A pet owner like you is always vigilant when it comes to the health of your four-legged best friend. If you have a cat, you’re concerned about recognizing the signs of potential illness. Thankfully, Under the Weather understands this concern quite well and is happy to help you become a more informed pet owner when it comes to your cat's wellness. In addition, you’ll learn about the natural remedies for cat sickness so you can have a few go-to choices whenever your feline friend needs it (with vet confirmation and approval, of course).
There is a wide range of cat illnesses, varying from mild to severe. With this in mind, you’ll know what natural remedies are useful. Plus, we’ll discuss which types of sickness warrant veterinarian intervention, no matter what.
What Are the Common Causes of Cat Sickness?
There are numerous reasons why a cat can experience sickness. It could be mild digestive issues, food intolerances, or viral infections. With that said, it may be important to recognize the signs so you can notice them as soon as possible to ensure the right care is administered (even with vet assistance). Some common causes for cat sickness include:
- Changes in diet or spoiled food, which can trigger cat diarrhea due to an upset stomach
- Intestinal parasites or irritable bowel disorder (IBD)
- Feline upper respiratory infections like feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) or feline calicivirus
- Food intolerances or low-allergen diet needs
- Possible exposure to toxic substances such as certain essential oils, house plants, or carnation flowers
- Environmental irritants that may contribute to feline asthma
- Stress or hepatic lipidosis due to appetite loss or weight loss
More importantly, knowing the symptoms of such cat illnesses is crucial. Some of the more serious conditions need veterinarian intervention as soon as possible. For others, you can consider natural remedies for cat sickness that are safe, comfortable, and effective for your cat.
What Are Some Natural Remedies For Cat Sickness That You Can Try At Home?
If your cat is sick, the important thing to remember is that supportive, gentle care is necessary. As for natural remedies for cat sickness that you can try at home, we have plenty that are proven to manage symptoms, ease discomfort, and more. Here’s a look at what they are:
Diet Adjustments and Hydration Support
Diet adjustments can be excellent for your cat, especially if they normally deal with digestive issues. It can also be a good option for them if they are dealing with mild stomach discomfort or vomiting. Ingredients like unseasoned chicken or rice (when offered in small portions) can be excellent for your cat’s digestive system while also giving them the essential nutrition they need. In addition, your cat should get the necessary hydration they need.
While water can be a good option, other ways to ensure hydration may include bone broth or an electrolyte solution that is approved by your veterinarian. Such fluids can be great for replacing those nutrients that were lost due to cat vomiting or diarrhea. Under the Weather offers products like Anti-Diarrhea Liquid for Cats that can help soothe your feline friend’s stomach while also keeping stools regular, especially if they are dealing with stomach discomfort and similar issues.
Natural Support For Digestion
Mild digestive issues can improve with appropriate support. For example, probiotic supplements are excellent for maintaining a positive gut flora. Also, fiber supplementation can be a good addition since it can promote better bowel movements while providing excellent relief for constipation. If hairballs are a typical problem for your cat, you can consider supplements like mineral oil or coconut oil to mix in their food. Please note that you will need to get a specific amount as recommended by your vet beforehand.
These oils can help keep your cat’s food pipe well-lubricated while easing stomach contractions that cause those unsettling gagging noises they make. You may also use petroleum jelly (albeit sparingly and under vet guidance) as a possible option.
Gentle Herbal and Natural Ingredients
Of course, herbal and natural ingredients can be soothing for your feline friend. These include options like ginger root or diluted ginger tea that can be great for calming nausea in cats. You may also consider other options, such as aloe vera juice, only in small, vet-approved amounts that can be soothing to your cat’s digestive system. In terms of other areas of your cat’s health, such as immunity and pH balance support, very diluted forms of apple cider vinegar can be an excellent option.
Respiratory Health Support For Cats
As mentioned earlier, respiratory infections can be a common illness that affects cats. Such conditions, including feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and feline chlamydiosis, are considered the most common. These can all cause symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and nasal discharge. These viruses can be resolved over time when paired with excellent supportive care to ensure that your cat is breathing easily. Such supportive measures and steps to take include:
- Clear the Nasal Passages: Consider using a humidifier or air filters to improve air quality while also clearing up any congested nasal passages your cat has. At times, gently wipe your cat’s nose with a soft, damp cloth to prevent any buildup from occurring.
- Provide Warmth and Comfort: Consider creating a place for your cat that is quiet and warm. In addition, warmth in terms of hydration can also be helpful. Offer your cat bone broth as it can satisfy both their hydration and nutrition needs, especially if they have a low appetite.
- Immune System Support: Natural immune support options like colostrum or other nutritional supplements can be an excellent way to help your cat recover from a respiratory illness. There may be situations where antiviral agents or antibiotic therapy will be recommended by your vet, especially if a secondary infection occurs.
Visit a veterinary clinic or animal hospital if you notice symptoms getting worse. This may indicate something more serious, such as cat flu or feline asthma, that may require specific treatment, like inhaled corticosteroids or other specialized approaches.
Care and Support For Digestive Issues and Vomiting
Cats can deal with digestive distress, such as chronic diarrhea, temporary digestive upset, and cat vomiting, and natural remedies can help ease them. Nonetheless, these symptoms should be carefully monitored before a treatment is administered. Here’s what to take note of in these situations:
- Monitor the Litter Box: The cat litter box is something that you’ll want to watch, especially if you notice their usual habits are a bit “off.” Frequent diarrhea, constipation, or diarrhea that contains blood could reveal a much deeper issue where veterinary intervention is more than likely.
- Offer Bland, Easy-to-Digest Meals: A bland diet that features mild ingredients will be great for the stomach. In addition, do not feed your cat any table scraps or fatty foods. Do not use any untested home remedies until the vet decides whether it’s a safe option or not.
- Don’t Forget Fluids: Dehydration in cats can be very dangerous. Thus, it is important to ensure you offer small sips of bone broth or an electrolyte solution to replenish fluids. Do not force-feed them; instead, give your cat a chance to lap them on their own.
- Do Not Use Potential Irritants: Essential oils, carnation flowers, chemical cleaners, or related products can lead to irritation or trigger allergic reactions. If you need to clean messes near the litter box area, consider using a pet-friendly enzyme cleaner that can get the job done without affecting your cat.
Weight Loss, Appetite Issues, and Hepatic Lipidosis
If your cat is losing weight or refusing to eat, this can be a cause for concern. Weight loss in cats can pave the way for a serious liver condition known as hepatic lipidosis, where fat accumulates in the liver due to poor intake. Be sure to encourage gentle feeding and consider using energy support supplements such as Ready Cal High Calorie Supplement by Under the Weather.
Skin Irritation, Hot Spots, and Similar Issues
Cats may deal with skin irritation or related conditions such as hot spots, rashes, or insect bites. All of these can cause stress and irritation. Remedies for this can include vet-approved CBD oil, aloe vera juice, or magnolia bark creams that can soothe the irritation.
Final Thoughts
Cat illnesses may seem like a cause to panic. Yet most of the time, they can be treated with natural remedies approved by your vet. More importantly, following the necessary steps to administer these remedies is important. If you are looking for the best ways to provide your cat with additional health support, Under the Weather has you covered. Check us out today to see what’s in store.
