Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Black cumin herb used to help a cat with feline panleukopenia virus
By Alika Putri Azzura & Sunu Datrianto Dwi·Published in BIO Web of Conferences·2026·Veterinary Clinical Clerkship Student, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, FR·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Case Report: Uses of Nigella sativa in A Cat with Feline Panleukopenia Virus Infection
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 1-year-old unvaccinated male cat was brought in with symptoms like not eating, vomiting, fever, and excessive drooling after being around other cats with a serious virus called feline panleukopenia. Tests confirmed he had the virus and very low white blood cell counts, which can be dangerous. The veterinarian provided supportive care and added an oral supplement made from black cumin, which is known for its immune-boosting properties. After treatment, the cat showed improvement in his white blood cell counts and began to recover. This case suggests that black cumin might help cats with this virus, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
People also search for: cat vomiting and not eating · feline panleukopenia treatment · black cumin for cats · cat fever symptoms · unvaccinated cat care
Abstract
Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a pathogenic Parvoviridae virus that causes high mortality and morbidity, characterized by leukopenia (<2,000 cells/µL). Nigella sativa (black cumin), is a herb with bioactive compound Thymoquinone which recognized for its immunomodulatory and antiviral characteristics. The ability to enhance immune function and leukocyte counts in animal models has been reported; however, its application in cats with FPV and leukopenia remains unreported. We report a case of a 1-year-old, 2.8 kg, unvaccinated domestic male cat presenting anorexia, vomiting, fever, hypersalivation, and history of exposure to FPV-positive cats. The cat tested positive for FPV by rapid antigen assay and showed severe leukopenia (450 cells/µL). Supported therapy was given, combined with oral administration of Black cumin extract with dosages modified from other research on Mus Musculus. Following the treatment, progressing improvement in total leukocyte count and recovery of the differential leukocyte profile were observed. This case suggests that clack cumin extract may have potential as an adjunctive immunomodulatory therapy in cats with FPV, although further controlled studies are required to confirm its efficacy and safety
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202622901005