Cat Herpes Virus: The Link to Feline Rhinotracheitis

Feline Herpesvirus: The Leading Cause of Feline Rhinotracheitis

1. The Feline Herpesvirus

The feline herpesvirus is often the primary culprit behind feline rhinotracheitis, a common ailment in cats. In many multicat environments, such as shelters and rescue centers, over 90% of cases of feline rhinotracheitis are caused by the herpesvirus. A simple test can detect the presence of the feline herpesvirus.

How is the feline herpesvirus transmitted?

Primarily, through direct contact with an infected cat. Secondly, kittens can contract it from their mothers during nursing. Most viral transmission occurs during the early stages of kittenhood. Additionally, exposure to the sneezes of infected cats and, finally, human contact can lead to the spread of the virus, as the hands and clothing of individuals who handle sick cats can carry the virus.

How can we prevent and eliminate the herpesvirus?

The most effective way to prevent the feline herpesvirus is through vaccination, although vaccinated cats are not guaranteed protection. Some kittens may have been exposed to the virus before vaccination, rendering the vaccine less effective.

How do we eliminate the herpesvirus from the environment?

The herpesvirus can survive in the environment for up to 24 hours. To kill the virus, you can dilute bleach at a ratio of 1:32 or spray 75% ethanol.

2. Feline Calicivirus

While less commonly known, feline calicivirus is a more severe threat than the herpesvirus. It is characterized by its high infection, incidence, and mortality rates.

The most apparent symptoms in cats with calicivirus are oral inflammation and arthritis. Chronic infections may also lead to recurrent sneezing, nasal discharge, and tears.

How is the calicivirus transmitted?

Direct contact, including through saliva and feces, is the primary mode of transmission. Fleas can also carry the virus, and environmental exposure through the use of contaminated food bowls and litter boxes is another route.

How can we prevent and eliminate the calicivirus?

Like the herpesvirus, vaccination can prevent but not completely eliminate the risk. Exposure to the virus before vaccination may render the vaccine ineffective.

The calicivirus can survive in the environment for up to 28 days, demonstrating its resilience. To eliminate the virus, you can dilute bleach at a ratio of 1:32, spray 75% ethanol, or use a 1:30 solution of 84消毒液.

3. Chlamydia felis

Chlamydia felis primarily affects a cat's eyes, leading to increased eye discharge, redness, and inflammation.

Chlamydia does not survive long in the environment, typically only about 5 hours. Most infections occur through direct contact with an infected cat or by touching the cat's eyes or nose secretions.

How can we prevent and eliminate Chlamydia felis?

Prevention involves avoiding direct contact and using bleach diluted at a ratio of 1:32 or 70% ethanol to kill the virus.

4. Mycoplasma felis

The most noticeable symptom of Mycoplasma felis infection is anemia, along with eye infections. Most cases of Mycoplasma felis infection occur concurrently with feline herpesvirus, with isolated infections being less common.

How is Mycoplasma felis transmitted?

It is generally transmitted by arthropods such as fleas and mosquitoes, or from a mother cat to her kittens.

5. Bordetella bronchiseptica

Bordetella bronchiseptica is known for causing coughing in cats, in addition to other typical symptoms of feline rhinotracheitis. The likelihood of cats contracting Bordetella bronchiseptica is relatively low, and cat owners can use coughing as a diagnostic indicator, excluding other factors.