If you are a cat owner, you probably know the feeling of watching your cat suffer from an illness or injury. Veterinarians often prescribe medications and treatments proven effective for illnesses and injuries, but sometimes these treatments also have harsh side effects because of their dangerous chemical ingredients. These treatments can also be expensive. Holistic medicine alternatives are growing more popular among the human population every day, and are growing equally popular in pets.
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Constipation
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A constipated kitty is not a happy camper, nor is its owner. Recognizable signs of a constipated cat are urination/defecation outside of the litter box, hissing or growling while using the litter box, straining to produce stool, hard stool, or no stool at all. To prevent constipation, try adding a teaspoon of olive oil to dry food a few times a week, or a teaspoon of plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) to wet food a few times a week. Make sure the cat drinks enough water. Also, try giving the cat a spoonful of mineral oil three times per week. Constipation can lead to serious medical complications including obstruction of the colon, so it's recommended to see your veterinarian if you suspect your cat is constipated.
Urinary Tract Infection
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Urinary tract infections (UTI) are very common in domestic cats. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include urination/defecation outside the litter box, hissing/growling while urinating, frequent trips to the litter box, and blood in urine. Just as cranberry juice aids in treatment of UTI in humans, it also aids in treatment and prevention of UTI in cats by acidifying the urine and keeping bacteria from adhering to the surface of the bladder (see Reference 2.). Add one drop of unsweetened cranberry juice to a serving of moist cat food daily to prevent and treat UTI. Again, make sure the cat drinks enough water. Try switching from dry cat food to a moist, organic diet. Feline UTI can lead to serious medical complications such as a swollen bladder and even fatal blockages of the urethra. Seeing your veterinarian is highly recommended.
Fleas
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Nearly anyone with a cat or dog has had to deal with flea infestation. Frequent scratching is one sign of infestation. Part the cat's fur and look at the skin beneath. If you see small bumps on the skin or tiny spots that appear to be moving, your cat may have fleas. Tiny flecks of black "dirt" on the skin are also telltale signs of fleas, as this is most likely flea fecal matter. Try adding a little crushed garlic to the cat's food each day. Also, offer combination brewer's yeast and garlic tablets as a daily treat. Also pick up natural herbal flea powders and flea collars in a natural food store.
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