Are you tired of relying on conventional treatments that may come with unwanted side effects for your kitty? Or maybe you’re just exploring other, more natural ways to support your kitty…In this article, we'll introduce a few natural approaches to nourish your cat's body and soul, from nutrition to herbal remedies and alternative therapies.
Natural Nutrition
Let's kick things off with nutrition – the cornerstone of your cat's health journey. Consider these natural approaches to make sure your cat gets the nutrients he or she needs to thrive.
Image credit: Forever Dog Life
Raw Feeding: Your cat’s a carnivore, so opt for a raw diet made of unprocessed meats, bones, and organs to mimic your cat's ancestral diet and provide essential nutrients.
Homemade Meals: Whip up balanced homemade meals using fresh, high-quality ingredients tailored to your cat's nutritional needs. By taking matters into your own hands, you can steer clear of harmful additives and fillers often lurking in commercial pet foods and offer your cat the wholesome goodness they deserve. Here’s a free, rather simple recipe to get you started.
Supplements: Enhance your cat's diet with natural supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (with DHA & EPA), colostrum, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. These additions can address specific health concerns such as skin issues or digestive problems, helping your cat thrive from the inside out. You can also try adding raw goat milk (prebiotic), homemade bone broth (probiotic), a tiny bit (1/16th of a teaspoon) of organic apple cider vinegar (digestive aid), or nutritional yeast (immune system support & vitamin B) to your kitty’s diet.
Homemade Treats: While you're already creating homemade cat food recipes, why not create some tasty, healthy treats? You can use simple ingredients like tuna, sardines, nutritional yeast, shredded carrots, catnip, eggs, and ground flaxseed to create scrumptious, healthy baked treats for your kitty. Watch the video below to create my cats' favorite treat recipe!
Herbal Remedies
Nature's pharmacy offers a treasure trove of herbal remedies to address common feline ailments. Here are a few worth exploring:
Slippery Elm: Slippery Elm is like nature's gentle healer for our cats. It's known for its soothing touch on the delicate mucous membranes lining their digestive tract, offering relief from a range of tummy troubles. Whether it's calming upset stomachs, tackling ulcers, or easing inflammation, Slippery Elm to the rescue!
Chamomile: Harness the calming power of chamomile tea to soothe irritated skin and make your kitty really chill out. Chamomile has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can be made into tea and applied topically (once cooled), added to their meals, or eaten dried.
Valerian: Valerian is an herb that’s hit or miss; it could bliss your kitty out or it could give them the zoomies! Normally, it’s a natural sedative that can help calm anxious kitties and promote restful slumber – a win-win for both you and your cat. But for my kitties, it makes them go CRAAAAAZY (which is also fun). So, give it a go and see how your cat responds.
Essential Oils
Essential oils aren't just for humans – they can also benefit your cat! Make sure to use a cat-safe carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil if using topically. If using in an air purifier, make sure the essential oils are properly diluted.
Lavender: Create a serene atmosphere by diffusing lavender essential oil in your home. Known for its calming properties, lavender can help alleviate stress and sooth the nervous system.
Copaiba: Does your kitty have a headache, sore muscles, or achey joints? With its anti-inflammatory properties, circulation-boosting abilities, and powerful analgesic properties, copaiba works as a powerful yet gentle pain reliever. Here’s a great pain relieving essential oil recipe that is safe for cats and dogs:
- 5 drops myrrh
- 5 drops helichrysum
- 5 drops copaiba
- Combined with 2 ml of carrier oil
You can apply this mixture directly to inflammation (like a bruise) or next to an incision site to aid healing and reduce the pain.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy, which typically means remedies made from minerals, plants, herbs, and animal substances, aims to activate the body's natural healing mechanisms and restore balance on a physical, mental, and emotional level.
Arnica: Turn to arnica for natural pain relief and support in recovery from injuries. This anti-inflammatory powerhouse can help reduce swelling, relieve pain, and promote healing, allowing your cat to bounce back from bumps and bruises.
Thuja: Thuja, a remedy derived from the fresh green twigs of the northern white cedar, offers a gentle solution for respiratory issues in cats. It’s often used to address issues like bronchitis, tonsillitis, and the common cold by working on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
Consider alternative treatments like acupuncture and acupressure to address various health issues in your cat:
Acupuncture: Seek out a qualified veterinary acupuncturist to alleviate ailments like arthritis or digestive disorders. By stimulating specific points on your cat's body, acupuncture can promote healing, alleviate discomfort, and restore balance.
Acupressure: Acupressure for cats involves applying gentle pressure (like a massage) to specific points on their body, similar to acupuncture, to alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation. When performed in a calm environment and light touch, acupressure can offer soothing relief to your kitty. My kitties absolutely love their third eye and crown chakras gently massaged. The third eye chakra is directly between the kitties’ eyes and is known to enhance intuition and perceptiveness and helps energy flow. The crown chakra is on the top of their head, between their ears. It’s supposed to channel universal energy and spiritual connection.
Image credit: Naturally Cats
Natural Flea and Tick Control
Protect your cat from pests using these natural alternatives:
Diatomaceous Earth: Safely repel fleas and ticks with food-grade (also known as freshwater) diatomaceous earth, a natural and non-toxic ingredient made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. It's ground into a fine powder that looks a bit like flour or baking soda. When insects come into contact with it, it scratches their exoskeletons, causing them to dry out and die. You can sprinkle it on your kitty’s bed, condo, the floor, or other carpeted areas. Let it sit for a few days, then vacuum up the rest.
Herbal Sprays: Another option to keep fleas, ticks, and mosquitos away is to use an herbal spray made from all-natural, nontoxic plant ingredients. Herbal sprays can be applied directly to your cat's fur or sprayed around your home to repel fleas, ticks, and other unwanted pests. Look for products like Wondercide's Flea & Tick Control Spray and Flea eX for Cats by the Two Crazy Cat Ladies. Both excellent options that are easy to apply and provide long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks without the use of harsh chemicals. If you’re a DIYer, you can create your own herbal sprays using ingredients like cedarwood oil, lemongrass oil, neem oil, rosemary, and citronella to deter pests effectively. Remember to use a carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil and dilute the essential oil.
Wrap It Up
Incorporating natural and holistic approaches into your cat's care routine can offer numerous benefits. By embracing these non-traditional methods, you can support your cat's overall vitality and happiness in a gentle, sustainable manner. Remember to prioritize your cat's individual needs and preferences when implementing natural care techniques, and always consult with a qualified veterinarian for personalized guidance and support.
FAQs
How can I naturally prevent fleas and ticks on my cat?
One effective natural method to prevent fleas and ticks on your cat is by using food-grade diatomaceous earth. This non-toxic substance works by dehydrating and ultimately killing these pests upon contact. Simply sprinkle a small amount on your cat's bedding, around their favorite resting spots, and in areas where fleas and ticks may hide. Remember to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as other forms may be harmful to your pet. Additionally, herbal sprays made from natural ingredients like cedarwood oil, lemongrass oil, and rosemary can also help repel fleas and ticks.
Are essential oils safe for cats?
Essential oils can be a wonderful addition to a holistic approach to caring for your cat, but it's crucial to use them with caution. Cats lack certain enzymes in their liver that help metabolize essential oils, making them more sensitive to their effects. Always dilute essential oils properly and never apply them directly to your cat's skin without consulting with a holistic veterinarian knowledgeable in their use with cats. It's also essential to observe your cat for any signs of discomfort or adverse reactions when using essential oils and to discontinue use immediately if any occur.
What are some natural remedies for cat allergies?
A fantastic natural remedy for cats with allergies is quercetin with bromelain, often referred to as "nature's Benadryl." Quercetin is a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables known for its antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. When combined with bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, its absorption and effectiveness are enhanced. Together, quercetin and bromelain work together to alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing histamine release and inflammation, providing relief from sneezing, itching, and other allergic reactions.
