Many homeopathic treatments are available to help alleviate the discomfort of, and boost your cat’s immunity to, urinary tract infection (UTI). The feline urinary system can be the site for frequent and painful irritation in cats prone to this condition. With preventive measures, such as a wet natural diet rich in vitamin C and absent of chemical preservatives; pure, unlimited amounts of filtered drinking water; and providing ample opportunities for your cat to relieve herself, urinary tract infections can be avoided.
Symptoms of UTI in Cats
Symptoms of urinary tract infection in cats include:
- cat cries or strains while urinating
- cat’s urine has an especially bad odor
- there is blood in the urine
- the cat is avoiding the litter box to urinate in inappropriate places
Although only about 1% of the feline population develops UTI, this condition is more common in unaltered male cats. UTI can be alleviated or diminished significantly with proper homeopathic treatment. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies (or, treatments) are natural ingredients which are taken from various plants, plant extracts and other organic matter and diluted with pure water. These natural ingredients are used singly or combined with other herbs and plant material to make tinctures for curing various illnesses. The overall concept of homeopathic remedies is “like cures like”. That is, an organic compound which has the ability to sicken or cause disease in a highly concentrated form also has the ability to cure the same illness or disease in a highly diluted form. Homeopathic remedies should never be used by a novice. Seek a person trained in the use of these treatments to ensure your cat receives proper care.
UTI Homeopathic Treatments
Berberis vulgaris, Cantharis, Staphysagris are three natural ingredients found in most homeopathic treatments for urinary tract infection and are safe to use with virtually no side effects.
In order to use the correct ingredient and strength for your cat’s condition, you must consult with a certified holistic veterinary doctor.
Berberis vulgaris, derived from the bark of the Barberry plant, has properties to reduce pain and tenderness in the urinary tract.
Cantharis is taken from the body of a beetle which is indigenous to France, Spain and Asia. This ingredient is used to help relieve severe cystitis.
Staphysagris is best known to help with pain relief and urinary irritation and comes from the seeds of the Delphinium staphysagria plant. There are several combination treatments available today which have been specially formulated to include the most common ingredients found in most homeopathic UTI remedies.
Dietary Supplements
Feline urinary tract infections can also be aided by the use of dietary supplements, such as pure cranberry juice. Because most cats do not like the taste of cranberry juice, using cranberry extract in capsule form is a good alternative. Cranberry juice helps to acidify the urine and keeps bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder and, thereby, causing infection. Supplementing your cat’s diet with vitamin C will help boost her immunity to UTI by strengthening the lining of the bladder. Vitamin C is also a natural anti-inflammatory. Use these supplements only in consultation with your veterinarian.