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More and more cat parents are being disappointed with the results they get with conventional medicine. As a result there is a growing interest in using a holistic approach to their cats’ health. While I’m a firm believer there is a time a place for conventional medicine, using a complimentary approach to overall health can provide more options. Because so many people are not sure where to start here are some concrete ideas for building your own cat’s holistic health toolkit.
For starters, when it comes to building a holistic toolkit let’s think foundational: nutrition. Feeding a species appropriate, quality meat-based wet diet is essential to your cat’s overall health. In fact, the appropriate diet can reverse and avoid so many health issues and even diseases. Ingredients to avoid include corn, wheat, soy, by products, legumes, carrageenan, food dyes, and toxic preservatives like BHT, BHA, propylene glycol, propyl gallate, and ethoxyquin. You simply must start reading the pet food labels! To learn more about this, check out this article.
In addition to great nutrition, use supplements that provide specific, targeted support based on your cat’s health history.
Antioxidants provide protection against damaging free radicals and fight inflammation. Examples include:
Digestive enzymes can be a tremendous help for cats with a history of digestive or endocrine issues. Enzymes help break down and assimilate the food so that it can be used by the body.
Probiotics are essential for any cat that has a weakened immune system. Over 70% of the immune system is in the gut! Look for a product with multiple strains of bacteria and don’t forget to rotate brands in order to provide more diversity. In some cases, if leaky gut is suspected, using a product restores the integrity of the intestinal walls is also imperative. I recommend Ion Gut Health for Pets by Ion Biome.
So many cats today struggle with seasonal allergies of some kind. If this is your cat’s situation, keep a supplement or two on hand that helps promote a normal histamine response. Herbs like Quercetin (nature’s Benadryl), nettle, licorice root, burdock root and eyebright are commonly used for allergy support.
Homeopathy can also be an easy way to provide relief for allergy symptoms, too. Common remedies include Euphrasia, Natrum Muratica, Pulsatilla, Allium Cepa, Kali Phosphorica, and Sulphur. (Use a 30C potency) Other homeopathic remedies to keep handy are Arsenicum Album (food sensitivity), Arnica (bleeding or post-surgery pain), Cantharis (UTI) and Apis Mellifica (allergic reactions). To determine which remedy is needed do an internet search for the specific type of allergy; then match the description of your cat’s symptoms as closely as possible. Note: you’ll find more information by searching remedies for people, not pets.
Detoxing the liver 3-4 times per year also helps keep the liver healthy and functioning optimally. The liver is perhaps the most important organ in the body as its job is to filter all the toxins from the blood and move it out of the body via the lymphatic system. Use a milk thistle supplement for one week every 3-4 months.
For cats whose immune systems are compromised or weakened use medicinal mushrooms. These are highly recommended by integrative vets to strengthen the body’s immune system. Look for mushroom blends that include Reishi, Turkey Tail, cordyceps, and chaga.
If you notice an infection developing, ie: skin, nasal, conjunctivitis, having a supplement on hand that is antibacterial can be a great replacement for antibiotics. The key is starting treatment right away so that you don’t end up with a serious condition on your hand that requires medical intervention. My go-to products would be colloidal silver or OxyCat by Feline Essential.
One of the most important tools to add to your cat’s holistic toolkit are ways to detox vaccines, especially if you live in an area where vets refuse to treat your cat without them. Over-vaccination is a huge problem and causes acute illness and chronic disease in pets now more than ever. If at all possible ask for a titer test before automatically re-vaccinating. A titer measures the level of antibodies in the blood that can rally a response if exposed to a disease. If you must vaccinate your cat for whatever reason, be prepared in advance! Keep these on hand so that you can begin the detox process as soon as the vaccine is given.
To prepare a remedy dissolve 3 pellets in about 1/2 cup of purified or filtered water. Using a syringe, withdraw 1/2 ml; cover the tip with your finger, and strike it hard against your other palm about 10-12 time. This energizes the remedy. Simply squirt into the side of the cat’s mouth, or add to a small amount of wet food, a treat, broth or cream. Cover the remedy and reuse it for up to 5 days. Once the symptoms stop be sure to stop the remedy. If the symptoms resume give another dose and continue to monitor symptoms.
A holistic toolkit wouldn’t be complete without options to combat stress. Cats like routine, and anything out of their “norm” can be very stressful. Keeping a few items on hand that help calm your cat in stressful situations will make the experience better for both of you. In addition, emergencies situations can arise, too, so it’s best to prepare in advance.
Color therapy uses the energetic vibration of color to reduce stress and promote emotional and physical healing. Take an article of clothing, blanket, towel or object and place on or near the cat’s favorite sleeping spots. You can also place this item in the carrier for vet trips. A cat collar also works!
CBD, or cannabidiol, has been show to be very effective in helping to calm cats who are stressed out. Even cats have their own endocannabinoid system, so CBD products, including oils and chews, work naturally with the body. I normally find that a CBD product with 150-300 mg works well for stress-related issues.
Flower essences like Bach Flower Rescue Remedy can be highly effective in helping to calm a highly stressed out cat. Keep in mind that you may need to dose it every 15 minutes until the cat responds. Apply 4 drops topically or try to rub some drops on the gums or around the face/mouth.
Another way to be proactive is to know which professional resources you can use just in case they become necessary. For example, research to see if there is an integrative veterinary clinic that offers chiropractic or acupuncture services. Is there a homeopathic vet either locally or can you find one who does remote appointments? Services like Reiki, animal communication and muscle testing can also be good to source in advance, too. Finally, keep the name, address and phone number of an emergency veterinary hospital handy, too. If you’re having an emergency the last thing you need to worry about is where you can take your cat. To find a holistic or integrative vet in your area you can search the ahvma.org website.
Muscle testing, or applied kinesiology, can be the quickest, most accurate way to determine exactly what your cat’s body needs. We all have an intuitive ability, so if you don’t know how to muscle test something for your cat, listen to your intuition…and follow your gut. While I believe there’s a time and place for conventional medicine, alternative and complementary medicine can offer great benefits that are safe, non-toxic, and give amazing results. Therefore, why not start building your holistic toolkit today and provide more options to give your cat a long, healthy life?
To learn more about muscle testing for your cat, check out our service, the Optimal Cat Health Analysis.
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