Ways to reduce stress?

I went back to school 2 weeks ago & Jordan is stressed by how much I've been gone. I know he's stressed because he's got what the vet felt was a viral herpes infection in his eye. His eye has been good for a long time, now all of a sudden it flared up again. The vet had told me it would flare up when he got stressed. I obviously can't be home anymore than I am already, but I'm looking for suggestions on how to reduce his stress. I've thought of leaving music on while I'm going, but does that really help? Also I would appreciate any other suggestions. My poor Love Bug is missing his Mom & it's making me feel bad. I just want to make sure he & the others are happy.

Oh poor baby ...I would say give him some extra TLC and I cannot stress enough Play Therapy...Get Da Bird toy and a laser pointer...this is a natural stress reliever for cats and it has worked WONDERS for my cats...even has them acting civilly towards one another

(((HUGS))) to your little guy.

Ok, maybe this is a dumb question, but what is "Da Bird toy"? I've got a laser pointer, but I need to get batteries.

Originally Posted by Rang_27

Ok, maybe this is a dumb question, but what is "Da Bird toy"? I've got a laser pointer, but I need to get batteries.

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That's so funny, my laser pointer is dying too!

If you do a google search for "Da Bird" you will get a bunch of pet sites, but it's basically feathers on a pole, that you drive your kitty nuts with...it's very interactive and when my cats hear me go towards the closet, they come RUNNING in all directions just to see if I'll break it out

500 mgs of lysine per day will clear up the herpes virus. Like blue_monday_88 said, lots of play will alleviate the stress. Also, there are continuous play DVDs that are designed to keep kitties company.

Da Bird can be ordered from http://www.go-cat.com if you can't find it in stores.

Originally Posted by coaster

Da Bird can be ordered from http://www.go-cat.com if you can't find it in stores.

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I was lucky, I found it in an up-scale pet store in downtown Manhattan, I went in on a whim looking for it and he had a ton of them!!!

Today I left a radio on hopeing that will help. I have been giving him L-lysine, which he takes like a champ. It seems to be getting better quickly, but obviosly I'm still worried about his stress level. I went to check out Da Bird, I had a smiliar toy that they wrecked the 2nd or 3rd time we played with it. One of them pulled so hard the string came clear out of the stick & couldn't be replaced. So my question is how well constructed is Da Bird. My boys are 12 lbs a piece & very strong. (My little girl gets crazy too, but she's only 4 month old).

Da Bird is very well constructed. It's one of the best-constructed wand toys out there. Yet, your cats will certainly destroy the feathers. That's what cats do. So be sure to buy refills!!

Oliver ALWAYS misses me when I'm gone - whether I leave for an hour and a half class or for a few days.... he's always all over me when I get back - I always leave the tv on animal planet for him and he loves it! I would leave some t-shirts or blankets that smell like you for them to access as well - your scent will be pleasing and comforting to them... then SHOWER them with affection when you are around - I know how the school year can be.... I live 4 hours from home when I'm at school and my black lab (who is my little sister) misses me like crazy!! She'll talk to me on the phone when I call and get all excited (if she's not next door playing with her boyfriend, haha).... I'd be happy that you're so loved by your kitty! Hopefully his eye will clear up soon too! Keep up with the meds...