Experts believe that about 90% of the cat population has the feline herpes virus; this particular virus isn't sexually transmitted, but is usually passed onto kittens by the mother cat. Usually, the virus lies dormant until the affected cat experiences a high level of stress. At this point, symptoms of the herpes virus may become obvious, such as watery eyes or eye discharge, a runny nose, and excessive sneezing. Fortunately, there are some simple things that all cat owners can do to reduce herpes outbreaks in their indoor cats.
See a Veterinarian
If you suspect your cat is showing signs of a herpes outbreak but have never had it officially diagnosed, your first step should be to see a veterinarian. After all, many of the symptoms of the feline herpes virus can also be symptoms of more serious medical conditions, such as upper respiratory viruses and sinus infections. Therefore, you'll want to have these ruled out by a professional like the Park Animal Hospital before you begin treating a feline herpes outbreak.
Boost the Immune System
Because feline herpes outbreaks are often triggered by stress and manifested through weaknesses in the cat's immune system, one of the best things you can do to prevent outbreaks is to give your cat's immune system a healthy boost. A good way to do this is to obtain an amino acid known as L-lysine and mix it into your cat's food. You can do this by purchasing the amino acid in pill form (and using a pill crusher to pulverize it into a fine powder before adding to food), or by obtaining it in gel form directly from your veterinarian. Either way, adding a small amount of this to your cat's diet can help to suppress outbreaks.
Identify and Eliminate Stress Triggers
Finally, try to identify what could be causing your cat's stress. Have you recently introduced another animal into the house? If so, then this could be a cause of stress in your cat; consider investing in a cat tower or other cat furniture so your cat can "escape" from the new pet and have a designated safe zone in the house. Be sure to consider other overlooked causes of stress in cats, such as new flooring, a strong odor in the home, or even loud noises.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to reducing feline herpes outbreaks in your outdoor cat, ensuring that your beloved pet can enjoy a healthier and happier way of life.
Share19 December 2014
Animal emergencies happen quite often, and I have seen a lot of different injuries at the veterinary office I work at. Vehicle incidents, falls, and fights with other animals can all cause these injuries. Some of the most surprising emergencies I see though, are when pets eat substances that make them ill. Dogs and cats can both get sick by ingesting flowers, essential oils, and certain types of food items that humans eat. I even see some animals that become ill when they eat shoes, towels, and their own toys. I know that the vast majority of pet owners love their animals dearly. Most medical emergencies are purely accidental. You can easily save your precious feline or canine from harm as long as you know how the most common injuries occur. The articles posted here can help you with this, so start reading to make sure your pet remains healthy.