Holistic Medicine for Cats

 Holistic Medicine for Cats

 

These days, with the latest advancements in technology, techniques, and training, veterinary medicine is able to offer pets treatments for conditions that would have been a death sentence a few years ago.  Today, pets get chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and even organ transplants. 
 
There is another trend happening in veterinary medicine today that mirrors what’s going on in human medicine.  Holistic medicine - also called alternative or integrative medicine - is more and more helping treat pets with a focus on the larger aspects of total health care.  The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) of the National Institutes of Health describes holistic medicine as “combining mainstream medical therapies and CAM therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.”  Several BCR cats continue to benefit from holistic treatments.  In choosing what will work best for your own pet’s condition, you can create a treatment plan that uses both traditional and holistic medicine.
 
Integrative medicine includes a long list of specific treatments - from massage and reiki to herbal remedies and homeopathy.  One of the most frequently recommended treatments is acupuncture.  It’s been used in China for more than 3,500 years and is now practiced worldwide.  The most common form of acupuncture uses thin sterilized needles to stimulate certain points on the body to facilitate healing.  It can also be done by other methods, including a low-powered laser or heat.  Just as with people, acupuncture helps treat a variety of conditions, from allergies and arthritis to gastrointestinal problems and skin diseases. 
 
Another holistic practice often used on pets is chiropractic, which is spinal manipulation to correct alignment and put the body in its normal state.  It can be used to help with arthritis, painful joints and muscle spasms, among other things. At BCR, both Pearl and Popcorn have had chiropractic and acupuncture to treat them for spinal spondylosis, an age-related degeneration of the spinal vertebrae and discs that happens in people as well as pets. Both treatments relieve pain and discomfort.
 
There are other areas of holistic medicine available for pets, including homeopathy, which uses plant, mineral and animal-based “remedies” to treat conditions by stimulating the body’s own natural defenses and healing properties.  It's very easy to find nutritional supplements, vitamins and even botanical (herbal) medicine for pets.  Several of the BCR cats take milk thistle to boost their liver functions to help remove the body’s toxins.  Before you opt for homeopathy or introducing an herbal remedy into your pet’s life, be sure to consult with your vet.
 
If you’re looking for alternative treatments and practitioners for your pet, do your homework.  First and foremost, consult with your vet so you have a complete understanding of your pet’s condition.  Then, find a licensed holistic veterinary practitioner in your area.  Be careful to choose a thoroughly trained and licensed provider.  Some veterinary practices combine both traditional and holistic medicine, but you may need to branch out.

Pet parents are always on the alert to find things that will make their fur kids’ lives better and to keep them as healthy as possible.   Right now is a great time to be a pet parent, when there are so many options available to do both, through traditional and holistic medicine.
 
CLICK HERE for more information and links for finding holistic veterinarians or practitioners.

CLICK HERE to read more about how holistic medicine can help your cat.