Herbs for Healthy Cats

Your cat may not have any significant health problems, but that doesn't mean you can't enhance her well-being through the use of herbs. Before you begin, understand that some herbs are toxic for cats, and some additives in herbal preparations, especially potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate and alcohol, can harm your cat. Make sure to check with a holistic veterinarian before giving herbs to your cat.

  1. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

    • A relative of mint and marijuana, catnip is probably the best-known herb that is not only safe for cats, but entertaining to give them. The website Cat World notes that the active ingredient in catnip is nepetalactone, an essential oil. Cats release the oil when they rub, roll in, or lick catnip leaves. Catnip produces a stimulating effect when the cat inhales the nepetalactone. If the cat eats catnip, however, nepetalactone acts as a sedative. Give your cat as much of the fresh or dried herb as she desires, especially if she's stressed.

    Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

    • According to the website Pet Care Naturally, chamomile will help ease your cat's digestive upset. The active ingredient in chamomile, abigenin, slows inflammation and relaxes the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. Steep two chamomile teabags in 8 oz. boiling water. It's unlikely that your cat will drink the tea on its own, but mixing a teaspoon or two with his favorite wet food might encourage him to take it. Use strong chamomile tea as a wash for wounds, inflamed skin or rashes.

    Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva)

    • The bark of the slippery elm tree is a wonderful herb for cats with digestive system trouble, notes Jean Hofve, DVM, on the website Little Big Cat. Slippery elm is especially helpful for cats with irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers or colitis. Because it contains fiber, slippery elm can firm your cat's stools and relieve diarrhea. Purchase slippery elm powder or capsules from any store that carries natural or health food products. Mix 1/4 tsp. of the powder with cold water for every 10 lbs. of body weight. Give the mixture to your cat with meals.

    Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

    • Keeping your cat's liver healthy is a key to his overall well-being, since pollution, stress and additives in commercial cat food all make the liver work overtime. Barbara Fougère, author of Pet Lover's Guide to Natural Healing for Cats and Dogs, notes dandelion root is a digestive and liver tonic. In naturopathic medicine, dandelion root is used in as a complement to milk thistle in a general liver detox. Give your cat .25 ml of nonalcoholic tincture of dandelion root per 10 lbs. of body weight every day for two weeks before using milk thistle. Use dandelion with caution in cats with kidney disease.

    Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

    • While dandelion works to clear away any liver toxins, milk thistle helps rebuild liver tissue. According to the website Holistic Pet Info, milk thistle stimulates the production of new liver cells while increasing levels of glutathione, an antioxidant that protects your cat's organs. After you've completed a two-week course of daily dandelion root, give your cat milk thistle daily for two weeks. The dosage is 100 mg of the dried herb per 10 lbs.