# Can Dogs Get Cat Herpes or Kennel Cough From Cats? Can feline herpes spread to dogs? No. Feline herpesvirus infects cats only, and there is no evidence it can infect dogs or people. Kennel cough is a different story, because one of its main bacterial causes, Bordetella bronchiseptica, can move between dogs and cats in the same household. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) is a cat-only virus. It does not infect dogs, and dogs cannot catch it from a sneezing cat [1][2]. - Kennel cough in dogs is a syndrome with several causes, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, influenza, and mycoplasma [3][4]. - Bordetella bronchiseptica can infect cats as well as dogs, so a coughing dog can pass it to a cat and a coughing cat can pass it to a dog [3]. - Most kennel cough cases are mild and clear up within about two weeks, but puppies and weakened adult dogs can develop pneumonia [3][4]. - Keep a coughing pet away from other pets, wash shared bowls and bedding, and call your veterinarian if the cough lasts more than a few days or the pet seems sick. ## What These Two Conditions Actually Are ### Feline herpesvirus in plain words Feline herpesvirus-1 is the virus behind feline viral rhinotracheitis, a common upper respiratory infection in cats. It causes sneezing, runny nose, runny eyes, and sometimes eye ulcers [5]. It spreads through direct or indirect contact with secretions from an infected cat, which means shared bowls, bedding, and hands can move it around [5]. About 80 percent of infected cats stay infected for life, with the virus hiding quietly and flaring up during stress or illness [5]. The important part for a multi-pet home is this: FHV-1 is a feline virus. Laboratory tests built to detect it show no cross-reactivity with canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus, canine coronavirus, or other dog pathogens [1]. In other words, the virus does not recognize dogs as a host. If your cat has herpes and your dog is sneezing, the dog has something else going on. ### Kennel cough in plain words Kennel cough, also called canine infectious respiratory disease, is inflammation of the windpipe that produces a dry, harsh, honking cough [3][4]. It is the most common cause of upper respiratory disease in dogs [4]. The label covers a group of germs instead of one single bug. Bordetella bronchiseptica may act as a primary pathogen on its own, and co-infections with Bordetella, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus 2 are the most common mix [3]. This is where cross-species spread becomes real. Bordetella bronchiseptica is not picky about species. It can set up in cats too, which is why a coughing dog and a coughing cat in the same house may be sharing the same bacterium. ## Signs Owners Notice Cats with feline herpesvirus usually sneeze, have clear or thick nasal discharge, watery or crusty eyes, and may squint or paw at an eye [5]. Some cats run a fever, go off food, and sound congested. Kittens and stressed cats tend to get hit hardest. Dogs with kennel cough typically have a dry, non-productive cough that sounds like something is stuck in the throat [4]. Many dogs stay bright and eat normally. The incubation period runs about 2 to 10 days after exposure [4]. If the cough turns moist, breathing gets labored, a high fever appears, or nasal discharge develops, pneumonia may be setting in and the case is no longer simple [4]. Cats with a Bordetella infection can look a lot like cats with herpes: sneezing, runny nose, runny eyes, sometimes a cough. That overlap is exactly why testing matters when a household has both species sick at once. ## Causes and Risk Factors | Condition | Main causes | Which species get it | Main spread route | |---|---|---|---| | Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) | Feline herpesvirus-1 | Cats only [1] | Direct or indirect contact with cat secretions [5] | | Kennel cough in dogs | Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus 2, influenza, mycoplasma [3][4] | Dogs, and Bordetella can also infect cats [3] | Cough and sneeze droplets, nose-to-nose contact, shared items [4] | | Bordetella in cats | Bordetella bronchiseptica | Cats and dogs [3] | Same droplet and contact routes | Close contact drives both diseases. Kennel cough spreads fast among dogs kept in close confinement, such as boarding kennels, daycare, veterinary hospitals, and shelters [3]. The same crowding logic applies at home when several pets share water bowls, toys, and sleeping spots. Stress and poor ventilation, temperature extremes, and humidity swings raise the odds a dog gets sick and gets sicker [3]. Age matters. Puppies are more prone to severe kennel cough, and debilitated or aged dogs can slide into chronic bronchitis [3]. Cats with feline immunodeficiency virus or feline leukemia virus often have worse respiratory disease when herpesvirus is involved, based on postmortem findings in cats with fatal respiratory illness [6]. If you want more background on herpesviruses in dogs specifically, see [Can Dog Get Herpes](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/can-dog-get-herpes) and [Can A Dog Have Herpes](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/can-a-dog-have-herpes). Dogs do have their own herpesvirus, but it is a separate virus from the feline one. ## How Veterinarians Tell Them Apart Your veterinarian starts with the story: which pets are coughing or sneezing, when it started, and whether any of them recently visited a kennel, groomer, shelter, or show. Then comes a physical exam, listening to the chest, checking temperature, and looking closely at eyes and nose. For a cat with respiratory signs, testing may include a feline respiratory PCR panel that checks for herpesvirus, calicivirus, and Chlamydia together. You can read more about that here: [Feline PCR Respiratory Panel: Diagnosing Herpesvirus, Calicivirus and Chlamydia](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/at-home-diagnostics/feline-pcr-respiratory-panel-diagnosing-herpesvirus-calicivirus-and-chlamydia). Newer detection methods for FHV-1 are highly specific and do not react with common dog viruses, which supports what we already know about the species barrier [1][2]. For a coughing dog, the diagnosis is often made on history and exam alone, since kennel cough is a clinical syndrome [3]. If the cough is severe, lasting, or the dog seems systemically ill, chest X-rays and airway sampling may be recommended. If a cat in the house is also coughing, your veterinarian may test for Bordetella in both pets to see whether they share one infection. ## Treatment Options ### Treating feline herpesvirus There is no cure that clears FHV-1 from the body. Treatment aims to shorten the flare and ease symptoms. Antiviral medication and eye drops are used when the eyes are involved, and supportive care like fluids, nose cleaning, and appetite support helps cats feel better [5][7]. Antibiotics do not touch viruses, but they may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected. ### Treating kennel cough Most kennel cough cases are viral, so antibiotics are not warranted in the typical mild case [4]. When the risk of secondary bacterial infection is high, such as in shelter settings, antibiotics may be prescribed, and doxycycline is the antibiotic of choice [4]. Your veterinarian calculates the exact dose from your dog's weight and health status. Cough suppressants and rest may be part of the plan. Severe cases with pneumonia need more aggressive care, which can include hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and fluids [4]. ### Treating Bordetella in cats When a cat has a Bordetella infection, treatment is similar in spirit: supportive care plus antibiotics when indicated. Your veterinarian will choose the drug and dose based on your cat's weight, age, and overall health. Never give a pet medication prescribed for another pet in the house. A dog's antibiotic is not dosed for a cat, and some drugs safe for dogs are toxic to cats. ## Recovery, Outlook, and Long-Term Management Most dogs with uncomplicated kennel cough recover within about two weeks [4]. Puppies and weakened adult dogs need closer watching because pneumonia and chronic bronchitis are possible complications [3]. If your dog's cough is still going strong after two weeks, or if it ever turns moist or comes with labored breathing, that is a signal to call your veterinarian. Cats with feline herpesvirus often improve within one to two weeks of a flare but carry the virus for life, with roughly 80 percent of infected cats establishing lifelong latent infection [5]. That means future flares are possible, often triggered by stress, new pets, moving, or illness. Keeping stress low, maintaining good nutrition, and staying current on vaccines help reduce how often and how hard flares hit. In a multi-pet home, the practical long-term plan is simple. Assume any coughing pet is contagious until your veterinarian says otherwise. Separate food and water bowls, wash bedding in hot water, and clean frequently touched surfaces. Kennel cough spreads through contaminated items like door handles and bowls, not only through the air [4]. ## Prevention Vaccination is the backbone of prevention for both species. Kennel cough vaccines for dogs target the most common players, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, and are especially worthwhile for social dogs that board, train, or visit daycare [4]. Talk with your veterinarian about which vaccine combination fits your dog's lifestyle. For cats, FHV-1 is a core vaccine, meaning it is recommended for essentially all cats [7]. Vaccination reduces the severity of disease and helps limit spread, though it does not always prevent infection or stop the virus from hiding in the body [5]. Individual cats vary in how well they respond to vaccination, and some vaccinated cats do not develop detectable neutralizing antibodies [5]. Other steps that help in any multi-pet household: - Keep new pets separated for a week or two before full introductions. - Do not share bowls, toys, or bedding between a sick pet and healthy ones. - Wash your hands after handling a coughing or sneezing pet. - Keep ventilation good and avoid crowding pets in small spaces, since poor air quality raises susceptibility [3]. - Stay current on wellness visits so small problems get caught early. If your dog recently had kennel cough and you are wondering about the timeline, [Can I Give My Dog Kennel Cough](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/can-i-give-my-dog-kennel-cough) walks through what to expect. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian No article can examine your pet. Individual cases need a veterinarian who can look at your dog or cat, ask questions, and run tests when needed. Call your veterinarian the same day if: - Your dog's cough has lasted more than a few days or is getting worse. - Your cat has stopped eating or drinking because of a stuffy nose. - Either pet has thick yellow or green nasal discharge. - A kitten or puppy under six months is showing respiratory signs. - An older or chronically ill pet starts coughing or sneezing. Go to an emergency clinic now if: - Your pet is breathing with an open mouth, using the belly muscles to breathe, or breathing fast at rest. - The gums or tongue look blue, gray, or pale. - Your pet collapses, cannot stand, or seems confused. - Your pet has a high fever along with a moist cough and labored breathing, which can signal pneumonia [4]. For a routine visit, book an appointment if a cough lingers past two weeks, if symptoms keep coming back, or if you want to discuss vaccination for a pet that boards or socializes often. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can my dog catch feline herpes from my cat? No. Feline herpesvirus-1 is a cat-only pathogen, and diagnostic tests for it show no reaction with common dog viruses [1]. If your dog is sick at the same time your cat has herpes, the dog has a separate problem that deserves its own veterinary visit. ### Can my cat catch kennel cough from my dog? Yes, this is possible. Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the main causes of kennel cough in dogs, can also infect cats [3]. A coughing dog can pass the bacterium to a cat through droplets and shared items, so separate them while the dog is sick. ### Is kennel cough contagious to cats in the same way it is to dogs? Partly. The bacterial piece, Bordetella, can move between species, but the viral pieces like canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus 2 are dog-adapted [3]. Cats exposed to a coughing dog may pick up Bordetella, but they are less likely to catch the dog-specific viruses. ### How long should I keep a coughing dog away from my cat? Keep them separated until your veterinarian confirms the dog is no longer contagious, which usually means the cough has resolved. Kennel cough has an incubation period of about 2 to 10 days, so a pet can look fine and still be shedding [4]. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian before reintroducing them. ### Do I need to treat my cat if my dog has kennel cough? Only if your cat develops signs. Watch for sneezing, runny nose, runny eyes, coughing, or appetite loss, and call your veterinarian if any appear. There is no reason to medicate a healthy cat just because a dog in the house is coughing. ## Related Articles - [Can Dog Get Herpes](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/can-dog-get-herpes) - [Can A Dog Have Herpes](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/can-a-dog-have-herpes) - [Feline PCR Respiratory Panel: Diagnosing Herpesvirus, Calicivirus and Chlamydia](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/at-home-diagnostics/feline-pcr-respiratory-panel-diagnosing-herpesvirus-calicivirus-and-chlamydia) - [Can I Give My Dog Kennel Cough](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/can-i-give-my-dog-kennel-cough) - [Can Cats Get Psoriasis](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/can-cats-get-psoriasis) - [Can Dog Get Sexually Transmitted Diseases](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/can-dog-get-sexually-transmitted-diseases) ## References 1. [Rapid and sensitive detection of feline herpesvirus-1 using fluorescent microspheres as labels for immunochromatographic test strips](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41779066/). Veterinary research communications, 2026. 2. [Development and Validation of a Droplet Digital PCR Assay for Detection of Feline Herpesvirus Type-1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41295745/). Veterinary sciences, 2025. 3. [Kennel Cough - Respiratory System](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/respiratory-system/respiratory-diseases-of-small-animals/kennel-cough). Merck Veterinary Manual. 4. [The risks of kennel cough](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/risks-kennel-cough). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. 5. [Detection of neutralizing antibody to Feline herpesvirus type 1 in cat serum](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41326258/). Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases, 2025. 6. [Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus: Occurrence and pathology in cats with respiratory disease](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41015115/). Topics in companion animal medicine, 2025. 7. [Corneal Lesions Associated With Feline Herpesvirus-1 Modified Live Vaccine Strain F2 in Two Cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42328412/). Case reports in veterinary medicine, 2026. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)