Many cats suffer from weak immune systems at birth leaving them immunocompromised.
Unfortunately, the same scenario exists for geriatric cats as the normal functioning of the immune system declines with age.
There are several cat immune boosters that can help young or old cats avoid suffering from more infections than cats with strong immune systems.
For example, if an immunodeficient cat stays at a boarding facility, the chance of acquiring an infectious respiratory disease increases. The best way to minimize the risk of infection is through strengthening the immune system.
Below are some of our favorite cat immune boosters.
Top Cat Immune Boosters
Lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator (LTCI)
Lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator (LTCI) enhances the immune system of cats suffering from FeLV & FIV.
LTCI is a natural protein product and a USDA-approved treatment for cat viral diseases. This treatment requires a series of painless injections. But, you can rest assured your kitty’s immune system will be activated.
LTCI must be administered by a licensed veterinarian.
Acemannan
Acemannan is an immunomodulator polysaccharide extracted from the popular healing herb Aloe Vera.
Years ago, the FDA approved injectable Acemannan for treating fibrosarcomas and feline leukemia (FeLV).
But since injectable Acemannan is no longer available, the oral variety is your only choice.
Our clinic uses the following protocol:
- Loading dose: 1 teaspoonful of oral acemannan daily for 5 days
- Maintenance dose: 1/2 teaspoon daily for 4-5 weeks.
If you see an improvement in your pet, continue at a rate of 1/2 teaspoon daily.
You can find Acemannan online to purchase without a prescription.
Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C
Sodium ascorbate is an over the counter form of Vitamin C which boosts the immune system and provides antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects.
Elevated vitamin C levels aid immune system regeneration while also destroying bacteria and viruses.
Make sure you use Sodium Ascorbate, NOT Ascorbic Acid.
Sodium ascorbate has a neutral pH, so the gastrointestinal side effects are less compared to Ascorbic acid.
Ascorbic acid is the most common form of vitamin C, but because it has an acidic pH, we don’t recommend using it.
The recommended Sodium ascorbate dose for cats is 500 mg (1/8 tsp) to 1000 mg (1/4 tsp) once or twice daily, depending on bowel tolerance. For kittens, start at 1/16 tsp twice daily and work up to a higher dose.
If your cat develops loose stool, it means the body is saturated with vitamin C and you should cut back on the dose just a little bit.
Lysine
Lysine is an over-the-counter amino acid supplement recommended for cats suffering from FIV, upper respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, sneezing, and herpes virus.
It’s available as a gel, pill, flavored powder, or treat.
“Human” lysine products come in tablet and capsule form.
Mixing Lysine powder into canned food is often the most efficient feeding method.
The recommended Lysine dosage is:
500 mg per day, given twice daily for adult cats
250 mg per day, given twice daily for kittens
You can buy lysine online without a prescription.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is an amazing immune booster in cats.
Cats are very sensitive to essential oils so you must adhere to basic safety principles.
To use essential oils on your cat in a safe manner, make sure the oils are pure, unadulterated oils.
Our first choice of essential oil providers is doTERRA.
To use Frankincense on your cat, place 1-2 drops of undiluted Frankincense essential oil in your hand.
Then rub your hands together, allowing your palms to absorb most of the essential oil.
Then, stroke your cat’s body. Apply 1-2 times daily, giving at least 6-8 hours between treatments.
If you smell the essential oil on your cat’s fur, you did it correctly!
WARNING: Be very careful using essential oils on cats. Some essential oils are toxic to cats when used in large quantities. To use any oil other than Frankincense or Lavender on your cat, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian or follow exact instructions found in the book “SpOil Your Pet: A Practical Guide to Using Essential Oils in Dogs and Cats” by Mia K. Frezzo, DVM.
In addition to the above cat immune boosters, a healthy diet and proper food choices dramatically boost your cat’s immune system. Sometimes, home-cooked diets provide the best nutrients to strengthen your cat’s immune system.
So, if you want to learn how to cook for your cat, then click here.
Or if you’d like a health makeover for your cat, contact our clinic today!
