Many cats have chronic problems with conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye membranes). Often the problem comes and goes. One or both eyes may be red, swollen, watery, crusty, or sticky. Causes include infection, birth defects (small or absent tear ducts), facial conformation (Persian features), and scarring from previous infections. However the most The most common cause of conjunctivitis in cats is herpes virus infection (but don’t worry, your cat can’t give it to you or your family!). In cats, herpes is a virus of the upper respiratory tract; It is also called “rhinotracheitis” and is one of the components of the upper respiratory tract/panleukopenia (feline distemper) vaccine 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 further problems occur. However, herpes is a cunning virus and likes to lie dormant until it has a chance to attack the immune system. Because stress suppresses the immune system, cats under stress are particularly susceptible to recurrent herpes outbreaks. Herpes is irritating and painful, and typically causes some redness, swelling, and a watery discharge or brownish crusting at the corners of the eyes. Often it attacks only one eye, producing a twisted squint. Often the cat will squint at 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 readily available in health food stores. It comes in capsules or tablets, usually 500 mg. It’s much easier to work with capsules, if you can get hold of 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 masked by mixing it with canned cat or baby food. That sounds like a lot, but that’s what it takes to make it work. Once the acute episode is controlled, a maintenance dose of 250 mg daily can be administered indefinitely.
To relieve irritation and wash viral particles out of the eye, you can prepare a homemade saline solution. Use 1/4 teaspoon of table salt in 1 cup of water (room temperature). Three to four times a day, use a cotton ball to spray a small amount of saline solution into the cat’s eyes. Make the saline solution fresh each and every time, as 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” from Aeura. Dissolve one tablet in a 1-ounce dropper bottle filled with a mixture of 80% water and 20% vodka (as preservative), shake well, and administer approximately 1/2 dropper. oral Once or twice a day. (DO NOT get in eyes!) If you make a 1 ounce batch, it will last for several weeks. It may seem a bit expensive at first, 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 at health food stores. Follow the instructions on the bottle to complete 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 explained scientifically, but 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 for the immune system.
Long-term nutritional support with antioxidants and other immune-boosting supplements 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 cat checked out by your vet. Herpes can cause severe corneal ulcers that can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
