Cat's Claw Herb for Cats
Cat's claw, also known as uncaria tomentosa or uña de gato, is an herb that has long been used to treat various ailments and illnesses in humans. It also is found as an ingredient in several treatments for cats.
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Origin
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Cat's claw grows naturally in the Amazon Rainforest as well as other countries in South America. If you buy cat's claw in the United States, it was probably grown in Peru. The plant is a vine with curved thorns growing on its stem that resemble the claws of a cat.
Uses
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The bark and root of cat's claw are used to treat different ailments in humans, which, to a degree, reflect its use in remedies made for cats. Chemicals in these parts of the plant can help reduce inflammation and fight specific viruses. NativeRemedies.com sells C-Caps, which are capsules that owners can give their pets to help maintain a healthy immune system, appetite and energy level. Cat's claw is one of the ingredients listed in the capsules. The Herbal Encyclopedia also lists cat's claw as part of a treatment for itching due to flea bites in cats.
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Side Effects
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There are no recorded or studied side effects of the use of cat's claw in cats. NativeRemedies.com ensures that its C-Caps have no side effects and a high safety profile. However, the Herbal Encyclopedia warns people that they should have a good understanding of what is wrong with their cat before attempting to use any herbal remedies, and that they check with a veterinarian first.
Research
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There have not been any research studies on the effects of cat's claw on cats. However, some research exists on its use in humans, which may be informative on its effectiveness in cats. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that in one study where cat's claw was used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, there was a positive effect in people who were taking other drugs as well.
How to Take It
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The instruction for taking C-Caps for cats is half a capsule twice daily. If your cat will not take the half capsule alone, it can be emptied into food and mixed in. For itching caused by fleas and their bites, the Herbal Encyclopedia recommends a mixture composed of equal drops of licorice root, dandelion root and cat's-claw extract, applied to the dry, itchy patch once daily for two weeks.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kevin Dooley
