Herbal Treatment for Aggressive Cats

The American Holistic Veterinary Association states, "Herbs have healing powers that are capable of balancing the emotional, mental and physical dimensions of animals." Balance between these dimensions is key in effective treatment for an aggressive cat.

  1. Types

    • Cats show many types of aggression. These include aggression against other cats and/or territory; fear- or defense-based aggression; rambunctious play; lashing out; petting-induced aggression; pain- or illness-induced aggression; overprotecting kittens; violent attacks with no explanation (idiopathic aggression); and, of course, predatory aggression when hunting.

    Expert Insight

    • A veterinarian or animal behaviorist must determine the underlying cause of the cat's aggression to effectively treat it with herbs. For example, territorial and fear-based aggressions are behavioral, needing herbal treatment at the emotional level. Aggression caused by pain or illness must use herbs to treat the underlying illness. In some cases, a mixture of herbs to balance all three dimensions is needed, as the cat might be emotionally, mentally and physically compromised.

    Solution

    • Treating cat aggression with herbal remedies takes patience. There are periods of trial and error in finding the right combination and dosage of herbs. Many cats are administered daily doses of herbal tinctures in liquid form (mixed with filtered or spring water). Consistency is key in treating aggression with herbal remedies--even if the cat calms down, daily doses should not be skipped to avoid upsetting the proper dimensional balance.