Holistic Remedies for the 10 Most Common Cat Health Problems

The 10 Most Overlooked Cat Health Problems + Holistic Remedies
Meet Cassian, my new cat. While he’s settling into our home, he already has a few health issues, and I’m focused on addressing them early to prevent anything serious down the road. In this post, I’ll walk you through the 10 most common cat health problems I’ve encountered in my practice, along with safe, natural remedies that I recommend for each.
So, let’s dive into some of the most overlooked health issues in cats and how we can treat them holistically.
1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common issues I see in older cats. By the time a cat reaches 10 years old, it’s estimated that one-third of cats over 13 will develop CKD. The challenge with kidney disease is that it’s not reversible—once about 75% of kidney function is gone, it’s difficult to recover. Prevention is key.
Prevention Tips:
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Diet: Feed your cat a low-phosphorus, high-moisture diet. Avoid dry kibble, especially those made with fish, as they tend to be high in phosphorus, which damages the kidneys.
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Vaccines: Minimize vaccines, as repeated vaccinations may contribute to kidney damage over time.
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Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, such as krill oil, are great for supporting kidney function. I also recommend calcium carbonate (ground eggshells) to bind excess phosphorus.
Cassian is on Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula, which helps maintain kidney health, along with our Omega-3 fatty acid supplement.
2. Dental Disease
Dental disease is another common problem, and even though Cassian’s gums are healthy, his breath isn’t great. Dental disease can lead to gum inflammation and more serious issues like tooth loss.
How to Help:
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Seaweed Supplements: I recommend a seaweed-based supplement (like Plaque Off or Cleansin) to help reduce bacteria in the mouth and improve oral health.
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Probiotics: Adding a good multistrain probiotic like Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Probiotic Formula can help improve the oral microbiome and reduce dental disease.
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Licky Mat: This bowl encourages your cat to lick its food, helping remove bacteria from their tongue and improving breath.
I’m starting Cassian on probiotics and using the Licky Mat to help with his bad breath.
3. Internal and External Parasites
Parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, fleas, and ticks are common in cats. But don’t worry—there are natural solutions.
How to Control Parasites:
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Diatomaceous Earth: This is a fantastic natural remedy for fleas. Sprinkle it around your home and on your cat’s coat. It works by dehydrating and killing fleas without chemicals.
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Pumpkin Seeds: Ground pumpkin seeds contain curcubitacin, which is effective against internal parasites. Add about 1/4 tsp per 10lbs of body weight to your cat’s food for seven days to act as a natural dewormer.
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Catnip Oil: Catnip oil is a safe, natural insect repellent. I use it on Cassian to keep fleas away, and it’s great for cats who spend time outdoors.

4. Feline Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
Urinary tract disease is a significant concern for many cats, especially with stress and improper diet being major triggers. This condition is often caused by bladder inflammation rather than bacterial infections.
Prevention Tips:
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Eliminate Kibble: Dry kibble is very moisture-depleted and can cause urinary problems. Switching to high-protein, moisture-rich canned food is crucial.
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Supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin can help reduce bladder inflammation and support the bladder wall.
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CBD: Consider adding CBD oil to help reduce stress and inflammation. I recommend Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD Formula for cats.
5. Gastrointestinal Problems
Vomiting, diarrhea, and hairballs are common in cats. Feeding them the right food is the first step in preventing these issues.
How to Help:
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High-Protein Diet: Feeding your cat a high-protein, moisture-rich diet is key to avoiding gastrointestinal issues.
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Flax Seeds: Add ground flax seeds to your cat’s food to help with hairballs and digestion.
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Slippery Elm: This herb is fantastic for gastrointestinal issues, whether it’s diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation. Slippery elm is safe and effective for most cats.
6. Chronic Respiratory Disease
Upper respiratory infections, often viral (like feline herpesvirus), are common, and many cats suffer from chronic congestion or sneezing.
How to Help:
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Honey: A simple remedy for respiratory issues is honey. It’s an antibacterial, antiviral agent that helps soothe the throat and respiratory tract.
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Propolis: Propolis, a product from honeybees, has excellent antibacterial and antiviral properties and can help relieve symptoms.
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Lysine: Lysine is an amino acid that helps control the herpesvirus, which can cause recurrent infections.
7. Managing Weight & Obesity
Cassian is on the heavier side, and I’m doing everything I can to manage his weight.
Tips for Weight Management:
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Eliminate Carbs: Dry kibble is often packed with carbohydrates that contribute to weight gain. Switch to a high-protein, moisture-rich diet.
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Increase Activity: We’ve taught Cassian to fetch! It’s helping him stay active and trim.
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Supplements: Consider adding green tea (to boost metabolism) or colostrum (to increase muscle mass).
8. Diabetes Prevention
Diabetes is a serious concern for many cats, particularly those on high-carb diets.
How to Prevent Diabetes:
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No More Kibble: Dry food is high in carbs and is the leading cause of diabetes in cats.
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Chromium Supplements: Adding brewer’s yeast can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes.
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Probiotics: Good probiotics help restore gut health, which can improve insulin sensitivity.
9. Liver Disease
Liver disease, especially hepatic lipidosis, is common in cats and can be life-threatening.
How to Help:
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Healthy Diet: A high-protein, moisture-rich diet helps prevent fatty liver disease.
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Milk Thistle: Milk thistle is excellent for liver health, helping detoxify and regenerate liver cells.

10. Cancer
Sadly, cancer is on the rise in cats. The good news is that there are steps we can take to reduce the risk.
How to Prevent Cancer:
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Minimize Vaccines: Excessive vaccinations can contribute to immune system problems. Follow a minimal vaccine protocol.
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Avoid Toxins: Avoid flea and tick medications unless necessary. Cats groom themselves excessively and ingest whatever you apply to their fur.
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Supplements: Consider colostrum to support the immune system and medicinal mushrooms like turkey tail to fight cancer.
In Conclusion
Taking small, proactive steps can go a long way in preventing these common cat health problems. By making simple changes to your cat’s diet, introducing natural supplements, and minimizing stressors, you’ll help keep your furry friend healthy for years to come.
Thanks for watching, and remember, Cassian and I are here to guide you through these important changes. If you have any questions, be sure to reach out, and make sure to subscribe for more tips on keeping your pets healthy!
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