Setting out on a holistic journey with my 4 rescue cats has truly been eye-opening, not just for their well-being but for my own understanding of what it means to be a pet parent. This journey is both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you're new to the world of alternative cat care practices. Like many, I felt a tad overwhelmed at first, swimming in a sea of information and choices. But here's the thing - every step forward brought clarity and confidence. With each new insight, I discovered fresh ways to nurture my cats, and let me tell you, it's been a journey worth taking. Now, as I reflect on those early days and the advice I wish I'd had back then, I'm bursting at the seams to share it with you, fellow cat parents! So, whether you're just dipping your toes into the holistic waters or you're a seasoned explorer, here's advice I wish I would have known way back then.
1. Research, Research, Research
Before making any significant changes to your cat's diet or lifestyle, take the time to research and educate yourself about holistic cat care practices. Dive into books, articles, and reputable websites to learn about nutrition, environmental enrichment, and alternative modalities such as acupuncture, chakra balancing, color therapy, or herbal medicine. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to make informed decisions for your cat's health. Trust me, I've been there – the journey starts with knowledge…and lots of it! Here are a few resources to get you started:
- American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association: https://www.ahvma.org/
- American Association of Feline Practitioners: https://catvets.com/
- International Veterinary Acupuncture Society: https://www.ivas.org/
- International Cat Care: https://icatcare.org/
- The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy: https://theavh.org/
- The Feline Nutrition Foundation: https://hare-today.com/feline-nutrition/
2. Take it Slow
Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a holistic lifestyle for your cat. Start with small adjustments, like switching to a higher quality cat food or incorporating more interactive toys into your cat's daily routine. Give your cat plenty of time to adapt to these changes, and be patient throughout the process.
3. Find Your Tribe
When diving into the world of holistic cat care, finding your tribe can make all the difference. A dear friend of mine (a crazy awesome cat lady, might I add) introduced me to Dr. Katie Woodley's holistic pet community, which has been an absolute game-changer for me and my feline family. Seriously, it's been the best investment I've made for my cats. The pet parents in that group are not only incredibly educated but also incredibly supportive. They inspire me daily with their dedication to their fur family and their willingness to share their knowledge and experiences. Trust me, having a community like this can make the journey feel less like a solo expedition and more like a team adventure. So, whether it's joining an online group or connecting with a holistic veterinarian, surround yourself with people who understand and support your holistic journey. Here are some good places to start:
- Dr. Katie Woodley: https://thenaturalpetdoctor.com
- Julie-Anne Thorne: https://naturallycats.co.uk/
- Dr. Judy Morgan: https://drjudymorgan.com
- Dr. Karen Becker: https://www.barkandwhiskers.com
- Karen Dendy-Smith: https://www.karendendysmith.com
- Two Crazy Cat Ladies: https://www.facebook.com/TheTwoCrazyCatLadies
- OFFICIAL Dr. Judy Morgan's Naturally Healthy Pets Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/522724578059733/
- Saving Pets One Pet @ A Time: https://www.facebook.com/groups/369475817116311
- Feline Nutrition - Feed Cats Like Cats: https://www.facebook.com/groups/157380884298843/
- Cats Completely Raw And Proud (Cat CRAP): https://www.facebook.com/groups/CatCrap/
4. Be Open & Curious
Approach your cat's holistic lifestyle journey with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity. Explore alternative healing modalities beyond traditional Western medicine, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, or aromatherapy, and be willing to experiment to find what works best for your cat. Keep an open dialogue with your holistic veterinarian, asking questions and expressing any concerns or observations you may have along the way. By remaining open to new ideas and approaches, you'll discover a wealth of options for supporting your cat's health.
5. It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
It's essential to understand that this journey is more of a marathon than a sprint. So, take a deep breath and embrace the process, allowing both yourself and your cat the time and space to adjust to these new changes. Remember, there's no final destination here; it's all about striving to be and do better for our cats every single day. Patience is key! Keep a keen eye on how your cat responds to dietary shifts, environmental tweaks, and alternative treatments.
6. Keep a Journal
One thing I’m TERRIBLE at but when I remember to do it, it’s super helpful…it’s JOURNALING. Keeping a journal to track your cat's health and behavior changes as you transition to a holistic lifestyle can help you identify patterns and make adjustments as needed. In your journal, be sure to record details such as the date, your cat’s weight, diet changes, litter box habits, energy levels, fur & skin changes, and any unusual behaviors. Try to make entries at least once a day, noting any significant observations, improvement, and concerns. Regular journaling helps you identify patterns, track progress, and collaborate effectively with your holistic veterinarian to tailor your cat's care plan for optimal health and happiness.
7. Reflect & Celebrate
It's easy to get stuck in the routine of focusing on what's wrong or feeling discouraged because you're not yet where you want to be with your cat’s health. However, it's essential to pause and remember to celebrate the small victories along the way. Whether it's increased playfulness, improved digestion, or a shinier coat, every positive change is worth celebrating. Take a few moments every week and reflect on the changes you’ve seen in your kitty. Remember that journal I mentioned? Jot your notes down each week so you can track your kitty’s progress. Sometimes we get so caught up in the “final destination” that we forget the small improvements along the way. By keeping track of these milestones in your journal, you can maintain a sense of perspective and celebrate the progress you've made together. Take pride in the progress you've made and keep moving forward with confidence.
8. Stay Positive & Be Patient
Above all, stay positive and patient throughout the process. Transitioning to a holistic lifestyle takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Trust in your instincts as a pet parent and know that you're doing what's best for your cat.
Wrap It Up
Starting a holistic journey with my rescue cats has been truly enlightening. Every step forward brought clarity and confidence. Now, sharing these insights, I urge you to embrace this journey with patience and openness. Start by researching reputable sources, join supportive communities, and keep an open mind as you explore various healing modalities. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Take action, celebrate milestones, and strive to be a better cat parent every day; that’s all you can do.
