes
- Squinting or conjunctivitis
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling or mouth breathing in severe cases
- Corneal ulcers in some cats
In kittens and immunocompromised cats, symptoms can be severe and long lasting.
🦠 Causes and Transmission
FVR is caused by feline herpesvirus type 1, which is highly contagious between cats. It spreads through:
- Nasal and eye secretions
- Sneezing or grooming
- Shared food bowls, litter boxes, or bedding
The virus can survive only briefly outside the host, but close contact spreads it quickly.
Once a cat is infected, the virus becomes latent in the body and may reactivate during stress or illness, even years later.
🔍 Diagnosis
FVR is typically diagnosed based on clinical signs and history. In multi-cat environments, symptoms may spread rapidly.
Veterinary diagnostics may include:
- Physical exam focusing on the nose, eyes, and throat
- PCR testing to detect viral DNA from swabs of the eyes or nose
- Fluorescent staining to check for corneal ulcers
- Chest X rays if pneumonia or lower respiratory involvement is suspected
Because FVR often occurs with other infections, your vet may also test for calicivirus, Bordetella, or Mycoplasma.
💊 Treatment
There is no cure for the herpesvirus itself, so treatment focuses on supportive care and managing symptoms.
Common treatments include:
- Antiviral medications such as famciclovir
- Eye drops for conjunctivitis or ulcers
- Nasal decongestants or saline drops
- Appetite stimulants if the cat stops eating
- Fluids and nutritional support
- Antibiotics if secondary bacterial infections are present
- Humidifiers or steam therapy to ease congestion
Mild cases often improve within one to two weeks, though flare ups may occur throughout the cat’s life.
🩺 Prognosis
Most cats recover from acute infections with proper care:
- Kittens and elderly cats may experience complications
- Ocular damage such as scarring or chronic discharge may persist
- Once infected, cats may have recurrent flare ups, especially during stress or illness
- Carriers can shed the virus during reactivation, even without symptoms
Management focuses on reducing the severity and frequency of flare ups.
💡 Cat Owner Note
If your cat has watery eyes, sneezing fits, or seems stuffed up, FVR might be the culprit. It is common, contagious, and often lifelong, but with a little care and some help from your vet, most cats live comfortably with it. Vaccination, stress reduction, and early treatment make a big difference.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
Is FVR the same as feline herpes?
Yes. FVR is caused by feline herpesvirus type 1.
Can cats recover from FVR?
Yes. Most cats recover from the initial illness, but the virus remains in the body and may reactivate later.
Is FVR contagious to humans or dogs?
No. FVR is only contagious to other cats.
How can I prevent FVR in my cat?
Vaccination is the best protection. The FVRCP vaccine includes protection against FVR.
Can indoor cats get FVR?
Yes. Indoor cats can be exposed through contact with people, other pets, or contaminated items.
What triggers a flare up of FVR?
Stress, illness, travel, or immune suppression can reactivate the virus in carrier cats.