A Persistent Runny Nose

Herpesvirus in cats is similar to human herpes in that after the initial infection, it hides away in the body but may pop back up at some time in the future. Most cats contract herpesvirus as kittens, and the virus runs its course and is never seen again, even though it is still present in the body. A few unlucky kitties will experience flare-ups or have almost constant mild symptoms. These lucky cats are known as “Snufflers.”

Jackson is an unlucky kitty who suffers from Chronic Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) caused by the herpes virus. He frequently has a bit of a runny nose, which sometimes progresses to sneezing sticky, cement-like snot rockets onto the walls, lamps, pillows, and even my hair! That was fun.

Then, one day, it all just disappears and is gone for weeks at a time. There is seemingly no rhyme or reason for when it happens, so I go with the flow.

The Herpes Virus (HSV-1) in cats is triggered by stress that the cat encounters. Thus, flare-ups may follow a stressful event such as moving, having company, or anything your feline friend may find stress-inducing. In cats, it could be just about anything. It just depends on the cat. In Jackson’s case, I have no clue what triggered his last flare. It must have been something he saw outside the house, or it could have been the vacuum cleaner. Who knows!

Whatever it was, he had his first nasty flare-up over the past few weeks, and I have spent numerous hours searching for the best home treatment. I had no idea what a herpes flare would be like in a cat. I wanted to know if I should take him to the vet. Does he need an antibiotic? Is it normal for his boogers to be yellow? Is coughing bad? I had question upon question upon question.

Cats are overprescribed antibiotics for chronic upper respiratory infections caused by herpes. Since herpes is a virus, antibiotics will not cure it. They are effective against any secondary bacterial infection that may present along with the virus so veterinarians will prescribe them as a precautionary measure.

Since antibiotics are not healthy to take repeatedly, and Jackson has been on them four times in one year, I wanted to avoid using them. So, I started researching holistic alternatives when he began running a fever and severely clogged nose. The following post details what his symptoms were like by day and what I did to treat them.

FOLLOW JACKSON’S URI IN MORE DETAIL HERE

LEARN MORE ABOUT UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS HERE