Author: kristynallen

Cat Mom and Advocate Low-tox Enthusiast Coffee Lover
Cats, CKD, FIV+, HCM

FIV, CKD, HCM…and Felycin-CA1!

kristynallen

I mentioned earlier this year that Harry persevered through some serious struggles. I’m so happy to say that he cleared his Cryptococcus infection in 5 months, gained half a pound, and his CKD has been relatively stable through it all! I spoke to his cardiologist in May and we decided we would start the compounded version of Sirolimus HPMC capsules available through Wedgewood Pharmacy while waiting for Felycin-CA1 to be released. Felycin was available for purchase beginning in August 2025.


That brings us to now! Felycin-CA1 has entered the chat, y’all!

This week, Harry had an acupuncture appointment, and since we started Felycin 3 weeks prior, I wanted to do a quick blood check just to make sure his glucose and liver values were okay. Felycin is contraindicated for cats with diabetes and it is metabolized through the liver, so it’s important to monitor. Not only were they okay, but his KIDNEY values were outstanding, and I’m still riding that high days later!!! SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine) is a specific blood marker that can be used to measure kidney function. I personally feel it’s the most sensitive measure, although creatinine, BUN, and phosphorus are important too. A normal SDMA is between 0-14. Harry has not been below 12 since at least 2022 (could be earlier), and he’s been averaging between 12-16 the last few months, but this week…this week IT WAS 8!!! A SINGLE DIGIT! I’m ecstatic about that. I have tried to get it in my mind that the most important diagnostic is the cat physically right in front of me, and that numbers are just additional data, but it’s hard NOT to be thrilled when you see such a drastic improvement when he’s already come so far!!! I’m so happy about it, and really the only significant change is starting Felycin, and he’s only had 3 weekly doses!

Felycin is a specific formulation of Sirolimus (more commonly known as Rapamycin) made for cats for the specific purpose of treating Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Felycin is also the specific formulation that was used in clinical trials for HCM cats so I’m thrilled to be able to have it in hand. We have a recheck echocardiogram scheduled in December and I’m hopeful that it’s making a positive difference for the mild thickening noted in March for Harry’s left ventricle. He did not have atrial dilation and I’m very grateful for that.

There are three strengths of Felycin available and based on his weight, Harry needs two of them to make his 0.3mg.kg dose. The pills are tiny which is amazing! My image shows the 1.2mg and 0.4mg pills. At once a week, they are a breeze to give Harry.

Having Felycin available for HCM treatment is wonderful all by itself, but there has also been anecdotal evidence of Felycin being beneficial for CKD cats (which is a BIG reason why this is such a huge deal for us this week). There are studies taking place right now to assess if Felycin could also help CKD cats too. I would never want a diagnosis of HCM or CKD for any of my cats or any cats at all, and typically treatment of one exacerbates the other, so if Felycin can make a positive impact on both…that is a monumental advancement in the making. The fact that Harry was diagnosed with mild HCM, but so early that it didn’t warrant starting any typical meds, feels like the universe giving us a break. Living in this timeline where Felycin was on the horizon and there were generics available in the meantime… man, I’m so grateful.

I also have not found a single other FIV+ cat walking a similar journey as us with HCM and CKD while trying Felycin, so I’m posting on all my socials and here to hopefully give the next cat parent someone to find. Rapamycin is technically an immunosuppressant drug (although immunosuppression has not been seen in the low doses Felycin is prescribed at) and the thought of giving an immunosuppressant drug to an FIV cat felt a little scary at first. I’m so proud of my boy and proud of the advancements giving us a path to follow now.

Cats, FIV+

2025 Updates and Blog Revamp

kristynallen

It’s been a while! My last post was for the fundraiser I did for EveryCat Health Foundation in memory of my sweet Baby Doug. It’s been nearly 15 months since I said see you later to him, and some days, the void of his loss still stops me in my tracks.

2024 was a really difficult year full of grief and other health difficulties for my remaining boys. Albert’s sinus struggles hit their worst levels 2 weeks after we lost Doug and I’m sure it’s not a coincidence. He has #felineherpes flare-ups and when it’s bad enough, he sometimes gets bacterial infections on top of that. This is gross to admit, but I also think it’s a bit of a super power…lol I can smell when we likely need antibiotic help. I’m really happy to say that we got through a minor flare up just a few weeks ago with just the help of his antivirals famciclovir and cidofovir for his eyes and I think it’s in part because he’s on his Moxxor Omega-3 and Standard Process Feline Immune Support supplements. We’ve tried a lot of things, and these seem to give him more good days between flares and help us get past flares more quickly. I hope it lasts.

In addition to Albert’s struggles, Henry was also diagnosed with a Grade 1 #softtissuesarcoma in his right front leg. Thankfully, we were able to keep his leg and they removed just his bicep muscle in that leg. As usual, my little athlete recovered very well and he is just as wild and active as ever. The prognosis was good and aside from the area of biopsy on the mass, his margins were clean. The cancer had a low spread rate and this type of cancer is not known to metastasize. There is a chance of it returning locally, so this momma is on lump watch (for him and everyone) from now on. I felt blindsided by this muscle and in all the ways I assumed “lumps” might feel, this one did not feel out of place until you physically felt the lack of symmetry with his other leg, and saw the size of it once the fur was shaved. I’m SO thankful we found it when we did and that the stars aligned for us to get the mass removed so quickly too.

Perhaps the heaviest lift in 2024 besides losing our friend Doug, was the struggles Harry persevered through. Harry is FIV+ and he and I have made it our mission to advocate for FIV+ kitties everywhere. In April 2024, we learned he was considered Stage 2 for #felinechronickidneydisease according to IRIS guidelines. We were also still managing his chronic fibrinous uveitis in his right eye and he was doing well at that point. Fast forward to June 2024, his uveitis flared up with mild hemorrhaging, and due to our original ophthalmologist being unavailable, I called veterinary ophthalmologists all across New England and was so thankful that the Ophthalmology team in Burlington could see us the very next day! Amazing! They were about 3 hours away but wonderful to work with and my boy was so strong through all those trips. He battled three corneal ulcers before this flareup got under control. In early fall, he started to have what looked like more fibrin showing up in his eye. Ultimately, this was not well controlled and due to his early kidney stage, we opted to enucleate (remove) his eye and send it out for pathology.

Harry STRUGGLED to recover from this surgery. He is a sensitive boy, but it was really difficult for him to get back on track. We did twice weekly acupuncture for a few weeks too. When his eye pathology came back, it showed TONS of yeasts consistent with cryptococcus – which Harry subsequently tested positive for. We began treatment for that and nearly 4 months later, we’re still treating that – but gaining! The most scary thing that wrapped up 2024 was Harry’s sudden kidney failure due to what we found out was a big e. coli infection in his bladder. This is likely caused in part by his FIV, but also probably due to his tough enucleation recovery and perhaps not cleaning as well as he normally does. His creatinine, BUN, phosphorus, and SDMA numbers were extremely high and I thought I was going to lose him. We hospitalized for 3.5 days with IV fluids and antibiotics and he RALLIED! FIV babies can show up to fight with the right support and that’s exactly what my beautiful boy did. During this episode, a heart murmur was heard for the very first time too. He had an echocardiogram in January that suggested mild hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and unfortunately, that was just confirmed this week as we got him established with a wonderful cardiologist. It’s still considered very mild, and no clinical signs which I’m super thankful for. There’s a new drug called Felicyn that is formulated for cats using the human drug Rapamycin, and it has been shown to TREAT HCM!! Not help symptoms of disease progression…actually treat, as in reverse the heart wall thickening for cats. I am so thankful that we’re in this particular timeline when there is promise for this disease. I’m currently trying to learn as much as I can.

And that brings us to now! This world is crazy every day, particularly in the USA at the moment, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming wondering how we can make a difference with anything. When I originally started this blog, I wanted to have a space to post about FIV advocacy and our ailments and things to advocate for has grown exponentially. I’m going to try and post more regularly here, but I’m very active on Instagram @caffeinatedlowtoxcatmom if you want to follow our journeys there! All my boys have their own hashtags on the posts.

I do still consult for Norwex and Java Momma through the links above if you’re interested in low-tox cleaning or skin care (LOVE THE SKIN CARE) or coffee, but I’ll probably stick to mostly cat posts.

Message me anytime using the email button in the menu or at caffeinatedlowtoxcatmom@gmail.com.

Thanks for reading!

Cats

Birthday Fundraiser for EveryCat Health Foundation: In Memory of Baby Doug

kristynallen

EDIT: We raised over $1800!!! Thank you so very much!

Early in January, I lost my cat, Baby Doug, to lymphoma, and I never saw it coming. He was only 9 and his loss has rocked my world.

There is nothing that I know better than cats. I have always loved them and they are a large part of my why and my life’s purpose. Early in my career, I learned that annual vet care for cats was roughly 30% lower than that of dogs and I was shocked. I decided to do my part to change that by talking about all of our vet visits. Every single one.

Shortly after learning about these stats, I met a little 8-week-old gray cat named Doug. I shared a special moment with him the very first time our eyes locked and that was it. That sealed the deal. That was the beginning of a great adventure. I wasn’t looking for a life-changing little friend, but that’s exactly what I got with him. My best little sidekick and copilot.

I will never understand why bad things happen to the kindest souls. Baby Doug was dealt so many crazy hands and we tackled each one in his 9.5 years. Terrible stomatitis leading to full mouth extractions before age 4; anal gland ruptures; oral ulcers; and cryptococcosis that took hold while trying to treat chronic neutropenia. We fully worked up that neutropenia too, and MAN, did he defy odds on that through bone marrow, spleen, and lymph node biopsies and a whole slew of tests with internal medicine.

We did it though! My strong little miracle overcame so much and always showed up ready to fight. I fought right alongside him through every single trial. The events of the last month have been very painful to accept. I owed it to him to protect his wellbeing, independence, and dignity, and give him the very best chance at both life, and at peace.

So much of why I advocate for cats has stemmed from wanting to be able to provide for my boy (and his brothers) and be an example for the next cat parent facing similar situations. Through all of our health battles, I have been very fortunate to have excellent veterinary care and advisement and I’m so thankful for my vet teams. But, like many moms, I also research various studies and treatments for ailments. There are many gaps when it comes to cat studies, and I think that is a direct result of the statistics surrounding cats receiving regular veterinary care.

Enter EveryCat Health Foundation. I love this organization because, for over 50 years, they have been dedicated to funding necessary research solely for cats.

For the past 4 years, to celebrate my birthday month (which is also National Cat Health Month), I have been raising money for this amazing organization. To date, we have raised over $2,900 for cats everywhere, and I would love to add at least another thousand to that by March 1st.

This year, I’m doing it in memory of my Baby Doug. I wish he and I had more birthdays to celebrate, but in his honor, lets help cats all around the world have more birthdays. ❤️

Thanks in advance for your support.

DONATE HERE: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/91xZOPqSiX

Cats, Clean Living

MOXXOR: The BEST Omega-3 Supplement!

kristynallen

Let’s talk inflammation. For his whole little life, my cat, Doug, has struggled with inflammation. When he was very young, he had terrible stomatitis. Steroids helped temporarily, but I didn’t want him to rely on steroid injections so early in his life, so all of his teeth were extracted before age 4 to address his mouth issues. He then developed asthma that would flare with the change of the seasons. I got him a fluticasone inhaler for that so we could deliver steroid treatment directly to his lungs and for the most part, that helped. Then, due to his chronic soft stools, his first anal gland rupture happened. This happened a total of three times, the worst of which left him with three open wounds on his rear end. This was a nightmare and I felt so bad for him, and helpless too, and seemingly the thing that helped him most was his prescription for the feline NSAID, Onsior. Due to risks of kidney damage, that is understandably only authorized for limited use, but it’s what prompted me to try and think outside the box where anti-inflammatories are concerned.

I began researching natural ways to reduce inflammation in cats. That led me to omega-3s and the powerful ways they can impact the body — for both humans and cats! But to find an omega-3 supplement that would work well for Doug without causing adverse effects, primarily diarrhea? That was and always is the challenge.

Henry, Doug, Harry, Hennessy & Albert eating breakfast. These feeding stalls were a game changer for portion control!

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own, so we, our pets and us, need to either eat foods that contain them, or take a supplement. Omega-3s help all cells in the body perform at their optimal levels and because of that, they can improve health in so many areas, from the immune system, where inflammatory processes begin, to the heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, joints, skin, and coat health…and likely more! There are also different kinds of Omega-3s including EPA and DHA, which come from fish, and ALA, which comes from plants. As I learned about these types, I found myself leaning more towards wanting a supplement with EPA and DHA.

I struggled to find good omega-3 options for cats from sources I trusted. Many were bottles of oil with droppers that you put directly on food, but I felt like I’d have little control over the full dose going that route. There were several treat options available too, or supplements in large capsule form, and in most cases, both were loaded with extra ingredients or filler oils leaving the percentage of beneficial omega-3s very low, and the risk of side effects very high for my sensitive boy. For this reason, I expanded my search to include human-grade options.

At this point, I was so focused on “fish oil” as the source of omega-3s I wanted, that I didn’t even realize that omega-3s could come from another source — the green-lipped mussel from New Zealand. This is where I discovered MOXXOR.

As alluded to above, I’m so picky with what I’m willing to give to Doug because one wrong move could be detrimental to his health and quality of life beyond a day of an upset stomach. MOXXOR is made from the oils of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, kiwi seed, and sauvignon blanc grape seed, making it a more bioavailable powerhouse of omega-3s, vitamin E, and free-radical antioxidants in one tiny little gel capsule. MOXXOR’s omega-3s include EPA and DHA, which is exactly what I was looking for, but also ETA, which is not found in fish oil and is better at tackling inflammation in the body! YAY!

MOXXOR’s 100% natural ingredients in a bovine gelatin capsule check all the boxes for me from a low-tox perspective in that it is GMO-free, mercury-free, and preservative-free, but also free from shellfish protein, milk, yeast, corn, nuts, wheat, soy, and gluten, making it allergy-friendly. The green-lipped mussels used in their gel caps are also sustainably farmed with minimal impact to the environment.

As if all of that wasn’t enough of a slam dunk for me, the tiny capsule is what really intrigued me. All the powerful supplements in the world will only work if the body will tolerate the dose. I’m so happy to say it has been an absolute dream for Doug in the 2+ weeks he’s been on it. No diarrhea at all, and a noticeable increase in energy and playfulness. I’m hoping it will help his body with inflammation where his asthma is concerned too, but I’ll take the improvements I’ve already observed!

I’m also now giving MOXXOR to all 5 of my cats!

– Doug is getting one capsule every day for inflammation and overall immune support
– Harry is doing well with his FIV, but I’m giving him one capsule every day for overall immune support
– Albert has very small sinus and nasal passages, and we suspect he has feline herpes flareups too. He is getting one capsule every day for inflammation and overall immune support
– Henry is a bobtail/manx, likely born this way, and sometimes struggles with constipation because of it. In addition to high fiber foods, he’s getting one capsule every other day for overall immune support
– Hennessy has very low-grade asthma so he’ll get one capsule every other day for overall immune support

Albert has been taking it a little less than 2 weeks so far, but the initial results have been amazing. A few days after I started giving it to him, he started sneezing out — apologies in advance for the graphic imagery — HUGE CHUNKS of smelly, sinus discharge that I think had been stuck in there for a long time. I can’t say for certain, but I am thinking the anti-inflammatory properties of the super potent omega-3s in MOXXOR helped loosen things up so that he could get them out. Seeing and smelling is believing and I’m so glad he got that gunk out of there so he can breathe more easily!

And, since it’s a human-grade supplement after all, I just started taking MOXXOR myself a few days ago. For myself and my boys, I’d much prefer a natural, high quality supplement over a prescription drug wherever possible, and I’d much rather spend money on something with multiple benefits too. I’m so happy to have found MOXXOR and even more happy to already be witnessing amazing things with my boys. I believe in it so much that I became an affiliate myself to help spread the good word about MOXXOR so it’s not so hard for the next cat parent!

To learn more about MOXXOR and get some for you and/or your cats, visit My Links. The shipping is FAST and at least in the summer, they pack orders with ice packs so the capsules will not melt. I especially love that they have an advisory board with licensed professionals attesting to the benefits of MOXXOR in their everyday practice.

Connect with me using my social links for more of our experiences with MOXXOR and follow our progress as we continue to use it!

Cats

FIP Clinical Trials Beginning

kristynallen

This article practically brings tears to my eyes.

As many know, I am a huge advocate for FIV+ cats, but there’s another virus out there sometimes confused for FIV that causes a disease known as FIP.

FIP stands for Feline Infectious Peritonitis and it is nearly 100% fatal in all cats who develop it. FIP develops when the feline coronavirus mutates. There have been amazing developments in researching treatments for FIP but none are approved for use by veterinarians. YET!

In the early months of Covid, I had hoped that research around a mutating human coronavirus might fast track things for cats with FIP too.

Check out the article below. I am so happy there are trials happening. There needs to be approved treatments for cats who are diagnosed with FIP and this is a GREAT step in the right direction. 😻

https://www.ucdavis.edu/health/news/coronavirus-disease-cats

#catlovers #clinicalresearch #clinicaltrials #FIP #FelineInfectiousPeritonitis

FIV+

FIV is not Feline AIDS

kristynallen
Handsome Harry…who also happens to be FIV+

It happened again tonight. Seemingly out of nowhere, I stumbled upon a post for an FIV+ kitty up for adoption a few states away. I did my usual thing – I commented with a picture of all five of my cats and stated that they ate together, drank from the same bowls, used the same litter boxes, groomed each other, and even went outside in the catio together. I said that FIV+ cats need a balanced diet, fresh water, low stress environments, regular medical care, and love — like all cats do. I love being a living testimonial that FIV+ cats do not have to live alone. I closed by saying I’m happy to talk with anyone if it helps this sweet cat get adopted.

The post itself was great and stated that FIV cats can live a long, normal healthy life. Love that!!! The problem is when someone in the comments asked what FIV was. “Feline AIDS” was the response. What a huge missed opportunity. This is why I created this blog.

There are entire campaigns built to help stop HIV & AIDS stigmas for humans. I did a quick search and found a fact sheet from the CDC about harmful language when talking about HIV and AIDS and I love that it exists. The very first line on this fact sheet is, “the words we use matter.” Treating HIV and AIDS like they are interchangeable is insulting and promotes misinformation.

It makes fear win. It helps stigma grow. It’s the same for cats.

People who don’t know better, may refer to an FIV+ cat as having Feline AIDS. If you’re new to FIV and reading this, please understand that they are not the same. FIV+ kitties can and do live long, healthy lives and die of old cat things, just like their FIV- counterparts.

FIV is a virus. It’s actually a lentivirus, meaning a very slow-acting virus. FIV+ cats can have sensitive immune systems and may develop dental issues, but FIV- cats do as well. One of my FIV- cats had all of his teeth removed by age 4 because of severe stomatitis. The biggest tip I can say for FIV+ cat owners is to understand your cat’s norms, and when they deviate from it, they may need veterinary care. But this is the same approach I’d give for any cat regardless of FIV status. 😻

Feline AIDS is the condition or conditions that results from years of the virus attacking the cat’s immune system. Using the phrase “Feline AIDS” to refer to a healthy cat who happens to be FIV+ worsens the stigma, adds to confusion, promotes fear and misinformation, and makes it more difficult for FIV+ cats to have a fair chance at a normal life.

But for the people who know better… I need you all to do better. When you know the difference between FIV and Feline AIDS, and you still choose the lazy and ignorant route of “Feline AIDS” when someone asks about it (versus explaining it as I did above), you are contributing to the problem.

Don’t say Feline AIDS because you think that will “make the connection” for those people. You are not helping; you are scaring people.

Don’t say Feline AIDS because you think it sums it up. It doesn’t.

Words matter. Perceptions matter. FIV+ cats matter.

Take the time to educate.

Do better.

Cats, FIV+

What does an FIV Positive Cat Need?

kristynallen

I can’t imagine not having such a special little soul in my life. I’m thankful that right from the day of diagnosis, I only had support and encouragement.

Sadly, many FIV kitties & blindsided owners still receive doom and gloom advice upon diagnosis. It doesn’t have to be this way and it SHOULDN’T be this way. We need to change the narrative at the time of diagnosis to start tearing down the fear people have when they hear FIV.

A balanced diet, fresh water, low stress environment, an attentive eye, and most importantly, LOVE, is all you need for FIV+ cats.

That sounds an awful lot like the requirements for any pet.

FIV
is not a death sentence

FIV
is not Feline AIDS

FIV
is not FeLV

If you’ve just received an FIV diagnosis for your cat and you’re upset, please feel free to email me using the button below! When you feel better, you can make the best decisions for your cat!

💙 Kristyn

Cats, FIV+

FIV+ cats need love too…

kristynallen

So let’s break some myths and love them!

Harry

I adopted Harry in October 2015 and he was not yet diagnosed as FIV+. He was properly introduced to the kitties I had already and he did great. in January of 2016, he had a slight cough so I took him to the vet. It was during this appointment that he tested positive for FIV and I was devastated.

However, I had incredible support from my vet which set me on the right path from the start. There was no talk of euthanasia, just in addressing his cough and how FIV cats can live and lead long, healthy lives and just may need a little help now and then. We all need help now and then. 🙂

Unfortunately, there are still many stigmas and myths surrounding an FIV diagnosis, and unless the cat is suffering and nothing can be done, euthanasia should never be recommended first. It drives me absolutely crazy and breaks my heart that it DOES still happen and it is my mission to break myths and change the narrative around FIV positive diagnoses for kitties and their humans everywhere.

FIV IS NOT A
DEATH SENTENCE

These cats have so much to offer and they deserve the chance. I can’t wait to fill this space with FIV truths and break some myths so that more cats can keep living & more humans can keep loving!

Harry and me in 2016