4 Ways to Improve Your Catโ€™s Immune System

BY | November 10 | COMMENTS PUBLISHED BY
4 Ways to Improve Your Catโ€™s Immune System

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Apart from feeding your cats with supplements such as

Vetri Lysine Plus Feline Formula

to boost its immune system, there are also certain things you can do to help your cat’s immune system improve. Here are a few tips to get you started.

  1. Diet:Cats need to be on a diet that is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and proteins and amino acids. Antioxidants are important so that your cat’s health is safe from the harmful pathogens and pollutants in the environment. An antioxidant-rich food minerals and vitamins such as Vitamins A, C and E. These nutrients are important agents in helping your cat’s body survive under heavy stress. A sick cat’s body can have a break-down in the immune system, exposing it to a number of harmful pathogens. An anti-oxidant rich diet comes to the rescue of your cat’s immune system in such times and saves it from dangerous illnesses and conditions.Amino acids help in the production of T-cells. These cells aggressively attack hazardous growths and developments in your cat’s body. These cells prevent the development of cancerous and infectious cells.Fatty acids like omega-3 oils are all-rounders for your cat’s immune system. Omega oils reduce the production of harmful substances that can lead to causing cancer, arthritis, diabetes and other auto-immune illnesses.
  2. Exercise:Create an environment for your cat that gives it ample opportunity to exercise and have physical activity. A cat that does not move around much is more prone to immune system issues. Making your cat’s life exciting by providing opportunities to run about playing, hunting, walking- anything that can help it balance food-intake and prevents it from becoming overweight can really help boost up your cat’s immune system.
  3. Environment:Just like in human beings, an environment that is highly stressful can cause a break-down in the immune system. An environment with too much stimulation can keep your cat’s nervous system constantly active, thereby leading to immune system problems. For example, a place where there are too many cats could lead to fights, competition and other ugly duels between the cats, so that their autonomic arousal is constantly high.On the other hand, an environment which is peaceful provides ample opportunity to sleep and relax and to play will help your cat’s mental health to be undisturbed. This will, in turn, reduce autonomic arousal, and boost up your cat’s immune system.
  4. Hygiene:Any cat owner will know that cats do not like to be dirty. Keep the surroundings of your cat clean to reduce the chance of infections and diseases. Cats clean themselves by constantly licking on their body. A dirty environment may lead to a cat ingesting harmful substances.

The Guide to Boosting Your Feline’s Immunity

The immunity system of your feline friend is key to its good health and protection against germs, bacteria, and viruses, the common foreign invaders. If you know how the immunity system of cats work, you will be able to understand how healthy your cat is and stop it from falling ill. To help your feline friend from catching diseases that can be fatal to its health, here are 5 easy tips you can use.

  1. Healthy dietIn order for your cat to be healthy, it needs to be fed a well-balanced and nourishing diet throughout their lives. A diet that is high in proteins and amino acids such as Arginine, Carnitine, and Taurine is a sure way to boost the immunity of your feline friend. You also need to keep carbohydrates low so that they don’t become overweight. Ensure your kitty has access to clean water at all times.
  2. Stress-free lifeDid you know that stress can lower the immunity of your feline friend? In order to keep your kitty disease-free, it's important that your cat is in a stress-free environment. If the cats don’t have enough space (overcrowding) or the ventilation is poor or the surrounding environment isn’t clean, your kitty will be exposed to pathogens and will be leading a stressful life. Clean the litter box regularly, groom them and give massages regularly to reduce stress.
  3. Entertaining environmentHistorically, cats are hunters and spend a majority of their time outdoors looking for food. Don’t get fooled by the fact that cats sleep for a long time. If you want your cat to be active and healthy indoors, you need to make sure your house has enough opportunities that allow them to exercise. Invest in good quality toys, scratching posts, and cat trees so that even if you are not at home, you cat will still be entertained.
  4. Use supplementsSupplements contribute to the well-being of your feline friend. There are loads of cat supplements available on the market that enhance the immunity of your kitty. Ask you vet for the ideal supplements that need to be given to your cat. When buying supplements for cats, purchase ones that have Antioxidants, Arabinogalactans, and Purine Nucleotides.
  5. Minimize use of chemicalsThere are various kinds of chemicals in the environment of a cat. Toxins in the air, cleaning products, fertilizers, pesticides, and much more. They can lead to allergic reactions that range from itchy skin to diarrhea. Try to keep the levels of chemicals in the environment as low as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I boost my cat's immune system?

Ideally you should feed your cat raw or home cooked food. Try to avoid grains as much as you can. Alternatively, you can feed your cat grain-free canned foods. It’s best to avoid dry food for cats, unless you have no other option. You should also consider adding cat supplements to your cat’s diet. Consult a vet if you feel your cat needs additional nutritional supplements.

What causes a weakened immune system in cats?

The deficiency of white blood cells called Phagocytes causes a weakened immune system in cats. This is not specific to cats but all animals. Phagocytes can engulf foreign contaminants present in a cat’s blood, thus preventing them from causing damage to the cat’s body. Deficiency of phagocytes can be caused by an infection or it might be present since birth. If you feel that your cat’s immunity system is compromised, you should consult a vet immediately.

What is the best immune support for cats?

Apart from feeding your cat a healthy diet, you can also consider giving probiotic supplements that can introduce beneficial organisms in your cat’s gastrointestinal system. You can also use herbal supplements, such as vitamin C and Zinc to support the immune system. Omega 3 fatty acids can combat inflammation and stabilize the immune system.

How do you know if your cat has a weak immune system?

Your cat might have a weak immune system if it falls ill frequently. It might suffer from recurring infections or other ailments that would not respond to conventional treatment, or might take a long time to get cured. Some cats suffer from stunted growth if they have a weak immune system. Cats with a weak immune system would also lack energy and have a poor coat.

What can I give my cat to fight infection?

You can give Amoxicillin to fight almost all kinds of infections, including skin and gastrointestinal infections. Another widely used antibiotic is Cephalexin, as it is quite effective against UTIs, skin, and respiratory infections without much side effects. Metronidazole is often given for gastrointestinal infections. It is imperative that you consult a vet before giving any antibiotics to your cat.

It isn’t hard to keep your cat healthy. Just use the tips above and you will see your feline friend living a long life that is filled with happiness rather than diseases.

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