Feline herpes works a little a differently than it does in humans, both in the way that it spreads and the way that it affects the body. When cats contract this virus, the response appears to be pretty dramatic, but it’s not something you need to panic over. Your kitty is definitely going to feel down for awhile, but as quickly as feline herpes rears its ugly head, the symptoms are gone before you know it!
Cats get herpes through exposure to bodily fluids from other cats. Generally, they pick it up through using each other’s food dishes, litter boxes, toys, and occasionally grooming supplies. It’s very contagious, so if you have multiple cats in your home and one happens to get sick, you’ll need to quarantine every single cat for at least a week. Even if they aren’t noticeably infected, it’s still the safest way to keep them healthy until symptoms pass.
When your cat catches feline herpes, the symptoms are a lot like what you’d expect from a human being with the flu. You should expect to see discharge or mucous coming from the eyes and nose, along with some fatigue. Your cat may have a fever, congestion or difficulty catching their breath. This is completely normal, but antibiotics can help to significantly reduce the discomfort that your pet is experiencing. In extreme cases, you’ll see lesions around the nose and mouth, along with swelling and redness along the membrane of their eyelid.
On the other hand, it is possible for an infected cat to spread the virus without showing any symptoms. This is another reason it’s so important to quarantine cats who are exhibiting signs of feline herpes; they could give it to other cats in the home before you realize anything has happened.
On the other hand, it is possible for an infected cat to spread the virus without showing any symptoms. This is another reason it’s so important to quarantine cats who are exhibiting signs of feline herpes; they could give it to other cats in the home before you realize anything has happened.
Even if your cat isn’t doing terribly, you should still take them to the veterinarian to be examined for the problem and rule out any underlying issues. A popular and effective treatment for cats with feline herpes is Lysine. Since the virus is incurable, Lysine is exceedingly useful in reducing the length and frequency of the conjunctivitis, fever, and other unpleasant symptoms of this viral infection. When the immune system is weakened, your cat’s body may have a hard time absorbing nutrients. Lysine helps to carry calcium and other nutrients, so your cat should start to feel better in no time.
If your cat has already contracted the herpesvirus or if you want to prevent it, take Lysine into consideration. It could make the biggest difference in your cat’s happiness and well-being. Cats with a history of feline herpes should be administered a regular dosage of Lysine to prevent future flare-ups from occurring. Even if your kitty doesn’t have this virus, it’s still not a bad idea to take preventative measures!
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