Natural Cat Health Care

Please note: I am neither an expert nor a veterinarian. I am listing these methods only as a possibly alternative to some of the more customary means of feline health care. For the best care, please refer to a trained veterinary doctor, and consult them on the use of these methods after a proper diagnosis.

Cats have healed themselves for thousands of years. But unfortunately, more and more extreme conditions and intensive breeding programs have lead to less resistant pets. In an effort to minimize suffering without resorting to euthanasia or excessive medications and hospitalizations, some vets and other health care folks have researched some different methods. The following is a list of possible homeopathic remedies and treatments, in part from The Giant Book of the Cat.

Abrotanum (Southernwood): Aids joint ailments, and intestinal parasites

Aconitum napellus (Monkshood): Can help relieve shock

Allium cepa (Onion): Speeds recovery upper respiratory infection

Bellis perennis (English daisy): Muscular ailments like bruises and sprains

Beryllium (A metal): For treatment of viral pneumonia

Calendula (Pot marigold): Used in oils and tinctures for wounds, eye ailments, cleansing ear wax, etc.

Chamomile: Used to calm and induce sleep

Chionanthus virginica (Fringe tree): "Salts" are used to treat liver ailments

Cocculus (Indian Cockle seeds): Treats travel sickness

Colocynthis ("Bitter Cucumber fruit"): Helps with digesting, especially for diarrhea

Croton tiglium: Helps with digesting, especially for diarrhea

Copper (A metal): Central nervous system disorders; epilepsy

Euphrasia officinalis(Eyebright): Treats conjunctivitis and wounds to the eye

Hydrangea: Used for urinary tract blockage problems

Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort): Heals nerve damage from wounds

Kali arsenicum (Potassium arsenite): "Salts" used to treat eczema & skin conditions

Lithium carbonate (A metal): "Salts" treats arthritis and urinary ailments

Lead (A metal): Treats hepatic renal deterioration; some central nervous system disorders

Mentha pulegeum (Pennyroyal): Used to repel fleas Solidago virga (Golden Rod): Fresh leaves treat renal problems

Tabacum (Tobacco plant): Used fresh, it treats travel sickness

Urtica urens (Stinging Nettle leaves): Aids in urinary tract problems

Zinc (A metal): Used to treat fever and anaemia

Ficus religiosa (Rubber plant)

Ipecacuanha roots

Melilotus (Sweet clover)

Secale Cornutum (Ergot of Rye - a fungus) also helps with muscle relaxation

Oil of Turpentine (mixed into a solution)

Some of these treatments are helpful, but not cures. Most can be found at an apothecary shop or at a pharmacy. My sources had limited information on dosage and quantity, so please be careful and don't medicate without the advise of your Vet. Also, never assume that what is good for one mammal (yourself, your dog, etc) is good for your cat. The best example is that of aspirin. The cat's liver cannot break down all of its compounds and therefore it becomes toxic and can kill. Other human painkillers are similarly dangerous for your cat.

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