Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), caused by feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), is the most common cause of upper respiratory infection (URI) in cats. Once infected, cats carry the virus for life — with recurrent flares triggered by stress — but most cats can be managed well with supportive care and antiviral therapy.
Last reviewed: June 2026
What Is Feline Rhinotracheitis?
Feline rhinotracheitis is caused by feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), a highly contagious pathogen transmitted through direct contact with nasal, ocular, or oral secretions. Up to 97% of cats are exposed during their lifetime, and approximately 80% of infected cats become latent carriers, as cited in Helps et al., 2005, JFMS. The virus establishes lifelong latency in the trigeminal ganglia; reactivation occurs during periods of stress, illness, or corticosteroid administration. As described in Ettinger's Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, FHV-1 is responsible for up to 45–50% of all upper respiratory infections in multi-cat environments and shelters.
Signs of Feline Rhinotracheitis
Typical signs:
- Sneezing — often violent and frequent
- Clear to yellow-green nasal discharge
- Eye discharge — watery initially, progressing to thick and purulent
- Conjunctivitis — red, swollen conjunctiva (eye lining)
- Corneal ulcers — FHV-1 is the primary cause of corneal ulcers in cats
- Fever (103–106°F)
- Lethargy and reduced appetite
Severe or chronic signs:
- Chronic nasal discharge lasting months — post-URI rhinitis or sinusitis
- Corneal scarring leading to permanent vision impairment
- Facial skin ulcers (in severe neonatal infection)
- Eosinophilic keratitis — an immune-mediated corneal reaction to chronic FHV-1
- Kittens and immunocompromised cats may develop pneumonia
Treatment
Most mild URI cases resolve with supportive care: L-lysine supplementation (evidence mixed but widely used), saline nasal flushing, keeping the nose and eyes clean of discharge, encouraging eating (warming food, offering strong-smelling options), humidifier use, and maintaining hydration. As recommended by the AAFP-AAHA Feline Life Stage Guidelines, 2021, FHV-1 vaccination (part of the core FVRCP vaccine) reduces severity significantly but does not prevent latent infection.
Antiviral therapy with famciclovir (40 mg/kg every 8–12 hours) is the most effective oral antiviral for FHV-1 in cats — substantially reducing viral shedding and symptom duration. Topical antivirals (cidofovir 0.5% ophthalmic solution) are used for corneal ulcers. Bacterial secondary infections (typically with Bordetella, Chlamydophila, or Mycoplasma) are treated with doxycycline.
Treatment Costs
Veterinary exam plus diagnostics: $100–250. Famciclovir (antiviral) course: $80–200. Topical eye medications: $40–120. For cats with corneal ulcers requiring specialist evaluation, an ophthalmology consult adds $200–500. Chronic rhinitis management may involve nasal endoscopy or CT: $600–1,500.
When to See a Vet
Call your vet today if:
- Nasal or eye discharge persists more than 5–7 days
- Cat stops eating for more than 24 hours
- Discharge is yellow-green or there is eye cloudiness
- Young kitten under 8 weeks is showing any respiratory signs
Go to the ER immediately if:
- Cat is breathing with mouth open or gasping
- Gums are pale or blue
- Kitten is not nursing and showing lethargy
- Breathing rate exceeds 40 breaths per minute at rest
What's going on with your pet?
Describe symptoms or snap a photo. Voyage tells you urgency, home care, and whether you need a vet.
First, tell us about your pet
Breed and age make a real difference in how Voyage interprets symptoms.
Describe the symptoms
Love it? See everything Voyage can do
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats recover from rhinotracheitis completely? The herpesvirus causing rhinotracheitis never fully leaves the body — it establishes lifelong latency. However, most cats live normal lives with only occasional mild flares. Reducing stress, keeping vaccinations current, and treating flares promptly keeps the disease well-controlled in most cats.
Is feline rhinotracheitis contagious to other cats? Yes, highly contagious through direct contact and shared environment. The virus can survive a few hours on surfaces at room temperature. Infected cats should be isolated during active flares, and new cats should be quarantined before introduction to a resident cat population.
How much does treating cat rhinotracheitis cost? Mild cases treated at home with supportive care may cost nothing beyond a vet visit ($100–250). Antiviral therapy (famciclovir) adds $80–200 per course. Cats with corneal ulcers or secondary pneumonia may require $500–2,000+ in treatment, including specialist care.
Can my cat get rhinotracheitis even though it's vaccinated? The FVRCP vaccine significantly reduces disease severity but does not prevent infection entirely. Vaccinated cats can still develop mild rhinotracheitis flares, especially during stress. Core vaccination is still strongly recommended because it dramatically reduces the risk of severe disease, pneumonia, and corneal complications.
What triggers flares of feline herpesvirus? Common triggers include moving homes, introducing new pets, boarding, illness, surgery, or any significant stressor. Cats may also flare spontaneously. Managing stress — consistent routines, Feliway pheromone diffusers, safe hiding spots — can reduce flare frequency.
Still Not Sure if Your Cat Needs a Vet?
When you're not sure if this is wait-and-see or call-tonight, Voyage AI Vet triages in under 2 minutes. Describe what you're seeing in chat, share photos of your cat's eye or nasal discharge, or hop on a live video call if you want a second pair of eyes. Every answer comes with citations to the actual veterinary literature it's pulling from — so you see exactly where the guidance comes from, not just a chatbot's word.