Most adults know that herpes is a virus that people can acquire, but may not realize that their pet cat can also get a version of this condition. Feline herpes affects many cats and is spread when a cat with the virus comes into close contact with a cat that doesn't have it. This type of herpes can vary in severity based on your cat's overall health and age. It's a good idea to be aware of the signs that can indicate the presence of feline herpes in your cat, as this can prompt you to make an appointment at the local animal clinic. Here are some warning signs of feline herpes.
Eye Discharge
One of the most common warning signs that your cat could have feline herpes is a significant amount of discharge from the pet's eyes. While there are various other health issues that can result in eye discharge, this change in the appearance of your cat's face should always prompt you to seek veterinary help. The discharge can often be thick and yellow in color; it will often be more evident on the face of a cat that has white fur rather than black fur, simply because of how the yellow color will stand out.
Nasal Issues
Feline herpes can also cause a variety of nasal issues for your pet, any of which should be enough to alert you to something not being right with the cat's health. If your cat has this condition, it may have a runny nose. You might also be aware of the nose being partially blocked, which can make it possible to hear your cat breathing. If you have a child who has had a cold and loudly struggled to breathe through a stuffy nose, the sound of a cat with feline herpes breathing can be somewhat similar.
Decreased Appetite
When your cat is battling feline herpes, it will often have less of an appetite than usual. This change in behavior can manifest in certain ways. In extreme cases, the cat may completely ignore it when you put its food down. In other cases, the cat might eat a portion of the food but not empty its dish. Many cats have strong appetites, so it will often stand out if your cat is disinterested in eating. If you suspect that your cat could have the feline herpes virus, visit your veterinary clinic.
For more info, contact a local veterinarian.
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