Many cats have chronic problems with conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membranes of the eye). Often the problem comes and goes. One or both eyes may be red, swollen, watery, crusted, or sticky. Causes include infection, birth defects (small or absent tear ducts), facial conformation (Persian features), and scars from previous infections. However the the majority The common cause of conjunctivitis in cats is infection with the herpes virus (but don’t worry, your cat can’t give it to you or your family!). In cats, herpes is an upper respiratory virus; It is also called “rhinotracheitis” and is one of the components of the upper respiratory tract / panleukopenia vaccine (feline distemper) given to kittens. The vaccine does not actually prevent herpes infection; its main function is to reduce the severity of the disease.
Virtually all cats are exposed to the herpes virus as kittens. For most cats, no more problems occur. However, herpes is a sneaky virus and it likes to stay dormant until it has a chance to catch one in the immune system. Because stress suppresses the immune system, cats under stress are particularly susceptible to recurring outbreaks of herpes. Herpes is irritating and painful, and it usually causes quite a bit of redness, swelling, and a watery discharge or a brown crust at the corners of the eyes. Often it attacks only one eye, producing a crooked strabismus. Often times the cat will squint in bright light or try to avoid it altogether.
There are several holistic treatment options for herpes. One of the simplest is l-lysine, an inexpensive amino acid available in health food stores. It comes in capsules or tablets, usually 500 mg. Capsules are much easier to work with, if you can get them. The dose is 500 mg twice a day for 5 days (total 1,000 mg / day). Lysine has a slightly salty taste and is easily disguised by mixing it with canned cat food or baby food. It sounds like a lot, but that’s what it takes to work. Once the acute episode is under control, a maintenance dose of 250 mg per day can be administered indefinitely.
To relieve irritation and remove viral particles from the eye, you can prepare a homemade saline solution. Use 1/4 teaspoon of table salt in 1 cup of water (room temperature). Three or four times a day, use a cotton ball to spray a small amount of saline solution in the cat’s eyes. Make the saline solution fresh each time, because bacteria could grow in the solution between treatments.
There is a human homeopathic formula that works very well and very quickly for cats. It’s called “The Herpes Formula” by Aeura. Dissolve one tablet in a 1-ounce dropper bottle filled with a mixture of 80% water and 20% vodka (as a preservative), shake well, and give about half a dropper. oral Once or twice a day. (DO NOT put it in your eyes!) If you make a 1-ounce batch, it will last for several weeks. It may seem a bit pricey right out of the box, but one bottle of The Herpes Formula will provide years of treatment.
Another surprisingly effective treatment is “Willard Water”. This is a catalyst that theoretically changes the molecular structure of water. It is usually available in health food stores. Follow the directions on the bottle to make one gallon at a time. Use this as the only source of drinking water for your cat. Or add a few drops of the concentrate to your cat’s wet food. The effects cannot be scientifically explained, but they are usually immediate (within a day or two) and dramatic.
Because herpes outbreaks are often stress-related, flower essences are an important part of treatment. Flower essences can provide emotional stability against stress and energetic support to the immune system.
Long-term nutritional support with antioxidants and other supplements that boost the immune system will also help prevent recurrences. Alternative treatment with homeopathy, herbs, or homotoxicology can also be very helpful.
If symptoms worsen or persist for more than a few days, have your veterinarian check your cat. Herpes can cause severe corneal ulcers that can result in vision loss if left untreated.