Home | Lifestyle | Pets & Animals | Cats | Natural Care for Cats

Natural Care for Cats

by Kat Milner

Overview

Caring for a cat means providing the basic physical necessities, emotional security and intellectual stimulation, and health care when it's needed. If you're committed to using natural alternatives to give your cat the best care possible, you'll find that a growing community of cat lovers shares your convictions.
The Basics

Diet is the basis for your cat's health. You may have decided that most commercial pet foods are inadequate at best (disgusting or dangerous at worst), but you should know that the term "natural" can mean anything: it isn't regulated. Look instead for "organic" products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that any food classified as organic be completely free of antibiotics, pesticides, hormones, preservatives and genetically altered or irradiated ingredients. If you decide to make your own cat food, keep in mind that cats are carnivores --- don't try to force a vegetarian diet. At the opposite extreme, some people advocate raw meat as the most natural diet. Think about that: raw meat carries the same dangers for pets as it does for humans; do you want to risk it? Feral (wild) cats live only about four or five years, on average. That's natural, perhaps, but probably not the result you want. Litter is another necessity of life. Many clay litters have additives or scents and lots of silica dust. Try one made from pine, wheat or recycled newspaper, instead.

Stimulating Play

Cats are natural predators. In the wild, when they're not sleeping, they're hunting. In the house, when they're not sleeping, they're bored. That is, they are if you don't give them enough stimulation. Playing and interacting with you is most important. Playing at hunting --- by pouncing on a toy or batting at a feather or "killing" a knotted sock --- may require your participation or may not. But playtime is almost always enhanced by a crumble of catnip. Look for organic catnip to buy, or grow your own.
Health Care

Cats are called fastidious, and they do groom themselves a lot. Regular brushing is still a good idea, to help control hairballs naturally and to keep an eye out for fleas. If you do see a flea or two, you can first try a flea comb. This is a metal comb with extremely fine teeth; when you draw it through your cat's coat, it will capture fleas that may be lurking there. When you comb one out, plunge the comb immediately into hot water to kill it. Don't dawdle; it will jump. When you discover more than a few, though, it's time for more serious intervention. Bathing may help (use an organic shampoo, of course). Also buy a completely non-toxic flea treatment made from diatomaceous earth. In fact, you can find herbal treatments for many feline health problems: digestive upsets, ear mites, even behavioral problems. But when you must get help, you still don't have to compromise. Find a holistic veterinarian; holistic vets use both conventional and alternative methods of treatment. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association provides an up-to-date list of its members and a search tool that enables you to find the right vet for your cat.