Alternative Therapies for Cats

PUBLISHED July 22nd, 2016 06:00 am

Committing to your pet is sort of like taking a marriage vow: you love them in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health… even though it can cost you a couple of hundred (or more) dollars. Not to mention, a sick kitty can be pretty heart-breaking.

The good news? It’s possible to keep both your bank account and kitty in the pink of health with the help of immunity-boosting supplement…and cats tend to respond better to holistic treatments because they have a faster metabolism than humans. Our friends at Love Kuching Project share some tried-and-tested supplements and immunity boosters they give their sick, injured, or just tiny shelter cats the best fighting chance.

General Care Tips

Human-grade supplements tend to be of a higher grade and more bioavailable (transation: easily absorbed), and can be cheaper than pet supplements, especially since half a capsule is usually enough. But as with anything, it’s best to consult your vet before use as it’s crucial to find the correct dosage for your animal.

Caution and common sense is key if you think your pet is allergic or reacting poorly. Some pets may be picky, so introduce new supplments by mixing it into wet food in smaller dosages first. Give their palates and systems time to adjust.

Immunity Boosters

Vitamin B boosts immunity and appetite for poorly cats, and helps to relax stressed-out kitties. Love Kuching uses Thorne Basic B complex for its bioavailability. Ensure that the complex you choose contains methylcobalamine and not cyanocobalamine as cats cannot absorb the latter through their gastronintestinal tract.

A powerhouse supplement to guard against vomiting or diarrhea, probiotics should be fed two hours before or after any antibiotics. This supplement is best when there are many strains of healthy bacteria combined with as many billion live organisms as possible. Love Kuching uses NOW’s Gr8-Dophilus for their balance between affordability and number of strains of healthy bacteria. Tip: don’t feed probiotics when your cat is vomitting, constipated, or has diarrhoea. Otherwise, it’s safe to feed everyday.

Fish oil is also great for immunity, heart health, and a shiny coat, though two to three drops is usually enough so be careful not to overdose. Colostrum contains antibodies and mimics the immunostimulating effects of mother’s milk, which helps with kittens who are on kitten milk replacement (KMR). It can be added to the milk if you’re bottle-feeding kittens.

Condition-Specific Supplements

If your cat is vomiting, have diarrhea or constipation, or even kidney failure, slippery elm bark and marshmallow root will help. Curcumin, on the other hand, is a long-term use supplement used for inflammation, injury, and pain alleviation. 

For mild skin conditions, topical application diluted apple cider vinegar will aid your kitty. Dilutes one part apple cider vinegar with one part water, but do not apply to gaping wounds and be sure to irrigate the site with saline prior to applying solution.

Behavioural Supplements

If you have cats that are grumpy or anxious, Rescue Remedy is an alcohol-free formulation useful for any stressful situations like visitors, the vet, or meeting new animals. Do note that it’s not for everyday use. A calming essential oil blend that contains lavender and valerian, simply diffuse RutaVaLa in the air to calm cats down, or dab some on a cotton ball and place near the cat in stressful situations (travelling or introducing your cat to a new place). It’s what Love Kuching uses when shuttling their residents to the vet. Never apply essential oils directly on your cat!

Others

An alternative veterinary therapy involving fine needles inserted at meridians by a qualified professional, acupuncture aids in the rehabilitation of cats who have nerve and mobility problems (sustained through car accidents, bad falls, or old age). Love Kuching takes cats to Dr Oh at The Animal Ark (Tampines), but don’t forget to get a referral from your vet first.

Most of the supplements can be obtained from iHerb, and if you’re a first-time shopper, use Love Kuching’s iHerb discount code AVA985, and Young Living Sponsor ID 1671013/Enroller ID “Chiam Elaine” to give Love Kuching a small kickback with your purchase. All proceeds go towards buying more supplements to care for their shelter cats!

The article was contributed by Love Kuching Project.