10 Herbs to Improve Your Cat's Health (Page 2)

Peppermint, Pennyroyal and Rosemary

While not quite the right combination (or the right amount of herbs) for a Simon and Garfunkel song, the oil from these three herbs have soothing properties and act as natural insect repellents. If your cat has fleas or is intensely scratching itself, any one (or a combination of all three) can help boost your flea treatment. The most common application for these herbs is in the form of a bath. (Note: Pennyroyal may be harmful or fatal if swallowed, so do not leave the herb lying around where the cat may get to it.)

Licorice Root

Not only does it taste good to your cat, licorice root is good for you, too. As a natural cortisone, licorice root can be used to soothe itchy kitties with allergies, endocrine (the endocrine gland affects metabolism, growth and mood) and digestive issues, as well as respiratory problems like colds, since it soothes mucus membranes. Other benefits of the licorice root include blood cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be very useful for cats with arthritis.

Cat’s Claw and Dandelion Root

Both of these herbs are good for you and your cat. A tincture made out of dandelion root and cat’s claw can help with itching for cats, especially those with allergies, as it contains natural cortisone. If kitty is trying to watch her figure, try making her a salad with dandelion leaves.

Goldenseal

No, this isn’t the title of a new James Bond film, but an herb that’s useful for your cat. Goldenseal can be used as a natural disinfectant on wounds, and, in conjunction with saline, may help shrink swollen eyes due to infections and allergies.

Of course, with any treatment, herbal or otherwise, make sure you consult your vet prior to treatment. You can also check in with your local holistic pet store for advice, and read our how-to guide for growing an indoor or outdoor herb garden. Like you, your cat should benefit from these natural wellness boosters, but only under professional supervision. Happy herb growing.

Image: Katie / via Flickr

10 Herbs to Improve Your Cat’s Health originally appeared on petMD.com

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veronika p.

9:41AM PST on Nov 17, 2012

Awesome. Will be adding some of these to our ferals foods

November 17
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Dale O.

8:21AM PDT on Jul 31, 2012

Interesting but catnip is the safest of all for cats-grown on my balcony there is a life long supply for her. Not sure about some of these other ones and while a smattering of greens cut up in the food - check for safety first- is fine, cats are obligate carnivores and cannot only dine on the joys of leaves, not that you were implying that but there are those testing out vegan food for dogs of all things.

July 31
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Angela B.

1:02PM PDT on Jul 15, 2012

Some very dangerous information contained in the above article, and I think it is a rather irresponsible article.

One of our cats was taken ill after simply smelling peppermint oil and we were told we were luvky noy to lose him.

According to the ASPCA "If ingested, the peppermint plant and its oil could indeed ... cause harm to your cat. Cats are especially sensitive to peppermint oil, and effects such as gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression and even liver damage could occur if ingested in significant quantities. Some peppermint oil formulations also contain aspirin derivatives, which could result in additional toxicity. Furthermore, if inhalation of the volatile oil were to occur, aspiration pneumonia may be possible. Based on this, we would not recommend using peppermint leaves or oil in areas where your cat is allowed access."

Also from ASPCA "Pennyroyal contains pulegone, a substance that can indeed be harmful to pets ... gastrointestinal irritation— including vomiting and diarrhea can occur—and in severe cases, profound weakness of the limbs and liver damage may also result. We advise pet parents against allowing pets to nibble on the plant or using concentrated pennyroyal oil on pets. "

Make up your own minds as to whether to risk the life of your beloved friend to an online article. I certainly don't. Animals are not the same as humans; what is healthy for us can kill them.