Cats are beautiful creatures, and, similarly to a human being, they may feel pain due to any injuries, arthritis, digestive problems, or other chronic diseases. Since we are all pet owners, it is natural that we wish to offer relief but it is highly harmful to give cat painkillers. Most drugs sold over the counter are also poisonous to cats and may lead to serious side effects or fatality. Due to this reason, some owners resort to natural remedies by using herbs as a means of relieving pain. However, it is worth knowing about the safe and dangerous herbs and how to administer them to your cat before adding them to the diet.
Why Herbal Remedies for Cats Require Caution
The treatment of pain and inflammation in humans has a long history of use of herbal medicine. But cats do not process things in the same way. Their liver does not contain all of the enzymes they require to breakdown substances in herbs, essential oils and medications. This implies that even natural medicines may turn unhealthy when administered in a wrong way. This is the reason why you should never assume that an herb that is safe in humans or dogs will be safe to cats as well. Never administer herbal supplement to your cat without the advice of a veterinarian.
Safe Herbs That May Help Cats With Pain
A number of herbs are harmless in low doses and can give certain relief against pain and inflammation. Most of these herbs can be found in liquid extracts, powdered or teas which can be diluted and administered under veterinary supervision.
Catnip and Cat’s Claw
It is known that catnip will make cats playful and energetic, though in some cats, it can be a calming factor as well. Though it is no good pain reliever, it can assist in relieving slight stress related pain. Cat?s claw is another herb that has natural anti-inflammatory effects. It is also applied by holistic vets, as a means of helping arthritic or joint-suffering cats, but only in moderate doses.
Valerian Root
Valerian is commonly taken as a natural tranquilizer. Small doses may be used to reduce anxiety and decreasing muscle tension in cats. Indirectly, this effect of relaxation can alleviate pain particularly when the pain is associated with stress or nervousness.
Turmeric
Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory natural compound available in Turmeric. Tumeric can also be found in a few of the pet-safe supplements as a mild means of supporting the health of the joint and reducing inflammation. Nevertheless, turmeric should be administered in small and well-calculated doses because excessive amounts may upset the stomach of a cat.
Boswellia
Indian frankincense is another name of boswellia a herb that is occasionally used to treat cats with arthritis. It is naturally anti-inflammatory and could enhance mobility. This herb is usually available in joint supplements approved by the veterinarian but not in their raw form.
Licorice Root
The root of licorice is occasionally employed to treat inflammation and to relieve the pain of arthritis in cats. It contains natural effects imitating the cortisone which may ease stiffness and swelling. Nonetheless, it must be administered as a monitored dose because it may have an impact on blood pressure at high doses.
Herbs That Should Never Be Given to Cats
Not all herbs are safe. As a matter of fact, even most of the plants that are viewed as medicine by humans are toxic to cats. Garlic, onions and other related herbs are highly toxic and should be avoided in any means. Even herbal derived essential oils are dangerous since cats absorb them, or inhale their vapors, when in contact. Such herbs as St. Johns Wort, pennyroyal, and comfrey may damage the liver or have serious side effects on cats. There is only one important rule that is not to give your cat an herb without proper confirmation that it is safe and suggested by a veterinarian.
Forms of Herbal Remedies for Cats
Properly used, herbs can be of several safe forms. Liquid extracts or tinctures in cat form are frequently the best as they are easier to measure. Mixed powders in food may be used but dosage has to be careful. Herbal teas may be used as a topical or small drop application when diluted. Human-friendly capsules must never be administered directly to cats since it can have toxic fillers or concentrations.
Combining Herbs With Veterinary Care
The use of herbal remedies is not supposed to substitute conventional veterinary care. Whenever your cat is experiencing pain, it is important that you establish the cause first. Pain can be an indicator of arthritis, dental disease, UTI or other illnesses that need to be treated correctly. Herbs can only be used as an add-on to alleviate pain, but not in the treatment. Never use herbs without expert advice and supervision because of the safety and well-being of your cat.
How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Pain?
There are cases when cat owners do not know whether their feline is suffering. Cats are experts at concealing painful conditions, still, some behaviors may be clues. When your cat starts limping, not jumping, acting less active, and/or grooming differently, pain may be the reason. Others include more frequent irritability, lack of appetite and hiding. When you identify these symptoms early enough, you can pursue appropriate treatment and make a decision whether or not the herbal support is worthwhile.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
Although a few herbs may be safe, self-medication of your cat is risky. A safe plan can be designed with the assistance of a veterinarian, in particular, a trained holistic or integrative medicine. They will take into consideration your cat weight, age, and health conditions only to suggest herbs. They can also offer combining herbs with other natural therapies, like changing her diet and/or joint vitamins or acupuncture to make a well-rounded treatment of pain.
Conclusion
Herbs are able to offer natural and mild help to sick cats, but they should never be administered carelessly. The discomfort can be alleviated with safe agents such as turmeric, valerian, licorice root, and boswellia in small and controlled doses. Nevertheless, most of the herbs cannot be used on cats and they may cause more harm than good when administered. The most appropriate response to a cat in pain would be to visit a doctor, diagnose what causes the pain, and seek safe herbs as a course of treatment. Through proper attention, your cat companion can live a comfortable life, with greater freedom of movement and increased life quality.