Herbal Home Treatment for Feline Tapeworm
Most cats will experience a tapeworm at some point in their lives. For many, the infection may only be a passing discomfort. Others may experience severe and prolonged symptoms, and the very old, young or weak may die from them. You can treat tapeworms at home through a variety of herbs readily found in most kitchens. Bear in mind, however, that you should still see a veterinarian to eliminate other, more serious conditions bearing similar symptoms.
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Useful Herbs
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A myriad of herbs touted to fight feline tapeworms exist. Among these include cloves, wormwood, black walnut, neem and ruta gaveolens. These can be purchased at either a grocery store or an herbal health shop. If possible, find these herbs in powder form as they will be easiest to administer to your cat. You may also be able to find tinctures, decoctions or infusions that may also be effective.
How to Administer
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Cats often smell unusual substances in their food and may refuse to eat, so direct administration is best. For capsules and pills, hold your cat firmly and insert one finger of your nondominant hand between his front canine teeth (the long ones). Insert the medication with your other hand and hold his mouth shut, gently rubbing the throat until you feel him swallow. For liquids, insert a finger of your nondominant hand between his back teeth. Insert the dropper to about midway on his tongue and slowly drop the dosage down his throat so he doesn't choke.
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Safety and Efficacy
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Though the herbs mentioned here have been studied in use on humans, no scientific evidence currently supports their use in cats. As far as safety goes, these herbs have advocates on both sides. Many insist that wormwood and black walnut may be used safely in certain, severe instances. Others point to the plethora of reports indicating the toxicity of these two herbs and advise that you avoid them in favor of safer remedies like cloves and ruta gaveolens. If you're unsure about using herbs, take your cat to a vet.
Herbs That May Seem Like a Good Idea But Are Not
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There are many herbs that you shouldn't feed your cat and, when talking about tapeworms, garlic seems to be at the front of this list. Like the other herbs, no actual scientific studies have been conducted to prove or disprove cat's special sensitivity to this herb. However, when exposed in concentrated doses, cats may exhibit diarrhea, anemia, asthmatic attacks, weakness and even liver damage. Another herb you should not give a cat is tea tree oil. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, tea tree oil contains antiparasitic properties useful for treating worms in humans. However, when ingested by cats, it may induce disorientation, hyperventilation, coma or death.
Warning
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Under no circumstances should you ever administer herbs alongside conventional medicine without a veterinarian's approval. Herbs hold a certain notoriety for interacting with medication in both humans and animals. Though you might not find information on a specific herb and its interactions with a certain drug, you should still remain cautious and only administer herbs with medication under a vet's supervision.
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- Photo Credit cat image by Krzysztof Kiercul from Fotolia.com
