Are you feeling overwhelmed by your beloved cat’s recent bout of illness? Are you trying to find natural and affordable ways to get them back to their normal self? Thankfully, there are plenty of at-home remedies available when it comes to treating common illnesses in cats. Our guide is here to help you learn more about the various options for keeping your pet healthy, happy, and safe! Keep reading for everything you need to know about home remedies for sick cats.
At Home Remedies
- Alleviate Upset Stomach: Seeing your cat vomit can certainly be a cause for concern. If your pet is diabetic, call your veterinarian to determine the best course of action. If their stomach or intestines are inflamed, you should withhold food for at least 12 hours, but ensure fresh water is available. Do not attempt to feed your cat after they vomit as this can make them feel worse. After 12 hours have passed, you can give them a small amount of bland food, such as canned tuna packed in water. If your cat has been vomiting during the fast, the bland food upsets their stomach, they have no interest in the meal, or are lethargic, you should take them to a veterinary clinic right away.
- Soothe Hot Spots: Hot spots can be painful and irritating to your pet. Hot spots are typically caused by an allergy or insect bite. If your cat continuously licks the sore spot, the trapped moisture can promote an overgrowth of bacteria. Take grooming clippers to remove the hair around the spot without getting too close to the skin. Gently cleanse the area with a damp, clean cloth or gauze pad. Apply an even ratio of water and apple cider vinegar or Domeboro’s solution two or three times a day. Do this by soaking a washcloth in the solution and applying it or spray the area with a spray bottle. Your cat will need to wear an Elizabethan collar or pet cone while the spot is healing, so they cannot lick the area and further irritate it.
- Combat Allergic Reactions: If your cat is displaying signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness, puffiness, or swelling, call your veterinarian to discuss what you can give your cat and the appropriate dosage to try to help. If your cat is having an allergic reaction to something that was applied to their skin and your cat allows it, you can give them a bath using a mild soap such as Dawn to remove the irritating substance from their skin. If the reaction does not improve or worsens within a few hours, take your cat to an animal hospital.
Before attempting to use these remedies, it’s best practice to call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for professional help if you’re stuck in a situation such as the ones mentioned above. If the remedies do not help or your cat’s condition worsens, take them to the veterinary clinic immediately.
