Respiratory and eye signs
Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is an important cause of respiratory infection in cats. It can cause sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, conjunctivitis and corneal lesions. It spreads between cats through contact with secretions and contaminated materials.
After infection, the virus can remain latent and reactivate later. A respiratory episode therefore does not necessarily mean a recent exposure. Different infections can cause similar signs, and assessment helps determine what to investigate.
What the feline combination vaccine does
The feline combination vaccine protects against FHV-1, calicivirus and panleukopenia. For herpesvirus, it helps reduce disease severity but does not guarantee that every infection or reactivation will be prevented. A vaccinated cat with symptoms still needs assessment.
For difficulty breathing, seek immediate veterinary care. If your cat stops eating or has eye pain, seek advice promptly. Do not use eye drops or medicines without veterinary direction.
Organise your cat’s history
When arranging an appointment, say which cat is affected and whether the request concerns current symptoms or a preventive review. Have vaccination records and previous reports ready, especially if you have consulted more than one provider.
You can prepare a brief timeline and keep each animal’s documents separate. During the consultation, ask what information is missing and how follow-up will be arranged. Reviewing the record helps distinguish documented vaccines from those remembered verbally.
An appointment-based visit
Reinavet confirms availability before scheduling. WhatsApp is used to arrange consultations; it is not an emergency service and does not guarantee an immediate response. If there is a current problem, mention it in your first message.
Continue reading
Learn about the feline combination vaccine and read the feline calicivirus guide. FeLV vaccination is a separate option.
Source
Cornell Feline Health Center: Respiratory Infections. Accessed 20 October 2026. Educational information; it does not replace a veterinary assessment.