Cat Flu Flare Up - do I need to go to the vet?

[TobyTims]

Hi everyone. Looking for some advice.

I adopted my cat Snowy (approx. 1 year old) about 6 months ago. I knew she had cat-flu previously when I adopted her, and that cat-flu flare ups can happen.

Snowy is having a flare up for the first time this week. The poor girl, I think she got stressed after we went away for the weekend and left her with family for the first time.

In any event, I am not sure if I need to take her to the vet every time she has a flare up? She is eating well, and still running around and playing - but is definitely a bit more lethargic than usual (she is usually VERY hyperactive) and is doing quite big sneezes regularly, they almost sound a bit chesty. Her nose also seems a bit runny, she is licking it a lot, but her eye looks clear.

I'm happy to take her to the vet, but I don't want to cause even more stress unnecessarily, especially if they just tell me to take her back home and keep an eye on her - which I know can happen with mild flu.

If anyone has any thoughts, I'd love to hear them. Thank you in advance

 

[di and bob]

I would start her on a supplement to build up her immunity system. I have noticed since mine have been on DMG (Walmart online) they have not had any flareups at all. Many say to start them on L-Lysine, (even vets) which wouldn't hurt, but there have been studies done to show it really doesn't do much. I have had mixed results using it, it works for one cat, but not the other. I wouldn't bring her to the vet since stress is a big factor, unless she gets worse, stops eating and starts hiding. Make sure she has lots of fresh water, and plenty of humidity.

 

[TobyTims]

Thank you for those helpful tips! I've never looked into cat supplements before, will definitely do some research (especially since I have another cat-flu cat at home, too!)

 

[di and bob]

My cats have leukemia, so DMG has really helped them not get sick. They have had no flareups of any kind in over 20 months.