Alternative Medicine for Cats

Alternative medicines for cats (acupuncture, homeopathy ...)

Although still not common, alternative medicine is being developed to treat cats and offer a choice of care. They offer natural and efficient treatments as an alternative to conventional medicines. Because of the diversity of healing methods of alternative treatments they offer a variety of different resources.

Sometimes conventional medicine reaches its limits or we want to use a milder, less chemical, more natural method. There a range of different alternative medicines for cats so when should we try them.

Alternative Medicines are Still Developing for Cats

As for humans, alternative medicines are developing, though still slowly, but are offering more and more natural and gentle treatments for animals, especially cats. Holistic approaches, which take account of the whole animal, have diversified and it is possible to use osteopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, naturopathy…

These therapies should be administered by trained qualified vets. They can treat a number of conditions of varying levels of severity, such as joint pain, urinary incontinence, allergies, asthma, scabies, diabetes and so on. They can be used where conventional medicine has failed or if you want to use less aggressive treatments. They can also be used in conjunction with conventional medicines.

Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, Mesotherapy

Some of these treatments are based on plant resources and nature (and, after all, what makes sense for animals but what they use themselves?). Others aim to restore a healthy balance, in all its aspects, such as the good circulation of energy flow. Acupuncture or acupressure exerts pressure, either with the help of needles or using fingers, on precise points which help to restore a good energy circulation.

Homeopathy, herbal medicine, naturopathy, aromatherapy all use natural ingredients, mostly plants, to help restore the natural balance. Some involve taking tablets, others herbal teas or decoctions, or involve a rebalancing of the diet.

Osteopathy is a manual therapy that aims to remove spasms or tensions that hinder the mobility of the body. Some techniques, more gentle, can also be used to cure emotional disorders. Mesotherapy is a technique that is closer to traditional medicine, involving injecting drugs but close to the cut, which preserves the organs and uses a lower dosage and with less frequency.

When to Try Complementary Medicine

As their name suggests, these medicines are complementary – they can be used at any stage of your cat’s illness with the agreement of your vet. However, don’t wait until your cat is really ill before turning to alternative therapies, which will be ineffective if the condition if so far gone that the cat’s self-healing abilities are unable to cope. On the other hand, do not self-prescribe these treatments because you could delay the correct management of your pet’s disease where conventional treatment is needed. Alternative treatments can also be used to prevent illness and to maintain your cat in optimal health.