Want to know what are the best natural remedies for cats and the most powerful medicinal herbs for cats, continue reading.
Natural remedies for cats, combined with a proper diet, can boost your cat’s immunity and support natural healing. The safest and most commonly used remedies for cat health are herbal infusions and glycerin-based plant extracts. When it comes to essential oils, they should be used with caution, and we do not recommend internal use. Discover the best natural remedies for cats and how to use them safely in this short guide.
In This Article You Will Find:
10 Best Natural Remedies for Cats – Medicinal Herbs for Cats with Uses
1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – can be used as an infusion (0.5-2 g of the plant per 100 ml of boiling water) to treat kidney conditions (nephritis, pyelonephritis, cystitis), to stimulate digestion and regulate liver and bile function. It is also recommended for skin problems and improving joint mobility in combination with devil’s claw.
2. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) – has antimicrobial, antiseptic, diuretic, and bronchodilator properties. As a natural remedy for cats, steep 0.5-2 g of plant in 250 ml boiling water for 20-30 minutes. It helps with kidney, digestive, and liver issues, and can be used externally as a decoction for skin conditions like eczema and wounds.
3. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) – is one of the most powerful natural dewormer and antiparasitic and is highly effective for eliminating internal parasites in cats. It comes in a glycerin-based tincture, making it gentle on the digestive system while still being potent against worms and other parasites. Safe and easy to administer, it supports overall cat health.
4. Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) – is used as an infusion or decoction (dried bark) for its purgative action in chronic constipation. It can be combined with chicory leaves and root or licorice to treat constipation. However, using green bark, leaves, and berries can lead to poisoning, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhagic diarrhea!
5. Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) – this medicinal herb is used to treat diarrhea as well as bronchitis and laryngotracheitis, in the form of infusions (0.5-2 g of the plant per 100 ml of boiling water), decoction, cold maceration, or syrup. For enteritis, indigestion, dyspepsia, and diarrhea can be made into an infusion in combination with peppermint.
6. Wild pansy (Viola tricolor) – this medicinal herb is a panacea for cats, who love to eat it. It is recommended for internal use, either as fresh plant or in infusions, to address skin problems, allergies with skin eruptions (such as pemphigus), fur loss, dull coat, and also to help prolong a cat’s life.
7. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – is effective for bruises, wounds, or skin issues (topically), but also works as a natural hearing aid alongside rosemary extract. Prepare an infusion with 0.5-2 g of calendula and rosemary in 100 ml of hot water, or supplement with calendula extract.
8. Aloe Vera – similar to calendula, Aloe Vera is, by definition, a medicinal herb for cat’s skin, as it naturally soothes and repairs skin wounds, and bruises and can even reduce and heal skin problems like eczema, dermatitis, and more. Can be used topically as Aloe Vera gel.
9. Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) – contains active principles with diuretic, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and soothing actions, and can be used to treat kidney conditions. In natural remedies for cats, cornflower can be used as an infusion (0.5-2 g of plant per 100 ml of hot water).
10. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) – is not only a natural stimulant for cats but also a medicinal herb for anxiety, stress, and hyperactivity, as it promotes calmness and relaxation. As a medicinal herb for cats, catnip can be used as an infusion or a glycerin-based tincture.
Other Medicinal Herbs for Cats Worth Mentioning
- Immunity – andrographis herb (Andrographis paniculata), echinacea root (Echinacea angustifolia), usnea thallus (Usnea barbata), goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis), elderberry (Sambucus nigra), wild indigo root (Baptisia tinctoria), myrrh gum resin (Commiphora molmol), rosehips seed (Rosa canina).
- Cleanse & Detox – da huang rhizome (Rheum palmatum), slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra), sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale), burdock root (Arctium lappa), milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum)
- Allergies – stinging nettle leaf (Urtica dioica), eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum), mullein (Verbascum thapsus), osha (Ligusticum porteri), schisandra (Schisandra chinensis).
- Relaxation and Calm – California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), oat (Avena sativa), passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), valerian root (Valeriana officinalis), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
- Urinary Aid – stoneroot root (Collinsonia canadensis), Hydrangea root (Hydrangea arborescens), dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale), yarrow herb (Achillea millefolium), Oregon grape root (Berberis aquifolium), goldenrod (Solidago spp.), horsetail (Equisetum spp.), hops (Humulus lupulus), cleavers (Galium aparine).
- Joints & Bones – devil’s claw root (Harpagophytum procumbens), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), ginger (Zingiber officinale), eleuthero root (Eleutherococcus senticosus), barberry root bark (Berberis vulgaris).
- Clear Vision – American ginseng root (Panax quinquefolius), goji berry (Lycium barbarum), fang feng root (Saposhnikovia divaricata), rehmannia root (Rehmania glutinosa).
- Senior Cats – alfalfa (Medicago sativa), ginkgo biloba leaf, hawthorn berry (Crataegus monogyna), marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis)
The Best Natural Supplements for Cats
Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM – for joint health, joint stiffness, and/or trembling, hip & joint pain relief from arthritis & inflammation – can be used preventatively for high-energy cats, or alongside arthritis treatment for senior cats. A few products that we recommend are Ultra Joint (with added frankincense and ginger extracts), and Best Paw Glucosamine Blend.
Medicinal Mushrooms – the most powerful medicinal mushrooms, namely lion’s mane, maitake, shiitake, king trumpet, cordyceps, turkey tail, agaricus blazei, and reishi, are not only healing for humans but also for cats. They are amazing for immunity, healthy joints, as well as for skin and coat.
Omega 3 – Kelp is a vegan source of Omega 3 (without the mercury that most fish oil contains) and is a fantastic supplement for your cat’s immune system, skin, and coat, as well as digestive health, especially when combined with flaxseed. Kelp can also be used on its own as a dietary supplement. Another healthy Omega 3 supplement for cats is wild salmon oil.
B12 – which contains both methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin is a valuable supplement for cats suffering from any neurological symptom or condition as it protects the brain and central nervous system. It is also good for anxiety, eczema, weight problems, allergies, aches and pains, and rheumatoid arthritis, as it boosts natural immunity and fights pathogens (we do not recommend B12 injections).
Barley Grass Juice Powder – can be a beneficial natural supplement for cats as it’s packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes that may support overall health. It also helps remove toxic heavy metals from the body, boosts immunity, and improves gut health.
Triphala – this Ayurvedic remedy is a blend of three powerful digestive herbs, namely haritaki, amla, and bahera that make a gentle constipation remedy for cats.
Propolis Extract – has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting immune health, wound healing, and oral hygiene. However, always use a cat-safe formulation and consult a vet for proper dosage.
Bach Rescue Remedy – is one of the most mild yet effective natural supplements for stress relief in cats. Bach flower remedies use homeopathic flower essences in specific blends, and this one is specifically tailored to calm down cats in stressful situations such as separation anxiety, travel, thunder, and fireworks. It is sedative-free, mild yet powerful.
Colloidal Nano Silver – is an amazing natural supplement for healthy teeth and gums in the form of spray puffs. It can be used as a teeth cleaner, plaque and tartar remover, gum tissue changes, and breath freshener, with no side effects.
Bonus: Healthy Snacks for Cats You Can Buy Online
Read Also: 10 Best Natural Remedies for Dogs
These medicinal herbs for cats can serve as complementary therapies alongside veterinary-prescribed treatments or dietary plans for cat health. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before using any medicinal herbs for cats to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your cat’s needs. Keep your kitty cat healthy, naturally!
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