What Cat Breeders Need to Know About Feline Herpes Virus (FHV-1)

If you're a breeder and your kittens suddenly start sneezing, or if new kitten owners call concerned about watery eyes, Feline Herpes Virus (FHV-1) might be the reason.

It’s one of the most common respiratory viruses in cats — and it’s something most breeders will deal with at some point.

🐱 What Is Feline Herpes Virus?

FHV-1 is a highly contagious virus that affects the upper respiratory tract. It’s part of the feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) complex and can cause symptoms like:

• Sneezing

• Runny nose or eyes

• Eye ulcers

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

In kittens, it can look dramatic. In queens, it may appear after stress (like shows, moving house, or giving birth). And in breeding catteries, it tends to stick around — lying dormant until triggered again.

😿 Why Breeders Should Take It Seriously

The tricky part about FHV-1 is that once a cat has been infected, the virus never truly leaves their body. It goes into hiding (latency) and can reactivate during stressful times — like rehoming, desexing, or even a change in the weather.

That’s why breeders often see FHV-1 pop up:

• Right after kittens go to their new homes

• In cats brought into the cattery from elsewhere

• In queens during pregnancy or lactation

If you’re not prepared, it can lead to vet visits, worried kitten owners, and emotional stress for you as the breeder.

✅ How I Manage FHV-1 in My Own Cattery

After 20+ years of breeding British Shorthairs, I’ve seen just about every version of this virus. What made the biggest difference was having a repeatable plan in place to deal with outbreaks and prevent unnecessary spread.

That’s why I created a practical, no-fluff Feline Herpes Virus Toolkit for Cat Breeders. It’s the exact system I use when:

• A kitten starts sneezing

• I need to communicate clearly with a new kitten owner

• A cat comes in from another breeder or country

• I want to reduce stress-induced flare-ups

📦 What’s In the Toolkit?

It includes:

• Downloadable handouts you can give to kitten owners

• A cattery-specific outbreak checklist

• A masterclass on managing herpes and understanding vaccination

• My exact protocols for prevention and communication

It's designed by a breeder, for breeders, and is especially helpful if you’ve ever felt unsure about what to do or say when the sneezing starts.

💬 Final Thoughts

FHV-1 is common — but it doesn’t have to control your breeding program. With the right tools and confidence, you can navigate outbreaks with calm and professionalism.

👉 Click here to learn more about my Feline Herpes Virus Toolkit for Breeders

Or feel free to message me if you’ve got questions about managing herpes in your own cattery.

You’re not alone in this. And you can handle it.