Alternative Medicine for Cats

Many cat owners are getting turned on to the potential benefits of alternative medicine for cats. I’m not trying to badmouth your local vet but, as anyone who has had a sick cat knows, vets can sometimes leave you with as many questions as answers. And, considering that pet health insurance isn’t exactly mainstream, vet bills can add up quickly. These factors have helped to contribute to the rise of alternative medicine for cats. Holistic practitioners have developed cat-specific treatments for everything from fleas and ringworm to chronic renal failure and cancer. How well these alternative medical treatments work has yet to be proven; many people who have tried it swear by it, while others find the results less than satisfactory. The bottom line is that all but the most militant of holistic cat care enthusiasts tend to advocate a blend of alternative and traditional treatments to ensure top health for your cat.

So where can interested owners go to find info on alternative medicine for cats? In terms of websites, the alternative cat medicine HQ would have to be the site holisticat.com. This site is most valuable for its extensive holistic treatment forums, where owners share their own experiences with what works and what doesn’t. Holisticat also features an incredibly detailed collection of affliction-specific FAQs, which give a helpful rundown of potential alternative medicine treatments. The site’s FAQ’s are also commendable for their simple layout, which describe an affliction’s symptoms and also the traditional treatments offered by most veterinarians. Most of these treatments are actually remarkably similar to alternative treatments for humans; for example, treating hyperthyroidism (a common problem for older cats) involves a raw diet, herbal supplements and massage.

While some alternative medicine for cats has been developed to treat specific medical conditions, many cat owners advocate a holistic lifestyle for cats. This can include a raw diet, acupuncture and massage therapy. Again, there are countless on-line forums where cat owners can share experiences with these treatments, and doing research before making any serious changes in your cat’s care can help you make the right choice. However, since there is no definitive textbook for alternative medicine for cats, you might find contradictory treatment recommendations.

Here is a short list of suggested books on alternative medicine and holistic lifestyles for cats. If you find these helpful, there are many more out there. Buy them or check them out at your local library to learn more:

Homeopathy in Veterinary Practice by K.J. Biddis
Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine by Allen M. Schoen, DVM and Susan G. Wynn, DVM
Your Cat Naturally by Tim Couzens and Grace McHattie
The Nature of Animal Healing by Martin Goldstein, DVM
New Natural Cat by Anitra Frazier
Cats: Homeopathic Remedies by George Macleod