Feline Herpes Virus (FHV-1) in Kittens

Marwood Maine Coons
3 days ago
2 min read

When you bring home a new kitten, you want to make sure they stay happy and healthy. One thing many cats carry is something called feline herpes virus or FHV-1. It sounds scary, but don’t worry—this virus is very common and usually not serious.

What Is FHV-1?

Feline Herpes Virus in Kittens causes cold-like symptoms. Think of it like a kitty cold. Cats with FHV-1 may sneeze, have watery eyes, or a stuffy nose. Just like people with cold sores, cats carry this virus for life, but it only shows up once in a while—usually when they are stressed.

How Do Cats Get It?

Most cats get it as kittens from their mother or other cats. About 90% of cats carry the virus! But most of the time, it stays asleep in their body and doesn’t cause problems.

What Triggers a Flare-Up?

A flare-up can happen when your kitten is stressed. Some things that might stress a cat include:

Moving to a new home
A trip to the vet
Changes in routine or weather
A new pet in the house

When this happens, you might notice your kitten sneezing or getting goopy eyes. This is normal and usually goes away in 7 to 10 days.

What Should I Do?

Most of the time, you can care for your kitten at home. Here’s how to help:

Keep your kitten warm and calm
Use a humidifier or steamy bathroom for stuffy noses
Wipe their eyes gently with a soft, damp cloth
Make sure they keep eating and drinking
Wet food is easier when they’re congested
You can use a special ointment from the pet store if their eyes are goopy

And remember: you can always take your kitten to the vet, even for mild symptoms, just to be sure everything is okay.

Maine Coon kittens sitting on a furry blanket.

Is It Dangerous?

Not usually. In healthy cats, FHV-1 is like a small cold. Some kittens or sick cats might get eye ulcers or breathing trouble, but that’s rare. With good care, your kitten will be just fine.

Can It Be Cured?

No, there is no cure. But that’s okay! Most cats live long, happy lives and only get sick once in a while. Some owners give their cats a daily lysine supplement to help their immune system and reduce flare-ups.

Can It Spread?

Yes—but only to other cats. It can’t spread to humans or dogs. If you have more than one cat, it’s a good idea to keep them apart during a flare-up and wash your hands after touching them.

Should I Worry?

No! This is nothing to panic about. FHV-1 is a part of life for many cats. With love, care, and good food, your kitten will be just fine.

Enjoy your time with your new fluffy friend—they’re lucky to have you!