Treating Cat Viral Infections
Similar to humans, cats are susceptible to various illnesses, including viral infections. Two common viral infections affecting cats are the Feline Herpes 1 virus, also known as rhinotracheitis virus, and infection with organisms such as Chlamydia psittaci and mycoplasma. The good news is that effective treatments are available for these conditions. Symptoms of these viral infections include fever, watery eyes, a crusty nose, and frequent sneezing. While these symptoms may resolve on their own, the infection can recur, leading to a condition called Feline Keratoconjunctivitis, where the virus settles in the nerves around the cat's face. This can cause corneal scars and impair vision, particularly during stressful situations such as boarding, weather changes, or the presence of new pets in the household. In severe cases, the virus can lead to the loss of the cornea's outer coating, resulting in deep ulcers and damage to surrounding tissues. However, several treatment options a...