Why do rescued cats get sick with upper respiratory infections even when they don’t live outdoors anymore? I live in a house with some rescued cats and it seems that their health problem won’t go away! They have been rescued for almost six months now, have been spayed and neutered, checked and treated by good doctors and yet, once in a while the problems reoccur: fever, eyes’ stain/tears, loss of appetite, etc. Someone suggested to give them L-Lysine? Is this safe? Or do you know if there is some kind of vaccine for this? Like the “flu vaccine” for humans?
I’m not worried about me getting it from them but it’s painful to see them suffer.
Any advice George?
Sophie
Dear Sophie,
If the rescue cats are suffering from the kind of cat 'flu which is Feline Herpes Virus, then even after treatment, the virus doesn't go away entirely. It stays dormant but can flare up when the cat is stressed. And although it is wonderful that the rescued cats are now warm and safe, the change of routine and living quarters will be difficult for some of them at first, possibly leading to a flare-up.
Yes, L-Lysine has often been offered as a treatment and the first studies looked promising. But since then, further studies suggest it is not much use and the latest scientific research suggests that it doesn't do any good (the summary of the article is here). So your human can save her money.
What is important is that when the cats catch FVH for the first time, they are very infectious. You, Sophie, should be kept away from them, not share any of their dishes, or litter trays till the infection is finished. There is more information about FHV at International Cat Care. It is also worth asking the vet whether temporary flare ups of the disease make the cats infectious again: I got Celia to google and it wasn't very clear.
YoursGeorge.
PS. I am worried about my friend, Toby. He has started wearing his hair like Donald Trump. Is he going mad? Or does he just want to get online with Cats That Look Like Donald Trump?
Well, it seems that Toby the crossed-eyed cat is more intelligent and wiser than 2/3 of Americans! Glad to hear he is a Trump supporter! Smart kitty :-)))
ReplyDeleteDiego
Beautiful markings Sophie! You are a little tiny beauty!
ReplyDeleteMy Mom tried L-Lysine and sometimes it worked and sometime it didn't.
She now stopped as she read somewhere that actually L-Lysine is harmful to cats in a long run.
Wish you all much health!
Thea
Wow! Toby.....you won :-)
ReplyDeleteSmart kitty!
Tom
Sophie, your human should ask the vet about medication with cortisol. It is by prescription! Usually it works but, of course it's no guarantee the problem won't come back!
ReplyDeleteCarla, the tuxedo cat
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