Holistic Homeopathy and Natural Health Care for Cats

• Raw Food Diet

  Many feline pet owners are switching to a raw food diet for their pets, to avoid unwanted preservatives and additives. A raw food diet gives a cat the essential nutrients that can be missing from processed foods. Since cats have evolved to include raw foods in their diet, their digestive tract is specifically designed to tolerate bacteria and parasites that humans cannot tolerate. It is actually healthier for your cat to eat raw meat than canned food. With the recent pet food recalls and health scares, more and more owners are returning to a cat's natural instincts and giving their pets raw food. These diets can reverse many conditions, such as shedding, poor coats and flea infestations. It is best to begin slowly with your pets when you introduce raw foods. They will most likely develop minor digestive troubles while their bodies get use to the raw foods. Mixing small portions of raw food with their dry food is a good way to start. Gradually increase the raw and decrease the dry to ease your cat into its new diet. If you are concerned about switching, seek the advice of a holistic veterinarian before beginning. Also, there are several reputable books on the market that can help guide a new owner through the raw food diet process.

• Homeopathic Veternary Medicine

  If you are considering a holistic and homeopathic approach to your pet's health, a homeopathic veterinarian can help guide you with appropriate course of action. According to the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, homeopathic veterinarians are individuals "...who practice classical homeopathy according to academy standards have found that many otherwise chronically ill patients can be restored to health. They have also found that homeopathy can rapidly and gently treat a diverse array of acute conditions from traumatic injuries to infections and poisonings." Holistic veterinary medicine focuses on a healthy proper diet, in balance with exercise and stress reduction. It works in coordination of the body's own immune defenses and healing process, which can lead to a stronger, healthier cat. Homeopathic medicine is more of a preventive measure, by strengthening the body, instead of a reactionary measure. However, in cases where an animal is already ill, homeopathic veterinarians will use a myriad of remedies, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, acupuncture and in severe cases, prescription medications. Most holistic veterinarians are certified in homeopathy and holistic approaches, as well as in veterinary medicine, but research your veterinarian prior to your appointment. Make sure that they are certified from an accredited university to ensure that your pet's health is secure and safe in the hands of their new holistic practitioner.

References & Resources

• Herbs that cats can use
• Animal Holistic Health
• The Natural Remedy Book For Dogs and Cats
• Healthy Pet Journal
• Raw Food Diet
• American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association