Home Remedies for Cat Infections

Cats can suffer from a variety of infections, many of them quite serious. Many veterinarians are following more holistic methods of curing these problems. These allow your pet̵7;s body to fight off the infection naturally and regain balance on its own. There are home remedies you can use to treat cat infections yourself. (However, if you see that your cat is not improving with treatment, or is getting worse, take her to the vet.)

  1. Feline Urninary Tract Infections

    • You may know cantharis better as "Spanish fly." But it is often used in alternative medicine to treat a variety of symptoms and conditions, including urinary tract infections. It can help relieve the pain your cat experiences while straining to urinate. A few doses a day of cantharis can easily be absorbed through your cat̵7;s mucous membranes to provide pain relief.

      Pure, organic cranberry juice can help control the infection by preventing bad bacteria from building up on the surface of the bladder. It will also help make the urine more acidic.

    Eye Infection

    • Eye infections in cats are quite common, conjunctivitis being the most common eye infection. Redness of the eye and lots of tearing are telling symptoms of this infection. Wipe the area surrounding the infected eye with a sterile cotton ball and warm water. The following herbs can be used to treat the infection: euphrasia, aconite, pulsatilla and sanicula.

    Intestinal Viral Infection

    • Rotavirus is a common intestinal viral infection that affects cats and kittens. It causes inflammation within the intestines, resulting in watery diarrhea. Severe cases of the virus can cause cats to lose their appetite, lose weight, become dehydrated and die.

      Cats are usually exposed to the virus by coming in contact with infected fecal matter. Kittens and adult cats with weak immune systems are most at risk.

      Treatment for the viral infection includes eliminating your pet̵7;s diarrhea and replacing fluids and electrolytes. Put your cat on a strict, chemical-free diet, such as cooked rice and chicken, to help sooth any intestinal discomfort. Be sure to keep her hydrated.

      It̵7;s important to use latex gloves when cleaning the litter box and keep infants and small children away from infected cats, as this infection can be passed onto humans.

    Feline Upper Respiratory Infection

    • Feline upper respiratory infection is normally spread from one infected cat to another through sneezing or contact with the surface of shared items such as toys, food bowls or cat beds. The infection usually lasts for 7 to 10 days. It may last longer in kittens.

      Give your cat lots of fluids. This will help prevent dehydration and thin mucus.