How to Naturally Strengthen Your Cat’s Immune System

In this article, you’ll learn and discover how to naturally strengthen your cats immune system.

Even though our cats hate us, we love them all the same. Jokes aside, any cat owner can attest to their heart melting as they watch their new kitten play with a toy or lounge stretched out in the warm glow of the afternoon sun.

Unfortunately, while cats are very independent pets, they can’t cure themselves of infection or heal diseases. When your pet gets sick, it relies on you to support and nurture it back to health by providing it with the very best healthcare you can afford.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this adage rings true in the case of your feline friend’s health. There are steps you can take to build your cat’s immune system naturally and improve their resilience to bacteria and viruses.

A Healthy Diet – The Foundation of your Cats Immune System

Just like us, cats need a nutrient-dense diet complete with all the vitamins and minerals are necessary to ensure good health. Cats are carnivorous creatures, so their food needs to be rich in protein, amino acids, and good fats to help your cat stay in optimal metabolic health.

Avoid cheap, store-bought cat foods filled with refined carbohydrates and cheap preservatives. These ingredients damage the gastrointestinal health of your kitty and disrupt the delicate balance of micro bacteria in their gut. These gastrointestinal disorders can result in cats experiencing diarrhea or undigested food in their stool.

Speak to your veterinarian about balanced, premium-grade cat food that has everything your cat needs. Some cat food brands offer specialist formulas designed to suit cats with a sensitive stomach or specific dietary needs related to their age or breed.

Remember to feed your cat according to the recommended guidelines issued by your local vet. Overfeeding or underfeeding your cat creates a host of adverse health conditions as well. Monitor their caloric intake and ensure you are feeding them the right amount of food every day.

Supplementing Your Cats Diet

Environmental toxins build up in your cat’s system over time. If left unchecked, these toxins could disrupt your cat’s immune function and expose them to disease. Consider supplementing your cat’s diet to complete their nutritional needs. Before adding any supplement to your cat’s food, consult with your vet first. Here are some of the more common supplements you can use to boost feline immune health.

Lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator (LTCI)

Used to treat cats with FeLV & FIV, but also is an excellent immune booster. This naturally occurring protein is a USDA-approved treatment that involves a series of injections administered by your veterinarian.  

Acemannan

This immunomodulator polysaccharide extract comes from the medicinal healing herb; Aloe Vera. This treatment is administered orally to treat the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and even HIV in humans.

Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C

Make sure you use sodium ascorbate, not ascorbic acid. The ascorbic variant creates gastrointestinal issues in cats. Adding additional vitamin c to your cat’s diet improves their immune system and aids in immune system regeneration while destroying harmful viruses and bacteria.

Lysine

This over-the-counter amino acid supplement boosts immune function by improving protein synthesis, helping them get the most out of their nutrition.

CBD oil

Inflammation created by a poor diet or environmental stress can be detrimental to the health of your cat’s immune system. CBD oil for cats may help to reduce inflammation; cats have an endocannabinoid system like all mammals, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for aiding other physiological systems in the regular ‘maintenance’ of the body, while also playing a role in decreasing pain, inflammation, and anxiety.

Keep Their Water Clean

Cats need water to survive, it’s an essential element of life, just like it is for people. Keep your cat’s water bowl clean and replenish it with fresh water at least one or twice a day. Water flushes toxins from the body and assists with cell communication and new cell generation.

Cats like to prowl around a lot, and they get dehydrated quickly in hot climates, so always ensure that their water bowl is topped up, especially in the summer months.

Reduce Stress Levels with Love

Elevated stress levels will affect your cat’s mood, behavior, and health. Cats feel stressed when they are moved to new environments or exposed to new people. During these periods of an intense stress response, your cat’s immune system declines and they’re at higher risk of catching an infection.

The best thing you can do for your cat to calm their stress levels is to show them, love. Keep their litterbox, litter mat, and bedding clean because you know how cats hate dirty living conditions. Talk to them in a soothing tone and try to cuddle with them if they’ll let you.

Wrapping Up

If you’re going to be moving house soon, or you’ve been thinking about getting another pet, try out these immune boosting tips for your feline friend.