Question:
Does anyone here give their cats anything to boost their immune system?

I've been reading up on giving cats oral Interferon in conjunction with L-lysine for kitty herpes, as well as other various natural supplements, and was wondering if anyone here uses Interferon or other supplements? I've given echinacea and ginseng to my rats in the past, but am looking for feedback specifically for cats with compromised immune systems.

Thanks in advance!


Answer:
It's not considered an immune booster, but I do give the kitties grapefruit seed extract in their water. It is a natural antibacterial agent.

I have heard great things about interferon and l-lysine.


Answer:
Thanks Candice! I was reading today that it seems that there is no real medical proof that interferon works, but it certainly sounds as if there has been success using it. I figured it wouldn't hurt to try it. I'm glad you've heard good things about it Bruce greeted me this morning with one eye shut. Another flareup. And he's been on the L-lysine for quite some time, as well. Fortunately, the eye itself is fine and clear - just the membrane is swollen and is responding to the ointment, so I'm not worried. But it's time I seriously think about immune boosters for him, as his immune system is obviously weak, between the eye flareups and the granuloma.

I like the sounds of using grapefruit seed extract in the kitties' water - I must look into that. Thanks!


Answer:
We use Lysine at the shelter.. as far as I know it has been successful. I have some on my counter right now for my current fosters.. I mix it into their canned food..


Answer:
Sue, is it interferon you use, or L-lysine on its own? I'm hoping that this eye flareup was caused by something else. It's discouraging to think that the L-lysine may not be working for Bruce My mom made sure he got his dose in his food everyday. Sometimes we have to watch him at suppertime, as he'll leave his own dish to eat everyone's else's supper, so we have to keep putting him back in front of his own to make sure he gets his dose.


Answer:
As far as I know it's just Lysine on its own.. I could be wrong.. I don't have the original container as it's HUGE! (I just took a smaller amount out of it).. but I'll find out for sure tomorrow for you.


Answer:
Thanks Sue!


Answer:
Oops! Forgot! It'll have to wait until I go back to work on Wed.
Sorry Banshee..


Answer:
Hey, no prob Sue. My vet is calling PEI to get prices on testing - they should be getting back to me today. I think I'll go ahead and have him tested for a couple of things and speak with the vet about natural immune system boosters. Meanwhile his eye has cleared up again, with just a bit of red gunk around the bottom. Poor little guy; everything seems to happen to him while the others are as hearty as horses. I think he really missed me while I was away - when I was cooking supper last night, he sat on the kitchen floor and watched me the whole time - he never does that.