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Olive is a spunky 7-year-old diabetic cat. With a mischievous personality, she’s quickly become a favorite amongst the staff at CCS. If you adopt Olive, we assure you there will never be a dull day in your household again! View her profile to learn more.
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Upcoming Events
Cats on Mats – Shelter Yoga
Free Seminar: Helping Cats Live Together
“Fore the Felines” TopGolf and Silent Auction
Free Seminar: Successful Cat Introductions
Art from the Heart: Online Art Auction
- Ends February 28, 2026
Free Seminar: The Benefits of Play
Colorado Gives Day
Santa Paws
Cat Fest Colorado
Free Seminar: Clicker Training Your Cats
Cat Takeover at New Terrain Brewing Co.
Tails of the Painted Cats
Duet Drag Show Benefitting Cat Care Society
Free Seminar: Estate Planning with Your Pets in Mind
Oktobermeow at Wild Sky Brewery
Free Seminar: Keeping Senior Cats Healthy
National Nonprofit Day
Adoption Event & Thrift Shop: Clear the Shelters
Free Seminar: Resolving Litter Box Issues
CCS at Denver PrideFest
- Ends June 29, 2025
The Whisker Whisper Blog
Reducing Barriers to Cat Adoption: Why We Embraced Open Adoptions
Cat adoption should be an easy win—pairing cats in need with people ready to love them. However, outdated barriers in the adoption process, such as home inspections, background checks, landlord checks, and even interviews with the entire family (including other pets!) can delay or derail those connections. A growing body of research and best practice models, including the Adopters Welcome Manual from The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, shows that these adoption hurdles do not significantly reduce the rates of returned animals or failed adoptions. In fact, embracing open adoptions, which are free from complex and often arduous adoption requirements, is a win-win-win, because it increases adopter inclusion, alleviates strain on shelter resources, and ultimately helps more cats find the loving homes they deserve.
Over the past three years, Cat Care Society has moved to open adoption policies and procedures with encouraging results. These changes have allowed us to remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining high standards of care and support for both cats and adopters.
The Myth of the “Perfect” Adopter
It’s understandable that shelters want to make sure that cats are placed in safe and loving homes. However, well-meaning animal shelters and rescues often rely on a set of elaborate procedures designed to identify the “perfect” home. This creates a lengthy and complex adoption process which feels like a judgmental interrogation, ultimately turning off potential adopters. According to the Best Friends Adoption Barrier Study, top barriers to adopting include a long approval process, rejected applications due to type of home or hours worked, and strict rules and requirements deemed too intrusive or invasive.
Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Animal Welfare Science found that strict and elaborate screening is not correlated with lower return rates. Instead, these practices unintentionally create obstacles for well-meaning adopters, often disproportionately affecting people who are already marginalized or underserved, including renters, young people, and individuals with lower incomes and/or non-traditional lifestyles. The Million Cat Challenge, a joint project of two of the most widely-recognized shelter medicine programs in the world, emphasizes that the strict adoption barriers push people to obtain cats elsewhere, such as from acquaintances, friends, or Craigslist where paperwork and screening are not required. This can lead to problems such as the cat being a poor match for the home due to a lack of behavioral records, as well as potential health concerns as the cat may not have received essential vaccinations or been spayed or neutered.
The Reality: Open Adoptions Get More Cats Into Loving Homes
The Million Cat Challenge initiative promotes open adoptions and emphasizes the importance of “conversations designed to help anyone walking into the shelter feel respected and anyone walking out to be more educated and hopefully with a pet they love.”
Based on a recent national survey, 58% of potential cat owners prefer shelters, and 45% prefer rescues, yet only 24% adopted from a shelter and even fewer (13%) adopted from a rescue. People want to adopt from shelters; we should let them! By making the process less intimidating, shelters can connect with more people and position themselves as a trusted resource for support and guidance should issues arise after adoption to help reduce returns and rehoming. Increasing adoptions from shelters can also have a greater long-term impact. By eliminating barriers, “the shelter can place a cat who has been neutered and vaccinated and comes with cat care education and future support, possibly leading to a reduction in shelter cat intake in the future.”
The Positive Effects of Reducing Barriers
Increased Adopter Inclusion
Restrictive adoption policies often exclude capable pet parents. As noted by the Human Animal Support Services report, complex and discouraging adoption policies favor a narrow adopter profile, leaving many loving homes overlooked. Reducing unnecessary barriers allows shelters to reach a broader, more diverse group of adopters and increase successful adoptions.
Alleviated Strain on Shelter Staff and Resources
In the SAC Adoption Pulse Check survey, it was revealed that shelters are often overwhelmed with processing adoption applications, particularly when complex or unnecessary barriers are in place. Simplifying the process not only speeds up the time it takes for animals to find homes but also gives staff more time to address other critical needs, such as new intake, animal care, community outreach, and adopter education.
Improved Success Rates for Adoptions
As noted earlier in this article, successful adoptions are less about strict screening processes and more about providing adopters with support, information, and education. Additionally, research increasingly shows that open adoption practices do not compromise long-term placement success. An article from The Association for Animal Welfare Management highlighted a study that looked at pet return rates at 1,400 organizations ranging from small rescues to large government animal control organizations from 2010-2019 and found no statistical difference or change in return rate even as some of those organizations shifted to open adoptions during that timeframe. Removing adoption barriers places more cats in loving homes and reduces strain on shelters leading to positive outcomes for all.
Cat Care Society’s Approach
At Cat Care Society (CCS), we didn’t just read the research, we acted on it. Over the last three years, we have intentionally removed restrictive adoption barriers which has allowed us to help more cats than ever before.
The results of these changes are clear. By comparing our data from Fiscal Year 2022 to Fiscal Year 2025, the impact of our open adoption process is undeniable:
- Faster Placements: The average time a cat spends in our care has significantly decreased from 58 days down to just 32.
- While streamlining the adoption process has contributed to this improvement, we have also strengthened our internal processes by clearly defining when an animal is medically and behaviorally ready for adoption and improving communication around each individual cat’s needs. This ensures adopters feel informed and confident in the commitment they are making, without compromising care.
- Increased Intake: Because cats are finding homes faster, we’ve been able to take in more cats. Our annual intake grew from 716 to 1,280 cats.
- Decreased return rate: Our return rate in FY22 was 6.3% and in FY25 it was down to 3.3%.
- This is a result of focusing on making it easier for the right people to find the right cat, which we’ve done by improving our initial postings to better reflect each cat’s behavior, medical needs, and preferences, and by educating adopters on how to care for their unique cat before they go home.
- More Families Made: Our total adoptions have climbed steadily year-over-year as a result of our open adoption policies and increased intake, rising from 743 to 1,105.
These increased adoptions have helped us connect with more community members and grow the Cat Care Society family and our impact, for which we are extremely grateful. Reducing barriers to adoption is essential, and our staff, volunteers, donors, and foster caregivers have helped make this impact possible. Their support ensures that as we grow, we continue to provide the high-quality care and education that makes these placements successful for the long haul.
Conclusion
Simplifying the cat adoption process is not just a good idea, it’s critical for the health and well-being of both the cats and the people who want to adopt them. Research consistently shows that elaborate adoption processes do not significantly reduce cat return rates, and in some cases, they can discourage potential adopters. By focusing on inclusion, trust, and education we can ensure that every cat has the best possible chance at finding a home.
Feline Herpes (FHV-1): Demystifying Myths and What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever browsed cat adoption profiles and come across the phrase “feline herpes positive,” you might hesitate at first. It sounds intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of knowledge and some extra loving care, cats with FHV-1 can live happy and healthy lives just like any other cat. In this article, you’ll learn what feline herpes is, what can trigger flare-ups, and how simple, informed care can make adopting an FHV-1 cat a deeply rewarding experience.
What is feline herpes and how is it spread?
Because of its latency and potential reactivation, FHV‑1 is often misinterpreted as a chronic disease—but it behaves more like a “flareable” virus than a constantly debilitating one.
Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV‑1), also called feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), is one of the most common viral infections in cats. Any cat can contract FHV-1, but younger cats are most often affected. FHV-1 can be spread through saliva as well as nasal and eye discharge, either directly from the cat or from a contaminated object like a toy or food dish. After initial exposure, the virus typically causes an upper respiratory and ocular infection (sneezing, nasal/eye discharge, conjunctivitis) lasting around 10–20 days in mild cases.
Even once the acute symptoms have resolved, the virus remains in a dormant state in nerve tissues for the cat’s life. The virus is most likely to reactivate if the cat experiences stress or an immune system challenge. When it reactivates, it causes a flare-up. Many cats experience very mild or even subclinical symptoms when a flare-up occurs.
FHV-1 vs. FIV vs. FeLV
It’s easy to confuse FHV‑1 with other feline viruses like FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) or FeLV (feline leukemia virus), but they’re quite different. FHV‑1 is a respiratory virus that causes flare-ups like sneezing and eye discharge, but doesn’t impact a cat’s immune system the way the other two do. FIV is an immune-compromising virus primarily spread through deep bite wounds, while FeLV is a retrovirus that can suppress immune function and is more easily spread through prolonged close contact like grooming or shared dishes. Each virus has its realities, but none are an automatic disqualifier for a loving, quality life.
Myth vs. Reality: Common Misconceptions About FHV-1
Myth 1: “Having FHV-1 means the cat will have a low quality of life that’s filled with constant illness and discomfort.”
Reality: Most cats recover from initial infection and go on to lead essentially normal lives. While younger kittens, immunocompromised cats, or those with other illnesses might experience a more severe disease, serious outcomes are relatively rare in otherwise healthy cats.
Myth 2: “A cat with FHV-1 will always be symptomatic.”
Reality: Many cats are asymptomatic carriers most of the time, with flare-ups only under stress (e.g. moving, travel, other illness). In fact, viral shedding (when the cat is contagious) is much more likely during active episodes; in dormancy, shedding is minimal or absent.
Myth 3: “Herpes in cats is like herpes in people and can spread to humans or dogs.”
Reality: FHV‑1 is species-specific; humans and dogs cannot contract feline herpes.
Myth 4: “You can cure FHV-1 completely.”
Reality: There is no cure for herpes in cats. The goal is managing symptoms, reducing flare frequency and severity, and supporting the cat’s overall health through good nutrition and enrichment.
Myth 5: “You can prevent FHV-1 completely.”
Reality: One of the core vaccines recommended for kittens and adult cats by the Feline Veterinary Medical Association is the FHV-1 vaccine. While this vaccine doesn’t completely eliminate the chances of the cat contracting FHV-1, it is highly effective at preventing severe illness, including symptom severity and duration, and it also helps limit the cat’s viral shedding and how contagious it is to other cats. This vaccine is often administered as part of a combination vaccine called FVRCP, which protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. All cats at Cat Care Society are given the FVRCP vaccine according to the recommended schedule.
As you can see, the reality is that cats with FHV-1 can still live long, happy lives with proper care, love, and a stable environment that supports their health and comfort.
Helpful Things to Know Before Adopting a Cat with FHV‑1
If a shelter informs you that a cat you’re interested in adopting has FHV-1, keep the following considerations and tips in mind to help your future feline friend thrive:
1. Review and discuss the cat’s medical records and history
At CCS, if a cat is suspected of having feline herpes, it will be noted in their medical records along with information about the virus. It’s also important to understand if the cat has any other co-existing conditions, like upper respiratory illness or eye concerns, that might complicate flare management. Understanding the individual cat’s history gives you a more accurate sense of what to expect so you can be prepared. You should also share this information with your veterinarian so they can create a treatment and management plan. In most cases, FHV-1 symptoms are non-life threatening and the cat will respond well to general supportive care.
2. Prepare for occasional flares
Be aware of the respiratory and ocular signs of a flare-up, such as sneezing, watery eyes, discharge, and corneal irritation or ulcers, especially in times of stress. During those times, vet support (antivirals, topical ocular medication, secondary infection treatment) plus extra care at home can often resolve symptoms.
3. Stress reduction is essential
Stress is one of the strongest triggers for viral reactivation. Strategies to help minimize stress include:
- Creating a calm, stable environment with hiding spots, vertical spaces, predictable routines
- Minimizing abrupt changes (moving, new pets, loud renovation)
- Using enrichment (puzzles, play, cuddles, and other activities your cat enjoys)
- Avoiding overcrowding or competition in a multi-cat home, e.g., make sure there are adequate litter boxes, feeding time is comfortable, and there’s a place for the cat to have alone time when needed
4. Supportive care—daily and during flares
Even when asymptomatic, certain practices, in addition to stress reduction, can reduce flare risk and flare severity:
- Keep vaccinations current (especially FVRCP).
- Maintain high nutrition and hydration.
- During a flare, provide extra comfort (warm, humid environment, nasal/ocular cleaning, appetite support), follow vet-prescribed medication instructions.
- If in a multi-cat household:
Adopting a Cat with Herpes Is a Worthy Decision
Many potential adopters hesitate when they see an FHV-1–positive cat, but choosing to adopt one and offering them a loving home can be truly life-changing—for both of you. Here at CCS, we’ve received many heartwarming updates from adopters whose herpes-positive cats are thriving, underscoring that with care and compassion these cats can live long, joyful lives. If you’d like more information on FHV-1, including details on how the virus works and common treatment regiments, check out this great article by VCA Animal Hospitals.
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
Why Every Cat Needs Routine Vet Checkups
When was the last time you took your cat for a wellness exam? If you can’t remember, this article is for you—and you’re definitely not alone. Many people don’t consider taking their cat to the vet unless there’s an obvious issue, but this can unfortunately jeopardize their health and well-being. Cats are experts at hiding pain and illness, and by the time a problem becomes visible, it may already be advanced. Routine veterinary care is one of the most important things you can do to keep a cat healthy throughout their life.
Why Wellness Checkups Are Important
Cats instinctively mask pain or weakness. Problems common for cats, such as kidney disease, dental disease, or thyroid issues, can develop silently for months or even years. Regular wellness exams give veterinarians the chance to catch developing issues before they become more serious, improving long-term health and treatment outcomes.
Wellness exams cover much more than a simple once-over. Vets examine the cat’s teeth, skin, heart, lungs, weight, eyes, joints and internal organs. They also recommend vaccines, blood work, and parasite prevention. Addressing problems early usually means less invasive treatment, lower costs, and smoother recovery.
Wellness checkups are also a great time for you to ask any questions you might have specific to your cat, such as food recommendations, dental care, dietary supplements, or behavioral concerns.
What if my cat is an indoor cat?
Many people assume indoor cats are safe and need less medical care. While indoor living reduces some risks, it does not eliminate certain diseases or chronic medical issues. Indoor cats commonly struggle with obesity, dental problems, stress-related conditions, and age-related diseases that develop over time. Vets recommend checkups for indoor cats just as consistently as outdoor cats.
How Often Should Your Cat Receive a Checkup?
Cats often reach their senior years before their owners notice the subtle behavioral changes that come with aging. Because age-related illnesses can progress more quickly in older cats, more frequent checkups help ensure timely diagnosis and better support your cat’s health and comfort. Below are the minimum visit recommendations by the Merck Veterinary Manual based on cat age.
- Kittens: Every 3-4 weeks until they are about 6 months old
- Adult cats: At least once a year
- Senior cats (over 8 years): Twice a year for earlier detection of chronic issues
Don’t wait for the next scheduled checkup if you notice any changes in your cat, such as shifts in appetite, grooming habits, litter box behavior or output, energy levels, sneezing, increased scratching, or any other behavioral changes—make an appointment with your veterinarian. Addressing concerns early is not only better for your cat’s health but it can also give you peace of mind.
Schedule Your Cat’s Checkup Appointment Today!
The CCS website lists a range of veterinary and medical resources for cat owners, including wellness services, low-cost clinics, and emergency care options. If you have pet insurance, review your plan details to see whether you also enrolled in a pet wellness plan, which can help cover routine care expenses. New to pet insurance? Check out our insurance guide for cat owners. All of these resources exist for a reason: cats need medical support just as much as dogs do, they are simply better at hiding it.
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
Reducing Barriers to Cat Adoption: Why We Embraced Open Adoptions
Cat adoption should be an easy win—pairing cats in need with people ready to love them. However, outdated barriers in the adoption process, such as home inspections, background checks, landlord checks, and even interviews with the entire family (including other pets!) can delay or derail those connections. A growing body of research and best practice models, including the Adopters Welcome Manual from The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, shows that these adoption hurdles do not significantly reduce the rates of returned animals or failed adoptions. In fact, embracing open adoptions, which are free from complex and often arduous adoption requirements, is a win-win-win, because it increases adopter inclusion, alleviates strain on shelter resources, and ultimately helps more cats find the loving homes they deserve.
Over the past three years, Cat Care Society has moved to open adoption policies and procedures with encouraging results. These changes have allowed us to remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining high standards of care and support for both cats and adopters.
The Myth of the “Perfect” Adopter
It’s understandable that shelters want to make sure that cats are placed in safe and loving homes. However, well-meaning animal shelters and rescues often rely on a set of elaborate procedures designed to identify the “perfect” home. This creates a lengthy and complex adoption process which feels like a judgmental interrogation, ultimately turning off potential adopters. According to the Best Friends Adoption Barrier Study, top barriers to adopting include a long approval process, rejected applications due to type of home or hours worked, and strict rules and requirements deemed too intrusive or invasive.
Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Animal Welfare Science found that strict and elaborate screening is not correlated with lower return rates. Instead, these practices unintentionally create obstacles for well-meaning adopters, often disproportionately affecting people who are already marginalized or underserved, including renters, young people, and individuals with lower incomes and/or non-traditional lifestyles. The Million Cat Challenge, a joint project of two of the most widely-recognized shelter medicine programs in the world, emphasizes that the strict adoption barriers push people to obtain cats elsewhere, such as from acquaintances, friends, or Craigslist where paperwork and screening are not required. This can lead to problems such as the cat being a poor match for the home due to a lack of behavioral records, as well as potential health concerns as the cat may not have received essential vaccinations or been spayed or neutered.
The Reality: Open Adoptions Get More Cats Into Loving Homes
The Million Cat Challenge initiative promotes open adoptions and emphasizes the importance of “conversations designed to help anyone walking into the shelter feel respected and anyone walking out to be more educated and hopefully with a pet they love.”
Based on a recent national survey, 58% of potential cat owners prefer shelters, and 45% prefer rescues, yet only 24% adopted from a shelter and even fewer (13%) adopted from a rescue. People want to adopt from shelters; we should let them! By making the process less intimidating, shelters can connect with more people and position themselves as a trusted resource for support and guidance should issues arise after adoption to help reduce returns and rehoming. Increasing adoptions from shelters can also have a greater long-term impact. By eliminating barriers, “the shelter can place a cat who has been neutered and vaccinated and comes with cat care education and future support, possibly leading to a reduction in shelter cat intake in the future.”
The Positive Effects of Reducing Barriers
Increased Adopter Inclusion
Restrictive adoption policies often exclude capable pet parents. As noted by the Human Animal Support Services report, complex and discouraging adoption policies favor a narrow adopter profile, leaving many loving homes overlooked. Reducing unnecessary barriers allows shelters to reach a broader, more diverse group of adopters and increase successful adoptions.
Alleviated Strain on Shelter Staff and Resources
In the SAC Adoption Pulse Check survey, it was revealed that shelters are often overwhelmed with processing adoption applications, particularly when complex or unnecessary barriers are in place. Simplifying the process not only speeds up the time it takes for animals to find homes but also gives staff more time to address other critical needs, such as new intake, animal care, community outreach, and adopter education.
Improved Success Rates for Adoptions
As noted earlier in this article, successful adoptions are less about strict screening processes and more about providing adopters with support, information, and education. Additionally, research increasingly shows that open adoption practices do not compromise long-term placement success. An article from The Association for Animal Welfare Management highlighted a study that looked at pet return rates at 1,400 organizations ranging from small rescues to large government animal control organizations from 2010-2019 and found no statistical difference or change in return rate even as some of those organizations shifted to open adoptions during that timeframe. Removing adoption barriers places more cats in loving homes and reduces strain on shelters leading to positive outcomes for all.
Cat Care Society’s Approach
At Cat Care Society (CCS), we didn’t just read the research, we acted on it. Over the last three years, we have intentionally removed restrictive adoption barriers which has allowed us to help more cats than ever before.
The results of these changes are clear. By comparing our data from Fiscal Year 2022 to Fiscal Year 2025, the impact of our open adoption process is undeniable:
- Faster Placements: The average time a cat spends in our care has significantly decreased from 58 days down to just 32.
- While streamlining the adoption process has contributed to this improvement, we have also strengthened our internal processes by clearly defining when an animal is medically and behaviorally ready for adoption and improving communication around each individual cat’s needs. This ensures adopters feel informed and confident in the commitment they are making, without compromising care.
- Increased Intake: Because cats are finding homes faster, we’ve been able to take in more cats. Our annual intake grew from 716 to 1,280 cats.
- Decreased return rate: Our return rate in FY22 was 6.3% and in FY25 it was down to 3.3%.
- This is a result of focusing on making it easier for the right people to find the right cat, which we’ve done by improving our initial postings to better reflect each cat’s behavior, medical needs, and preferences, and by educating adopters on how to care for their unique cat before they go home.
- More Families Made: Our total adoptions have climbed steadily year-over-year as a result of our open adoption policies and increased intake, rising from 743 to 1,105.
These increased adoptions have helped us connect with more community members and grow the Cat Care Society family and our impact, for which we are extremely grateful. Reducing barriers to adoption is essential, and our staff, volunteers, donors, and foster caregivers have helped make this impact possible. Their support ensures that as we grow, we continue to provide the high-quality care and education that makes these placements successful for the long haul.
Conclusion
Simplifying the cat adoption process is not just a good idea, it’s critical for the health and well-being of both the cats and the people who want to adopt them. Research consistently shows that elaborate adoption processes do not significantly reduce cat return rates, and in some cases, they can discourage potential adopters. By focusing on inclusion, trust, and education we can ensure that every cat has the best possible chance at finding a home.
Feline Herpes (FHV-1): Demystifying Myths and What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever browsed cat adoption profiles and come across the phrase “feline herpes positive,” you might hesitate at first. It sounds intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of knowledge and some extra loving care, cats with FHV-1 can live happy and healthy lives just like any other cat. In this article, you’ll learn what feline herpes is, what can trigger flare-ups, and how simple, informed care can make adopting an FHV-1 cat a deeply rewarding experience.
What is feline herpes and how is it spread?
Because of its latency and potential reactivation, FHV‑1 is often misinterpreted as a chronic disease—but it behaves more like a “flareable” virus than a constantly debilitating one.
Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV‑1), also called feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), is one of the most common viral infections in cats. Any cat can contract FHV-1, but younger cats are most often affected. FHV-1 can be spread through saliva as well as nasal and eye discharge, either directly from the cat or from a contaminated object like a toy or food dish. After initial exposure, the virus typically causes an upper respiratory and ocular infection (sneezing, nasal/eye discharge, conjunctivitis) lasting around 10–20 days in mild cases.
Even once the acute symptoms have resolved, the virus remains in a dormant state in nerve tissues for the cat’s life. The virus is most likely to reactivate if the cat experiences stress or an immune system challenge. When it reactivates, it causes a flare-up. Many cats experience very mild or even subclinical symptoms when a flare-up occurs.
FHV-1 vs. FIV vs. FeLV
It’s easy to confuse FHV‑1 with other feline viruses like FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) or FeLV (feline leukemia virus), but they’re quite different. FHV‑1 is a respiratory virus that causes flare-ups like sneezing and eye discharge, but doesn’t impact a cat’s immune system the way the other two do. FIV is an immune-compromising virus primarily spread through deep bite wounds, while FeLV is a retrovirus that can suppress immune function and is more easily spread through prolonged close contact like grooming or shared dishes. Each virus has its realities, but none are an automatic disqualifier for a loving, quality life.
Myth vs. Reality: Common Misconceptions About FHV-1
Myth 1: “Having FHV-1 means the cat will have a low quality of life that’s filled with constant illness and discomfort.”
Reality: Most cats recover from initial infection and go on to lead essentially normal lives. While younger kittens, immunocompromised cats, or those with other illnesses might experience a more severe disease, serious outcomes are relatively rare in otherwise healthy cats.
Myth 2: “A cat with FHV-1 will always be symptomatic.”
Reality: Many cats are asymptomatic carriers most of the time, with flare-ups only under stress (e.g. moving, travel, other illness). In fact, viral shedding (when the cat is contagious) is much more likely during active episodes; in dormancy, shedding is minimal or absent.
Myth 3: “Herpes in cats is like herpes in people and can spread to humans or dogs.”
Reality: FHV‑1 is species-specific; humans and dogs cannot contract feline herpes.
Myth 4: “You can cure FHV-1 completely.”
Reality: There is no cure for herpes in cats. The goal is managing symptoms, reducing flare frequency and severity, and supporting the cat’s overall health through good nutrition and enrichment.
Myth 5: “You can prevent FHV-1 completely.”
Reality: One of the core vaccines recommended for kittens and adult cats by the Feline Veterinary Medical Association is the FHV-1 vaccine. While this vaccine doesn’t completely eliminate the chances of the cat contracting FHV-1, it is highly effective at preventing severe illness, including symptom severity and duration, and it also helps limit the cat’s viral shedding and how contagious it is to other cats. This vaccine is often administered as part of a combination vaccine called FVRCP, which protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. All cats at Cat Care Society are given the FVRCP vaccine according to the recommended schedule.
As you can see, the reality is that cats with FHV-1 can still live long, happy lives with proper care, love, and a stable environment that supports their health and comfort.
Helpful Things to Know Before Adopting a Cat with FHV‑1
If a shelter informs you that a cat you’re interested in adopting has FHV-1, keep the following considerations and tips in mind to help your future feline friend thrive:
1. Review and discuss the cat’s medical records and history
At CCS, if a cat is suspected of having feline herpes, it will be noted in their medical records along with information about the virus. It’s also important to understand if the cat has any other co-existing conditions, like upper respiratory illness or eye concerns, that might complicate flare management. Understanding the individual cat’s history gives you a more accurate sense of what to expect so you can be prepared. You should also share this information with your veterinarian so they can create a treatment and management plan. In most cases, FHV-1 symptoms are non-life threatening and the cat will respond well to general supportive care.
2. Prepare for occasional flares
Be aware of the respiratory and ocular signs of a flare-up, such as sneezing, watery eyes, discharge, and corneal irritation or ulcers, especially in times of stress. During those times, vet support (antivirals, topical ocular medication, secondary infection treatment) plus extra care at home can often resolve symptoms.
3. Stress reduction is essential
Stress is one of the strongest triggers for viral reactivation. Strategies to help minimize stress include:
- Creating a calm, stable environment with hiding spots, vertical spaces, predictable routines
- Minimizing abrupt changes (moving, new pets, loud renovation)
- Using enrichment (puzzles, play, cuddles, and other activities your cat enjoys)
- Avoiding overcrowding or competition in a multi-cat home, e.g., make sure there are adequate litter boxes, feeding time is comfortable, and there’s a place for the cat to have alone time when needed
4. Supportive care—daily and during flares
Even when asymptomatic, certain practices, in addition to stress reduction, can reduce flare risk and flare severity:
- Keep vaccinations current (especially FVRCP).
- Maintain high nutrition and hydration.
- During a flare, provide extra comfort (warm, humid environment, nasal/ocular cleaning, appetite support), follow vet-prescribed medication instructions.
- If in a multi-cat household:
Adopting a Cat with Herpes Is a Worthy Decision
Many potential adopters hesitate when they see an FHV-1–positive cat, but choosing to adopt one and offering them a loving home can be truly life-changing—for both of you. Here at CCS, we’ve received many heartwarming updates from adopters whose herpes-positive cats are thriving, underscoring that with care and compassion these cats can live long, joyful lives. If you’d like more information on FHV-1, including details on how the virus works and common treatment regiments, check out this great article by VCA Animal Hospitals.
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
Why Every Cat Needs Routine Vet Checkups
When was the last time you took your cat for a wellness exam? If you can’t remember, this article is for you—and you’re definitely not alone. Many people don’t consider taking their cat to the vet unless there’s an obvious issue, but this can unfortunately jeopardize their health and well-being. Cats are experts at hiding pain and illness, and by the time a problem becomes visible, it may already be advanced. Routine veterinary care is one of the most important things you can do to keep a cat healthy throughout their life.
Why Wellness Checkups Are Important
Cats instinctively mask pain or weakness. Problems common for cats, such as kidney disease, dental disease, or thyroid issues, can develop silently for months or even years. Regular wellness exams give veterinarians the chance to catch developing issues before they become more serious, improving long-term health and treatment outcomes.
Wellness exams cover much more than a simple once-over. Vets examine the cat’s teeth, skin, heart, lungs, weight, eyes, joints and internal organs. They also recommend vaccines, blood work, and parasite prevention. Addressing problems early usually means less invasive treatment, lower costs, and smoother recovery.
Wellness checkups are also a great time for you to ask any questions you might have specific to your cat, such as food recommendations, dental care, dietary supplements, or behavioral concerns.
What if my cat is an indoor cat?
Many people assume indoor cats are safe and need less medical care. While indoor living reduces some risks, it does not eliminate certain diseases or chronic medical issues. Indoor cats commonly struggle with obesity, dental problems, stress-related conditions, and age-related diseases that develop over time. Vets recommend checkups for indoor cats just as consistently as outdoor cats.
How Often Should Your Cat Receive a Checkup?
Cats often reach their senior years before their owners notice the subtle behavioral changes that come with aging. Because age-related illnesses can progress more quickly in older cats, more frequent checkups help ensure timely diagnosis and better support your cat’s health and comfort. Below are the minimum visit recommendations by the Merck Veterinary Manual based on cat age.
- Kittens: Every 3-4 weeks until they are about 6 months old
- Adult cats: At least once a year
- Senior cats (over 8 years): Twice a year for earlier detection of chronic issues
Don’t wait for the next scheduled checkup if you notice any changes in your cat, such as shifts in appetite, grooming habits, litter box behavior or output, energy levels, sneezing, increased scratching, or any other behavioral changes—make an appointment with your veterinarian. Addressing concerns early is not only better for your cat’s health but it can also give you peace of mind.
Schedule Your Cat’s Checkup Appointment Today!
The CCS website lists a range of veterinary and medical resources for cat owners, including wellness services, low-cost clinics, and emergency care options. If you have pet insurance, review your plan details to see whether you also enrolled in a pet wellness plan, which can help cover routine care expenses. New to pet insurance? Check out our insurance guide for cat owners. All of these resources exist for a reason: cats need medical support just as much as dogs do, they are simply better at hiding it.
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
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