Homeopathy is particularly useful for any cat owner to use as first aid, either in the case of sudden injury or for minor ailments that perhaps do not require a visit to the vet.
Although for chronic or longer term illnesses the remedy should be suited to the personality of the individual cat, this is less important in the case of first aid. Here, certain remedies will usually suit a particular ailment, so prescribing is often easier for the cat owner. However, if there is a group of suitable remedies, then the best one will suit both the symptoms and the way in which the particular cat presents with them.
The owner should give the remedy until an improvement is seen, and then stop. Continuing after this point will have no effect.
It is a good idea to keep the following remedies to hand:
Aconite 30c, Arnica 30c, Arsenicum Album 30c, Belladonna 30c, Bryonia, 30c, Calendula 30c, Gelsemium 30c, Hepar Sulph 6c & 30c, Hypericum 200c, Ledum 6c, Lycopodium 30c, Nat Mur 30c, Nux Vom, 30c, Rhus Tox 6c, Silica 6c and 30c, Urtica 6c.
Also worth having are Arnica tincture and/or cream, Hypericum & Calendula tincture, and Rescue Remedy (one of the Bach Flower remedies)
All of these can be obtained from a good homeopathic pharmacy, and many of them from larger chemist shops. There is no difference between remedies used for people and animals in the case of homeopathy.
Aconite 30c – for fear and shock, so useful after most injuries.
Arnica 30c - for all forms of bruising and soft tissue damage. Arnica will also prevent infection following an injury. It can be given frequently; every 15 minutes if necessary, until an improvement is seen.
Calendula 30c – accelerates healing, so will help any wound to heal faster. Calendula tincture is useful too.
Hypericum 200c – for nerve injuries with severe pain. It is also good for puncture wounds.
Silica 6c – for puncture wounds.
Aconite 30c – the major remedy for shock.
Rescue Remedy – helps in any case of shock, fear etc.
Ledum 6c – wasp stings.
Urtica 6c – bee stings, also nettle stings and rashes.
Hypericum 200c - snakebites.
If serious, call your vet, but the following may help:
Aconite 30c – if cat is restless and agitated, especially following exposure to cold winds.
Belladonna 30c – cat is burning but with no thirst. Paws may be sweaty.
Bryonia 30c – Cat is immobile and aggravated by movement.
All of the above can be extremely useful. However, do not take any risks; if in any doubt, consult a vet.
Further Reading
Homoeopathy for a Healthier Cat, Mark Elliott and Tony Pinkus, Ainsworths, 1999.
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