Herbal Respiratory Treatment for Cats

Feline respiratory illnesses may be the result of bacterial, viral and fungal infections as well as parasites and cancers. Cats exposed to pollutants may also suffer from symptoms of respiratory disease. Cat owners who smoke are subjecting their cats to pollutants, and this is also a common cause.

  1. Identification

    • Cats will show very obvious and prevalent symptoms when they have upper respiratory infections. There will likely be discharge from the nose and eyes, as well as sneezing and coughing. Your cat may be short of breath or have difficulty breathing; occasionally you may also hear your cat wheezing. A veterinarian can properly diagnose the condition by using a stethoscope to listen for abnormalities in your pet's breathing patterns. According to his book entitled "Herbal Cat Care," Dr. Randy Kidd states, "These infections are most often viral; herbs are my first treatment of choice."

    Approach

    • The initial treatment consists of soothing the irritated tissue in order to promote the return of a normal breathing pattern that produces a viable exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. Using herbs to reinforce the immune system prevents permanent damage. Relieving the symptom of excess coughing should be a top priority, and it may also be beneficial to have your cat evaluated to make sure there are no spinal or rib problems that may be affecting the respiration.

    Herbs

    • Dr. Kidd recommends the use of licorice root, mullein, thyme, echinacea, osha root, Oregon grape root, nettle, slippery elm, coltsfoot, astragalus and ginkgo for the treatment of respiratory diseases in cats. Licorice root suppresses excess coughing, acts to boost immunity and helps strengthen the respiratory system as a whole. Mullein combats deeper, dryer coughs and it acts as an effective lung tonic. Oregon grape root, echinacea and thyme have antimicrobial properties which aid in immune system function. Native Americans have used osha root for centuries for all respiratory issues. Coltsfoot soothes and acts as an expectorant, which removes excessive mucus from the body; it also has anti-inflammatory abilities. Slippery elm is also soothing to the irritated mucus membranes and nettle clears out the sinuses. Ginkgo helps expand the bronchial tubes, opening up air flow; and astragalus regenerates bronchial cells while strengthening the lungs and immune system.

    Preparation

    • Dr. Kidd suggests giving these herbs in the form of a tea with either 8 tbsp. fresh or 4 tsp. dried bulk herb and 1 qt. water. Simmer the herbs in the water for approximately 15 minutes then strain them out. Cool the remaining liquid to room temperature.

    Administration

    • Administer teas directly into your cat's food and source of drinking water. Add 1/8 to ¼ cup between two and three times a day depending on the severity and persistence of respiratory symptoms. Store remaining tea in the refrigerator, but you should use it within a 72-hour period.