How to strengthen your cat's immunity at home

Basic rules for taking medications

Immunomodulators are medications that have a positive effect on the immune system. They are able to spur and restore its functions. Drugs that affect immunity began to be used by veterinarians about 20 years ago. But in order for the medications to bring only benefits, you need to follow some rules:

1. Before choosing a drug, pet owners should consult a veterinarian.
2. You cannot take several immunomodulators for cats at the same time.
3. The drugs are not prescribed to animals during the vaccination period.

If the doctor recommended several immunomodulators, then they should be taken one at a time, but not simultaneously. In case of exacerbation of chronic diseases, veterinarians recommend the following drugs: “Fosprenil”, “Transfer Factor”, “Immunofan” and others.

What leads to a decrease in immune potential

Despite the fact that cats naturally have strong immunity, under the influence of various unfavorable factors, their protective forces weaken. Cats become vulnerable to viral, bacterial, and fungal attacks.

Causes of immune deterioration:

• lack of vaccinations;
• non-compliance with the vaccination schedule;
• unbalanced diet, cheap feed;
• unfavorable conditions of detention;
• hypovitaminosis;
• early weaning of kittens from cats;
• sudden change in diet;
• chronic, acute pathologies;
• neglect of deworming;
• violation of the rules of care and maintenance;
• pregnancy, lactation;
• infection with internal and external parasites (helminthiasis).

Stress, emotional shock, gross neglect, serious injuries, previous surgical operations, viral-bacterial, fungal infections also lead to weakened immunity in cats.

Deficiency of minerals, amino acids, vitamins against the background of poor nutrition, long-term use of antibacterial agents and other medications have a negative effect.

Cat owners should pay special attention to their pet’s immune system in early spring and autumn-winter.

"Globfel"

The drug is used both for the treatment and prevention of infections. Immunomodulator for cats with viral diseases "Globfel" contains antigens obtained from the blood serum of other animals. Manufacturers recommend using the drug for the following infections:

• chlamydia;
• rhinotracheitis;
• panleukopenia;
• calicivirus.

Veterinarians often prescribe Globfel to develop passive immunity in cats. The drug containing immunoglobulins does not replace vaccination, but it is used in cases where it is impossible to vaccinate for some reason. "Globfel" is used for those animals that have been in contact with infected brethren. This is especially true for unvaccinated cats and those individuals whose vaccination was overdue.

How to understand that your pet has a weakened immune system

Typical signs of a weakened immune system:

• the pet constantly picks up viruses,
• the pet easily gets sick again after recovering,
• chronic diseases often worsen,
• dull coat, hair loss,
• lethargy,
• the pet sleeps a lot,
• the pet does not play and refuses to go for walks.

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to think about strengthening your immune system. But first, consult your veterinarian to rule out serious health problems.

"Gamavit"

An immunomodulator for cats in injections is used in the treatment of many diseases, including viral ones. The drug "Gamavit" is a complex product that contains sodium nucleinate and denatured placenta, as well as biologically active substances.

The drug has a beneficial effect on the metabolic processes occurring in the cat's body. It normalizes the animal’s blood, improves its ability to resist stress and increased physical activity. It has been noted that “Gamavit” increases the viability of newborn kittens and reduces the mortality of offspring.

Veterinarians prescribe this drug for any infectious diseases, infestations, and exhaustion. With Gamavit, animals recover faster after surgery and can withstand stress and travel more easily. The drug is prescribed to cats during pregnancy to produce viable offspring and prevent toxicosis.

Vitamins for spayed and neutered cats

Uroliths often form in the urine of sterilized cats and neutered cats, which over time can provoke the appearance of urolithiasis. To optimize the functioning of the urinary tract, good vitamins for spayed cats and neutered cats contain glucose, lecithin, L-carnitine, vitamins B3 and B12.

Vitamin complexes do not allow the animal’s weight to increase, so veterinarians advise adding them to cats’ food. Based on expert reviews, a list of the best vitamins with mandatory markings for sterilized (neutered) cats has been compiled:

• VEDA Phytomines;
• Radostin
• Farmavit NEO;
• Cemax.

"Interferon"

Veterinarians often prescribe this human drug to their furry patients. Interferon is made from bones. The drug is very effective and should not be used without a doctor’s prescription; it can harm your pet. Uncontrolled use of Interferon is especially dangerous for kittens.

Veterinarians prescribe the drug for viral and colds. Increased immunity in cats can be achieved with the help of Interferon. The drug is taken up to 5 times a day for no more than 2-5 days. Before use, the powder is diluted with liquid for injection. The ready-made mixture can be stored at a temperature of 4 to 10 degrees Celsius.

No side effects were identified when using Interferon in cats. But this does not mean that owners can prescribe this drug to their pet without consulting a veterinarian. An animal's immune system is a very complex system that can be easily damaged.

"Salmozan"

This drug for cat immunity is of bacterial origin. Its active ingredient is salmonella antigen, which gave the product its name. The drug increases the body's resistance to infections and stimulates the immune system. "Salmozan" has proven itself in the treatment of both cats and dogs. The immunity increased due to taking the drug lasts a long time.

"Salmozan" can be administered to animals subcutaneously and intramuscularly. In some cases, veterinarians recommend giving the drug orally. Salmozan can be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees.

"Mastim"

If your pet has chronic diseases, the doctor may prescribe immunity vitamins for cats. To improve the condition of the animal, the drug “Mastim”, containing biologically active substances and tissue products, is well suited.

The immunomodulator perfectly helps to cope with infections, inflammatory processes, allergic reactions, and fungal skin infections. Veterinarians often prescribe Mastim for gynecological problems in cats, for example, cystitis, endometritis, vulvovaginitis.

The drug improves the growth and development of kittens, including newborns. "Mastim" can be used to reduce the likelihood of complications after vaccination of animals. The drug can be used simultaneously with many medications, including antibiotics.

Vitamins for pregnant and lactating cats

During pregnancy and lactation, the cat is vulnerable to diseases and other negative factors. In addition, vitamins for a nursing cat are necessary not only for herself, but also for growing kittens. The younger generation will develop as expected if mother's milk contains all the important substances for their growth.

It is useful for the expectant mother to give vitamins with calcium:

• Nutrimin Cat;
• Canivita;
• Radostin (for pregnant and lactating cats).

"Kinoron"

The drug is available in powder form, which subsequently needs to be diluted before injection. It contains interferon proteins, rheopolyglucin, potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate. The drug is used in veterinary medicine to treat various animals.

"Kinoron" is used to boost immunity in the fight against viral infections. The drug is well tolerated by animals. Injections for the cat’s immunity are given 2 times a day for 3 days, and then once. The course of treatment can last up to 2 weeks.

"Glycopin"

The active ingredient of the immunomodulator in tablets for cats is glucosaminylmuramyl dipeptide. The drug also contains potato starch, calcium stearate, methylcellulose, sucrose, lactose monohydrate. The drug is available in packages containing 10 tablets.

"Glycopene" is prescribed to cats for the prevention of bacterial and viral diseases, for oncology and for severe immunodeficiency. The drug has proven itself in the treatment of old and weakened animals. "Glycopene" can be used in stressful situations for cats, especially when moving.

The drug is contraindicated in animals suffering from intolerance to any of its components. "Glycopene" is used once a day, the course of treatment takes 5-7 days. Along with the drug, the doctor may additionally prescribe antibiotics.

"Ligfol"

The drug is used in veterinary medicine to fight tumors and improve tissue regeneration. "Ligfol" contains sodium pyrophosphate, lignin, and sodium chloride. The drug is used for injection.

Immunity for cats plays an important role in fighting disease. “Ligfol” is able to spur him on. With the help of the drug, animals can more easily withstand unfavorable conditions, maintaining health and productivity. Veterinarians prescribe Ligfol before vaccination to improve the animal's immune response.

The drug is used in treatment regimens for cancer. The medicine may be prescribed before surgery to remove cancerous tumors. "Ligfol" has proven itself as a remedy that stimulates healing processes for burns, cuts and other injuries.

The drug is administered once a day at a dosage of 0.1 ml per 1 kg of cat’s body weight. The course of treatment is 6-8 injections, given once every 2-3 days. The injections are quite painful, so the animal may show anxiety for some time.

Rise by season

During each season, you need to take time to strengthen your immune system, especially since each season has its own methods.

in winter

In winter, the body will need vitamin A, which is found in sea buckthorn, viburnum, pumpkin, red pepper, broccoli and persimmon. To compensate for the lack of B vitamins, you should eat more meat, seafood, eggs and fish. Well, vitamin C can be obtained from lemons, onions, oranges and tangerines, and do not forget about eating garlic.

Winter is the time for fresh fruit drinks, compotes, infusions and herbal teas. Prepare them from freshly frozen berries with a high content of vitamin C (cranberries, blackberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, strawberries, etc.). For teas, it is best to stock up on linden inflorescences, branches of cherries, currants, thyme, and chamomile during the warm period. All this can also be purchased at pharmacies.

Doctors recommend, despite the frost, to regularly ventilate the premises, devote time to winter hardening methods, and to combat depression, if any, you can engage in winter sports.

in spring

Traditional medicine advises in the spring to increase the dose of herbal teas, for example, teas based on lemon juice and ginger, cranberry juice. It is also useful to eat grains and meat; calcium can be obtained from dairy products.

On warm days, you should take more walks in the fresh air, increase this time gradually, you can start doing active sports and don’t forget about healthy sleep. This will help smooth the transition from winter to warmth.

In summer

Summer is the time when you need to start actively eating berries, vegetables (especially watercress, tomatoes and cucumbers) and fruits. At the same time, lead an active lifestyle. Doctors advise spending more time in the sun to replenish vitamin D deficiency, but you need to be careful about overheating the body.

Also a good method would be trips to coniferous groves. Inhalation of such air has a good effect on overall health and has a positive effect on diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract.

in autumn

During the autumn period, the body experiences severe stress due to sudden changes in weather conditions, lack of vitamin D, deterioration of the diet, and depression can be added to everything. Therefore, it is very important to take care of your own psychological state, eat seasonal vegetables (cabbage, apples) and herbal infusions (viburnum, echinacea, rose hips), a drug based on noni fruit will not be amiss. You should not neglect proper sleep, it is advisable to sleep 8-9 hours a day.

For the autumn period, swimming, exercise in the pool, taking a course of baths with herbs and sea salt, and aromatherapy are recommended.

"Fosprenil"

The main component of the veterinary product is disodium phosphate. The composition also includes the following substances: glycerin, ethanol Tween-80 and water for injection. The drug for increasing immunity in cats is effective in the fight against infectious diseases. Most often it is prescribed for a diagnosis of rhinotracheitis.

The drug increases weight gain in young animals, reduces morbidity rates, and improves resistance to infections. Fosprinil is used by injection or orally. It can be administered intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly. "Fosprenil" is well compatible with other drugs.

If the animal’s disease is severe, veterinary experts recommend giving the animal a double dose. It is not necessary to dilute Fosprenil with saline solutions before use.

"Imunofan"

The immunomodulator for cats is produced in several dosage forms: suppositories, spray and injection solution. The main component of the veterinary product is hepsapeptide. The composition also includes substances: glycerin and sodium chloride. Ampoules can be stored at a temperature no higher than 10 degrees, so it is better to put the medicine in the refrigerator.

“Imunofan” corrects the functioning of the animal’s immune system and has a beneficial effect on the liver and other internal organs. The drug removes toxic substances from the body, fights inflammatory processes and increases the number of antibodies that protect the cat from infections.

The medicine has a beneficial effect on the cat's reproductive system. Veterinarians recommend Imunofan for newborn kittens that are not gaining weight well and look weak. The drug is also used in the treatment of oncology, as well as as a restorative agent after chemotherapy.

If Imunofan is used for the prevention of diseases of the reproductive system, then it is used in a course of 3-4 times a year. When treating infections, the drug is administered once a day for 3-7 days. The drug has no contraindications and can be prescribed to cats of any age.

Help after illness

The human immune system especially needs help after an illness. How and how to boost immunity after a particular disease needs to be studied, because the methods are different for each individual disease.

ORV and influenza

Typically, these diseases occur with the use of antibiotics, which greatly reduce immunity (by more than 50%), but there are several simple recommendations for raising it. The intestinal microflora after such a course needs to be restored; for this it is recommended to consume more fermented milk products, since they contain beneficial bifidobacteria. It is very useful to consume vegetables, various fruits and berries during the recovery period; it is also recommended to increase the volume of herbal, berry teas and infusions. Sweets, flour and baked goods should be avoided.

Bronchitis

Medical institutions take a comprehensive approach to restoring the body after bronchitis. Usually, a number of procedures are prescribed for this: physical therapy, massage, electrotherapy, inhalations and water procedures. At home, you can also use a certain complex, you should devote more time to sleep, eat foods such as fresh herbs, dairy products, seafood, lean meats and pay attention to sports that target the respiratory system, yoga is ideal. The diet should include herbal and berry teas and tinctures, to which you can add honey.

Injuries and surgeries

After undergoing operations and physical injuries, a person should pay attention to his diet. You should eat nutritious food, your diet should include foods that meet your daily requirement of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Products containing ascorbic acid, calcium and vitamin D will be useful for restoring the body. Doctors also advise engaging in moderate physical activity if there are no contraindications (yoga, Pilates, race walking). If you feel tired for a long time, you may have to take a course of immunomodulatory drugs, but they should be prescribed by a specialist.

Chemotherapy

Raising immunity after such severe therapy is quite difficult, but possible. Firstly, you need to carefully follow the prescribed diet, eat high-calorie foods that contain a lot of protein. In this case, walks in the air and moderate exercise (if possible) will be useful. The most difficult thing is to restore the previous functioning of the kidneys and liver; for this purpose, medicines based on milk thistle are usually prescribed. Taking calcium is necessary in order to speed up hair restoration. Noni fruit is recognized as one of the best immunomodulators; its juice (or raw materials in capsules) has a beneficial effect not only during cancer processes, but also after.

"Ronkoleikin"

The main active ingredient of the immunomodulator for cats is human interleukin-2. The drug also contains the following components: D-mannitol, ammonium carbonate, dodecyl sulfate, dithiothreitol and water for injection. "Ronkoleukin" is available in ampoules of 1 ml and in bottles of 10 ml.

The drug is used not only to treat cats; veterinarians also prescribe it for dogs, fur-bearing animals and even fish. You can administer Roncoleukin to a cat using several methods:

• intravenously;
• subcutaneously;
• orally;
• intranasally.

The optimal method is selected by a veterinarian. In some cases, the doctor may recommend injecting the drug directly into the bladder or applying it externally. If the owner administers Roncoleukin to the pet himself, he should not shake the ampoule before drawing the medicine into the syringe.

The treatment regimen is prescribed only by a veterinarian; you cannot administer immunostimulants to cats on your own initiative. Experts do not recommend using Ronkoleukin together with vitamins, antiviral drugs and antibiotics. The drug is not prescribed to animals that have recently been vaccinated. Roncoleukin should not be mixed with glucose. After administration of the drug, the cat may experience swelling at the injection site, which will subside within 48 hours.