Immune Boosting Herbs for Cats

Your cat's immune system protects it from bacterial and viral infections. While your cat's diet, amount of sleep, exercise level, and exposure to toxins and stress contribute to the strength of your pet's immune system, there are herbal remedies you can give your cat to help boost its immune system and give it a healthier life.

  1. Echinacea

    • While echinacea is widely known to boost the immune systems of humans, it can also help your cat's immune system fight off infections caused by viruses and different types of bacteria when given in extract form. When giving your cat an extract, add two to three drops of the extract to 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of boiling water. After the water cools, orally administer the diluted solution to your pet with a dropper or a syringe. However, if your cat suffers from feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), or feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), do not give it echinacea. Echinacea extract can be found in most drugstores and online herbal retailers.

    Astragalus Root

    • Astragalus root is most effective in boosting your cat's immunity when taken while the cat is healthy and before an illness sets in. Your cat can ingest it regularly in extract form without any adverse effects. By supporting your cat's immune system, astragalus extract can suppress tumor growth if your pet suffers from cancer, and it may even help relieve allergy symptoms. Astragalus extract can be found in Chinese drugstores and online herbal retailers.

    Mistletoe Extract

    • While the mistletoe you decorate your house with at Christmastime is toxic and potentially fatal to your cat if ingested, the extract from mistletoe can actually help boost your pet's immune system. If your cat has been diagnosed with cancer, the immune boost can help your pet fight the disease. It can also help decrease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Mistletoe extract can be purchased from online herbal retailers.