From a very early age I took a keen interest in health and nutrition that led me to countless hours of study of books, journal articles, practitioner trainings and consultations, and conference summits on the intersection of these related subjects. Through this knowledge the researched and evidenced-based ancient regimens of food as medicine and the use of therapeutic plants, herbs, and supplements to support optimal health became the foundation and essential guidelines of my self care.
When I became a guardian of felines I sought to apply these same principles to maintain or improve the health of our beloved pets. My studies of feline health and nutrition intensified when our dear Marley was diagnosed first with hyperthyroidism and later lymphoma. I am writing a chronicle of Marley’s health journey and a review of some studies on these illnesses and various natural treatments in Marley’s Lament. The below annotated list of resources with references in the medical literature are provided for educational purposes. They are a product of my endeavors to be the most educated primary care provider and responsible pet parent as possible.
Food
Most of the food I feed to my cats is prepared with organic meats I purchase locally and mix with a premix consisting of vitamins, minerals, and desiccated organ meats to which other food add-in are also included. After years of study and investigation, I have come to the conclusion that a homemade diet can provide the most safe and nutritious food for my felines. I do keep on hand some commercial frozen and dehydrated foods for variety and backup, as well as some canned for emergencies. For commercial foods I read the independent reviews at petsumerreport.com. I never feed kibble due its nutritional deficiencies and minimal all-important moisture content. If you are on the fence about a homemade diet or still not convinced that your kibble or canned isn’t a good choice for your beloved pet, then please read this piece on ‘meat meal’ and ‘byproducts’ in pet food, or review the information on toxins in commercial pet food at Clean Label Project.
While I have used all of the premixes listed below at one time or another, I am currently using the Holistic Vet Blend Feline Senior Premix. The below video demonstrates how to prepare the food with the premix and the add-ins that can be used, and discusses the cost effectiveness of homemade food, and the environmental and health benefits for your cats.
Holistic Vet Blend Feline Senior Premix – Ingredients: Dried beef liver, calcium carbonate, psyllium seed husk, dried beef kidney, dried beef heart*, choline chloride, dicalcium phosphate, taurine, ginger, ferrous glycine complex, alpha-tocopherol acetate, zinc amino acid chelate, folic acid, manganese citrate, copper gluconate, dried kelp, riboflavin, D-calcium pantothenate, niacinamide, biotin, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement
*from grass fed beef
EZComplete fur Cats – Chicken Liver Formula – Ingredients: Dried Chicken Liver, Eggshell (Source of Calcium), Dried Egg Yolk, Pork Pancreas Glandular, Green-Lipped Mussel, Taurine, Digestive Enzymes (Bromelain, Lipase, Amylase, Cellulase), Vitamin E, Chelated Iron, Vitamin B Complex, Chelated Manganese, Zinc, Chelated Copper, Vitamin D3, Potassium iodide (lodine).
Know Better Beef Recipe for Homemade Cat Food – Ingredients: Egg yolk, calcium lactate, grass fed beef liver powder, gelatin, whey protein isolate, psyllium husks, EFA from fish oil, taurine, kelp, Vitamin B complex.
TCFeline – Ingredients: Gelatin (porcine), MCHA whole bone extract (bovine), dried beef liver, whey protein isolate, taurine, dried krill powder, calcium carbonate, magnesium gluconate, Tocopheryl Acid Succinate (natural source Vitamin E), Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3.
Whole Food Multi Supplement Formulations
BioPreparation F2 and F3 Forte – A human-grade blend of four micro-algae, spirulina pacifica and platensis, dunaleiella salina, and haematococcu pluvialis (as a source of astaxanthin) that forms a rich source of over 5000 nutrients including protein, essential and non-essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, trace elements, and carotenoids. The impetus for the research and development of the formulation was for cancer prevention and treatment. The formulation has a long and documented use and efficacy in veterinary applications. For information on use see this guide. As a single cell protein, Spirulina is considered to be 99% bioavailable (Arnston, The Fasting and Longevity Summit). The phycocyanin in spirulina has been studied for use in anti-cancer therapies. Because of its nutritional quality and other health benefits, NASA has determined that “Spirulina could represent a new technology for the sustainment of long-duration manned missions to planets beyond the Lower Earth Orbit (e.g., Mars); furthermore, it could help astronauts stay healthy while exposed to a variety of stress factors that can have negative consequences even after years. As far as the second field of application, Spirulina could have an active role in various aspects of medicine, such as metabolism, oncology, ophthalmology, central and peripheral nervous systems, and nephrology.”:
Wide Range Applications of Spirulina: From Earth to Space Missions. Mar Drugs. 2022 Apr 28;20(5):299. doi: 10.3390/md20050299. PMID: 35621951; PMCID: PMC9143897.
Braune S, Krüger-Genge A, Kammerer S, Jung F, Küpper JH. Phycocyanin from Arthrospira platensis as Potential Anti-Cancer Drug: Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Life (Basel). 2021 Jan 27;11(2):91. doi: 10.3390/life11020091. PMID: 33513794; PMCID: PMC7911896.
Khan Z, Bhadouria P, Bisen PS. Nutritional and therapeutic potential of Spirulina. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2005 Oct;6(5):373-9. doi: 10.2174/138920105774370607. PMID: 16248810.
Celloquent (Vitality Science) – An immune supporting blend designed to enhance “mitochondrial production, improve oxygen utilization, and support detoxification” and gut health. Active Ingredients: Arabinogalactan (Larix laricina), PetaSol-C© Modified Citrus Pectin, Zeolite (clinoptilolite), Apple Pectin, Bromelain (Ananas comosus), Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin C ester (Ascorbyl Palmitate), Aloe Vera Inner Leaf (Aloe barbadensis), Chlorella, Pet Flora™, Biocore Complete©, Lactoferrin, Zinc Carnosine, Serrazimes®, Vitamin K-2, BioPQQ™ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt). Further details about these ingredients can be found on the manufacturers website here. A Celloquent Gold version contains turmeric. This is the only supplement blend I have found that includes modified citrus pectin as an ingredient (see the notes and links below on this substance and its use). The algae chlorella is widely used for detoxification and purification of the blood (Arnston, Cancer Breakthroughs Summit). The antioxidants in chlorella have been shown in studies to kill human cancer cells in vitro.
Ferdous UT, Yusof ZNB. Medicinal Prospects of Antioxidants From Algal Sources in Cancer Therapy. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Mar 5;12:593116. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.593116. PMID: 33746748; PMCID: PMC7973026.
Xin Z, Zhang M, Cui H, Ding X, Zhang T, Wu L, Cui H, Xue Q, Chen C, Gao J. Algae: A Robust Living Material Against Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine. 2023 Sep 14;18:5243-5264. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S423412. PMID: 37727650; PMCID: PMC10506609.
Daily Multi Plus – An all-in-one supplement that contains digestive enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics, glandulars, and whole food organic multinutrient ingredients.
Living Fuel Pet – A human-grade supplement with whole-food derived vitamins, trace minerals, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, and herbs.
Phyto Synergy – a proprietary blend of marine phytoplankton. The recommended dose is only about .25 grams per day which underscores the concentrated nature of the formulation. A breakdown of the nutrition profile is provided by the formulators.
Targeted Supplements and Formulations
Astaxanthin – Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant formed from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis with an ORAC value of 2,822,200 making its antioxidant properties 6,000 times more potent than vitamin C and 550 times more potent than vitamin E and has been shown to “directly cross the blood-brain barrier to reach different mammalian brain regions”.
Sztretye M, Dienes B, Gönczi M, Czirják T, Csernoch L, Dux L, Szentesi P, Keller-Pintér A. Astaxanthin: A Potential Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidant Treatment in Diseases and with Aging. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 Nov 11;2019:3849692. doi: 10.1155/2019/3849692. PMID: 31814873; PMCID: PMC6878783.
Kim SH, Kim H. Inhibitory Effect of Astaxanthin on Oxidative Stress-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction-A Mini-Review. Nutrients. 2018 Aug 21;10(9):1137. doi: 10.3390/nu10091137. PMID: 30134611; PMCID: PMC6165470.
Detox Support (Bark & Whiskers) – Ingredients: Japanese Knotweed (providing Resveratrol), Organic Milk Thistle (Seed) Extract, Organic Chlorella, Curcumin Phytosome Complex, Organic Dandelion (Leaf), Glycine, N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC), Phosphatidylcholine, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Taurine, Organic Schisandra (Fruit) Extract, Organic Green Tea Extract, L-Glutathione. The amino acids glycine and taurine have been shown in studies to increase life span in animals. There are numerous studies that suggest that the catechins (a class of powerful antioxidants) found in green tea may inhibit cancer cell proliferation and that “green tea may have cancer-preventive effects”. Some studies suggest that resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin were better absorbed and exhibited a synergistic effect when combined. The flavanone silibinin, derived from the milk thistle plant, has been used medicinally for its “liver-protective, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammation” effects. Silibinin is made more bioavailable when combined with phosphatidylcholine.
Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging, SCIENCE 9 Jun 2023 Vol 380, Issue 6649 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn9257
Razak MA, Begum PS, Viswanath B, Rajagopal S. Multifarious Beneficial Effect of Nonessential Amino Acid, Glycine: A Review. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:1716701. doi: 10.1155/2017/1716701. Epub 2017 Mar 1. Erratum in: Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022 Feb 23;2022:9857645. PMID: 28337245; PMCID: PMC5350494.
Filippini T, Malavolti M, Borrelli F, Izzo AA, Fairweather-Tait SJ, Horneber M, Vinceti M. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) for the prevention of cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Mar 2;3(3):CD005004. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005004.pub3. PMID: 32118296; PMCID: PMC7059963.
Polachi N, Bai G, Li T, Chu Y, Wang X, Li S, Gu N, Wu J, Li W, Zhang Y, Zhou S, Sun H, Liu C. Modulatory effects of silibinin in various cell signaling pathways against liver disorders and cancer – A comprehensive review. Eur J Med Chem. 2016 Nov 10;123:577-595. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.07.070. Epub 2016 Jul 29. PMID: 27517806.
Lund, Kaleb C.; Pantuso, Traci, Combination Effects of Quercetin, Resveratrol and Curcumin on In Vitro Intestinal Absorption, Journal of Restorative Medicine, Volume 3, Number 1, 4 January 2014, pp. 112-120(9).
Effects of Resveratrol, Curcumin and Quercetin Supplementation on Bone Metabolism-A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 26;14(17):3519. doi: 10.3390/nu14173519. PMID: 36079777; PMCID: PMC9459740.
Li, C., Xu, Y., Zhang, J. et al. The effect of resveratrol, curcumin and quercetin combination on immuno-suppression of tumor microenvironment for breast tumor-bearing mice. Sci Rep 13, 13278 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39279-z
Delphi-Vital (Maqui Select) (NaturalPet RX) – An antioxidant blend of Maqui, Schisandra berry, Tumeric root and andrographis paniculate. Maqui is a berry that contains a variety of flavonoids known as anthocyanins which have been studied for their use in cancer prevention and treatment. As an antioxidant Maqui has an ORAC value (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of 2.7 million, highest among berries.
Lin BW, Gong CC, Song HF, Cui YY. Effects of anthocyanins on the prevention and treatment of cancer. Br J Pharmacol. 2017 Jun;174(11):1226-1243. doi: 10.1111/bph.13627. Epub 2016 Oct 25. PMID: 27646173; PMCID: PMC5429338.
Wang LS, Stoner GD. Anthocyanins and their role in cancer prevention. Cancer Lett. 2008 Oct 8;269(2):281-90. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.05.020. Epub 2008 Jun 20. PMID: 18571839; PMCID: PMC2582525.
Fermented Greens (Dr. Mercola) – Ingredients: Dried White Chedder Cheese Powder, Fermented Broccoli, Barley Grass, Beet Root, Carrot, Seaweed Meal, Ginger, Kale, Wheatgrass. Provides fiber that supports digestive health, and provides vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.
Fermented Wheat Germ Extract (FWGE) – Results from over two dozen studies suggest that FWGE “. . . has strong anticancer, anti-metastatic, and immunodulatory effects, including tumor-inhibiting effects in human breast adenocarcinoma cells . . . “. It has been hypothesized that the compound 2,6-Dimethoxybenzoquinone (2,6-DMBQ) is responsible for “halting replication of cancer cells”. This compound is also found in Rauvolfia vomitoria which has been studied for its anti-cancer properties. I have read, anecdotally, that an extract with the active ingredient benzoquinone (rather than spermidine) is more effective. The only pet version I have found (IMMUNOVET) has spermidine as the active ingredient.
The Link Between Cancer and Mitochondria: Restoring Mitochondrial Function to Fight Cancer, Karlfeldt, M. Townsend Letter, https://www.townsendletter.com/article/the-link-between-cancer-and-mitochondria-restoring-mitochondrial-function-to-fight-cancer/
Mueller T, Voigt W. Fermented wheat germ extract–nutritional supplement or anticancer drug? Nutr J. 2011 Sep 5;10:89. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-10-89. PMID: 21892933; PMCID: PMC3179707.
Fulvic Acid – Fulvic Acid (FvA) is a humic extract derived from microorganisms in ancient soil. “Traditional medicine and modern research claim FvA can modulate the immune system, influence the oxidative state of cells, and improve gastrointestinal function”. There are indications that FvA “can activate the immune system when needed to protect against infection and foreign pathogens”. In the review study referenced here below it was pointed out that in a study in rats FvA content was “responsible for the mild hypothyroid effect of humic substances” and that may have been a result from “variances in therapeutic dosages and/or the origin of FvA in the study”. If research found that the effect was the result of the inherent content of FvA, could FvA be used therapeutically to treat hyperthyroidism in felines? A source of FvA for pets is produced by ION. ION claims that their product “has been scientifically proven to strengthen the gut lining by sealing cell junctions, even in the presence of harmful toxins. This helps to combat intestinal permeability, thereby protecting the immune system, improving digestion, and supporting a healthy microbiome”.
Therapeutic Potential of Fulvic Acid Inflamatory Diseases and Diabetes. J Diabetes Res. 2018 Sep 10; Winkler J, Ghosh S. 2018:5391014, doi: 10.1155/2018/5391014. PMID: 30276216; PMCID: PMC6151376.
Effect of fulvic and humic acids on performance, immune response and thyroid function in rats. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2010. Vucskits AV, Hullár I, Bersényl A. Andrásofszky E, Kulcsár M, Szabó J. Dec: 94(6):721-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2010.01023.x. PMID: 30276216; PMCID: PMCX6151376.
Glandulars – Glandulars, or organ meats—the most nutrient dense part of an animal—contain minerals and fat-soluable vitamins. Formulations for pets are sold as dried powders or in capsule form derived from bovine sources in either blends that contain multiple organs or a single organ. The latter format follows traditional holistic practices to nourish the organ or system of the animal with the corresponding organ. So, for example, beef spleen aids diarrhea, weight loss, muscle atrophy, loss of strength, and sensitive stomach. I wish I had had this information a long time ago! I use Ancestral Supplements’ grass-fed human-grade blend that includes liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, and spleen. This has also worked well in enticing fussy eaters as cats seems to be wild about the aroma. Individual glandulars for cats are sold by Pet Health and Nutrition Center.
Heart Health (Bark & Whiskers) – Ingredients: Rutin, Taurine, Glycine, Organic Hawthorn Berry Fruit, D-Ribose, Trimethylglycine (TMG), Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), Pomegranate Fruit Extract, d-Alpha Tocopherol, Pine Bark Extract, Niacin 5. EGCG is type of catechin derived from green tea which can “inhibit carcinogenesis, tumor growth, cancer cell invasion, and tumor angiogenesis”. Pomegranate fruit, juice extract, and oil have also been shown to “exert anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-tumorigenic properties”:
Sharma P, McClees SF, Afaq F. Pomegranate for Prevention and Treatment of Cancer: An Update. Molecules. 2017 Jan 24;22(1):177. doi: 10.3390/molecules22010177. PMID: 28125044; PMCID: PMC5560105.
Fan FY, Sang LX, Jiang M. Catechins and Their Therapeutic Benefits to Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Molecules. 2017 Mar 19;22(3):484. doi: 10.3390/molecules22030484. PMID: 28335502; PMCID: PMC6155401.
Ferrari E, Bettuzzi S, Naponelli V. The Potential of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) in Targeting Autophagy for Cancer Treatment: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 May 28;23(11):6075. doi: 10.3390/ijms23116075. PMID: 35682754; PMCID: PMC9181147.
Herbal Naturopathic Botanicals – NHV makes a line of organic human-grade herbal extract blends and single herb extracts to support over 150 different pet health ailments. The extracts can be given in food or orally. The latter method may be beneficial for a cat that is not eating well.
Immune Support (Bark & Whiskers) – Ingredients: Colostrum (Bovine), Larch Arabinogalactan, Organic Moringa, Yeast Fermentate. Supports liver, digestive health, and the gut microbiome. Larch Arabinogalactan is a prebiotic that supports colon health and is used as an adjunct to cancer therapies and for infections. There are over 25,000 scientific papers in medical journals documenting colostrum’s efficacy in supporting the immune system, and treating chronic illness, autoimmune disease and injury. The Pet Health and Nutrition Center website provides detailed information on its use and on their single ingredient product. The also have a blend called Repair and Strengthen that contains colostrum, whey protein isolate, and aloe vera
Modified Citrus Pectin (PectaSol) – Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) is made from the soluble dietary fiber from citrus fruit peels that has undergone “a specific pH and heat-controlled enzymatic treatment” to make it more bioavailable in the small intestine. MCP blocks galectin-3, a protein that promotes cancer formation, growth, and metastasis, and increases natural killer (NK) and T cells, and has shown in studies to promote a healthy digestive ecosystem and support optimal kidney, liver, heart, and cognitive and brain health. “MCP contains contains a side structure called Rhamnogalacturonan II, which helps to bind to heavy metals and is an important immune enhancer. Rhamnogalacturonan II is also the active compound in mistletoe, which is used by some Integrative oncologists to treat cancer.” (Elias, Galectin 3, A Crucial Survival Protein).
Eliaz I, Raz A. Pleiotropic Effects of Modified Citrus Pectin. Nutrients. 2019 Nov 1;11(11):2619. doi: 10.3390/nu11112619. PMID: 31683865; PMCID: PMC6893732.
Eliaz, Isaac, The Survival Paradox. Reversing the Hidden Cause of Aging and Chronic Disease. Lioncrest, 2021.
Mushrooms – Mushrooms can support digestive and immune health and contain beta glucans, minerals, and antioxidants. Beta glucans have been shown in studies to have antitumor, anti-microbial, anti-allergic, and immune-modulating effects.
Fermented Mushroom Blend (Bark & Whiskers) – Ingredients: Organic Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) (Mycelium and Fruitbody), Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) (Mycelium and Fruitbody), King Trumpet (Pleurotus eryngii) (Mycelium and Fruitbody), Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) (Mycelium and Fruitbody), Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) (Mycelium), Himematsutake (Agaricus blazei) (Mycelium), Maitake (Grifola frondosa) (Mycelium), Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) (Mycelium and Fruitbody)
14 Mushroom Blend (Pet Health & Nutrition Center) – Ingredients: Organic Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga, Mesima, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Maitake, Shiitake, Blazei, Poria, Agarikon, Suehirotake, Oyster Mushroom, True Tinder Polypore.
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) – PEA is a fatty acid derived from natural substances that has been studied for its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, dermatological benefits, and analgesic properties.
Clayton P, Hill M, Bogoda N, Subah S, Venkatesh R. Palmitoylethanolamide: A Natural Compound for Health Management. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 18;22(10):5305. doi: 10.3390/ijms22105305. PMID: 34069940; PMCID: PMC8157570.
Noli C, Della Valle MF, Miolo A, Medori C, Schievano C; Skinalia Clinical Research Group. Effect of dietary supplementation with ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide in maintaining remission in cats with nonflea hypersensitivity dermatitis: a double-blind, multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Vet Dermatol. 2019 Oct;30(5):387-e117. doi: 10.1111/vde.12764. Epub 2019 Jun 24. PMID: 31237065; PMCID: PMC6852539.
Probiotics – The Bark & Whiskers probiotic formulation has 14 different strains including Saccharomyces boulardii, which is actually a yeast and is therefore naturally resistant to antibiotics. It recognized for its support of proper gastrointestinal function and resolving antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Felix’s Flora is a probiotic blend specifically formulated for cats with probiotic strains specific to the feline gut. The blend also contains Larch Arabinogalactan (see Immune Support above) and Humic & Fulvic Acids which are organic minerals that support cell health, removal of toxins, and nutrient absorption.
Kelesidis T, Pothoulakis C. Efficacy and safety of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii for the prevention and therapy of gastrointestinal disorders. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2012 Mar;5(2):111-25. doi: 10.1177/1756283X11428502. PMID: 22423260; PMCID: PMC3296087.
Quercetin – A very powerful antioxidant that, in high doses, is toxic to senescent and cancer cells. With high dosing quercetin can also be toxic to healthy cells, so some recommendations that I’ve read for human use suggest supplementing it for those 60 years of age and older, and intermittently, for three days with one day off in between. There are low dose formulations available (50 mg per capsule) designed for feline use. The antiviral properties of quercetin may be enhanced when co-administered with vitamin C which also increases the absorption, as does bromelain (the Seasonal Support formulation below contains all three). The absorption of quercetin may also be enhanced when combined with water-soluble fibers like pectin (see the entry on Modified Citrus Pectin above) and dietary fats.
Zoico, E., Nori, N., Darra, E. et al. Senolytic effects of quercetin in an in vitro model of pre-adipocytes and adipocytes induced senescence. Sci Rep 11, 23237 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-02544-0
Hwang HV, Tran DT, Rebuffatti MN, Li CS, Knowlton AA. Investigation of quercetin and hyperoside as senolytics in adult human endothelial cells. PLoS One. 2018 Jan 9;13(1):e0190374. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190374. PMID: 29315311; PMCID: PMC5760026.
Gabriele Carullo, Mariateresa Badolato, Francesca Aiello, Chapter 26 – Bioavailability and Biochemistry of Quercetin and Applications to Health and Diseases, Editor(s): Ronald Ross Watson, Victor R. Preedy, Sherma Zibadi, Polyphenols: Mechanisms of Action in Human Health and Disease (Second Edition), Academic Press, 2018, Pages 361-371, ISBN 9780128130063, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-813006-3.00026-X.
Trakooncharoenvit A, Tanaka S, Mizuta E, Hira T, Hara H. Water-soluble dietary fibers enhance bioavailability of quercetin and a fiber derived from soybean is most effective after long-term feeding in rats. Eur J Nutr. 2020 Jun;59(4) 1389-1398. doi:10.1007/s00394-019-01992-9. PMID: 31079173.
Colunga Biancatelli RML, Berrill M, Catravas JD, Marik PE. Quercetin and Vitamin C: An Experimental, Synergistic Therapy for the Prevention and Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Related Disease (COVID-19). Front Immunol. 2020 Jun 19;11:1451. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01451. PMID: 32636851; PMCID: PMC7318306.
Muhammet Ay, Adhithiya Charli, Huajun Jin, Vellareddy Anantharam, Arthi Kanthasamy, Anumantha G. Kanthasamy, Chapter 32 – Quercetin, Editor(s): Ramesh C. Gupta, Nutraceuticals, Academic Press, 2016, Pages 447-452, ISBN 9780128021477, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802147-7.00032-2.
Seasonal Support (Bark & Whiskers) – Ingredients: Vitamin C (from Calcium Ascorbate), Bee Pollen, Bromelain, Quercetin (as Quercetin Dihydrate), Plant Sterols, Cat’s Claw Bark, Organic Stinging Nettle Leaf, Butterbur Root Extract.
Ubiquinol – Ubquinol is the reduced active form of coenzyme Q10. It is a potent antioxidant and supports mitochondrial health and cell energy. In addition, ubiquinol may have a positive effect on renal function.
Ernster L, Forsmark-Andrée P. Ubiquinol: an endogenous antioxidant in aerobic organisms. Clin Investig. 1993;71(8 Suppl):S60-5. doi: 10.1007/BF00226842. PMID: 8241707.
Ishikawa A, Kawarazaki H, Ando K, Fujita M, Fujita T, Homma Y. Renal preservation effect of ubiquinol, the reduced form of coenzyme Q10. Clin Exp Nephrol. 2011 Feb;15(1):30-3. doi: 10.1007/s10157-010-0350-8. Epub 2010 Sep 28. PMID: 20878200.
Mizuno K, Sasaki AT, Watanabe K, Watanabe Y. Ubiquinol-10 Intake Is Effective in Relieving Mild Fatigue in Healthy Individuals. Nutrients. 2020 Jun 2;12(6):1640. doi: 10.3390/nu12061640. PMID: 32498248; PMCID: PMC7352232.
Vitamin C – Vitamin C has been widely studied in human health and used extensively in the clinical environment. Vitamin C reduces oxidative stress. “Because the vitamin C and sugar molecules are similar cancer cells uptake vitamin C which reduces the iron in the cancer cells causing the production of hydrogen peroxide and the cancer cells to die or return to normal functioning. Studies show that it does not interfere with chemotherapy. Studies have shown sixteen quality of life benefits of vitamin C, such as reduced pain, less fever, less bleeding, better breathing, improved energy and appetite, less nausea and vomiting, better bowel functioning, better sense of well being and mood, and clearer cognition” (Hunninghake, “The Impact of Vitamin C on Your Cancer Journey”, Cancer Breakthrough Summit, 2023). A summary of potential benefits, contraindications, and side effects for pet supplementation of vitamin C are summarized here. The sodium ascorbate form of vitamin C is most often recommended by holistic vets due to its neutral pH, rather than the more acidic ascorbic acid form. Rx Vitamins has a sodium ascorbate for pets with bioflavonoids for “increased absorption and utilization of Vitamin C”.
Adjunct Therapies and Considerations
PEMF – PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy uses low frequency fields to enhance cellular activity and reduce inflammation. PEMF is widely used in humans as a safe and powerful adjunct to and enhancement to other integrative cancer therapies. Educational resources on PEMF can be found here. The Petspemf pad specifically for cats has three settings: pain relief, stress relief, accelerated healing.
Essential Oils – One of the more controversial topics with regards to felines is the use of essential oils. I have only used essential oils (both through diffusion and topical application) that have been formulated and tested by veterinarians for use with felines. My only regret is that I did not do this sooner and more often because use appeared to always have a positive effect on my felines (energy, breathing, relaxation). For veterinarian-formulated blends and extensive information on their use go to animaleo.
Pet Health Tracker – Track and document the feeding, supplementation, treatments, behavior and symptoms, and blood tests of your pet with this simple spreadsheet template. It can be uploaded to your online documents account and shared with your pet’s health care providers.
Bibliography – This is the comprehensive list of resources that informs the information published on this page.
Peter S. Poulos, PhD 