Is Cat Herpes Contagious to Humans?

You might have heard about cat herpes and are wondering, “Is cat herpes contagious to humans?” Well, you’ve come to the right place.

At pawsadviser.com, we’re committed to providing you with accurate and valuable information to help you take the best care of your pets. Let’s dive into the topic and put your worries to rest. 🐱

What is Feline Herpes Virus?

Feline herpes virus, also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis, is a common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. It can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, lung inflammation, and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eye, especially the lining of the eyelids and the third eyelid).

Interestingly, about 98% of cats, including wild cats, have feline herpes virus type one. So, if your cat has been diagnosed with this, don’t panic. It’s quite common.

Is Cat Herpes Contagious to Humans?

The short answer is no. Feline herpes virus is not contagious to humans. This is often the first question pet owners ask when their cat is diagnosed with this virus. So, you can breathe a sigh of relief. You won’t get this from your cat. 😌

What Causes a Feline Herpes Virus Flare-Up?

Stress is the number one cause of a herpes virus flare-up in cats. This could be due to a new home, construction workers in the house, or even a new person in the house. Yes, your cat might not like your new girlfriend and get a herpes flare-up just because of it!

Prognosis for Cats with Feline Herpes Virus

The prognosis for cats with feline herpes virus is generally good. They usually don’t die if they’re treated by a veterinarian and their infections don’t get severe. The worst-case scenario is a severe upper respiratory tract infection, wheezing, or pneumonia if left untreated.

For kittens, untreated herpes virus can lead to severe eye infections, which can result in the loss of an eye. You might have seen cats with one eye on the internet, and this is most likely due to herpes virus.

However, with proper treatment, cats with feline herpes can live up to 20 years old.

Treatment for Feline Herpes Virus

There are several treatments available for feline herpes virus. These include antibiotic eye drops, antiviral eye drops, and antiviral pills.

To manage stress, which can trigger flare-ups, medications like Gabapentin can be used. There are also feline calming agents like collars or pheromone diffusers that you can plug into the wall.

Lysine, an antiviral supplement, can be used to shorten the duration of a flare-up. It can also be used on a regular basis to prevent flare-ups.

It’s important to note that antibiotics are typically not used for treating herpes virus in cats, as it is a virus and viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics are only used if the cat is feeling very poorly and there’s a concern about opportunistic pathogens causing issues while the immune system is dealing with the virus.

How Do Cats Get Herpes Virus?

Feline herpes virus is easily spread through salivary secretions, sneezing, grooming each other, and even sharing bowls or objects. It’s so common that almost all cats have it.

Conclusion

While feline herpes virus is common among cats, it’s not contagious to humans. With proper care and treatment, cats with this virus can live long and healthy lives.

Remember, if your cat is showing symptoms like sneezing, a watery eye, or seems lethargic, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and ensure your cat stays healthy.

For more information on cat health, check out our other articles such as why my cat has watery eyes and do i need to visit a vet and what shots are needed for cats everything you need to know about cat vaccines.

Stay tuned to pawsadviser.com for more pet health tips and advice.