MAKE A NATURAL CAT CARE KIT
When trying to promote optimum cat health, nothing beats a happy home and quality cat food. Nevertheless, environmental toxins and other stresses may cause your pet to become ill in spite of your best efforts. It’s important to put together a natural cat care kit so that you’re ready when your kitty gets sick, especially if he develops symptoms after hours, when the veterinarian’s office is closed. Some chronic problems respond best to alternative treatments, so it’s wise to thoroughly research your cat’s health issue and stock up accordingly. The following items can be found at a health food store, pharmacy or grocery store. Items for a Natural Cat Care Kit Acidophilus – friendly bacteria which improve the overall health of the digestive tract and can be added to cat food on a regular basis. Give a capsule or teaspoonful one hour after the kitty has been given a dose of antibiotics, to prevent feline diarrhea. Baby food – keep some baby food meat, such as lamb, in the pantry. As a tasty treat, it can be used to administer herbal remedies and medications for cat health. Capsules – empty capsules may be obtained from a pharmacy. Buy the small ones, which are easier for your kitty to swallow. Carrot – can be grated raw and added to cat food as a general tonic for the intestines. Catnip – this herb acts as a stimulant. The effect is diminished if used more often than once per week. Cayenne – thins the blood and helps prevent blood clots. Combined with Hawthorn, it creates a tonic for the heart. Add a pinch of both herbs to a small capsule to ease feline heart problems. Charcoal – Absorbs poisons. Give as an antidote in case the housecat ingests pesticide or household toxins; available at most pharmacies. Chicken broth – keep a pint of homemade chicken broth in the freezer. Offer as a food substitute when cat health is below par, or use as a mini-fast when the kitty is being finicky about his food. Echinacea – An herb with antiseptic and antifungal properties. The tincture can be applied externally to wounds or ringworm, or it can be given to your kitty internally, to purify the blood. Eggs – raw, organic egg yolk can be added to the food once to maintain cat health. As an alternative treatment for FUS or feline kidney stones, make that dose one egg yolk per day, split between two meals. Eyedropper – keep this handy implement in your natural cat care kit, to administer liquids. Insert it at the corner of the cat’s mouth and release liquid in small spurts between the cheek and the teeth to avoid choking. Feline Digestive Enzymes –add to the meals of aging pets to help them digest food. Glucosamine – a very effective alternative treatment for animal arthritis. For housecats, add 500 mg daily to food or a baby food treat. Golden seal – this herb can be used as an alternative to corticosteroids. Some holistic veterinarians use it to treat kidney problems. It kills germs and viruses in the cat’s ears, nose, throat and eyes. Add a couple of drops to distilled water, and give with an eyedropper. It is a bright golden color, and will stain fur. Hawthorn – the berries of the Hawthorn tree keep the heart healthy. Add a pinch of powdered Hawthorn, along with a pinch of cayenne, to a small capsule and give daily to treat feline heart disease. Kombu – a type of seaweed low in sodium, but rich in minerals. A broth is made by simmering an inch of kombu in one cup of water for 30 minutes, without allowing it to boil dry. The cooled broth is added to cat food. Kombu is an alternative treatment for feline arthritis, feline diabetes or feline kidney disease. Milk Thistle – this herb promotes bile flow and protects the liver from toxic substances. As a tincture, dilute 20 drops in 1 oz of distilled water. Boil off excess alcohol from the tincture by heating the dilution without its cover for 3 minutes over boiling water. Dosage for cats is 1 dropper full, two times daily. Myrrh – this herb is used to reduce inflammation of the gums. Mix 3 drops with 1/4 cup distilled water and 1/8 tsp. salt. Apply daily to the cat’s gums with a cotton swab. Psyllium husk powder – Give 1/8 tsp. with 2 Tbsp water if your kitty is constipated. The water is necessary to avoid blockage. Rescue Remedy – Bach flower homeopathic remedies are made from flowers. There are 38 different remedies to treat negative emotions. Rescue Remedy is a mixture of the essences of 5 flowers to be used for any form of emotional or physical shock. Slippery Elm – soothes inflammation of the cat’s digestive tract. The powder may be sprinkled onto the housecat’s food, or syrup may be made by combining 1/2 cup cold water with 1 tsp. slippery elm powder. Bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Allow it to cool and thicken. Keeps in the refrigerator for a week. Valerian – A natural tranquilizer. Most felines are drawn to the aroma. Two drops can be added to water and given in an eyedropper or added to food. Vitamin C – felines naturally create this vitamin in their digestive tract, but any kind of stress, from extreme cold to surgery, can deplete it. For cats with Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS), vitamin C acidifies the urine and dissolves crystals. For cats with exposure to preservatives or mercury, it detoxifies. For stressed cats, add about 250 units of vitamin C to food twice a day. POISONS Some foods that are good for people are poisonous to cats (and dogs, too!) Do not try anything new on your pet without verifying that it is safe. Here are some herbs, medicines and foods to avoid: • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – even small doses are toxic to cats and dogs. • Aspirin (although sometimes used in small quantities under a vet’s supervision) • Chocolate, cocoa – toxic for cats and dogs • Garlic and onion – are extremely toxic to cats. They cause anemia and will create a blood disorder with prolonged use. • Ibuprofen (Advil) – even small doses are toxic to cats and dogs. • Marijuana • Marigold • Raisins and grapes – toxic to both cats and dogs. Many household and garden plants are poisonous to pets. If your cat takes to chewing on the potted ivy, for instance, it may be time to find a new home for the plant, or to buy your cat some kitty grass. Create a Cozy Hideaway Cats that are ill need a place where they can find warmth and privacy. A cardboard box turned on its side, and lined with a fleece blanket or old wool sweater is ideal. Be sure the bedding has been laundered with unscented detergent so that you don’t offend the cat’s heightened sense of smell. A heating pad or hot water bottle may be appreciated, because sick or elderly pets often seek out warmth. Housecats have a low stress threshold, so be sure to place the cozy hideaway in a quiet room. When administering an alternative treatment to your cat, or helping him to recuperate from surgery or a stressful visit to the veterinarian’s office, remember to keep a positive attitude, be patient and adhere to the directive for all medical practitioners: First, do no harm.
