Yes, feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is highly contagious—but only among cats. It cannot be transmitted to humans or other animal species.
Here’s a deeper look at how it spreads and what to watch for:
🐾 How Feline Herpesvirus Spreads
- Direct contact: Cats can catch the virus through saliva, nasal secretions, or eye discharge from an infected cat.
- Shared environments: Multi-cat households, shelters, and catteries are high-risk areas due to close quarters and shared food bowls or litter boxes.
- Mother to kitten: Infected mothers can pass the virus to their kittens during grooming or nursing.
🩺 Symptoms of Infection
- Respiratory signs: Sneezing, nasal discharge, and coughing
- Eye issues: Conjunctivitis, eye discharge, and pink eye
- General discomfort: Drooling, fever, and lethargy
🧬 Lifelong Presence
- Once infected, a cat may carry the virus for life. It often lies dormant and can reactivate during periods of stress or illness.
🚫 Not Contagious to Humans
- Feline herpesvirus is species-specific. It does not pose a risk to humans or other animals like dogs.
If you’re caring for multiple cats or introducing a new one to your home, it’s wise to isolate any cat showing symptoms and consult a vet for testing and treatment.
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