The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Nail Infection
Posted by Heebie (Toronto, On, Canada) on 01/04/2013
Hello. My calico cat is 12 years old. About a year ago I found she had a black crusty substance at the bottom of one of her nail close to the skin. I took her to the vet who said it was an infection and prescribed antibiotics. She was on Clavamox for a few weeks. The antibiotics seems to help, but even after two rounds it never went away completely.
Recently I noticed that it had returned and had now spread to three nails, and two of them are also infected. Behind the black sludge is a thick greenish white pus. I have been washing out the nails with diluted hydrogene peroxide, and using some antibotic cream that is safe for pets. One nail did clear up, but the other two are still infected.
She does not seemed to be bothered by this or in any pain, she is more bothered when I clean it. Any suggestions? I can take her back for more antibiotics, but they didn't seem to work all that well and was hoping for another solution.
I do have another cat as well as a dog, and I have checked all of their nails and nothing has spread to them, so I am assuming this is not a fungal infection.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Teething
Posted by Lady Erilyn (Calgary, Ab, Canada) on 12/04/2012
My girlfriend has a new kitten that's 3 1/2 months old. She is looking for any ideas for teething remedies - besides him chewing on her fingers and toes. I have 3 cats of my own, but teething was never an issue. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Posted by Tmay (Santa Cuz, Ca, Usa) on 11/19/2012
FIP. It sounds like your vet knows what they are talking about. I suggest a second opinion.
I had a sick cat who I took to a new vet because I was new in town, LA. He did a blood test and the cat tested positive for FIP. The vet said to think about putting him down. I phoned the store where I had bought a new kitten who had gotten a little sick with sneezing and that had triggered my older bigger cat to get sick. The store gave me the number of the breeder of the kitten. I talked to her and she said that when cats are sick they test positive for a lot of things which they don't necessarily have. She said to go to another vet and gave me some names. A cat magazine said to always check with a breeder when you get to town to find out whom they recommend. They have had enough cats and experiences that they can gage a vet. Very good advice. Don't go by the most popular vet in a newspaper or by a certificate of thanks from a city. I felt very badly for the beautiful beloved pets that were being treated by the first vet who was faking being competent. My cat recovered.
I suggest not buying animals from a store. It is better to buy from a breeder who knows what they are doing, or rescue an animal from a shelter or from a rescue organization. Wonderful beautiful animals, cats kittens, dogs puppies, rabbits, chickens and even more exotic pets are being euthanized constantly for the lack of a home.
When you get a new animal, whether you have purchased one or found a stray, keep it separated to find out if it is sick to protect your other animals. Doing that will give you the time to look for the owner if it is a stray, post the neighborhood, take it to a vet who will scan it for free to see if it has a chip that has up to date info. Regarding 50% of chipped animals the owners did not realize that they had to inform the chip people of their name and address. They thought someone else did it. When left to others, invariably there are mistakes, so follow through. Inform the shelter that you found it in case someone is looking for it, and tell them you will keep it at your house. This appears to apply to cats and not dogs. After a certain amount of time, it is yours. Then you can spend the money to have its blood tested by a vet so that you know it is negative on diseases. Don't offer to give it away for free on Craigslist. People can pretend to be good owners when they plan to sell it to a lab for experimentation, and they are good actors and you don't know it. Introduction to other cats in the house is best done slowly, with the animals separated in different rooms by a door, and exchanging socks with the smell of the other on it, so that the scent gets to be familiar.
Feline Herpes
Posted by Tmay (Santa Cruz, Ca) on 11/18/2012
I adopted a Siamese cat with the after effect of Herpes in the eyes. I took it to a vet'y ophthalmologist. She said that Siamese cats and their relations are susceptible to having dry eyes and that giving vet'y eye drops, a drop 2 x a day, might have helped. The Siamese cat has black eyes instead of blue eyes as a result of the Herpes that took advanatage of the irritated eye as a result of dry eye. I don't know whether he got that as a stray or when he was owned but had he been treated when he had it, it would have been better for him. It clouds his vision and makes it difficult for him to see at night. It almost led to his being put down at the shelter for having an eye condition. The scarring from Herpes in the eyes blinds some cats.
I have another cat who is old (16 years) who was on prednisone for a year which lowers immunity. That meant that the cat developed an eye ulcer. The symptom was brown tears and squinting. She solved that and since the cat is still on predisolone for another condition, she has me giving him eye drops 2 x a day. She told me to buy i-drop vet plus, the package with a photo of a shitzu dog on it on Amazon which is non-prescription. Counter intuitively, the package with the picture of the cat is not the one to use because it is individual packets with too much water for the eye of a cat. Additionally, I buy, as instructed, L-Lysine capsules 500 mg from an organic store. I open the capsule and divide a capsule in two and give 250 mg in water in the am and in the pm orally with a plastic eye dropper. The drops and the Lysine was enough to keep the eyes of my cat safe while he was on a low dose of prednisolone. When the dosage was raised, that was insufficient. So he went back on the prescription eye drops, Vigamox which is expensive, that the vet'y ophthalmologist prescribed.
I have another cat with eye problems after a cat fight, so it is a good thing that we have a vet'y ophthalmologist in our city.
Get eye conditions looked at.
Plasmacytic Pododermatitis
Posted by Kate59 (Kingston, Ny, United States) on 11/16/2012
Love your site. 3 years ago I adopted a one-yr-old cat, named Jon Jon. After 6 months he developed swollen front pads, bloody and sore. My cats are all indoors. I contacted the vet and the lady I adopted him from. Surgery to remove the pads were recommended.
After researching on the web, I found some vets using doxycycline to treat the plasmacytic pododermatitis. My vet wrote me a prescription and within days his pads were normalizing. I followed the protocol. 2 weeks later they became swollen again, so again I used the doxycycline.
I decided (instead of constant antibiotic treatment) to put him on probiotics. He's been fine ever since! Everyday I sprinkle a small amount of refrigerated probiotic on his wet food (a small amount of wet food). Once a day. One capsule lasts 5 - 6 days for him.
Just wanted to share this with any readers having this problem with a cat or a dog. Thanks! Kate
Calici Virus
Posted by Suzanne (North Plainfield, New Jersey, Usa) on 11/15/2012
Hi, Just saw your post. I too have a kitty with FCV. When I first adopted him his tongue was one big open, ulcerated sore. He could not eat. Had to force feed him 4-5 times a day with syringe. Besides making him an all natural, grain free raw diet, I gave 500mg Lysine daily for 2 weeks as well as Daily Reiki sessions, 1/2 to 1 hour 3x's a day. (I'm a Reiki Master). That was 1 1/2 years ago. He's fine now. I regularly put 1-2 drops of organic, raw with the mother ACV in his water bowl. Now he gets 250mg of lysine daily. If he starts to show signs of a weakened immune system I may give 1/2cc Astragulus (Liquid Chinese herbal) twice a day for a few days. The Natural Cat by Anitra Frazier is a book I often refer to for help. A friend refered it to me and it's been a Great resource.
Multiple Ailments
Posted by Carolyn (Chattanooga, Tn Usa) on 10/16/2012
Our Garfield, about 10 years old, had a bad fall down into a small spot between a desk and book case. We have made several trips to the vet, but he is still not eating or using his back legs much. In spite of the appetite stimulant, he just won't eat. I have been givind him food and water with a syringe, orally. I need a homemade recipe for shampoo with no chemicals, reccomendations for appetite enhancers, and a homemade device to put training wheels on a cat. We also need miracles, if anyone has an excess. Thank you.
Feline Herpes
Posted by Trinity (Glen Carbon, Il) on 10/04/2012
I have a 15 year old siamese cat who started having eye infections on a routine basis and was diagnosed by vet with Herpes. The expensive, prescribed drops and cream would eliminate the infection only for it to flare up again in less than a month's time (sometimes only within days of treatment). Lysine was prescribed daily and that seemed to add some time between infections, but not always. I tried the ACV which did nothing. I came across a weird youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm8qBR7NdVg
which said to use raw honey in the eyes for two weeks. I used raw unheated honey with a syringe in both eyes morning and night for two weeks. It does burn (I tried it in my eye) so I would put very light pressure on the eyes with paper towel after putting in the honey to try and reduce the pain. It has been two months since I first used the honey and the herpes has not returned. Even if it comes back, he has never gone this long without needing the prescribed medicine. I wanted to share this miracle here to help all the kittys and owners struggling with feline herpes.
General Feedback
Posted by Love My Pets (Ny, Usa) on 10/03/2012
Hi. I found www.dogfoodadvisor.com which is very informative for searching for the best dog foods (and the worst. ) It lists many different brands and rates the ingredients for nutritional value from 1 to 5 stars. I am now transitioning my dog from Pedigree (1 star) to BJ's Holistic brand (4 stars - only $5.00 more in price.)
Does anyone know of a similar website for cat food? Thanks.
Kitten Issues
Posted by Debbie (St.louis, Missouri, Usa) on 09/19/2012
My 9 week old kitten has had a swollen, draining eye for over a week. Can't afford vet bill until next week. Found this site. Just dabbed equal parts of Apple Cider Vinegar and water on the back of her neck as instructed here. She got a good whiff of it a sneezed about 4 times in a row. Then she tried to run away from the smell, but I had already gotten her. So hoping this will work!! I'll let you know. I need little Lady Isabella to be cured! Thank you everyone for sharing your testimonies on this site.
Kitten Issues
Posted by Linda (San Francisco, Ca, Usa) on 09/14/2012
Hi Meccamoo, I know your kitties are long since weaned, but this may help someone else with the same problem. I have raised many baby kitties with the following:
Meyenberg canned goat milk, about 1/2 cup (grocery)
1 or 2 whole raw egg yolks
"Missing Link" nutrient powder for cats (pet store or Ebay)
A small amount of water (~ 1 tablespoon or so, to help keep the kitten/s hydrated.)
Mix the above very well together and feed the kitties every couple of hours, including through the night (just like a human baby). Use an eye dropper (carefully, go into the side of their little mouths, there is a gap between the teeth there) if you have to, but don't "push" it into them, "offer" it and let them lick it off the dropper, or off your Very Clean finger. They *may* suck directly to the end of the dropper, if they can/do that's great, but it ain't going to be the same as Mama..
Very young kittens can dehydrate and die easily, and also cannot produce enough body heat to keep themselves warm enough, so you will have to keep them sheltered and watch that water intake. Fleas will also make them anemic and kill them pretty quickly, so you may have to brush them to get fleas off (outside of course). A human boar bristle baby brush can be used for this. Or you can pick the fleas off and put them into a small bowl of any kind of oil; they won't be able to hop out, and will drown. If you must use a source of heat, use your own body heat, it's the only truly safe thing I know of, unless you have a whelping heating pad around the house (Ebay).
Those will cover the major and most likely problems you may run into...
Namaste, Linda
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Posted by Aida Tan (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) on 09/03/2012
Hi Stealthpaws, please help me on my kitten persian Bella, she diagnosed with wet form of FIP. But when I talk to the Vet, informed that she is dry form of FIP. I am so confused and I am now so emotional and also my daughter cried a lot. We love her so much as we took her from the petshop. She is so cute. We don't want to lose her totally. Can you help me on this?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Catsfurever (Somerville, De) on 08/07/2012
Responding to: 10/01/2011: Nike from Goteborg, Sweden replies: "...However, he loved to drink cream or half-and half. You could try that next time when Maxi needs liquids ASAP."
PLEASE do not EVER give a cat cream or half and half OR MILK- especially when they need liquids. MOST cats are lactose intolerant and will develop severe stomach cramping and often diarreah from it. This will make the cat more dehydrated, which can be lethal and is a horrible way to go for any creature.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Loveurpet (Los Angeles, California) on 07/20/2012
Greta if you can't get your cat to eat the coconut oil you can try putting it on her body. I read many places that cats skin is very absorbable. Plus she'll end up licking it off.
* If your cat is an outdoor cat, it's better to first wipe your cat clean*
Echinacea, Vitamin C
Posted by Loveurpets (Los Angeles, California, United States) on 07/20/2012
To Margaret from Portishead, Bristol, Uk.. Did you try what 'Maybefebruary from Austin, Tx' tried with Echinacia, L-Lysine and Vit. C. ??? In any case, you might want to try reading posts on another page here as well under "Cat Remedies" such as the following. https://www.earthclinic.com/pets/cats.html
Also, try searching this or other sites under "Cures with Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide" and/or "ACV or Apple Cider Vinegar cures for cats" although I read some posts by one of the regulars/administrators (I think he goes by the name 'Ted') here mention something about making sure (in some or all cases of using ACV) to mix baking soda and or Sea Salt with it. Make sure to read on the reasons why.. But until you educate yourself on which remedies/doses/combinations etc, you should definitly start trying the ACV anyway (get organic ACV). Look up as well and read up on & consider using Sea Salt in the cat's water too.
It's important that you do a thorough research on whichever remedies and exactly how much of it to feed your cat but no matter what you find out, still, i'd advice you to start on the ACV and make sure to start with less than what is suggested (for the first 2-3 days) & definitly watch him/her carefuly and notice the effects.
Another thing, make sure to give him/her a break on the ACV or whatever, after a week or two, (give a few days or 1 week off).
It's kinda confusing & hard to make a decision off of this site, because most people don't bother including the specifics or exact amount on their success stories (the amount, time, how often & for how long to give, etc). But i'd say (I'm no expert here) if its a cat and its anywhere between 10 - 15 lbs. You should be safe by starting off with (mental picture) --> If you're using a 1 ml. Dropper, try 1/3 of ACV in the ACV bottle cap (same sized caps used on most soft drink) combined with 2 full ACV caps of distilled/filtered/clean water. (As another mental picture)--> 5 drops of ACV to about 20 drops of water of each and feed it to him with the dropper. Try this while you're educating yourself on the specifics so you can make a responsible and suitable decision.
Also, I saw someone post the following under cures with Parsley...
" Kathryn from Owings, MD: "Parsley and spinach tea cured mucus dribbling down throat and mucus cough. This cough with mucus can lead to bronchitis. Point is to keep mucous up in head, throat area. Throw bunch parsley and fresh spinach into a quart pot and simmer like a tea. Strain and drink as often as you wish. Will get rid of mucus if no other complication."
God bless and remembr to read, read, read....
Feline Infectious Anemia
Posted by Nh Gardener (Sanbornton, Nh, Usa) on 06/18/2012
For P-Chic in Portland. OR for feline infectious anemia--Please give foodgrade diatomaceous earth (DE) in ACV-dampened food, starting with 1 tsp. DE once a day, increasing gradually to 1--2 tsps. 2 X/day. DE absorbs and eliminates toxins from body, and both ACV and DE are said to help anemia. Check health food store or internet for DE, which is inexpensive. Also give gently melted coconut oil in food, starting with 1 tsp. Once a day, increasing gradually to 1--2 tsps. 2 X/day. Best wishes for kitty.
Calici Virus
Posted by Nh Gardener (Sanbornton, Nh, Usa) on 06/18/2012
For Silvia from Toronto re. Cat with FCV--Please try food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) in his food, 1/2 tsp. Once a day, increasing gradually to rounded tsp. 2 X/day. If he won't take it, apply some to his fur and paws so he'll lick it off. DE absorbs and eliminates toxins from the body. Also, give him 1/2 tsp gently melted coconut oil in his food, increasing to 1 tsp. Again, if he won't eat it, apply to his paws or legs so he'll lick it off. Good luck.
Calici Virus
Posted by Silvia (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 06/15/2012
I have a 3 years old male cat that deesn't seem to recover from FCV. He was in the hospital for 1 week and seemed back then that he was doing good, that was 3.5 months ago. We got homeopathics remedies to treat him and the other cat that got it as well but was only sick for 1 week with mild symptoms. The most affected are his hind paws and lately is trying to walk on the 2 front paws only. The simptoms are changing all the time, a few days he is grinding his teeth and the mouth is swollen, some other days is one paw or the other, now acctually both hind paws. This makes me think he is reinfected all the time. Homeopathics don't seem to work, I gave him MMS activated, no more than 1 drop a day, now I introduce the DMSO, we had the nosode as well back 2 months ago, lysine, Lugols 1 drop. What is to be done? Sometimes he won't eat or let us touch him, it has been more than taxing on us.
Feline Infectious Anemia
Posted by P-chic (Portland, Oregon) on 06/09/2012 10 posts
Hello... Does anyone have any home treatments to help with Feline Infectious Anemia, for a poor sick kitten who cannot afford to see a vet? thanx!
Iodine
Posted by Bo (Portland, Or Usa) on 06/07/2012 10 posts
Could someone indicate what type of iodine and at what dosage/how much is used when painting? This is strong stuff!! I would hate to bring harm to my pet through my own ignorance!!
Avoid Certain Foods
Posted by R. Astby (Melbourne, Vic. Australia) on 05/13/2012
Regarding Avocado. I'm sure I stupidly killed my beautiful cat with leftover avacodo that was going a bit brown. Immediately lethargic & sat on cushion for a couple of weeks until too late. Gagged at first, then labored breathing became more evident each day. At near closing time, Vet said inhumane & euthanased. It was a mystery at first, I thought possibly heartworm as same symptoms. But then I remembered giving the avocado & that's when it started. Labored breathing is symptom of avocado to Cats I've read. I think it may be the Alpha-Lipoic Acid which causes liver damage also. So leave the unknown human foods out of your animals diet.
Weight Issues
Posted by Marline (Milford, Ohio) on 05/10/2012
Hi, I have a cat that had an eye infection that went to both eyes I took her to the vet and got medication. Her eyes cleared up, but I noticed she started to lose weight- do you know what can help her gain weight back? I do know she does have allergies and I haven't changed her cat food, but I have been giving her treats.
Iodine
Posted by Alyssa (Austin, Texas) on 04/16/2012
Because iodine is absorbed through the skin, it's really easy to administer the proper amount. I found that it's chemically similar to a steroid that's been prescribed to heal my cat's chin-zits and jaundice in the past, and with similar results. Simply swab the iodine on the skin using a cotton swab. I've put the iodine on my cat's chin to fight the zits, but it's also nice to put it in the thin hair between a cat's eyes and ears so that you can see if and how quickly the iodine is being absorbed. My very timid baby doesn't mind the treatment, and hasn't put up a fight since the first time I used iodine.
Feline Tooth Resorption
Posted by Nancy (Houston, Tx, Us) on 03/29/2012
Unfortunately no. Stomatitis is very painful and the teeth should be removed as soon as possible. The cat will then have to be on steroids and antibiotics afterwards, and from time to time in the future.
Flea Remedy for Kittens
Posted by Lb (San Antonio, Texas) on 03/28/2012
I cared for 2 abandoned kitties on 2 seperate occasions. Both were infested with fleas. First of all I would suggest with all cats begin giving regular baths from the time you get them so they become accustomed to it before they get claws of steal. The two that I did this with I have very few problems bathing, in fact one jumps in the shower with me when I am there. As a kitten I used baby shampoo and a flea comb (or a lice comb for humans) I did it at least daily until they were gone. For people who have not so easy cats to bath---I have the worst--I have learned to prefill the bathtub with water and shampoo. Put your cat in a hardshell pet cage and lower them in. make sure it is warm and goes only to upper chest. They usually will calm down and quit fighting or trying to fight their way out although they still moan. use a hand held shower (low) or pour water on dry areas. If you are treating fleas use the Apple Cider Vinegar mixture. they may fight it but they cant get away. obviously it is a little less effective than a traditional rub down, but soaking got them clean and fleas gone. I dont stress about drying them if it is warm, let them escape and destress. If they are confined in a room, let thm have a few minutes and then see if they will let you approach them to dry off.
Chlorophyll
Posted by Jolean (Hialeah, 33010) on 03/05/2012
I Just would like to know what type of chlorophyll you can give your cat. The pet store by my house only has chlorophyll for dental care. Could I go to my health food store to buy some chlorophyll for my cat? If yes, how much should I give them? Thanks for your help.
Feline Tooth Resorption
Posted by Pamitch (Granite City, Il) on 02/18/2012
My 11 year old cat was diagnosed with feline tooth resorption, is there any treatment for that other than extraction?
Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Col (Denver, Co) on 02/07/2012
Thanks Diane, I have heard of the diatomaceous earth and did not realize that they made a food grade also- where to look for it? - saw the regular in a green house once.
Echinacea, Vitamin C
Posted by Col (Denver, Co) on 02/07/2012
Thanks so much margarate - I also had good luck with L-lysine - a cat eye specialist said any time the eyes are infected /watery this means upper respiratory in cats and always L-lysine will help clear -
Think I will try the eccinesha C on my more stubborn watery eyed cat and see if it clears up even more.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Col (Denver, Co) on 02/06/2012
Well, once they give a cat all those drugs - they also have to get better from them so chances are you paid good money for your cat to become more sick -
I raised a family of cats (foster care) and they all had very bad eye infection so I went to a cat eye specialist and he said Lysine - (which is an amino acid) is helpful for any respiratory issues - and it did help - so much more than any drugs did - (only one of the cats still has runny eyes)
I have not tried the Apple Cider Vinegar - but I may - and the dose would have to be a very small amount (smaller than the recommended that I have seen here) -
Also homeopathic works well with cats - Karen Becker on FB is a wholistic vet who will give you info if you ask on her FB page. (mercola.com)
Back Leg Issues
Posted by Ds (Houston, Tx) on 01/26/2012
We have an 18yr neutered male, who had a diabetic problem, now resolved with non-wheat, corn, gluten, sugar, starchy, dry food. Fancy Feast has a few of their classic flavors that do not contain wheat gluten (have to check the label each time though). Anyway the high blood sugar caused neuropathy, which started off intermittently and gradually worsened, now he walks on his hocks completely, not like the usual high-heeled cats. This is the same results humans have. I figured out all of this via yourdiabeticcat.com - not through my vet and unfortunately, not until the biggest damage had been done. Like humans, cats with 150 glucose readings are considered abnormal and need treating if they have a diabetic history. If occassional, they keep an eye on it. Our vet didn't treat our cat or even mention it until he had gone for 6 months of readings over 200 . Unfortunately, I had no knowledge/experience of diabetes and trusted the vet. It was almost a year later until I took matters into my own hands, put him on the closest cat insulin PZI (no the dog insulin they normally give). Took him off the DM vet prescription of dry (expensive) food, and within 2 weeks got his glucose under 150, stopped insulin and never looked back.
But the back legs became weaker, which is also a common problem, so I've heard/read with many older cats, as their muscle mass deteriorates all over - but in our case diabetes contributed, and we had no signs of high glucose until our told us and he became quite ill because of it. I read and tried methyl b12 vitamins help in neuropathy, but you need to get a pure organic tablet, crush it and put it in their food. We had trouble because of the synthetic sweetener they used for the gel capsule some of which is poisonous to cats. (i forgot the name) - I research everything from several places before trying anything new, cat specific websites are better, as they are a little more special!!!
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Posted by Stealthpaws (Plantersville, Tx) on 01/12/2012
Hi.. To Catlover in Vancouver.... I have extensive experience with this awful disease... Or rather with cats who have it. I rescued a very young kitten in late 2001 or early 2 - very thin and covered in fleas. I took her to the vet before introducing her to the household (3 older cats) and had her tested, immunized, etc for "everything", and of course, cleaned her up, etc. Well, it turns out that she has FIP, and she gave it to the other 3 cats almost immediately. Long story short, she is still alive and healthy (in remission) - unfortunately the other 3 have passed on, BUT... 2 of the 3 died of causes other than FIP, and they lived to realatively ripe old ages for cats. I don't know if you know any of this stuff already, but I'll put what I know here anyway, and I apologize, but there are some pertinent facts I simply can't remember at this moment... FIP is actually a mutation of a virus (that's what I can't remember... Which virus) that is normal in cats. In other words, they most all carry it. This mutation can occur in two different ways. One is called "wet" form, the other "dry". "Wet" is almost always fatal within a short period of contracting it, but "dry" can be managed. The problem is since it is a mutation of a "normal" virus, at least in my experience, many vets will tell you that "there IS NO TEST" for FIP. Some don't even recognize it as a disease. There IS a test, but it tests for a certain type of cell, and it's expensive.
Now, I don't know if there are other ways of management- I've only recently discovered more Earthly treatments for people... Much less animals, but what my vet did was experimental treatment using a combination of very light but consistent steroid treatment and thyroid support with a managed diet. The most important things I've had to do for her were to 1) manage her diet, to avoid any stress on her digestive system (where the virus is most active). Use very benign food, (we use a prescription food because it contains virtually no irritants), no hard to digest proteins, especially fish of ANY kind, no dyes, etc. If and when she needs additional special dietary care, it's strictly chicken- either baby food, or boiled and mashed that I make for her... And 2) KEEP HER ISOLATED from ANY other cats. This means COMPLETELY isolated. This virus is horribly contagious. It is transferred through the litter box, the food dish, the water dish, if your cat licks you... Etc. The virus is a fairly long-lived virus comparatively, and can even be transferred via your clothing, etc. - (mostly wet form). Dry is less agressive because the cat isn't as sick and thus isn't excreting so much yuck. My cat is 10 or 11 (?), stocky, & healthy with perfect "cattitude". Don't give up. They will sometimes go through periods of sickness... But with literally devout care, they can pull through. I have 4 other cats, all rescues and all "special needs" kitties, and they are all FIP free.
I am not prepared to discontinue her current treatment which has worked so well for so long to experiment with ACV or AC... But if her condition "flares", I will indeed introduce one or both of these things to try to heal her.
I hope this helps or encourages you. There IS hope for FIP kitties.
Activated Charcoal
Posted by Dalsan (Aloha, Or Usa) on 01/02/2012
★★★★★
I wanted to pass on something mentioned on Curezone that can help those using Ted's mange cure on cats or pets that lick themselves repeatedly.
My cat has a sacroptic mange re-infection and I'm again treating her with Ted's cure.
The very first time I bathed Kat with the borax/ peroxide mix I kept her in my warmed up bathroom and sat with her until she was almost dry. I didn't have a collar to keep her from licking, so I tried to keep her distracted. She still licked enough off to end up vomiting. The thought of doing this again several times made me heartsick.
I was reading up Curezone.com sometime later when someone mentioned Activated Charcoal. It's what they use in hospitals to adsorb (not absorb) poisons that have been ingested. It's saved many a life- yet is very inexpensive and available over the counter at most health food stores.
Most households that have kids- have AC in their medicine cabinet- just in case. I even had some on hand - but had long forgotten about it.
Anyway, just before the next bath I mixed a 1/2 tsp. of the AC powder into 1/2 oz of water and put some into a 1. 0mm syringe then squirted the syringe-full into Kat's mouth. Her eyes got big- she expected it to taste bad like her other meds I guess- but there's no taste to it and she didn't mind it at all.
The second bath was a bit more of a struggle- she Hates baths- but this time she didn't get sick, nor the 3rd one either.
Now the family uses it regularly again for an upset stomach and/or occasional diarrhea and I'm going to use it as part of a colon cleanse. It works fast and is virtually non-toxic.
Unfortunately, most stores only sell Activated Charcoal in capsules now. But in a pinch you can open one or two and get the powder that way (I couldn't get the tiniest capsule down my Kat on a bet. LOL)
We prefer to keep the powder on hand- it's way cheaper in the long run- and there are so many other ways to use it. The cheapest site I've found sells a 10oz can for under $12 shipped that will last us for several months.
Hope those with mange cats will give the AC a try.
Thyroid
Posted by Chichiritad (Boston, Ma) on 12/31/2011
My cat had a very rare reaction to the medication used to treat this condition, so she is unable to take it and has remained untreated for almost 3 years now. I have to tell you that not treating the cat with the medicine is very risky and her health will decline. I can't give her the medicine because it will kill her (very rare reaction so rare that they had to do research and get back to me) so this has caused lots of issues with her including liver problems, kidney problems, heart problems and high blood pressure.
My best suggestion is to try the new food they have out called Y/D it's a prescription diet and apparently it works to help the condition. Speak to your vet if you don't want to put her on meds put her on the prescription diet, but this must be her sole diet and no other foods. My chichi won't eat this food so again she is left untreated and I tell you it's just one medical issue after another so please consider the medicine or prescription diet. Good luck with your kitty.
