Is Herpes A Lifelong Disease In Cats? Steps to treating herpes in cats.

BY | December 07 | COMMENTS PUBLISHED BY
Is Herpes A Lifelong Disease In Cats?

Cats can contract the virus known as herpes. Although it's not harmful, your cat could find it uncomfortable and bothersome. Cats can contract herpes from other cats by coming into close contact with them.

Herpes is a common virus that cats can get. It's not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable and annoying for your cat. Herpes is passed from cat to cat through direct contact with another infected animal. The most common symptom is discharge from the eyes and nose, but other signs include eye redness, sneezing, and a runny nose.

While there's no cure for herpes in cats, this disease can usually be managed with pet medication and care. Vaccination against feline herpesvirus (FHV) will also help prevent outbreaks from occurring in the first place!

Herpes Virus Is A Lifelong Disease In Cats

Herpes is a lifelong disease in cats. The herpes virus affects feline species and can be transmitted through body contact or common pet supplies. In most cases, the cat will suffer from mild symptoms that can last up to 3 weeks, but if the cat has been previously exposed to the herpes virus (or if you have other cats), it is possible for them to develop severe symptoms such as fever, eye infections, and painful urination.

When your vet diagnoses your cat with herpes, he/she will prescribe pet medicines that can help with symptoms and prevent further infections from occurring. However, there is no cure for herpes in cats at the moment, so make sure you keep your pet isolated from other animals during this period.

There Is No Cure For The Herpes Virus

The good news is that herpes is not a life-threatening disease. It is just annoying and can be uncomfortable for your cat. The bad news is that there is no cure for the herpes virus. Once a cat has been infected by the virus, it stays in its body forever. The virus lives in nerve cells and can remain inactive for years before becoming active again.

When cats periodically get outbreaks of cold sores on their faces or genitals, it means that their immune systems have lost control over the virus. When this happens, antiviral pet medications can help prevent an outbreak from getting worse and make sure that new kittens are not exposed to active herpes viruses when they’re born (kittens may become infected during birth). 

If you have a pregnant cat who has had previous outbreaks of cold sores on her face or genitals, ask your veterinarian about giving her daily doses of acyclovir around the time she gives birth to reduce chances of transmitting this infection to her kittens through contact during delivery when they come into contact with these areas.

Most Cats Can Fight Herpes For 10 Days Of Infection

Most cats are able to fight off the herpes virus on their own within 10 days of infection. They can develop lifelong immunity against the virus. The length of time your cat recovers depends on how sick he is and how well he can fight off the virus. If he is weak or young, it may take longer for his body to bounce back from whatever effects the virus has had on him.

Antiviral Drugs Are Recommended 

If your cat is showing signs of herpes, your vet may recommend antiviral drugs. These pet meds are not a cure for the disease but can reduce symptoms and shorten the length of time that cats have it. Antiviral drugs are only effective within 10 days after infection with herpes virus, so they are only recommended for cats who still have active symptoms.

Antivirals and antibiotics for cats are not recommended for cats with a weakened immune system or with other illnesses affecting their liver function. Your vet will advise you on whether antivirals would suit your cat based on its condition and overall health profile.

Conclusion


If your cat is showing signs of herpes, like discharge from the eyes and nose, you should take him to the vet immediately to avoid dehydration and other complications. If your cat has already been diagnosed with herpes, make sure to keep him safe from stress and exposure to other cats, so his immune system doesn't get compromised.

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