What Is A Holistic Approach to Cat Health Issues?
Cat Health Issues
For most of us who are owned by cats we will most likely face some type of cat health issue at some point in its life. Unfortunately these circumstances are rarely inexpensive, convenient, or painless; therefore, I am learning to look at them as an opportunity to learn. As a result, my cats have taught me so many things over the years, and just like with human experiences, we tend to learn the most through the struggles and times of trial.
As a society we have become brainwashed into the traditional way of approaching a health problem, whether for ourselves or our cats: treat the symptoms, take a pill, have a surgical procedure, etc. Consequently, we have not been trained to think about searching for the cause. Therefore, if the root cause is not identified and addressed, treating symptoms will only result in an exercise of futility and will require a lifetime of more pills, surgeries, and medical procedures. With this approach do we or our cats ever attain true, vital health? Unfortunately not.
What is holistic health?
Holistic health addresses the whole being. In other words, we address the physical, mental, and emotional states, and we strive to treat the cause of our health issues, not just symptoms. All three are connected; you cannot separate them. If the physical being is compromised with a disease or illness it affects the mental and emotional states.
One of the best examples I can give you is a cat named Liz Taylor I worked with who suffered from the feline herpes virus and food sensitivities. Once I was able to determine a more appropriate diet and some homeopathic nosodes to help control the virus, she started to feel better physically, which led to improvement in her emotional state, as well. She went from withdrawn and angry all the time to playful, interactive, and happy. In the words of her owner, she became “a different cat!” 
Complementary approaches boost synergy
A holistic approach to cat health issues also incorporates natural, alternative and complimentary medicine. Rather than always reaching for a drug with toxic side effects, you can use things like herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, biofeedback technology, energy healing techniques, Reiki, and nutritional supplementation. For mental and emotional healing there are options like flower essences, crystal therapy, color therapy, EFT/tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique), MBSR (Mind Body Spirit Release), and animal communication.
Combining multiple approaches can enhance the synergistic effect of various modalities to help the body and mind heal itself.
Environment and diet
Addressing their environment is also important by creating cat-friendly spaces and regular exercise/playtime. Don’t overlook how powerful proper nutrition can be! Switching your cat’s food from highly processed, low quality food to a grain-free, species appropriate diet can do wonders in terms of not only prevention but treatment of specific feline diseases and illnesses. When you give your cat’s body the right tools it can heal itself!
So many options…where do you start?
First of all, try seeking out a holistic or integrative veterinarian. Some do consultations by phone if you’re not able to find one in your area. Check out the American Holistic Veterinary Medicine Association’s website to search for one. You may even be able to find one who makes house calls. How do you decide which other option/s would be most beneficial to your cat? The best way to know is to use a technique called muscle testing, also known as applied kkinesiology. This technique uses the body’s muscles to measure a stress response to a stimulus; we call this Binary Biofeedback. It allows you to evaluate imbalances in the body and assess its needs. As a result this approach allows you to determine the best options for addressing your cat’s health including food, supplements, therapies, products and procedures.
Learn from experts
Are you ready to explore and learn more about holistic health alternatives for your kitty? Fortunately, there are many resources available! Kim and Allison at The Lightfoot Way teach online workshops pertaining to holistic care for pets and animal communication, so consider checking out some of their offerings. You can also find great articles from holistic veterinarians like Dr. Karen Becker and Dr. Will Falconer in their weekly newsletters. Finally, as an animal intuitive and holistic health coach for cats, I can work with kitties from anywhere in the world remotely to help assess and address issues your cat is having. 
In conclusion, our cats can be our greatest teachers! They provide us with many opportunities to explore the great options available to achieve optimal, holistic health. So ask yourself, what is your kitty trying to teach you today, and are you ready to learn?
To set up a free 20 minute consultation to discuss concerns about your cat you can book an appointment with me here:
https://calendly.com/free-cat-health-consultion/20-minute-phone-consultation
