Herbs & Fish Oils for Cats
All it takes to keep most cats happy and healthy are regular checkups by a veterinarian and steady supplies of fresh water and nutritious cat food. But elderly or infirm cats may require a bit more to keep them purring. A variety of herbs and fish oils can provide numerous health benefits for your feline friend, or simply provide it with a boost of energy or nutrition.
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Types
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Catnip is the one of the most common and well-known herbs for cats. Ginkgo biloba, another healthy option for aging cats, is found at many vitamin stores. Powder made from the nettle plant is also suitable for cats. Other herbs include couchgrass, bugleweed and hawthorn. Ask an employee at your local pet supply store for information on where to find these cat-friendly herbs. It is likely that they stock them themselves, or they can steer you toward a vitamin seller that does.
Fish Oils
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Just as in humans, fish oil is also a health boon to cats. The benefits are derived from the omega-3 fatty acids that fish oils are packed with. Fish oils are sold in pill form or as a liquid. Either way will work for your cat. If you can't find fish oil at your local pet supply store, check out a health food or vitamin retailer.
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Health Benefits of Herbs
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Catnip affects roughly 50 percent of cats and acts as a stimulant when sniffed or as a sedative when eaten. Cats will typically sniff and rub their faces on the catnip first, so try this herb if your cat seems sluggish and in need of some energy. Ginkgo biloba has shown to improve blood flow in cats and can ease vascular problems in aging felines. Nettle is an excellent source of protein, calcium and various vitamins and minerals. Bugleweed can be good for the thyroid in nonpregnant or nursing cats. Couchgrass strengthens the urinary tract, and hawthron lends itself to a healthy heart in aging cats or animals that have experienced heart conditions in the past.
Health Benefits of Fish Oil
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Fish oils were originally used by veterinarians to treat allergies in pets, but they are now used to elicit a variety of positive results. They have anti-inflammatory benefits and can even be used to treat kidney disease or soothe the pain associated with feline arthritis. They can even improve the quality of your cat's skin by soothing itching, which decreases the need for excessive scratching.
Administering Herbs and Fish Oils
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Your cat will readily accept some herbs, such as catnip. However, your cat will likely ignore most herbs or fish oils if they are presented plainly. To encourage consumption, sprinkle the herbs or put the fish oil pill or liquid into your cat's food or snack. Don't worry about overdosing on these natural additives, as they typically provide only benefits and do no harm. Check with your vet if you have concerns about any health problems your cat is exhibiting, especially if your cat is nursing or pregnant.
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References
- Photo Credit cats image by Zbigniew Nowak from Fotolia.com
