Immune system modulators vs. boosters

Buddy has recently developed allergic dermatitis, which may have been triggered when we got him some new plush toys awhile back that he loves to knead like crazy, even though we wash everything first a couple of times.  Oops.

He's currently on an antihistamine, Transfer Factor Classic, lactoferrin, and L-lysine, and his skin looks much better and he's not scratching himself raw anymore (and as an added bonus, his nose isn't full of snot like it usually is from his near-chronic FIV/FHV related upper respiratory infections).  We've also ordered some salmon oil, and will start that as soon as it arrives...and we can figure out how to only give him 500 mg. when the Pure Alaska Omega salmon oil comes in 1000 mg. soft gel capsules.

There seems to be some conflicting information on the internet as to which products are immune system modulators, and which ones are immune system boosters.  We'd like to strengthen Buddy's immune system so he hopefully won't be as prone to as many FIV and FHV related illnesses, but we don't want to overstimulate the overactive part of his immune system and make his allergies worse.

Is the term 'boosters' just overly misused?  Or are we just overly confused as to which products really are immune system boosters?  

I would think you would want to avoid further stimulating the immune system if it's an allergy.  I have one cat who gets allergic dermatitis and it's SEASONAL.  It has happened for the last three fall seasons -- big nasty oozy sores appear. He doesn't have any other problems.  The first time I brought him in, my vet gave him one shot of depo-medrol (a long acting steroid, which usually lasts a month or so) and it went away and didn't come back.  I forgot about it.  Then the next fall it happened again, and I didn't notice the season but my vet did and suggested it was a seasonal allergy, a combination of pollens and grasses and molds what not that he is sensitive to.  He gave him another shot of depo-medrol and he was fine for another year.  Then this past fall, there it was again so he got the shot again and cleared right up.  That usually does it for the year.  Sometimes in spring he has a mild flare up but 1/2 a Zyrtec once a day keeps it under control.  I am not sure if your cat's allergy happened in the fall (you said "awhile ago") but it's something to consider, especially since he has respiratory problems at the same time.  Probably the antihistamine is helping that too.

Thanks, @Red Top Rescue.  That's certainly something to consider.

The vet doesn't feel steroids are indicated at this time, and we discussed some other options, including OTC antihistamines and adjusting the dosage of his current supplements.  Hopefully we'll hit upon the right combination soon. :-)

Both my cats, Carter 17 and Hugo 3 are going into a cattery in August when we go away. Usually we manage to organise a family member or friend to come and stay to watch the house and look after the cats but this time there's nobody available. The cattery we have booked is the Cat version if a luxury country house but they require that both cats have up to date booster vaccinations. Both cats were vaccinated when young and other than Carters overactive thyroid and arthritis that are being treated, both are healthy and happy. Are booster vaccinations necessary? I've read so many conflicting reports over the years from people saying its a scare tactic used by vets to generate income to it making no difference to a cats immune system. Am I right in thinking that once immunised the antibodies will be there for life or is it something that needs topping up? To be allowed into the cattery both cats will have to have them but Is like to know the facts first. Thanks

Other than the initial vaccinations when very young, my brood had not had subsequent vaccinations and it is now going on 16 years. They are all strictly indoor cats and have no contact with other cats besides themselves. When we have to be away, we get a trusted cat sitter to come to our house. Can you get a good pet sitter to come in so you do not have to board your cats? My experience with a previous senior cat was that she had a bad reaction to booster vaccinations, so I stopped doing it. Senior cats do not tolerate them as well as do younger cats. There is also the worry about vaccine induced sarcomas. At this point in their lives, living strictly indoors with no exposure, the risks of boosters outweighs any benefits. This is just my opinion for what it is worth.

I totally agree with you. My cats go outside but have curfews that they stick to. They've never had any sickness related to illnesses that they've had vaccinations for. Sadly all the trusted people who house and cat sit for us are unavailable this time. We've had great luck in the past and this is the first time we've been without one. I'm not keen on hiring someone from one of the many companies that are about. Everyone who looked after them before stayed at the house so it was secure, safe and the cats had company. A friend used a cat sitter from a company I won't name for a two week holiday. They provided everything that the sitter needed to feed their two cats. On returning my friend checked the number of sachets of food left and it turned out that the sitter had fed them about a quarter of their food a day as they had visited only once a day in the morning. The deal was that they come morning and evening. They hadn't topped up the dry food or water. This was reinforced by them checking the footage from their CCTV. Stories like that with real proof scare the life out of me. We go in mid August so there's still time for one of our friends or family to become available but failing that it'll have to be the cattery and sadly all the good looking places with excellent reviews and facilities require that they have recent boosters. The place we have booked has a service where you can sign into their website at any time of the day and watch your cats through the CCTV system. We've booked a double space and looks luxurious. They'll be together, you can provide your own food and treats and write your own care plan. You can book a Skype appointment to talk to your cats if the CCTV viewing isn't enough. I'm going to Skype them just so I can say I've done it! The other side of it that the cats accommodation isn't much more than the cost of our place in Sicily! So hopefully someone will come through and cat sit but failing that they'll be in a luxury cattery. My only problem is giving them vaccinations that they don't need

Gaven Kent said:

I totally agree with you. My cats go outside but have curfews that they stick to. They've never had any sickness related to illnesses that they've had vaccinations for. Sadly all the trusted people who house and cat sit for us are unavailable this time. We've had great luck in the past and this is the first time we've been without one. I'm not keen on hiring someone from one of the many companies that are about. Everyone who looked after them before stayed at the house so it was secure, safe and the cats had company. A friend used a cat sitter from a company I won't name for a two week holiday. They provided everything that the sitter needed to feed their two cats. On returning my friend checked the number of sachets of food left and it turned out that the sitter had fed them about a quarter of their food a day as they had visited only once a day in the morning. The deal was that they come morning and evening. They hadn't topped up the dry food or water. This was reinforced by them checking the footage from their CCTV. Stories like that with real proof scare the life out of me. We go in mid August so there's still time for one of our friends or family to become available but failing that it'll have to be the cattery and sadly all the good looking places with excellent reviews and facilities require that they have recent boosters. The place we have booked has a service where you can sign into their website at any time of the day and watch your cats through the CCTV system. We've booked a double space and looks luxurious. They'll be together, you can provide your own food and treats and write your own care plan. You can book a Skype appointment to talk to your cats if the CCTV viewing isn't enough. I'm going to Skype them just so I can say I've done it! The other side of it that the cats accommodation isn't much more than the cost of our place in Sicily! So hopefully someone will come through and cat sit but failing that they'll be in a luxury cattery. My only problem is giving them vaccinations that they don't need

Click to expand...

If I was not so far away, I'd come and care for them for you! I know what you mean about horror stories about cat sitters. You can't be too careful! Since you have a bit of time before your trip, you might ask your Vet for a reference for a trusted pet sitter. Here some Vet techs do pet sitting on the side as well. They do not advertise...you only learn about them if you inquire of your Vet, and if the Vet considers you a responsible pet parent. You might inquire.

The cattery is actually called Elmtree Pet Hotel. I've seen anything like it. The cat part has its windows facing a picturesque lake and the area is out of bounds to dogs that stay there so as not to scare the cats! For us it's the lesser of two evils. I'm not happy at leaving them and have been really lucky in that people have house and cat sat for us. My thinking was that paying more and choosing a place with really good reviews and that allows you to visit beforehand without prior arrangement would guarantee that the cats are safe. Having your own personal log in codes to watch the live CCTV feed from your cats enclosure is a bonus. Their website is www.elmtreepethotel.co.uk if you fancy a look. I'll take a load of photos of their accommodation when I drop them off and collect them. They also encourage you to bring as many favourite things of your cats to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Mine will be arriving with their scratching post, a bucket of various mice and toys, two old blankets that they sleep on and a couple of cushions. Also their food and biscuit bowls and junk shop ramekin dishes that they have their treats in. I know that both of us will worry ourselves stupid as its the first holiday we've had with strangers looking after them but touch wood all will be okay.

Thank you for the offer! We could set up like an Air BnB but for cat owners! I'm still waiting for the cat only video sharing site called MEWTUBE! It would surely take off. Our cats get a huge amount of time spent with them by my partner and I. It's made them into beautiful creatures with characters and human like behaviour but the downside of that is that they don't do very well with other people. I suppose that's the compromise. They are not keen on visitors or even knocks on the door by the postman! Apart from a few relatives and friends who come round to our house they treat all others in a really stand offish way. The only person who knocks on the door that they don't run from is the guy who delivers the Chinese food. We've had the same guy at our favourite take away for about 5 years. He parks his motorbike in the drive and I always order crispy duck so I'm sure Carter and Hugo know who it is before he arrives. Duck is a particular favourite of theirs and on Hugo's birthday in January I ordered another quarter of duck just for them!
To an outsider their behaviour looks like we don't treat them very well. I hope that this wariness means they are less likely to get into trouble with people they encounter outside. They don't spend much time at the front of the house choosing to be in the conservatory, back garden or the garage roof. As I posted the other day id love to have the back garden fenced like Maru the Japanese box loving cat on YouTube. It was beautifully done with wood up to shoulder height them wire up to about 12 feet. Marus owner has this done once Maru became popular online. My cats would then be outside cats that only use their own back garden. Apologies for the long reply. Having a forum to discuss cat stuff is such a relief after years of only having my partner to share cat things with (we call them CAT STATS!). People at work who don't have it have never had cats fail to see what it's all about so I thank you all for letting me share!

In the U.S., the time between booster vaccinations has been changed from one year to three years. The reason the boarding facility needs "current" vaccinations is to protect ALL the cats in the facility ("herd immunity"), and then everyone can feel safe that at least the diseases that can be vaccinated for are prevented. I would think that FVRCP would be enough, and leukemia vaccine would not be required. In this country, rabies vaccine is required, either once a year or, after the first year, you can get a vaccine that lasts three years. If you must get the vaccines, I would suggest doing it well ahead of your vacation so that if there are any negative reactions, you will be there to care for them.

Carter and Hugo are going in at the beginning of May for the boosters so it's about three and a half months before we go away and they go in. We were going to do it sooner but Carter needs a bit of recovery time and time to stabilise on his thyroid medication. I've read so much conflicting information about the need for boosters in cats that were vaccinated as kittens that I'm none the wiser. The fact that the cattery have this requirement can only be a good thing in that all the cats are protected and all have proof that they are covered. No booster and proof of it means they won't take your cats. It's a small price to pay. Thank you for the advice. It's made the nightmare of them going into the cattery a bit easier to deal with. This is the first time we've not had someone available to house and cat sit so it'll be difficult with them being cared for by strangers

Gaven Kent said:

Carter and Hugo are going in at the beginning of May for the boosters so it's about three and a half months before we go away and they go in. We were going to do it sooner but Carter needs a bit of recovery time and time to stabilise on his thyroid medication. I've read so much conflicting information about the need for boosters in cats that were vaccinated as kittens that I'm none the wiser. The fact that the cattery have this requirement can only be a good thing in that all the cats are protected and all have proof that they are covered. No booster and proof of it means they won't take your cats. It's a small price to pay. Thank you for the advice. It's made the nightmare of them going into the cattery a bit easier to deal with. This is the first time we've not had someone available to house and cat sit so it'll be difficult with them being cared for by strangers

Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing the site. I had a good look around and it does indeed look like a good place, much better than your usual kennel. You are fortunate to have it close by.
The reviews stating it is very clean and the staff is quite attentive is also reassuring. The fact that you can look in on your cats, even Skype them is a comfort; nonetheless, having them cared for by strangers for the first time is a bit anxiety producing. I do agree it is a good idea to get the boosters early to allow for recovery time should there be any reaction. With my senior cat, she became lethargic, hid, appetite and water consumption declined following the booster, so I ended up taking her in to the Vet where she got a "jump start" with fluids and anti-nausea shot which did bring her around after several days. Starting this process in May is wise.
Carter and Hugo may be shy cats, but they are smart cats...they know who brings them their favorite "crispy duck"! I had to smile as we had a cat (one who got the booster reaction) who went on road trips with us to Florida. Her favorite treat was Kentucky Fried Chicken, so of course, we had to make a stop there for her along the way. She even knew when we were getting close to the stop...and how she relished it, all soft warm and moist, when she got it.

I agree wholeheartedly that having a forum like TCS in which to share endearing cat stories, advice, quips, funny tales and pictures on is wonderful! People all over the world are joined by their love of all things cats. It is so good for the soul and spirit.

My very best to you, your partner, and your beloved Carter and Hugo on your upcoming holiday!

Hi. I am worried about leaving them at the cattery. No amount of glossy photos and impressive websites is enough to readdure me that it's the best option. Sadly it's our only option unless family or friends can do it. The first two weeks in August is never going to be the best time to ask a favour like that. As I've said we've been lucky up until now. I'll be on that CCTV all day and night and Skypeing at least once a day! I hope there's 4G in Punta Secca, Italy! I know there's wifi in the cottage. I now know why we rarely went on holiday when I was a child. Our four cats couldn't be left as my parents trusted very few people to look after me or them. Carter and Hugo will be together in a double room type thing and we will take as many things as possible to remind them of home. We've bought cheap blankets that a few days before we go will be put on our bed then sent in with the lads so they have something that smells of us, bed and the upstairs. Maybe a bit extreme but it can't hurt. I am so impressed with TCS. Whoever put it together deserves an OBE! From its content to its layout and ease of use to the people I've met its been amazing. It's basically my Facebook through the wonderful medium of my two cats! Mousebook and Mewtube! Or if you're feeling a bit 2006, MiceSpace! What I like most is that my photos and posts are being viewed and read by people all over the globe and Carter received so many well wishes when he was unwell and sorting out his medication. Within an hour of joining I was given advice that contributed to his recovery and treatment options. I feel comfortable on TCS and that wasn't the case with other social media. I'm sure there are differences of opinions here at times but the haters have hopefully been filtered out and we can concentrate on our shared interests. It also means that the hundreds of photos my partner and I take a week will be shared beyond our long suffering family and friends and knowing that a photo of Carter that was taken two days ago was viewed by someone living by Mt Fuji in Japan can only be described as awesome! Definitely need a medal ceremony for the creators of TCS!

I totally agree!