Holistic cat health care involves copying Nature as much as we are able to, and giving her a helping hand, if needed.

Wild cats are very successful. They thrive all over the world, in all weather conditions. They can survive in arid areas of the world as well as the very cold areas. 

Their only need is a supply of suitable prey. Nothing else. Not even a supply of water.

This tells us a great deal. It tells us that they survive not just well, but extremely well, on the prey they hunt.

The prey that cats hunt and consume are small mammals, reptiles and birds. No fish.

They also consume their prey immediately.

All this translates as very fresh, raw meat, organs and bones. The blood is also consumed and it is the main liquid that hydrates them.

This supplies all their dietary needs to live healthy lives and raise healthy kittens.

No bag of kibble or can opener in sight.

Most supplements on the market are made from petro-chemicals in a laboratory. That isn't food. 

The good supplements come from food. So why not feed the food?

People get caught up with adding in taurine, omega 3 and other supplements, worrying about bone to meat ratio and getting the balance right.

Nature has already got that down pat. Duplicating the prey, as much as we can from what is available for us to purchase, is all that is required.

Of course, free range and organically reared animals are the best, not just from the cat's nutritional point of view, but from the farmed animal's point of view. But they are not necessary.

What is necessary is raw. Cooking meat alters the protein, kills taurine and essential enzymes.

And NEVER give a cat cooked bones. They become brittle and can lodge in places causing distress and harm. In contrast, raw bones are easily crushed by those lovely spiky teeth and digested in their strong stomach acid.

Of course, a healthy diet is not the only requirement in holistic cat health care. The environment is also important.

Cats love to run around and chase things, simulating their prey. They also need direct sunlight. And their paws on the earth. These are very nurturing.

Their other needs include:

• a stress free and loving home
• safe bolt holes to escape to, in the odd times of stress - visitors or noise (fireworks, thunder, etc)
• beds of their choosing where they can sleep their normal 20 odd hours a day
• a chemically clean home, garden
• a radiation free home - this is becoming more difficult but worth consideration to minimise for our own health as well
• clean litter 

Cats thrive on their natural diet. Rarely do they become sick. Their immunity is strong. You may not even need a veterinarian.

However, there can be times when trouble appears. Perhaps from a trauma, either physical or emotional, that a cat may find difficult to navigate.

This is where an holistic veterinarian or a homeopath can be invaluable.

Where mainstream veterinary care looks to suppress the symptoms of poor health, holistic care, especially homeopathy, looks to support the body. This can be like comparing chalk and cheese.

All healthy bodies have an innate knowledge of survival. However, being domesticated, your cat may not have access to all they need to help themselves.

We still need to support them in their hour of need, rather than suppressing their symptoms.

Most of our cats come from breeders or shelters.

Most are taken from their mothers at eight weeks or less, which can be very traumatic for both. However, that's not something you have any control over.

Most are vaccinated and have received the chemical treatment for fleas and worms. This means they come with a toxic load.

A loving, kind home, with the appropriate diet can undo that for many. The more sensitive may need help. Again, appropriate homeopathic support may be the best way.

Optimising holistic cat heath care will not only provide your cat with the potential of a long life, but also of a healthy, carefree one, too. It’s very satisfying to see your cat happy, healthy and enjoying life.

And it's easy on your wallet!