If you’re wondering what is holistic treatment for cats you’ve come to the right place. In this article you’ll discover everything you need to know about holistic medicine and how it can help your feline friend.
Your cat is part of the family and I’m sure you want to give her the best possible care. While traditional medicine is often the first option when it comes to injuries, holistic is growing in popularity.
In fact, you’ll probably find a holistic vet in your local area, and we’ll be covering this later on.
Keep reading as we find out more about holistic treatments including common as well as lesser known ones. Whether your cat has an allergy or suffering from a more serious condition I hope you find this article useful.
What Is Holistic Medicine?
The word “holistic” means whole, and in medicine refers to treating the whole person or animal. This includes mind, body and spirit.
Holistic veterinarians often use a combination of natural and conventional medicine. It’s worth noting though that many natural remedies aren’t scientifically proven.
However, that being said, many pet owners are happy with the results as well as their pets of course! While infectious diseases and broken bones are treated conventionally, chronic conditions may respond well to holistic medicine.
Treatments may include acupuncture, CBD, herbal medicine, physiotherapy, and many more. A holistic vet would still carry out diagnostic tests such as X-rays, and blood tests just as any other vet would.
If you’re wondering about the cost you’ll be pleased to hear many holistic treatments such as the use of herbal medicine are often much cheaper. In addition to saving money, your cat may benefit from medicine that’s made from natural ingredients.
The following holistic treatments can be used safely on cats. Always be guided by your vet and never give herbs without a consultation.
Physiotherapy In Holistic Medicine For Cats
It’s not just humans that benefit from physiotherapy. Both dogs, and cats can experience relief from pain and stiffness after a physiotherapy session.
Conditions such as arthritis, damaged tendons, or osteoarthritis may respond well to this type of holistic treatment. If your cat is in her senior years she may start showing signs of poor mobility.
Your vet may even recommend a combination of herbal medicine and physiotherapy. Actually, salmon oil is a good choice as it’s known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties, and may help ease joint pain.
Always buy salmon oil for cats and dogs, and ask your vet if you’re unsure. It may take a while before you notice any difference though whereas physiotherapy may provide faster relief. The salmon oil I recommend here is the one I give to my cat.
Chiropractic
Having had chiropractic treatment myself I know first hand the relief it can give. Just like physiotherapy, it’s not just humans that can benefit but our pets as well.
Although both are very similar, chiropractic treatment involves manipulation, whereas physiotherapy uses mobilisation techniques.
Low Level Laser Therapy
This is a relatively new treatment and can work well for both humans and pets. Also known as photobiostimulation, it works by opening up blood vessels and stimulating the lymphatic drainage system.
As it’s non-invasive no anaesthetic is required which is good news. Many cat owners report improvement after one or two sessions though this can’t be guaranteed.
You’ll find treatment sessions vary in length from two to eight minutes. This of course depends on the condition being treated.
Your cat may feel a gentle warm sensation and will probably relax. This is why no sedation is necessary.
Low level laser therapy claims to provide pain relief by stimulating nerve cells that block pain signals. In addition, swelling and inflammation may also be reduced.
This treatment can be used for anything from arthritis, to neuropathic pain, and ear infections. It may also prove effective in easing post surgical pain.
As low level laser therapy stimulates production of endorphins it may help give your cat a sense of wellbeing. You’ll only know this though by how she seems.
Mega-Vitamin Therapy As Part Of Holistic Treatment
We all know the benefit of supplementing diet with vitamins, but can it help pets as well? If your cat is suffering from a long term condition you may want to consider this type of therapy.
During the early part of the last century researchers started exploring the possibility of high dose vitamin C to ease certain health conditions.
Findings proved highly successful, and fast forward to the 21st century holistic vets are using similar methods.
Trials were carried out on dogs and cats using high dosage vitamin C by renowned veterinarian Dr Thomas Schell.
Curcumin was used as it’s a highly powerful source. In fact it’s been used by humans for centuries as an anti-inflammatory.
Results of the trial were encouraging with many of his patients treated for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. While conventional medicine is always recommended for cancers, mega-vitamin therapy may also be used alongside.
CBD Therapy
CBD oils are fast becoming commonplace for treating a wide range of health problems. As well as treating humans CBD oil may also be used to help ease pain, anxiety and other disorders in cats.
As CBD is derived from hemp it contains no psychoactive effects. This means it won’t give your cat a high! You can read more about CBD for cats here to discover the best type of oils to use.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is a modern type of regenerative medicine, and uses stem cells taken from your cat’s plasma
This type of holistic treatment can be used for a range of conditions including osteoarthritis, autoimmune disease, fractures, and many more.
It works by activating cells in surrounding areas of fractured bones or diseased tissue. Also, it may be able to use additional cells helping to heal your cat.
You’ll be pleased to hear, recovery time is fast with no need for over night stays. In addition, many pet parents notice improvement within 3-6 weeks.
The main downside to stem cell therapy is the cost. As more than one treatment may be needed this can really bump up fees.
You can expect to pay up to $2,000 for two or more injections, so you’d either need plenty of savings or a good pet insurance!
Other Holistic Treatments For Cats
In addition to the ones I’ve shared with you here, you may also find acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal medicine and homeopathy offered by a holistic vet.
A good vet will discuss all options with you including both conventional and holistic. In fact, many will suggest a combination of both depending on your cat’s problem.
Why Choose A Holistic Vet?
Holistic vets go to veterinary college just like any other vet. However, they may also decide to study holistic medicine and include it in their treatment plans.
In some cases, you’ll find a holistic vet doesn’t vaccinate, but uses alternatives instead. While this may seem a better option, you may be putting your cat at risk of disease.
Many pet owners ask “do cats need to be vaccinated?”, and you’d need to consider this carefully. Alternatives may be natural, but do they work?
You may decide on a holistic vet for many reasons. These may include chronic conditions that aren’t responding to conventional medicine.
Also, you may like the idea of preventative care. This means keeping your cat healthy through lifestyle choices.
Holistic medicine means treating the whole person or animal as previously mentioned. Prevention plays a big part and encouraging the body to heal itself can not only save on vets fees but enhance your cat’s wellbeing.
Most holistic vets provide a calm and stress free approach. Just as you’d prefer a dentist with a calm, welcoming environment, so would your cat.
For example, you may find a holistic vet that uses massage or reiki alongside other treatments. These can make your cat feel calm and much less stressed.
Finding A Holistic Vet
Finding a qualified holistic vet in your area may be as simple as looking on Google. However, bear in mind that you may need to travel some distance depending where you live.
Always check for testimonials from happy clients and take time to research. Many holistic vets work from referrals. This means they’re referred to a client either after conventional medicine isn’t working or as an alternative.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has helped you understand what is holistic treatment for cats. We’ve looked at a variety of natural remedies including physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments.
We’ve also looked at less common holistic treatments such as stem cell therapy and mega-vitamin. Whether your cat has a chronic disease or broken bones, you may find a holistic approach more beneficial.
There are many benefits in choosing holistic treatment for your cat. These include lower costs.
While many cat parents only visit the vet when their fur baby is sick, this can result in higher fees. This is because cats hide illness unless really unwell.
By adopting a holistic approach to caring for your cat you stand a better chance of preventing some health problems. In many cases it can be as simple as ensuring a healthy diet and exercise.
If you’ve enjoyed this post and found it useful, please share. Feel free to share this pin on your “pets” board.
Also, if you have any questions or would like to share experiences, leave a comment below.
Wishing you a purrfect day:)
Kathy
I choose holistic medicines and therapies for myself, my family, and also for my pets.
Luckily, we are all generally healthy and only need to visit the doctors very rarely.
In the past, I have had a lot of success with osteopathic treatments, so would recommend them for others who suffer from body pain. Also, in the past, my cat has benefited from osteopathic adjustments after having a big fall.
I haven’t heard of Low-Level Laser Therapy before. this sounds like an interesting therapy. I’ll be sure to keep it in mind for the future.
Thanks fo rthe information.
Hi Andrew, glad you enjoyed this post:) It’s good to hear you and your family have had success with holistic therapies. I’ve also found osteopathic treatments work well. Also, how good your cat benefited so well from it. Hope he has recovered from his fall now:) Low-level laser therapy is fairly new but I’m sure it will grow in popularity:)
Hello Kathy,
If one has a cat, it’s always a good idea to take them to the vet more often and always seek the best ways to better care for them.
Wholesome and preventive care like these can improve the quality of life of one’s cat. And your enlightening suggestions would specially be helpful to fact owners and in turn help cats lead a much happier and healthier lives.
Thank you for sharing such insightful post on holistic treatment for cats. It has been an informative read.
Cheers,
Femi
Hi Femi, yes, all pet owners should get their cats examined by a vet at least annually. This way any potential health problems can be treated. I’m glad you enjoyed this post, and thanks for stopping by:)
I love my fur babies. I found this to be a very eye-opening alternative to traditional medicines. It is good to take pets to the vet before they are ill as a preventive measure. I didn’t realize you could do almost the same types of alternative medicines that is done on humans to cats. That’s pretty amazing. Thanks so much for this post. It was very informative.
Nina
Thank you Nina:) Yes, preventative medicine is good for both humans and pets. Many alternative medicines can be used on both people and cats. Some may differ slightly, but are basically the same. Thanks for stopping by and glad you enjoyed this post:)
Thanks for this article, sharing with us the tips to love ourselves.
You’re welcome Angelina:)