Cat Eye Flu Cured by Cold Sore Cream?

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New Hope for Cats with Eye Infections: Common Cold Sore Cream Found Safe and Effective

A common human cold sore cream may soon offer a simple, effective solution for cats suffering from painful and recurrent eye infections.

Researchers have found that a 1% penciclovir cream (sold under the brand name Fenlips®), which is typically used for human cold sores, is safe, well-tolerated, and effective when applied to a cat’s eye. The study suggests that twice-daily use could effectively manage Feline Herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1, commonly known as cat flu), a leading cause of eye disease in cats.

The Challenge of Feline Herpesvirus (Cat Flu)

FHV-1 is one of the most common causes of eye disease in cats, leading to chronic infections, discomfort, and vision problems. For cat owners, treatment can be a major source of stress. Standard antiviral medications, such as oral famciclovir, can be difficult to administer and may have limited absorption in cats.

A new study led by Dr. Oren Pe’er, together with Dr. Lionel Sebbag and Prof. Ron Ofri from the Ophthalmology Department at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, in collaboration with Prof. Sara Thomasy and her team at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, demonstrates that a topical cream used in human dermatology may be safely repurposed for treating FHV-1 eye infections.

The findings highlight an innovative, practical treatment approach that could significantly simplify therapy for cat owners and improve outcomes for their pets.

Safety and Effectiveness Confirmed

"Our findings suggest that a simple over-the-counter cream could offer an easier, effective option for cat owners struggling to manage recurrent eye infections," said Dr. Pe’er.

In a retrospective survey, most cat owners reported excellent tolerance and visible improvement when using Fenlips®. Specifically, 85% noted no side effects, and 80% rated the treatment as effective or highly effective.


To confirm this, researchers conducted additional safety studies in healthy cats. They found no adverse reactions, and tear tests showed that penciclovir levels stayed above the concentration needed to inhibit the herpesvirus for over eight hours after application.

"This means twice-daily application could be enough to keep the virus in check," he added. 

"It’s a major step toward improving both animal welfare and treatment compliance."

What This Means for Your Cat’s Health

The findings, published in the journal Veterinary Science, add to previous work by the team demonstrating the efficacy of Fenlips® in reducing clinical signs associated with feline herpesvirus infection. They provide early evidence that Fenlips® may be a promising new option for veterinarians treating FHV-1-related eye disease. 

The researchers emphasize that while the results are very encouraging, further studies in larger patient populations are needed before the treatment can be formally approved for ophthalmic use in cats.

About the Researchers & Institutions:

The research paper titled “Ocular tolerance and tear film pharmacokinetics of 1% penciclovir cream in cats” is available in Veterinary Science and can be accessed here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0034528825003832

Researchers: Oren Pe’er¹, Sara M. Thomasy², Eliana. Feuer¹, Heather .K. Knych³, Ron Ofri¹, Lionel Sebbag¹

Institutions:

1. Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
2. Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis
3. Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is a leading global research institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation.

Important Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided here discusses medical research; it is not meant to replace a thorough examination and customised treatment plan from your veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or another qualified pet health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition for your cat. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read online.

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