More and more people are turning to holistic health care for themselves, so it makes good sense for their animals as well. However, finding holistic veterinarians is not always straightforward.

Rather like the word ‘natural’, ‘holistic’ is now a fashionable word and used extensively, with and without any substance. 

In today's world, it's always best to be 'buyer beware'. Savvy people often are for everything except health care. That's curious, although perhaps understandable as health is so wrapped up in strong emotions and fear.

And because of this, corruption is rife.

The word ‘holistic’ comes from the word ‘whole’. In other words, instead of looking at a problem as a stand-alone, the whole of the patient is considered.

This means every part of the patient is examined for possible causes of the current health issue, as everything matters. Such as:

• diet
• lifestyle
• past treatments
• family dynamics
• the health of all family members
• past traumas
• the cat's role in the family

Everything must be examined for the possibility of a trigger. Everyone is different so responds in a different way. It is not possible to put beings into boxes and say THIS is the problem. It may well be part of the problem, but there will always be more.

Holistic veterinarians won't be doing any 'quick fixes'. They spend time assessing the patient and their life.

This means, drugs are used minimally, if at all, although that will depend on each vet and their level of training, experience and confidence.

The first thing most holistic vets will have you do is to ensure your cat eats a quality raw meat and bones diet. The right diet for the species is the cornerstone to everyone's health.

This means there won't be the usual floor to ceiling shelves laden with commercial cat food. They may have a freezer of raw meat and bones. Or they may refer you to a brand they recommend.

As the true holistic vets are more aware of the problem with the germ theory, they have no need to recommend vaccines.

You may be wondering about all the missed income opportunities the holistic vets have, without the lucrative commercial pet food and vaccine sales.

This is a vey real factor. Especially when you consider they may be paying back for their college education. However, true holistic vets have discovered a better way to help their patients.

Their income comes from their consultation fees, without sll the add-ons. You can see exactly what you're getting. 

There are as many different type of holistic veterinarians as there are different holistic modalities.

Some may use herbs exclusively. Some acupuncture. Some homeopathy.

You want to see their level of training in a certificate and in an association. This will help you avoid those who may not be truly holistic.

Training in any holistic modality takes time. Usually years.

Holistic associations need to approve the school and their courses.

You can search for 'holistic associations for homeopaths' or 'associations for holistic veterinarians' for example. Then read their policies. They normally list their members.

All these modalities are deep subjects which require constant study. This means, it's best to avoid those vets who offer a multitude of treatments. They may not be very well versed in any of them.

Having found an holistic veterinarian, make sure you talk to them first, before committing your animal to their care. Ask awkward questions. Find out what they do. You will soon get a feel for whether they really are holistic. And if you can work with them.

However, be respectful of their time.

Finally, be aware that holistic treatment for cats is not confined to veterinarians, although different countries have different laws on this.

Chiropractors, homeopaths, osteopaths and many others can all provide the necessary treatment to set your cat on the road to recovery.

While many therapies need to do hands-on work, homeopaths don't. This means you can have an online or telephone consultation with a homeopath to help your cat.

This is good news as there may not be an holistic veterinarian close to you.