18/11/2025
✨ Rainbow Litter Health Update ✨
Thank you to everyone checking in on Peach, Mint, Midnight, Lilac and Blush. Here’s where each little one is today:
🧡 Peach – still doing very well with no signs of a flare. Watching him closely.
💚 Mint – starting with teary eyes; back on Doxy and Cidofovir and responding early.
🖤 Midnight – eye surfaces improving, but his eyelids flared and became inflamed. Under full vet care.
💜 Lilac – developed full snuffles and an eye flare; back on all meds and being monitored closely.
🧡 Blush – also flared with worsening eye inflammation and is being treated intensively.
🩺 All five are under active vet treatment with eye staining every 48 hours to ensure no ulcers develop.
🌡️ Why the sudden flare-up?
Kittens who carry feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) can look completely healthy, but the virus stays dormant in their system. Vaccinations can temporarily stimulate the immune system and, in some kittens, this stress can reactivate the virus.
This usually happens 3–7 days after vaccination, which is exactly the timing we’re seeing.
💡 What’s normally expected?
Herpes flares can look sudden and dramatic, especially in young kittens, but they are a known and manageable part of this virus. Symptoms often come in waves through the litter — some kittens flare hard, some mildly, and some not at all. With the right medication, rest, and close monitoring, most recover fully and bounce back beautifully.
💉 Why vaccinations are still essential
Even though vaccinations can trigger a temporary flare in herpes-prone kittens, they are absolutely critical for their long-term health. Vaccines protect against life-threatening diseases like panleukopenia, calicivirus and severe respiratory infections — illnesses far more dangerous than a short-term herpes flare.
Vaccinating now ensures they are protected for life, especially once they go to their forever homes.
Thank you for all your love and support for this brave little rainbow crew. 🌈💕
