Calicivirus, FIV, FeLV & Feline Herpes Treatment At Home
Are you looking for a natural antiviral for cats? Is there a way to treat your cat's virus at home? Our holistic treatment of feline herpesvirus, FIV, calicivirus or FeLV can give your cat much needed relief without added stress. Free diet tips with your order!
Natural Treatments for Feline Viruses
Natural Remedies for Feline Herpes, Feline Leukemia, FIV & Calicivirus
Ask Ariel’s home remedies for feline herpes and other viruses can improve your cat’s quality of life by reducing symptoms and outbreaks. Using a natural antiviral for cats along with feeding the best cat food for cats with feline herpes or other viruses can help reduce flare-ups and strengthen their immune system.
Immune Support Kit - The Immune Support Kit in an effective treatment for cats with sneezing, viruses, sores, coughing and upper respiratory infections.
Easy to use drops (with minimal smell and taste - no alcohol)
Fight infections to reduce nasal discharge and sneezing
Clears up sinuses, nasal tract and improves breathing
Gentle, natural remedies that can safely be used on an ongoing basis
Acts as an immune booster for cats with herpes and other viruses.
Contains three tasteless, natural remedies that provide relief by calming infection and inflammation.
The natural remedies in the Immune Support Kit can also be purchased individually. Please click on the links below for more detailed information about each product.
NOT Drops - NOT Drops help control harmful bacteria and restore gut flora balance, improving your cat's immune function.
QUENT Drops - Natural antiviral for cats. QUENT Drops target the lung and upper respiratory system. QUENT and NOT Drops work synergistically to control infections and inflammation.
Silver Immune Support - An all-natural at-home treatment for feline herpesvirus and other viruses. Helps your cat recover from a bacterial infection or viral flare-up. It is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and well tolerated even by tiny pets.
Power Probiotic - Backed by scientific research, probiotics are immune boosters for cats with FIV, FeLV, herpes and other viruses. Power Probiotic's multi-strain formula promotes the growth of friendly bacteria, which are essential to a healthy immune system. Why is this important? The majority of your cat's immune system resides in the intestinal tract. Using Power Probiotic is essential if your cat has taken steroids or antibiotics, as these medications reduce the population of friendly bacteria. Friendly bacteria fight off pathogens, bad bacteria and viruses in an effort to keep your cat healthy. The powder from the capsule can be sprinkled on food or eaten by itself. Many cats love the taste.
Olive Leaf Extract For Cats - A natural antiviral for cats. This antibacterial herbal remedy has been used since ancient times to support a healthy immune system. Helpful for cat herpes symptoms and other feline viruses, including feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline calicivirus. Olive Leaf Extract has antiviral properties that can interfere with viral replication. It is a natural antimicrobial that can destroy bacteria and fungi that can cause respiratory infections. Olive Leaf Extract for cats contains protective polyphenols to help improve immune function and offer powerful antioxidant protection. Olive Leaf Extract is one of the best anti-virals for cats. Helpful for a variety of immune and respiratory conditions. Made in the USA.
Immune Harmony - A unique patented sterol supplement for cats that provides long-term immune support. Helps to rebalance the immune system, reduce inflammation and fight chronic viral infections such as FIV, FeLV, feline herpes, and chronic URIs. Plant sterols help to increase T-cell activity - the "natural killer cells" that destroy pathogens and remove damaged or infected cells. This makes it an ideal feline herpes treatment at home. Scientific research involving cats with FIV showed that plant sterols helped infected cats maintain stable immune numbers, compared to disease progression in untreated FIV positive cats.*
*Reference: Research study: Plant Sterols and Sterolins: A Review of Their Immune-Modulating Properties. Altern Med Rev. 1999 Jun;4(3):170-7. Patrick J.D. Bouic, PhD and Johan H. Lamprecht, MD.
PureOcean Wild Omegas - PureOcean Wild Omegas are made from wild-caught sardines, anchovies & mackerel. They have a natural fishy flavor and many cats love the taste. Viral infections often trigger inflammation that can cause discomfort and tissue damage. Omega-3s can help modulate this inflammatory response, potentially reducing inflammation-related symptoms. Feline viruses may affect the skin and coat, leading to dryness, flakiness, or hair loss. Omega-3s may help maintain healthy skin and fur. Excellent value. One bottle lasts 4-6 months for cats.
FIV, FeLV, Feline Calicivirus & Feline Herpes Symptoms
Viral symptoms can be similar and the best way to diagnose the infection (e.g. FHV vs FIV) is via laboratory testing. Cats with feline viruses, including cat herpes (FHV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) may have the following symptoms:
- Chronic upper respiratory infections
- Runny nose and nasal discharge
- Eye discharge and/or conjunctivitis (eye inflammation)
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Pale or inflamed gums
- Ulcers in the mouth or on the tongue
Cat herpes symptoms as well as other viruses can come and go. Once a cat has been infected with a virus like herpes, FeLV, FCV or FIV, it will become a carrier. The virus can survive in a latent or inactive state within the body. When the virus is reactivated by stress, a weakened immune system or illness, the cat will become infectious and can spread the virus to other cats. This is called “shedding” the virus. It can be shed by saliva, nasal or eye secretions or blood.
Types of Feline Viruses
Feline Herpes Virus 1 (FHV-1) or Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) - Cat herpes is the #1 cause of chronic respiratory issues in felines. Cats are often exposed to feline herpesvirus 1 as young kittens. It causes an acute respiratory illness known as rhinotracheitis. Many cats will recover from an initial infection, but will remain carriers for life. FHV-1 can be reactivated by stress or illness. When a cat is shedding a virus, it presents a risk of infection to other cats.
More than half of the cat population has FHV, but not all cats show symptoms. Cat herpes symptoms can include sneezing, nasal discharge, rhinitis (inflammation of the nose) and conjunctivitis (eye inflammation). Long-term feline herpesvirus can lead to FHV-associated dermatitis (skin inflammation and ulceration at the nose and mouth) and can affect the reproductive tract and can cause complications during pregnancy.
Feline herpesvirus commonly affects a cat's eyes and can lead to the following conditions:
- Conjunctivitis - Swelling and inflammation of the eyelid tissue. Can cause squinting and discharge.
- Keratitis - Inflammation of the cornea layer of the eye. Can cause ulcers or sores on the cornea. Eosinophilic keratitis is an immune reaction that causes white spots on the cornea that can lead to blindness.
- Corneal Sequestrum - Brown or black spots on the cornea. Caused by tissue dying off.
- Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca) — The tear glands in the eyes do not produce enough tears. Can cause eyes to become dry, red and inflamed.
Cats of all ages and breeds are susceptible to feline herpes. However, kittens, flat-faced cats such as Persians and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible. The cat herpes virus is transferred through direct contact with the virus by way of eye, nose or mouth discharge or through contaminated items (bowls, toys, blankets, litter boxes). It is highly contagious and easily spread in shelters and multi-cat households. Since this is so common, many cat owners look for an over the counter medicine for cat herpes. Immune support supplements, diet and lifestyle changes along with conventional veterinary care can be an effective cat herpes treatment.
Fred
"My name is Fred. At 13, my parents FINALLY found relief for my chronic flare-ups of the feline viruses---like Herpes. I would start sneezing and then have secondary infections and have to go on traditional meds and the cycle would continue...(not to mention the tummy upsets that I would have from the traditional meds.) Now, my mom gives me NOT Drops and QUENT Drops drops, just mixed into a little food and I am not so congested. Wish they had found this sooner - but, I am a very happy, satisfied customer in North Carolina. I also use the Silver Immune Support spray when needed and it works wonderful." - Deborah, Fred's Mom
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) - FIV in cats is a retrovirus infection, often referred to as feline AIDS or cat HIV due to similarities to the human AIDS virus. It is transmitted from cat to cat with a deep bite wound that draws blood, which means outdoor, free-roaming, unneutered male cats are at the greatest risk of contracting FIV. Risk of casual cat contact transmission (like sharing food bowls) between an FIV-positive cat and other household cats that get along is very low. People and other animals won’t contract the disease from an infected cat.
There are many myths about FIV that can make FIV-positive cats less adoptable in shelters and discourage pet owners who have them from seeking treatment. In fact, many FIV cats can live normal lives, especially if fed a low-carbohydrate, novel-protein diet along with immune support supplements. FIV in cats is considered a slow virus because it often takes a long time for symptoms to appear. FIV will compromise a cat’s immune system, making it more susceptible to falling ill. Cats with FIV may be more susceptible to a variety of secondary infections (e.g., eye infections, upper respiratory infections, etc.) due to a weakened immune system from the virus. Cats with feline AIDS may also tend to have chronic diarrhea and experience slow, steady weight loss.
Regular veterinary visits along with holistic treatments for FIV can enable your cat to live a normal life, especially if the FIV is diagnosed in the early stage of the disease. Supplements for cats with FIV such as the Immune Support Kit, Immune Harmony and Power Probiotic can help manage the symptoms. FIV generally has three stages. In the acute stage, the virus enters the cat's body and causes lethargy, fever and swollen lymph nodes. In the latent stage, the virus appears dormant and many cats seem to be healthy. This phase can last from months to years. In the terminal phase of the disease, FIV has progressed to feline acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (feline AIDS) and the cat suffers infections or cancers that overwhelm the weakened immune system and eventually cause death.
Early diagnosis of FIV through a screening test can help you get a head start in supporting your cat’s immune system. The most common screening test for FIV is included in many routine blood panels. An ELISA test screens for the feline AIDS virus antibody. Even though these tests are highly sensitive and specific, there is a relatively high percentage (65%) of false-positive results in cats that are showing no clinical symptoms. It’s important to keep your FIV-positive cat indoors to decrease exposure to secondary infections and help prevent the spread of the disease.
Stripe
"Stripe is an amazing cat. Ever since a kitten, Stripe had it rough! He nearly died when he was a month old, he was gravely ill out of nowhere. Fast forward a couple of years, I noticed him throwing up and screaming. I took him to the vets and he was diagnosed with stomatitis! Well, I didn't know what stomatitis was, so I researched and got meds. Stripe was still ill, so I took him to the humane society where he was diagnosed with FIV. I freaked out, but nevertheless, he's my son, so I thought we have a fight in hand. Stripe and I have been through a lot and I wholeheartedly love him, so I vowed never to give up and then I found Ask Ariel which has been a life saver for my handsome fur baby." - Turhan, Florida
Stripe uses Power Probiotic and QUENT Anti-Viral Drops
Feline Leukemia Virus - Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a highly contagious virus that can severely compromise a cat's immune system, allowing other diseases to take hold. Many cats with FeLV die from secondary infections within a few years after the virus is contracted. Anemia is common in cats with FeLV. The virus is transmitted through a cat’s saliva, milk, urine, feces and nasal secretions. Most commonly the virus is spread by sharing litter boxes, food and water bowls. It can only be transmitted to other cats (not dogs or humans). Once contracted, FeLV can cause blood disorders and immune system deficiencies, and it is also the most common cause of cancer. The early stage of the infection, when no signs of illness may be present, is called primary viremia. The virus may move to secondary viremia, a more advanced stage, when it enters the bone marrow and other tissue.
Since there may not be any feline Leukemia symptoms in the early stages, it is important to have your cat tested. The goal of treatment is to try to identify FeLV early before a cat becomes symptomatic and then do all you can to offer ongoing immune support. If caught early and immune support is given, some FeLV-positive cats can lead a normal life.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is what’s known as a retrovirus because it creates an enzyme that inserts copies of itself into the cells it infects. Roughly 2–3% of all cats in the US are infected. However, for those that are most at risk – very young, ill or outdoor cats – the rate rises to up to 30%.
Feline Calicivirus - Feline calicivirus (FCV) is extremely contagious to other cats. It is a viral infection that affects the respiratory tract, mouth, intestines and musculoskeletal system of cats. The most common symptoms are upper respiratory infections (sneezing, nasal congestion and conjunctivitis), ulcers in the cat’s mouth or on the lips and nose, inflammation and fatigue. The symptoms usually begin in the back of the mouth and appear similar to stomatitis: swelling, drooling and ulcers. The painful ulcers may inhibit your cat from eating. The cat may not be able to smell, so it may become anorexic. Calicivirus can also cause painful inflammation in the joints. Some cats will develop chronic gingivitis or stomatitis as a result of FCV. Feline calicivirus treatment at home including supplements and feeding a low carbohydrate, novel protein diet can help manage the symptoms.
Calicivirus can be spread through saliva or secretions from the nose or eyes. It is most common in shelters and multi-cat households. Unlike most feline viruses, calicivirus can live for up to a month in some environments, so it is very important to disinfect the environment to protect other cats. People cannot contract FCV, but if they have touched contaminated surfaces, they can transmit the virus to other cats. New strains of FCV are common, as the virus mutates readily.
Feline URI (Upper Respiratory Infection) - Upper respiratory infections are a common occurrence in cats and kittens. Often there is an underlying viral component, making them hard to resolve. Antibiotics are not especially helpful unless a secondary infection is present (just as with human colds or flu). URI symptoms can make it appear as if your cat has a cold. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, fever, discharge from the nose or eyes and lack of appetite. The cold symptoms can seem to go on for months and become a chronic problem. Feline upper respiratory infections are most common in multi-cat households, in shelters and in cats that have herpes virus or calicivirus.
Boris
"Boris is my (now) 10 year-old domestic medium haired cat. He's a gentle and loving boy. He's had issues with allergies and feline herpes since he was 1 year old, which manifest in sneezing and runny eyes with discolored discharge.
A couple of years ago, I found AskAriel, and at the recommendation of Susan, Boris was switched to a novel canned food source, and I put him on ProAller drops in addition to his daily l-lysine, Power Probiotic and NOT Drops as needed for occasional flareups. The ProAller keeps his eye issues mostly under control on its own, and I can definitely tell when I've skipped a dose. Thanks for helping my Bobo!" - Pamela, Illinois
Holistic Treatment of Feline Herpesvirus and Other Viruses
Treatment of feline herpes virus, FeLV, FIV and FCV are generally supportive and depend on the symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help with recovery, so please be sure to check with your veterinarian if you think your cat may have FVR or another virus. Some cats my need antiviral prescription medications to help ease the symptoms and make the virus latent. Oral or ocular antibiotics may also be required in some cases as feline viruses cause weakened immunity which can lead to secondary infections.
While there is no cure for feline viruses, the goal of feline herpes treatment at home is to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Here are a few treatment ideas that may help your kitty with feline viruses feel better:
- Probiotics & Immune Support Supplements -
Probiotics can help to rebalance the gut and immune system. A recent study showed that some cats who supplemented with a probiotic had reduced clinical symptoms of FHV-1. Using a natural antiviral for cats can help to reduce flare-ups.
- Drinking Water - Keep your cat hydrated by providing fresh water at all times and encouraging them to drink.
- Stress-Free Environment - Common stressors for cats may include household changes (like the addition of a new cat or dog, change to work or feeding schedule, etc.), a vet visit, or loud noises. Provide a comfortable and low stress environment for your cat, as stress can weaken their immune system and make symptoms worse.
- Low-Inflammatory Diet - To help strengthen your cat's immune system, feed your cat an antiviral diet that reduces inflammation. Feeding foods that contain potential allergens, chemicals and grains can lead to increased inflammation and act as a trigger for the virus. Feeding a high-moisture, hypoallergenic novel protein diet can help.
- Warm, Moist Environment - Cats with nasal congestion and discharge can benefit from a warm, moist environment. Consider letting your kitty sit in a steamy bathroom or use a humidifier.
- Hygiene - Clean the eyes and nose of your cat regularly to reduce the spread of infection and help clear mucus. This can help to reduce skin irritation from discharge.
Over time, as you reduce exposure to chemicals, allergens, stress and sources of inflammation, and provide antiviral supplements, your kitty’s viral episodes should be less frequent and not as symptomatic. It is important to note most viruses will remain in the body, and during times of stress (either physical due to other illnesses or emotional), flare-ups will occur, but by strengthening your cat’s immune system, you can control the extent to which the virus affects your cat’s overall quality of life.
How To Prevent The Spread of Feline Viruses
Feline viruses are highly contagious. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent the spread of feline herpesvirus, FeLV, FIV and FCV:
- Keep your cat indoors. Infections are commonly transmitted through cat bites, so keeping your kitty indoors can protect them from any potentially infected cats.
- Avoid close contact with other cats. Viruses are highly contagious and spread quickly in places like shelters and catteries.
- Keep your cat's environment clean. Cleaning can reduce the number of viral particles present. Keeping the litter box and feeding area clean can also reduce the risk of secondary infections.
- Get your cat vaccinated. Vaccinations help a cat's own immune system develop protection against specific diseases such as calicivirus or feline leukemia.
What Is The Best Cat Food For Cats With Feline Herpes & Other Viruses?
Cats thrive on a hypoallergenic, low-carbohydrate diet. This doesn't just mean eliminating grains typically found in dry food. Grain-free is a sure improvement, but many grain-free dry foods contain starchy carbohydrates to reduce the cost of cat food. Cats are carnivores, and feeding them starchy carbohydrates has the potential to weaken their immune system.
To strengthen your cat's immunity, feeding a hypoallergenic, low-carbohydrate diet with a novel protein is helpful. Many quality pet foods, even "holistic brands," contain too many starchy carbohydrates that convert to sugar, weakening your cat's immune system.
Please include your cat's diet and treats on the order form at checkout, along with your kitty's health issues. Based on our extensive experience helping cats with viruses, we will include a diet suggestion on the packing slip that comes with the product directions.
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What is calicivirus in cats?
Calicivirus in cats is an extremely contagious viral infection with symptoms similar to upper respiratory infections (sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis), ulcers in the cat’s mouth or on the lips and nose, inflammation and fatigue. Because the virus may impair the cat’s ability to smell and taste, many cats will become anorexic. The mouth symptoms may appear similar to stomatitis, an autoimmune condition that causes mouth swelling, drooling and ulcers. Feline calicivirus (FCV) readily mutates, so vaccines are not always effective in preventing the spread of the virus. Calicivirus can live for up to a month, so it is very important to disinfect any surfaces that may have come in contact with the virus. Calicivirus can be spread through saliva or secretions from the nose or eyes. It is most common in shelters and multi-cat households. Natural treatment for feline calicivirus includes supplements for immune support along with feeding a low carbohydrate, novel protein diet.
How is feline AIDS spread?
Feline AIDS is spread by FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) most commonly through deep, penetrating bite wounds. FIV cannot be spread to other cats through shared water bowls, food bowls or grooming and feline AIDS is not transmittable to humans. FIV cats may appear healthy and normal for years, especially if they are given a low carbohydrate, hypoallergenic diet and immune support supplements. FIV will eventually compromise a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to secondary infections. Many cats can live with FIV for quite some time before it progresses to Feline Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (Feline AIDS). FIV-positive cats can cohabitate safely with FIV-negative cats as long as there are no personality conflicts or territorial behaviors that might cause the cats to fight.
What is feline herpes?
Feline Herpes Virus 1 (FHV-1 or Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus) is a viral infection that causes upper respiratory symptoms and conjunctivitis in cats. Cat herpes symptoms can include: sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, nasal congestion, and conjunctivitis. The virus is spread through an infected cat’s saliva, nasal discharge or eye discharge. Feline herpesvirus is highly contagious, especially in shelters and multi-cat households. An infected cat will usually show symptoms for a few weeks at a time and during other periods, the virus lays dormant in the cat’s body. Supplements for herpes in cats along with a low inflammatory diet can reduce flareups and symptoms.
How to treat feline leukemia virus?
Holistic treatments can help improve the quality of life for cats with Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). There is no cure for FeLV, but cats with feline leukemia can live many years without symptoms. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a cancer-causing retrovirus that compromises a cat’s immune system. It is a highly contagious virus that is spread through a cat’s saliva, milk, urine, feces or nasal secretions. Feline leukemia symptoms in the early stages can include loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, mouth inflammation, repeated urinary or respiratory infections. Cats with FeLV can live for years before they develop leukemia or lymphoma caused by the virus. The goal of FeLV holistic treatment is to provide ongoing immune support before the cat becomes symptomatic.
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