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Cats + Complementary Medicine

  • The underlying philosophy of all alternative and complementary medical therapies is the 'holistic' approach, in which the patient is treated as a 'whole' being, rather than as a diagnosis.

  • An antioxidant is any substance that protects the body from free radical damage. There are natural antioxidants produced in the body to counter these free radicals, but antioxidant food supplements can also be administered to neutralize their damaging effects.

  • Bilberry has been used for the treatment of diarrhoea, eye problems relating to impaired blood flow including macular degeneration and cataract formation, and to improve circulation and address peripheral circulation disorders such as bruising and varicose veins.

  • Tea is second only to water as the most consumed beverage in the world. Both black and green tea are made from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis.

  • Various forms of calcium are available for supplementation. Calcium bound to lactate, citrate, ascorbate, and other organic acids appears more easily and completely absorbed than inorganic calcium supplements, such as calcium carbonate.

  • Calendula is a wonderful healing herb. Modern laboratory studies indicate that calendula flowers do indeed have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic (antibacterial and antiviral) properties, and may even offer immune-supporting actions.

  • Carnitine (L-cartinine) is an amino acid (protein building block) that the body uses to turn fat into energy. Specifically, carnitine is required for transporting long chain fatty acids and their derivatives into the mitochondria of cells.

  • Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita) is commonly used in human herbal medicine as a mild sedative, and as a spasm relieving herb. Because of these muscle relaxing, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, Chamomile can provide relief in a variety of common small animal disorders.

  • Choline is indicated as part of the therapy for dogs and cats with seizures or epilepsy. Choline appears to be effective in treating small animal cognitive dysfunction which manifests as senile behaviour.

  • Chondroitin sulfate is the major glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage. Any pet with degenerative joint disease and arthritis can benefit from treatment with chondroitin.