Domestic Cat Ailments & Holistic Remedies

Cats have many common ailments that can be medically managed. But for cats who cannot tolerate regular veterinary visits or have become intolerant to the medications used in treatment, holistic medicine offers another option.

  1. Asthma

    • Asthma is a common health concern with cats, and it is difficult to manage. Scullcap has been used to help relieve coughing in cats, as has marshmallow. Hawthorne berry has been shown to help increase circulation, which might help.

    Diabetes

    • Diabetes can also be managed with the help of holistic principles. Cinnamon has been shown to have a positive effect on lowering blood glucose levels in cats by magnifying the effect of injectable insulin, though careful monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary. Other herbs that show promise are stevia, bitter melon and holy basil leaf.

    Renal Failure

    • Digestive ailments can be soothed with the use of slippery elm bark. This has been shown to be beneficial in treating cats with kidney insufficiencies because this condition causes nausea.

    Arthritis

    • Pain and degeneration of joints due to arthritis can be managed holistically. Glucosamine and methyl-sulfonyl-methane are supplements that can help the cat's joints lubricate themselves and reduce friction and pain.

    Vitamin Supplements

    • The addition of vitamins to a cat's diet has been shown to be helpful in managing its condition. Beneficial vitamins and supplements include vitamin E, CoQ10, and vitamins B and C.