Holistic Treatment for FIV in Cats: The Best Ways to Help at Home

By :Becki Baumgartner, Certified Master Herbalist 0 comments

What is FIV in Cats?

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an infectious diseases in cats.

FIV attacks the cat's immune system, leaving the it vulnerable to other infections.

Bite wounds from an infected cat are the primary mode of transmission for FIV.

Sharing water bowls and mutual grooming does not appear to spread the virus.

So, cats that get along well together in households (not biting) have little risk of aquiring and spreading the virus.

Sexual contact does not spread FIV among cats.

Cats infected with FIV may appear normal for years. However, eventually they suffer from immune deficiency.

Consequently, being immune-deficient creates a situation where normally harmless bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi found in the everyday environment can cause severe illnesses.

Currently, there is no definitive cure for FIV. However, recent studies suggest cats with FIV can live average life spans, as long as they are not also infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

What You Can Do to Help

The good news is, you can do many things at home to give your cat an edge on easing immune challenges associated with FIV in cats.

Sodium Ascorbate

An excellent way to boost your cat's immune system and combat FIV is by supplementing with Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C.

It's crucial to get the SODIUM ASCORBATE powder form of vitamin C. Don't get ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is very acidic, and most cats won't eat it.

Sodium ascorbate has a neutral pH and only tastes mildly salty. Most cats like it on their food.

For adult cats over seven pounds, start by mixing 1/4 teaspoon in your cat's food at each meal.

Then, if your cat develops loose stool, cut back to 1/8 teaspoon mixed in the food at each meal.

Use 1/8 teaspoon for a week or two, then try upping to ¼ teaspoon again. If your cat can tolerate ¼ teaspoon, remain at that amount.

Then, if your cat develops loose stools again, cut back to 1/8 teaspoon.

For kittens and cats under seven pounds, start by mixing 1/8 teaspoon in your cat's food at each meal.

Then, if your cat develops loose stool, cut back to 1/16 teaspoon mixed in the food at each meal.

Use 1/16 teaspoon for a week or two, then try upping to 1/8 teaspoon again.

If your cat can tolerate 1/8 teaspoon, remain at that amount.

Then, if your cat develops loose stools again, cut back to 1/16 teaspoon.

We recommend keeping your cat on sodium ascorbate vitamin C for the rest of its life for the beneficial immune-boosting effects.

Wet Food and Plenty of Water

Ensure your cat gets top-quality food and plenty of water.

Wet food is always better for cats than kibble. However, feed your cat a TCVM energetically appropriate diet to be most proactive.

You can easily cook an energetically appropriate diet at home for your cat.

Just go to the PET | TAO recipe page and scroll down and find the cat food recipe most suited to your cat.

Improve Gut Health

The scientific community has been researching gut health for increased immunity and overall health for quite some time.

Their research behind what's called the "hygiene hypothesis" shows us an imbalance within the gut impairs the gut barrier and increases the risk of poor gut health. At the same time, it increases the risk of developing illness or disease.

Conditions that cause gut imbalance include an unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, chronic stress, chronic illness, medications, and antibiotics.

PET | TAO Harmonize GI Supplement for Dogs and Cats provides a unique blend of the top prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to support digestion and help return your cat's gut health to tip-top condition.

Medicinal Mushrooms

Our vets recommend PET | TAO Complement Immune medicinal mushroom supplement for their patients with FIV.

Complement Immune is a blend of four medicinal mushrooms: Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, and Maitake.

Reishi mushrooms enhance immune function through their effect on white blood cells, which help fight infection and cancer.
Shiitake mushrooms contain the antioxidant l-ergothioneine and the immune-boosting polysaccharide lentinan.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) that stimulates the immune system. PSK is an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan because it's so effective.
Maitake mushrooms enhance macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and cytotoxic T-cells.

You don't need a prescription or a veterinarian's authorization to purchase medicinal mushrooms.

TCVM Herbal Formulas

TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) herbal formulas are a holistic way to alleviate the symptoms of FIV in cats.

In addition, TCVM herbal formulas work on root causes of disease, helping your cat's natural healing process.

However, to purchase TCVM herbal formulas, you need a veterinarian's authorization.

Here are just a few examples of TCVM herbal formulas used to help with FIV in cats:

Your TCVM-trained veterinarian may choose a different blend to suit your cat's particular health needs.

Need Extra Help With Your Cat's FIV Health Challenges?

We have options if you need extra help naturally managing your cat's FIV health challenges.

Our co-founding veterinarians Dr. Marc Smith and Dr. Casey Damron offer TCVM telemedicine consultations.

If you get a TCVM telemedicine consultation ($125), you'll get personalized TCVM recommendations specific to your cat, including:

Food Therapy Recommendations
TCVM Evaluation
TCVM Herb Recommendations & Veterinary Authorization
Supplement Recommendations
Alternative Medicine Recommendations

If you reside in the Middle Tennessee area or would like to commute, you may choose an in-clinic appointment. You can learn more about each vet and contact the clinic you prefer directly:

• Casey Damron, DVM - White Oak Animal Hospital
• Marc Smith, DVM - Natchez Trace Veterinary Services

We hope this information helps you help your cat feel better!

If you have any questions, or if we can help you in any way, just contact us!