New cat with herpes gets worsening symptoms when home alone

We adopted Pi in March (on Pi Day actually!). He just turned a year old last month. He had a nasty bout with herpes right after we brought him home. He's gotten a lot better except for some lingering effects. We have him on Lysine treats daily to help keep him healthy.

I work from home and Pi has become very attached to me. He sits right at my side all day as I work. He follows me around all day and night. He's always either sitting next to me, sitting somewhere looking at me or sitting on top of me. 

My bf and I just moved to a new area a few months before adopting Pi and our relatives and friends all live hours away. We have had to put our social lives on hold since adopting him because getting him healthy is our top priority. We haven't been able to visit friends or family because we've noticed that if we have an obligation out of the house that leaves Pi home alone for an extended period (he hasn't been left overnight yet), his symptoms are worse when we return. 

We went to a wedding in March and he came down with an eye infection the next day. We went on a day trip this weekend and when we got home and for the next two days, he was sneezing his head off. 

Has anyone experienced this before? Does it get better with time? Is there any way to make it easier on him when we're away so he doesn't stress himself sick? We have lots of toys for him, including ones that he can amuse himself with (and he does), so this doesn't seem to be an issue of boredom, but rather stress when we leave him for a little while.

do you give him lysine? have you tried any calming aids: feliway diffuser, composure, pet naturals calming treats, etc. ?

Along with the great suggestions from @detmut, have you considered getting a cat sitter? Even for a day, just someone to sit with the cat for 30 mins to an hour, feed him, pet him and play with him. 

Perhaps turning on the radio or tv so there's noise in the home. I heard a great suggestion on another forum where you can call home and just speak through the answering machine to your kitty. 

Hi Stephanie,

He might get a little stressed when you both leave causing the herpes to be triggered.   I believe it's called separation anxiety.  My orange tabby Noney gets that.  Adding another cat that's compatible might help or a cat sitter.  There's some all natural sprays on the market that might help.

I used to use the Lysine treats but switched to just plain Lysine in powder form and add it to the wet food.  That way your sure to get it in it's purest form without any additives that the treats have.  You can get it from Vitacost.com at a great price.  

Pi is so adorable you just want to kiss up on him 

Yes, he gets Lysine daily. I am going to look into the calming spray you suggested thank you!

Thank you all for the help <3

Stephanie10 said:

 
Yes, he gets Lysine daily. I am going to look into the calming spray you suggested thank you!

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I'm sorry I should have just given you the name, my bad    I either got it at Petsmart or Petco can't seem to remember anyho it's called Pet Organics No-Stress in a white and green spray bottle. I've used it on carpet , bedding and our couches with no problems. Take care