Support for Cat with Cancer
Written by: Dr. Jean Hofve, Holistic Veterinarian, DVM
Are there any cellular support supplements for cats?
Question:
My cat, Jenny, needs help with her cellular support. I took her to the vet and the x-ray was sent out to a radiologist to read. The vet I go to doesn't specialize in treatment, et cetera. Jenny doesn't seem to be in any discomfort and seems happy. I have exhausted all avenues of support. I started giving her flax seed oil in her food and that seems to help maintain her respiratory health. I can tell how she's breathing by watching the little black heart marking on her fur. She's a calico. Are there any cellular support supplements for cats? If you could give me any information regarding holistic approaches to support her health, I would greatly appreciate it.
Answer:
We are sorry you are facing such a tough diagnosis with your cat. We can give you some general recommendations for supplements to support the immune system and cellular support supplements, but for a thorough approach, we recommend that you contact a holistic veterinarian. Here are some basic suggestions:
Diet
Natural cat food is an important element to support your pet's overall health. (following recipes to insure complete nutrition).
Some guardians of finicky cats have had great success in using the natural cat food toppers over new cat food to entice them to eat canned or raw food when they are transitioning from dry food to a healthier food.
Supplements
Immune support supplements can feature a number of modalities, including medicinal mushrooms, antioxidants and herbs, like Cat’s Claw. These can sometimes be featured in the same formula, or could be given separately depending on your comfort with how you "pill" a cat.
Holistic Remedies
Some holistic and herbal supplements for cats, including tinctures based on the Essiac formula, can be supportive. Also consider adding 4-Life Transfer Factor, a powerful formula that supports a healthy immune system in all animals.
Other Considerations
Additionally, the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association will help you locate a holistic veterinarian in your area. If you cannot find a holistic veterinarian within reasonable driving distance of your home, many of them do phone consultations.
This list includes quite a few supplements, so please keep in mind that any supplements chosen should be added one at a time - each increased gradually over several days to watch for any reaction. Quality of life is an important factor, so if it becomes a struggle to get the any of the supplements administered to your cat, then it may be wise to reconsider their use.
