Note: The following document is for information only - Please thourougly research herbal medicines before using any herbs or essential oils with your cat.
Although these herbs have history of being safe for use with cats, always watch for problems such as lethargy, poor appetite, vomiting, digestive upset, or other negative reactions. When using herbal extracts with cats it is very important to boil off the alcohol before giving the extract. You can do this by adding 2-3 drops of the extract to 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of boiling water. Once the water cools give the diluted solution to the cat orally via dropper or syringe.
The following list of herbs are known to be supportive and safe for cats if used properly for medicinal purposes:
Chamomile
Teeth - this herb is safe and commonly used as a toothpaste for cats. Colloidal silver is another option as a toothpaste, this will be discussed further below. Combining chamomile extract with colloidal silver is the best option.
Colloidal Silver
Teeth - Apply colloidal silver to a gauze pad and rub on the teeth and gums. Remember if this is new for the cat, start slow and if you only get it on one tooth the first time that’s still great!
Catnip
Catnip contains vitamins A, B complex, C, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, sodium and sulfur. Catnip is a traditional cold and flu remedy, and is a gentle sedative on the nerves. It has also been used for diarrhea and to expel worms.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow root is high in minerals, and is most often used for the digestive system. This is a great remedy for chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastro-intestinal system. Marshmallow is excellent as a poultice and can be applied to inflamed wounds, burns, scalds, abscesses, boils and ulcers.
Raspberry Leaf
Raspberry leaf is rich in organic iron, calcium and potassium, and is specific for the female reproductive system.
Slippery Elm Bark
This bark is one of the best known soothing herbs for relieving irritated mucous membranes linings of the body. It is used for inflammations of the colon (enteritis, colitis…), inflammations of the stomach, stomach or duodenal ulcers and diarrhea.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice personal health matters.
The following list of herbs are known to be safe if used short term for medicinal purposes:
- Astragalus - Used to boost the immune system.
- Cinnamon - Used to lower blood glucose levels.
- Dandelion Leaf and Root - A diuretic that contains high levels of potassium.
- Elderberry - Used for sinusitus.
- Echinacea - Given at the first sight of a cold.
- Fennel - Used for digestive upset.
- Ginger - Given for nausea
- Gingko Biloba - Used as a blood thinner for circulatory problems
- Siberian Ginseng - Boosts the immune system, good for colds
- Goldenseal - Used internally and externally as an antibacterial
- Hawthorne - The flowers and berries are used as a cardiotonic
- Milk Thistle - Used for liver problems
- Parsley - A diuretic that can cause potassium loss
- Peppermint Leaf - Used for nausea and indigestion
- St. John's Wort - Used for depression. If your cat is on any medication, avoid this herb.
- Valerian - Used for appetite stimulation
The following list of herbs should be reserved for only a few days' use in a given year:
Uva Ursi
An astringent and antiseptic that soothes, tones and strengthens the mucous membranes of the urinary passages and has a relaxing effect on the bladder walls, increasing the flow of urine.
Kava Kava
It has a calming, relaxing effect, while promoting increased attentiveness.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice personal health matters.
Licorice
Licorice contains an abundant source of Vitamin E and B-complex, phosphorus, biotin, niacin and pantothenic acid.
ARNICA can be applied externally safely for short term use
Arnica can be applied directly to bruises and sprains, this will help will the accompanying trauma as well.
DO NOT USE ANY OF THESE HERBS INTERNALLY OR EXTERNALLY WITH CATS Alfalfa Chapparal Lily of the valley Rue Arnica Coltsfoot Lobelia White Willow Bark Bloodroot Comfrey Mandrake Wormwood Boneset Elecampane Meadowsweet Borage Garlic Red Clover
Using Essential Oils Medicinally
Most Essential Oils ARE NOT safe for use around cats, whether applied directly to the cat or inhaled from the use of a diffuser. This is because cats' livers are simply not the same as humans' livers, and they lack the ability to properly metabolize the various compounds in essential oils.
If you choose to diffuse oils when cats are present please use the following precautions:
- Try not to use excessive amounts of essential oil
- Ensure good air circulation especially during the diffusion process, so that local concentrations of essential oil vapor are not built up in non-airchanged areas inhabited by the cat.
- Make sure cat can get to 'undiffused' air at any time if possible
- Only diffuse in an individual room if the cat does not have access i.e. make it a multi-room location.
NEVER APPLY ESSENTIAL OILS DIRECTLY TO A CAT'S SKIN
Toxicology studies show that the feline liver usually needs 48 hours to process and excrete 'terpenes', thus allow 48 hours between end of last diffusion and starting another to avoid repeated exposure by inhalation.
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