Did you know that there are herbal cat supplements that can promote good health and happiness? If you’re hesitant to feed your cat supplements that contain synthetic ingredients, you can always opt for natural herbal pet supplies. Natural pet care can be used for a number of health issues and can help boost your cat’s mood, leaving your feline healthier and happier.
Which Herbal Pet Supplies Are Best for Your Feline?
With many beneficial herbal pet supplies available on the market, it can be difficult for pet parents to know which supplements to try. Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ and consulting veterinarian for the brand Big Barker, explains, “Unlike most prescription medications, herbs have a more subtle effect, and pet parents may get frustrated with a seeming lack of response at first.” Remember that even though herbs may not kick in as fast as synthetic medicines, they are beneficial for providing your feline with ongoing support for their health.
If you are considering natural pet care options for your feline, check out our list of beneficial herbal cat supplements to learn how each one can help support your cat’s health.
Catnip
If you have cats, you’re most likely familiar with this popular cat herb and how much felines love it. Catnip acts as a stimulant that revs up your kitty and gets her in high gear for playtime. After smelling this potent herb, most cats will run around the room and claw at their scratchers in a frenzied burst of energy. But the effect will soon wear off—around 10-20 minutes later, your cat will go into a relaxed, mellow state. Keep in mind that the effects will vary from cat to cat. If you’re looking for a natural supplement that will make your kitty happy, try Sojos Catnip. You can sprinkle it on cat toys, cat trees and scratching posts to engage and entertain your kitty.
For cats who don’t respond as well to catnip, Russell Hartstein, Pet Expert and Nutritionist at Fun Paw Care, recommends silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle and valerian root as alternatives to catnip. He considers these to be “an effective means to improving the quality of their cat’s life.
Cat’s Claw and Dandelion Root
This dynamic duo can soothe itchiness, so it’s especially helpful for felines suffering from allergies. In addition to allergy symptoms, these two herbs can help suppress your kitty’s appetite and help her feel full, thus helping to control your cat’s weight. Dr. Wooten notes that “Dandelion, usually seen as a garden pest, is actually an amazing herb and has tons of health benefits.” So instead of spraying or plucking them from your yard, Wooten suggests “eating them and offering some to your cat to munch on.”
Animal Essentials Tinkle Tonic Herbal Dog & Cat Supplement contains extracts of couchgrass root, marshmallow root and dandelion root and leaf to support urinary system health.
Licorice Root
Many cats adore the taste of the licorice root and can draw significant benefits from its valuable properties. Many pet experts claim that licorice root supports different bodily functions in your feline. From anti-itch properties like natural cortisone, to normalizing your cat’s digestive tract, this medicinal herb acts as a super cat supplement to help improve health and normalize organ functions. The Animal Essentials Seasonal Allergy Herbal Formula Dog & Cat Supplement combines licorice root with nettle leaf, eyebright herb and burdock root to support your cat’s natural immune functions and maintain histamine levels during hay fever season.
Dr. Wooten recommends licorice root for upset kitty tummies. If you’re looking for a natural supplement to support proper gastrointestinal and bowel health in your kitty, Animal Essentials Colon Rescue is a great option.
Goldenseal
If your kitty loves exploring and roaming through unknown territories, she may benefit from goldenseal in her diet. This herb stimulates a cat’s immune system and is known to be a natural disinfectant for wounds. According to Dr. Wooten, “Goldenseal can be made into a strong tea that can be combined with sterile saline to help with redness and inflammation in cats with conjunctivitis.” Animal EssentialsEchinacea/Goldenseal oral supplement/a> can be used to help support immune system function.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Giving Your Cat Herbs
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Wooten urges every pet parent to work with a veterinary herbalist when using herbs, “as you need to need to be aware of plant toxicities or adverse side effects that could potentially negatively affect your cat.” Choosing the wrong products and herbs for your kitty can be dangerous if she has a preexisting condition. Hartstein reminds pet parents that, “The research for herbs is still in its infancy.” Herbs should be seen as a supplement to your kitty’s diet and lifestyle, not as a cure-all for a specific condition or illness.
Be Mindful of What Grows in Your Garden
If you plan on introducing new cat herbs to your garden or yard, be mindful of which products you use. Weed killers and chemicals can cause serious health issues if consumed in large doses. Hartstein reminds pet parents that many herbs are easy to grow even in an apartment setting. Just place the herbs in a windowsill with adequate light conditions and water the plant regularly. Better yet, your safest bet is to stick to herbal cat supplements that have been formulated by experts especially for pets.
Don’t Go Overboard with Herbal Cat Supplements
Dr. Rachel Barrack of Animal Acupuncture highlights that, “All herbs can have potent medicinal effects and should therefore be thought of as medications,” not just natural supplements. Be sure to choose the right herbs in the right quantities for your kitty, and always consult a licensed veterinarian before you start your fur baby on a new herbal supplement!
Having recently moved from rainy Oregon to the sunshine state, Anastasiya Chevtchenko spends her time catching rays by the beach, playing soccer with the locals, and embracing pet heaven – Chewy. A recent Penn graduate, Anastasiya works in Marketing where she hopes to bring in her expertise in international relations to expand the business. When she’s not facetiming her international friends or reading the news in five languages, Anastasiya spends her time working on PR projects, social media brand posts, and writing for Chewy’s BeChewy blog.
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