[joannaw1@aol.com]

Dear Fellow Cat Lovers:

Sorry this is long....

I adopted a 3.5-month-old kitten from Multnomah County Animal Shelter on January 6th, 2003. We brought her home even though we knew she was sick with a kitty cold. She has been treated with Clavimox and Clindimiacin both 2 a day. She has also been on antibiotic eye drops 2 times per day as well. This leads me to my first question: She has been experiencing diarrhea every time she goes potty. This is about 5-8 times per day. I know that this is probably caused from the antibiotics. She looks great and seems healthy, eating tons and went off of all the antibiotics 2 days ago, but she is still having diarrhea. How long after going off the antibiotics should the watery stools cease before I should become concerned that something else may be happening? She has tested negative for Leukemia and the cat HIV.

Next question: Our resident indoor cat (4.5 year old male neutered) has now come down with the same kitty cold even though we have kept them separated. Very congested, sneezing, snotty and a red fever type blister on the outer upper lip area. Our vet explained that it is airborne and sometimes it just happens. He is now taking Clavimox twice a day along with the eye drops. We are hoping that this will just run its course as it did in our new kitten. My question is… I have read lots on the Internet about using L-lysine supplements on cats with weak immune systems. I know that our resident cat leans to the side of being weak as he had a traumatic kittenhood and almost did not make it from lack of nutrition, fleas and worms. He was brought to our home where he was pampered and feed with a syringe for 3 weeks. I am wondering what vets think about using L-lysine or other supplements to build feline immune systems?

Last question: Is there any possible way to tell what kind of “kitty cold” they have? Herpes virus or something else?

Thank you very much!

Joanna
Oregon

[StinaBeena]

I see you're in Gresham..I'm in Medford Nice to see another Oregonian.

I really don't know much about this..I would say to really work well with your veterinarian and don't be afraid to ask about L-lysine and whatever else you feel you need to ask about, they're there to help.
Sometimes you can make a quick call to the office to ask about something, such as your kitty's diarrhea problem. Just ask if its normal for your kitten to continue having this problem after the medication has been stopped. I'd maybe wait a few more days though.

[mom of three again]

As for the diareah if she is still eating and driking just make sure she does not get dehydrated the best way to tell if dehydration is setting in, is to hold the fur and skin at the back of her neck gently pull it upwards. If the skin snaps back into place quickly she is fine if it gingerly lies and is generally loose she is dehydrated. Has she been tested for any kind of intestinal parasite?

URIs are very common in kittens especially in shelter situations it is best to let it run its course with in both cats with out too many drugs and suppliments there for you are building the cats immunity naturally.

I know they look and probably feel (althoug they can't tell us) miserable. Just keep the water accessable and love them to bits.

Best Wishes!

Leslie-Ann,
Moderator,
Cats,
Feral Cats &
Herbal Remedies.

[joannaw1@aol.com]

Thank you - I appreciate your help. Viola, the kitten seems to be doing better each day - Just still having the runny stool. I have been advised to give her some yogurt, plain or vanilla. Has anyone heard of this for diarrhea? The older cat, Maus is feeling just awful as this virus runs its course. VERY stuffed up and has trouble breathing. Poor babies! I feel so bad for them!

[joannaw1@aol.com]

STINABEENA - Thank you! I appreciate any help! I will talk with my vet more about L-lysine. Hopefully things will look better as we are going on 2 1/2 weeks for the kitten and a week for the older cat with this virus! NASTY BUG!

[mom of three again]

Yes yogurt is great for diareah. Just not the kind with Sugar in it. Please go on the herbals board I posted a while back a number of remedies for diareah and IBS it is titled "Cat with IBD." I pushed it to the top for you.

Leslie-Ann,
Moderator,
Cats,
Feral Cats &
Herbal Remedies.

[joannaw1@aol.com]

Thank you Leslie-Ann, but I can not find that topic, CAT WITH IBD, on the board. Do you know what the date was it posted or what page it is on? I would really like to read it - very much appreciated!

[mom of three again]

It is on the Herbal Remedies board.

Go to the top of this message and click on the "The Civilized Pet Forum" link that will take you to the Forum menu -- scroll down to the bottom the Herbal Remedies board is in the Community section.

The topic should be at the top of that board.

If you have trouble I can copy and paste it here for you if need be.

Let me know.

Leslie-Ann,
Moderator,
Cats,
Feral Cats &
Herbal Remedies.

[joannaw1@aol.com]

Thank you Mom of three again! I found it and I copied it and printed it. What is great is I have lemon balm and mint growing in my yard. We have had such a mild winter that I believe it is still good. I really thank you for your help. My babies are so important to me and this new one, Viola, is just wonderful. Viola is a new addition to our family and a friend to our other cat since we had to put down our 13 year old Maine Coon, Hector, this past Halloween. I will try some of these ideas! If you think of anything else, please let me know.

[joannaw1@aol.com]

Thank you - Thank you! Gave Viola yogurt last night and by 11pm she went potty and her "big potty" had some form to it! YEA!!! Maus seems to be doing a bit better now as well. Still stuffy in the nose a bit, but he seems to be up and around more and eating even better. Poor babies! Now, I hope that there introduction to eachother goes along smoothly now that they are both feeling better. I am hoping that they will turn out to be good friends as soon as Maus gets over being mad at her for getting him sick.... I REALLY THINK HE KNOWS!