Based on my 18
year old cat Oliver
One
of my cats is a domestic longhaired 18-year-old called Oliver or more
affectionately known as 'Big O.'
For
the first 12-14 years of his life I fed him commercial cat food products with
the occasional pack of raw pet food mince meat (also a commercial product found
in most local supermarkets). Over
those 12-14 years he went to the veterinarian on numerous occasions and was
given an endless array of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, vaccinations,
amongst other pharmaceutical drugs to deal with a variety of non-serious
ailments. At the time I thought I
was doing ‘the right thing.’
Whilst
the commercial cat food was inexpensive, the vet bills were over the years
incredibly high and Big O cost me a small fortune every time there was a health
issue.
When
I became interested in a more holistic approach to health and diet I included
my pets in that decision and changed their diets to a more natural and raw, species
appropriate diet.
Supplementing
Oliver’s raw food diet has been an ongoing work in progress which
has been changed many times with a view to providing him with the best
nutrients to overcome a decline in renal function, asthma, arthritis and
occasional bouts of severe sinusitis which is usually accompanied by a loss of
appetite.
For
the last two years he has been consuming a diet of minced raw chicken bones,
meat, offal, yoghurt, eggs, pureed vegetables (jars of baby food work wonders),
probiotics, digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids (salmon oil and an omega 6
oil 2 to 3 times a week), plus supplement powder that I make myself.
Since
this diet started, his arthritis has greatly improved, his bouts of asthma are
now few and far between, his kidneys are hopefully coping better with a higher
quality food source and his fur is soft and shiny. He no longer takes any
antibiotics for his sinusitis or anti-inflammatories for his arthritis as I
believe he is coping really well and is so much better without all the
pharmaceutical drugs.
The
supplement powder which I make, is made up of (all human grade ingredients):
-Kelp powder contains iodine,
which supports the thyroid gland, provides a valuable source of minerals. Note: too much can be toxic
(Billinghurst 1993)
-Brewers
yeast an excellent source of B vitamins, amino acids and minerals.
-Vitamin C, a powerful
antioxidant, assists the immune system.
-Colostrum
assists the immune system, arthritis, and the intestinal tract.
-Alfalfa
high in nutrients is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory.
-Dandelion
leaf powder is a powerful diuretic, flushes the kidneys and cleanses liver.
-Spirulina high
in protein and other nutrients, boosts energy, it is naturally alkaline,
supports metabolism.
-Sunflower
seeds (ground) contain an array of nutrients, palatable to cats.
-L-lysine
prevents bone loss, assists the immune system.
-Lecithin
granules, an antioxidant, liver support, increases energy levels, assists
absorption of fats.
-Bromelain
(a digestive enzyme) to assist digestion and absorption of nutrients, it also
reduces inflammation.
-Calcium
is essential for healthy bones and teeth, critical for muscular contractions
and for the rhythm of the heart.
It is also important to note that Vitamin D must be included in the
diet. Foods that contain Vitamin D
are egg yolks, mackerel, sardines and tuna. Vitamin D is required for the absorption of calcium in the
digestive tract. The amount of
calcium added to the cat and dog diet depends on the type of raw diet you are
feeding and how much fresh bone is included. Please read my article on ‘Calcium in
the diet.’ It’s very
important to get the correct balance of calcium to phosphorus levels in your
pet’s diet.
-Glucomsamine
& chondriotin for joint health and to ease arthritis.
Initially,
the supplement mix I made was directly from ‘The
Holistic Cat’ by Jennifer Coscia. In the last 6 months however, the above list of ingredients
is my own modified version of this author’s
supplement mix specifically to meet Oliver’s
needs.
Now,
after having learnt more about herbs and how they can assist both nutritionally
and physiologically, I will be adding nettle and astragulus to the mix plus
some borage seed oil directly to his food.
Other herbs and supplements that I have
been or will experiment with over time are:
-Aloe Vera
if taken internally it is a good antioxidant, it is known to stimulate the
immune system and provides an alkaline environment. Aloe Vera is safe for both internal and external use in cats
and dogs. (Tilford et al 2009) I
will use this when Oliver has any kind of stomach upset. On occasion he vomits and the aloe vera
juice helps to reduce the acidity in the gut.
-Slippery elm,
a very safe and well known herb, which helps to lubricate the digestive tract,
ease constipation and reduce inflammation. Slippery elm is also good to ease
the respiratory passages for pets with bronchitis. During a time when Oliver was constipated I mixed some
psyllium husk, water, pureed pumpkin and a sprinkle of slippery elm powder into
a syringe and gave 10ml to him. I’m pretty sure it helped, as he was busy in his litter tray
the next day. I also give him a
little slippery elm powder mixed into some Aloe Vera juice if a stomach upset
has made him vomit. This is also
good for us too, providing very quick relief.
-Echinacea
I have used this immune supporting herb on several occasions. When Oliver has symptoms of flu (which
he has had many times since he was very young) I add a few drops of Echinacea
and goldenseal plus 500mg Vitamin C to 4ml water in a 10ml syringe and give
that to him orally. Since doing
this and with the support of a good raw diet, his flu symptoms are less severe,
they are of a shorter duration and there is no need for any trips to the vets
which no doubt would end in more antibiotics. Echinacea does require a healthy number of antibodies
already present in the blood for it to work effectively and it must be taken at
the onset of symptoms. Once infection has taken a hold it is
not the chosen herb. Whilst
supporting the immune system, Echinacea also helps to stimulate the lymphatic
system, helping to drain unwanted materials from the tissues. Echinacea is a safe herb for cats and
dogs, however it should only be used short term, for 1 to 2 weeks maximum.
(Tilford et al 2009)
-CoQ enzyme10 I
have been placing a very small amount of this enzyme into Oliver’s food for the last 3 months. As CoQ10 is known to assist respiratory function and prevent
allergies, I thought it might assist with the sinusitis and asthma. CoQ10 is also well known for its use to
improve heart function. (Tilford et al 2009) It can also be rubbed directly onto inflamed gums if your
cat shows signs of gingivitis.
Over the last month, my cat has had very few asthma attacks and in the
last 2 weeks only one asthma attack.
Could it be the CoQ enzyme 10?
I’m not sure but I’m
going to keep giving it to Oliver as it can only be of assistance to him.
-Methyl Sulphonyl Methane (MSM) This supplement is known to prevent food allergies, reduce
heartburn, ease digestive problems, assist arthritis, reduce muscular pain and
improve lung function. This could
easily be added to Oliver’s supplement powder
mix. Over time it could assist
with his arthritis and ease any muscle pain associated with old age and lack of
exercise. MSM is a natural anti-inflammatory.
-Acupuncture Although not classed as a supplement, acupuncture has now
become part of Oliver’s healing
process. I take Oliver to a
Veterinarian who practices alternative treatments on pets including
acupuncture. The results have been
really good. Oliver really likes it;
the relaxed state he blissfully falls into is fascinating to watch. As the needles are placed into his
body, he surrenders to the new flow of energy, as channels are unblocked. If I hadn’t
seen it on numerous occasions I wouldn’t
have believed it could help.
Oliver presently has an acupuncture session every 6-8 weeks.
In
regards to treating blocked sinuses,
I mix 10ml saline solution with half a capsule of probiotic powder and a few
drops of colloidal silver. Then,
using a 5ml plastic dropper I put the mixture up his nostrils to give him a
nose and sinus flush. This idea
came from ‘The Holistic Cat' written by J. Coscia.’ It works
almost immediately and has such incredible results. When Oliver is blocked up in his nasal passages, this flush
causes him to perform huge sneezes.
This in turn clears his sinuses and nasal passages. His breathing returns to normal and his
appetite is restored. I would
highly recommend this practice for any cat with blocked sinuses. (Coscia 2005)
It
is also important to note that Oliver also takes a prescription only supplement
called ‘Calcitriol’ for his impaired
kidneys. Calcitriol is an active
form of vitamin D, which in a healthy cat is produced by the kidneys. This is incredibly important for the
absorption of calcium in his body.
If your cat or dog has Kidney problems, please read my article on ‘Supplementing Cats & Dogs with Impaired Kidneys.’
In
regards to the use of supplements for cats and dogs, in my opinion my cat’s immune system is stronger than it has been in many
years. I am however aware that too
many highly concentrated herbs over time can overwork the liver and
kidneys. With this in mind I
always administer very small doses of herbs, research their potential side
effects and determine how long they can be safely given.
I
am still learning, and as a result, hope that I am doing more good than
harm. However, given the
alternative to return to endless veterinary trips and pharmaceutical drugs, I
certainly choose to keep on learning how nutrients can be used to increase my
pet’s health and longevity.
In
my opinion, with good nutrition and an absence of pharmaceutical drugs, my cat
now has a fighting chance to live a few more years. My only regret is that I did not start learning about diet
and nutrition a long time ago. I
believe that all of the ailments Oliver now contends with are from his many
years on commercial pet food and pharmaceutical drugs. However, my aim is to provide him with
the best nutrients so that his body has the tools to fight existing ailments
and become stronger in the process. Adding supplements to my pets’ diets is certainly a work in progress that is beneficial,
and so far, has been incredibly rewarding.
References:
Allegretti,
J. & Sommers, K D.V.M. 2003, ‘The Complete Holistic Dog
Book, Home Health Care for our Canine Companions.’ Celestial Arts, USA
Billinghurst,
I 1993, ‘Give your dog a bone,’
Warrigal Publishing, Australia.
Goldstein,
R.S. V.M.D. & Goldstein, S.J. 2005, ‘The Goldstein’s
Wellness & Longevity Program Natural Care for Cats and Dogs.’ TFH
Publications USA.
Brown,
A 2006, ‘The Whole Pet Diet, Eight weeks to a Great
Health for Dogs and Cats. Celestial Arts, USA.
Coscia,
J. A, 2005, ‘The Holistic Cat, A Complete Guide to Wellness
for a Healthier, Happier Cat. North Atlantic Books, USA.
Khalsa,
D. 2009, ‘Natural Dog, A Holistic Guide for Healthier
Dogs.’
Bowtie Press, California.
Messonnier,
S, 2001, ‘Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats’ Three
Rivers Press, New York.
Olson,
L 2010, ‘Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs, The
definitive guide to homemade meals.’ North Atlantic Books,
USA.
Pitcairn,
R. H. & Pitcairn, S. H, 2005, ‘Dr. Pitcairn’s
guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.’ Rodale Inc, USA.
Poveromo,
M. 2010, ‘To Your Dog’s Health.’ Poor
Mans Press, Canada.
Puotinen,
C.J. 1999, ‘Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats.’ Keats
Publishing, USA.2006)
Schultze,
K.R 2008, ‘Natural Nutrition for Cats, The Path to Perfect
health.’ Hay House, USA.
Tilford,
G.L. & Wulff, M.L. 2009. Herbs For Pets. Second Edition. BowTie Press, USA.
Wolfe,
D. 2009. ‘Superfoods. The food and medicine of the
future.’ North Atlantic Books, U.S.A.
Internet references:
Livestrong.com, May 2010. Article, ‘Borage Seed Oil Side
Effects.’
PureGreen Foods ‘Grower direct certified organic wheatgrass and
alfalfa.
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia Website. Article on, ‘Probiotic.’
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probiotic
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