Home Remedies for Cats

There are different types of cat ear infections. The most common types are infections of the external ear canal and infections of the middle ear. If left untreated, ear infections can lead to more serious problems such as loss of hearing and neurological problems. However, with prompt treatment ear infections can be treated successfully.

Ear infections in cats can be caused by a variety of factors but most are caused by bacteria or yeast. Earwax, debris or parasites can become trapped in the cat’s ear and can also lead to ear infections as can improper cleaning.

Treatment

Like for humans ear infections in cats need to be properly diagnosed. Treatment will largely depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the infection. Conventional medications to treat the symptoms include antibiotics or antifungal drugs. In more severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary.

Home remedies for cats can bring relief from the symptoms and help maintain ear health. Herbs like rosemary, marigold and mullein have been proven to be beneficial in the treatment of ear infections. They can help to keep the ear clean and soothe any itching.

Whatever medication you use, daily cleaning your cat’s ears for at least one week is a must. Use a cotton ball rather than Q-tips to avoid damage to the inner ear. Also avoid cleaning solutions that contain fragrances and dyes as these can be an irritating. Use an alcohol-free and non-toxic solutions instead. Diluted tea tree oil is a good option.

If the infection is caused by ear mites, follow the procedures outlined in Home Remedies for Cats with Ear Mites. For cankers use one of the treatments described in Home Remedies for Cats with Cankers.

A canker is a fungal disease of woody plants. Weeds and other organic substances that enter the ear combined with moisture can result in an ear canker.  It causes inflammation and infection in the ear and auditory canal. Canker infections can produce a foul smell and a darkish discharge that emanates from the ear. Like ear mites, this infection causes cats pain and irritation.

Natural remedies are highly beneficial for treating cankers and maintaining ear health in cats. They are safe to use and have no side effects. Herbs such as rosemary, marigold and mullein combined with tea tree essential oil keep the ear canals clear and free of blockages, soothe itching and maintain the normal balance of flora in the ears. There a some ready-made natural remedies available that contain these herbal ingredients such as Ear Dr. from PetAlive.

It is equally possible to make your own natural canker remedies. If the canker is due to a simple infection, clean your cat’s ears internally with a solution of apple cider vinegar and warm water. Mix half a teaspoon of the vinegar with three teaspoons of water. Soak a cotton ball  in the liquid and apply to the inside of the ear, three times during the day. Alternatively, wash the ears three times daily with a witch hazel extract, four drops diluted in a tisane of horehound.

Remove as much as possible of the built-up dark brown matter. Avoid Q-tips for cleaning as they may cause damage to the ear. After cleaning mix 10 drops of lavender essential oil with one teaspoon of almond oil and add six drops of Swedish bitters. Warm the mix slightly until it has reached a tepid temperature and administer four drops into your cat’s ear. Gently massage the area around ear for a few moments afterwards.

Treat the condition during the day and make sure that in the evening you give the ears a good clean out with dry cotton wool until the inside ear is as moisture free as possible. You can also use a hairdryer on low heat to speed up the drying process. Leave the ears dry over night and resume treatment in the morning.

These home remedies for cats will bring speedy relief from the symptoms and cure the condition. If your cat is suffering from ear mites, please read the post on Home Remedies for Cats with Ear Mites.

Like humans, can can suffer from high blood pressure. Hypertension occurs as a result of the narrowing of the arteries. It is often caused by an underlying disease such as hyperthyroidism, chronic renal failure or diabetes. Common symptoms of high blood pressure in cats include dilated pupils, swollen kidneys, disorientation, seizures, a palpable thyroid gland, bloody urine or heart murmurs.

Natural remedies for cats have been proven to be highly effective in balancing blood pressure. They can effectively support your cat’s overall health and wellbeing.

Treatment

Commonly prescribed medications for high blood pressure in cats include beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers.

Natural remedies for cats with homoeopathic ingredients like hawthorn, arnica montana, kalium phosphate and calcium fluoride also support a healthy blood pressure. Hawthorn is a well-known heart tonic. It also has strong antioxidant properties to support artery health and strength. Arnica is an effective ingredient for supporting heart health, especially in elderly cats. Kalium phoshate is a tissue salt and can help to maintain a regular heart beat and blood pressure whereas calcium flouride has excellent toning properties and supports the flexibility and elasticity of the veins and arteries of the circulatory system.

All these ingredients can be found in a ready-made natural remedy for cats with hypertension from PetAlive. Regular use of Heart and Circulation Tonic will improve the heart, support a healthy circulation and strong blood vessels.

Diet and lifetstyle

To further support a healthy blood pressure, feed your cat high quality food free of preservatives, colourants and additives. Also reduce your cat’s salt intake by feeding a low sodium diet.
Ensure your cat gets regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight which in turn is beneficial for lowering the blood pressure to normal levels.

Natural remedies and a healthy lifestyle can make a real difference in normalising your cat’s blood pressure the natural way.

Natural remedies for cats with acne have an excellent record in the maintenance of skin health and are well worth trying.

Feline acne manifests itself as red papules or blackheads on the chin and lip. The exact cause of the acne is unknown but it is widely assumed that the oil glands produce excessive amounts of oil which cause the pores in the skin to become clogged.

Acne affected areas can get infected and subsequently become itchy and painful. In some cases, hair loss and loss of pigmentation also occurs.

Treatment

There are a number of conventional treatments similar to treating human acne such topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide ointments or washes, antibiotics and steroids. All of them have side effects. Natural remedies for cats are a safer alternative.

Herbs like horsetail, stinging nettle and dandelion as well as nutrients such as bladderwrack and spirulina have been proven to be beneficial.
To make your own natural remedies for cats with acne prepare a stinging nettle and horsetail tisane and give six dropperfuls daily. Horsetail is in high silica which is essential for healthy skin, bones, claws and fur. Also give one dropperful of honey and apple cider vinegar.

Apply horseraddish vinegar directly onto the affected area and wipe off with a clean cloth after 10 minutes.

Alternatively, give a dandelion infusion before feeding, one dropperful in the morning and one at lunchtime. Dandelion is a source of vitamin A, D, C, various B vitamins, iron, lecithin, silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese. It has the ability to soothe the skin.

Combine this remedy with a stinging nettle tisane. Give one dropperful three times daily and apply a marigold tincture to the acne area twice daily.

If you prefer to buy ready-made natural remedies for cats, Skin and Coat Tonic from PetAlive is a remedy containing a combination of benficial herbs like horsetail and dandelion as well as spirulina, bladderwrack and kali sulph.

Spirulina is a single celled sea algae. It contains protein, vitamins including vitamin B12, folic acid and carotenoids and supports the immune system and liver function.

Bladderwrack, a sea vegetable, is a concentrated source of minerals like iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. Regular use supports a healthy skin and coat.

Kali sulph is a tissue salt which helps to maintain balance in the skin and the underlying tissue and supports a healthy skin and shiny coat.

Skin care

Avoid squeezing blackhead sand pustules as this may increase the chances of infection and could make the break-out worse. Instead, a warm compress can help to unblock any clogged pores. Simply use a warm cloth and hold it to your cat’s chin for a couple of minutes until the cloth is cool.

When the acne has subsided, wash your cat’s chin daily either with a warm tisane of antiseptic herbs such as golden rod, horseraddish leaves, marigold, nasturtium, thyme or watercress or with warm water and a mild antibacterial but unfragranced soap to avoid more irritation of the skin.

Epsom salts can also be used as an initial cleanser followed by a natural antibacterial cleanser.

Diet

Feed herbal supplements such as finely shredded watercress and combine chopped fresh dandelion roots, leaves and stems with meat.

These natural remedies for cats with acne will help you to effectively control and eradicate feline acne.

Home remedies for cats with flu can help your cat recover more quickly from the condition.

Feline flu is a viral infection of  the upper respiratory tract but can also infect the bronchi and lungs. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted directly through sneezing and the secretion of body fluids. Feline flu can also be spread indirectly on food bowls, bedding, litter boxes and grooming brushes etc.

Common symptoms include sneezing, runny eyes or nose, fever and mouth or tongue ulcers.

Cats who have had feline flu will be lifetime carriers of the virus. Therefore vaccinations against feline flu are essential as without them, your cat may contract pneumonia which can be fatal.

Treatment

Although the infection cannot be cured, conventional treatment typically involves medications such as antibiotics or eye drops. In severe cases if your cat experiences eating or drinking difficulties, force feeding or intravenous therapy may be required.

There are several ways to control the symptoms of feline flu and home remedies for cats with flu can play an important role in relieving symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and promoting quicker recovery in a gentle, safe manner.

Homoeopathic home remedies for cats with ingredients such as borax, phosphorus and pulsatilla promote respiratory health and boost the immune system. They are completely safe for kittens, pregnant and senior cats without any harmful side effects.

Borax is a mineral which beneficial for mouth ulcers and cold sores. Phosphorus, commonly known as calcium phosphate, is used for severe coughs and a sore throat, whereas pulsatilla helps to cure weepy eyes, cough and colds, congested catarrh and a blocked nose.

If you want to buy ready-made natural remedies, FCV Protect from Pet Alive is a good choice. It relieves symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion and watery eyes. It contains the above mentioned ingredients and comes in granule form. Simply sprinkle on the back of your cat’s tongue. For more information on how to administer home remedies to cats click the link.

FeliSafe is a homeopathic remedy to relieve cat flu symptoms such as feline sneezing, nasal congestion and watery eyes. It will also help protect your cat’s immune system when fighting viral infections, alleviate nausea and vomiting and restore normal appetite. It increases levels of iron in the blood and improves rehydration.

Alternatively, if your cat is suffering form eye and nasal discharge, use salt water to wipe it away meticulously. Also give your cat a chamomile steam bath to help relieve any nasal congestion or let your cat inhale the steam from your bath or shower.

For a steam bath put your cat into a mesh cage and suspend about 1m above a bowl of hot water with the herbal infusion. Throw a large heavy towel over the top of the cage that covers all sides and prevents vapours from escaping. Finish the treatment after 10 minutes.

Diet

To help your cat recover feed high quality commercial food or, even better, a natural diet without any preservatives, additives or colourants. To overcome loss of appetite, feed your cat strong smelling foods, e.g. fish in small amounts.

Ensure that fresh, clean drinking water is always available and encourage your cat to drink regularly.

Also make sure the sleeping place is comfortable and warm, but well ventilated. Keep this area as clean as possible and clean the litter box and food bowls regularly.

These measures, together with the home remedies for cats with flu discussed above, will help your cat to make a speedy recovery.

Cats often induce vomiting by eating couchgrass and other herbs. This is nothing to worry about as they are only using a natural cleansing method and getting rid of excess bile, mucus and other impurities. However, continual or acute vomiting can be dangerous for your cat and should be treated. Home remedies for cats are perfectly suited to cure the problem.

The most common cause of acute vomiting is a diet. Your cat may eat something that does not agree with them or they may not be used to certain foods. Cats may also vomit as a result of hairballs. There are other possible causes such as swallowing a foreign object or travelling in a car.

Treatment

Find out what the likely cause of vomiting is, i.e. whether the problem originates from the stomach or not. If coughing is the cause, your cat may have swallowed a foreign object and you will need to seek help from a vet.

Conventional medication for vomiting includes antiemetics, antibiotics and corticosteroids. They may relieve the symptoms but come with side effects. Some of these drugs can cause digestion problems and immunosuppressants can lower resistance to illness. Home remedies for cats are a natural alternative. They can help to restore digestive comfort and help prevent vomiting.

To treat your cat naturally, put it on half day fast to start with, but still giving fluids. This will allow the system to clean out. Then feed a bland diet of boiled chicken or meat and rice or potato in small amounts. Gradually return to normal meals. This may often be enough if food is the cause of vomiting.

If the vomiting is due to food poisoning give half a dropperful of apple cider vinegar mixed with water in regular intervals, every 10 minutes, until the symptoms disappear.

To prevent vomiting in future, gradually reduce commercial foods and replace them with fresh, raw, unprocessed foods. Make sure though you never change your cat’s diet suddenly as this will lead to stomach upsets.

Certain herbs have proven to be particularly beneficial to prevent vomiting. Slippery elm, marshmallow and mint have been used for centuries as digestive aids. Licorice is an excellent tonic and helps to soothe the lining of the digestive tract. You can add small amounts to your cat’s food.

For continuous vomiting prepare a soothing tisane (herbal tea) of gentian and sage. To make the tisane use one teaspoon of each herb and 200 ml of boiling water. Let the herbs soak for one minute and then administer by dropper, one dropperful four times a day. This will usually calm the vomiting very quickly. If your cat is agitated add a teaspoon of skullcap to the mix.

If the vomiting is severe, take a handful of spearmint, a teaspoon of cloves, cinnamon and rhubarb and pour 500ml of boiling water over the mix. Let it cool down and sweeten with a teaspoon of honey before you administer six dropperfuls every 20 minutes.

If travelling is the cause of vomiting homoeopathic remedies such as kalium phosphate, aconite, cocculus and pulsatilla vulgaris may help. They are tissue salts and well known for their ability keep the stomach calm during travelling and prevent motion sickness.

Pet Alive offers a ready-made remedy with these ingredients. Easy Travel Solution supports your cat’s digestive system during air, sea, or car travel.

Inflammation is not a life threatening condition and there are many home remedies for cats with inflammation which are effective in dealing with its symptoms.

Inflammation  manifests as swellings of parts of your cat’s body. It may occur as a result of injury or an allergy. It can also be caused by scrapes, cuts, burns, abrasions and bruising. The severity varies and depends on the cause. Inflammation can reach from redness of the skin due to a flea allergy, insect sting or dermatitis to more severe swelling of the limbs and joints. The areas most commonly affected by swelling of include the limbs, joints, skin, lymph glands and internal organs.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Conventional medications commonly used to minimise swelling include antihistamines for swellings caused by allergies or arthritis medication.

Home remedies for cats have long been used to address inflammation of skin tissues and body parts. For example, a poultice of wood avens applied to wounds will quickly reduce inflammation and a tisane of the same herb mixed with marigold tisane will cure inflammation of the intestines. Give three dropperfuls, six times a day.

Chamomile is  beneficial for internal and external inflammations. A pillow filled with warm chamomile and applied to areas of inflammation and pain will bring relief. Inflamed eyelids are effectively treated by washing the eyes with a chamomile tisane and a chamomile compress applied to the eye. For internal inflammations a tisane (herbal tea) can be given, either mixed in food or drinking water or administered directly by dropper.

Catnip used in tisanes, infusions and tinctures will heal internal inflammations. A tisane of lady’s mantle should be given for inflammation of the abdomen whereas a tisane of club moss will bring relief in cases of inflammation of the testes.

Inflammation of the ear can be treated with a horsetail compress enriched with lavender oil. Inflammations of the mouth and gums can be cured with a horsetail tisane.

A cowslip tisane is of great value in treating inflammation of the heart muscle.

A corn silk tisane is an excellent remedy for inflammation of the kidneys. Give one dropperful every three hours until the condition improves; thereafter reduce to four times a day.

For chronic inflammation of the liver give a tisane of dandelion roots, speedwell, greater celandine, common club moss, wild chicory flowers and woodruff. Give four dropperfuls, six times daily.

For inflammation of the throat a cold infused mallow tisane is perfect to wash the throat several times per day until the symptoms. A poultice of mallow mixed with barley flower can be applied to the throat overnight. A mallow tisane is also particularly helpful for inflammations of the mucus membranes of the bladder, mouth, stomach and intestines.

A marigold tincture is excellent for swelling of the tongue. Dilute it and apply it as a compress. Swellings of the eye can be treated with a marigold tisane. Use it for washings of the eye.

The Chinese herb huang qi is an excellent anti-inflammatory herb and effectively promotes the healing of wounds and injuries.

Echinacea also reduces inflammation and arnica is a highly respected ingredient in homoeopathic medicine which has powerful anti-inflammatory and tissue healing properties.

Diet

Ensure your cat maintains a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the lower limbs and joints. To help reducing swelling feed you cat a healthy, low sodium diet. Encourage your cat to drink plenty of fluids to keep her skin cool, particularly in hot weather.

Home remedies for cats with inflammation are a safe choice and unlike conventional medication will be free of side effects.

Home remedies for cats come in a variety of forms. There are freshly chopped, dried or powdered loose herbs, liquids such as teas and tinctures, tablets or capsules as well as externally applied remedies in compresses and poultices. As most cat owners will know, the challenge is to get your cat to take its medication as cats are not very co-operative. But with the right technique you can outwit moggie and successfully administer all forms of home remedies for cats.

Solid remedies

The easiest home remedies for cats to administer are chopped, minced and grated fresh or dried herbs, powders, capsules and pills. They can be mixed into food. To make them completely go unnoticed, hide them in strongly flavoured foods such as fish or pate. Sticky foods like honey also work very well. For some conditions powders can also be mixed with water or tea to make a paste to be applied externally.

Administering tablets and capsules directly is slightly more challenging and may require some practice. It is easier to give your cat a tablet or capsule if you place the cat on a table. Then grasp the head from above, at the corners of the mouth where the jaws meet, and with one hand, tilt the head back and open the mouth wide by pushing on the lower jaw with your forefinger and pulling it down.

Place the pill in quickly at the back of the mouth, close it and keep it closed until your cat has swallowed the pill. To facilitate this gently stroke its throat to activate the swallowing reflex. To make the whole procedure less traumatic, you could offer your cat a treat after the treatment and praise it for its co-operation.

Liquid remedies

Some liquid home remedies for cats present more of a challenge than others. Herbal teas and tinctures are easy to give as they can simply be added to your cat’s food or drinking water. You have to be careful with the amount though. Don’t overdo it or your cat will notice and not touch it.  Another way to give liquid remedies is to fill them into capsules which can then be given directly or hidden in food. However, this is not an easy process.

If your cat does not accept liquid remedies in food or drinking water you will have to learn how to administer liquids directly. There is a special technique which will enable you to do this successfully but it may require some practice.

The correct way to administer liquid home remedies for cats is to grab your cat by the scruff of the neck and tilt the neck backwards so that the mouth opens. You then have to make a pouch with the lower lip and squirt the liquid alongside the lower back teeth and onto the back of the tongue.

Make sure that the cat swallows after each squirt. Some cats hate this and may salivate a lot during the procedure, so by emptying the medicine onto the back of the tongue most of it will be swallowed.

Some liquid home remedies for cats can also be administered by ear using a dropper. This works well for teas and tinctures. The liquid should be at body temperature. It helps if your cat is lying on its side for this procedure. Once you have poured the liquid into the ear, close the ear and massage it. Keep your cat quiet as long as possible. Don’t worry if the cat shakes its head. Any liquid in the ear canal will gradually be absorbed by the body.

If your cat puts up strong resistance to being given liquids and pills in the manner described above, wrap a large towel or blanket firmly around the cat’s body but let the head stick out at the top. Talk to your cat to re-assure and calm it and administer the medication.

External remedies

Some home remedies for cats such as poultices and compresses are administered externally. This is relatively easy to do. Poultices are wet herbal packs of fresh, mashed herbs which are applied cold to the affected part of the body. Place a bandage, muslin or cheesecloth over them to hold the poultice in place. To prevent liquid seeping through and staining fabrics you can apply an outer layer of plastic wrapping.  If you cannot apply the poultice this way, hold the poultice in place by hand for as long as your will cat let you.

A compress is similar to a poultice but uses cold herbal tea or diluted tincture on a cloth instead of solid herbal matter. Simply saturate the fabric with liquid and apply to the affected area like a poultice. You can hold the compress in place using the same techniques as for a poultice.

By practising the above techniques you should soon be able to administer a variety of home remedies for cats with confidence.

Like humans, cats may also suffer from dandruff. Dandruff shows as little white specks on the cat’s coat and develops when loose dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin flake off and get caught in the cat’s fur. Dandruff can cause a cat’s coat to appear unsightly and unhealthy. Fortunately there are many home remedies for cats with dandruff which can be used to cure the condition.

Dandruff may be caused by a variety of factors such as sensitivity to a fungus that is present on the scalp, fungal infections, over-active or clogged oil glands the skin which can get very dry and produce dry flakes. Stress or a weakened immune system may also be the cause. Environmental conditions like cold weather or a dry environment are also known to trigger dandruff. Lastly, dandruff may also result from food allergies or intolerances and excessive washing of your cat may also result in flaky, dry skin.

Treatment will depend on the cause of the dandruff. Conventional treatment often involve topical creams. Be aware though that these treatments may have side effects. One word of advice, never use human moisturising lotions on your cat’s skin as they contain chemicals that can irritate your cat’s skin.

A balanced diet is one of the most effective home remedies for cats with dandruff.  As dandruff may be the result of food allergies or intolerances, feed your cat fresh, raw food without artificial additives rather than processed food. However, make sure you do not change the diet suddenly as this may cause an imbalance of natural oils and consequently a dry, flaky skin.

Supplementing your cat’s diet with omega-3 oils or adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the food a few times a week can help the skin and condition of the fur by stimulating natural oils in the skin. Vitamin A also helps to maintain healthy skin. Carrots, squash and sweet potatoes are excellent sources and can be grated into your cat’s food.

Herbal remedies will also help to keep your cat’s skin healthy and nourished as they support the natural oil production of the skin. Herbs such as horsetail and dandelion act as an effective tissue tonic and keep the skin hydrated. These and bladderwrack, a sea vegetable used in supplements, can be found in ready-made natural remedies for cats with dandruff that you can buy such as Skin and Coat Tonic from PetAlive.

One of the easiest home remedies for cats with dandruff is regular combing. It will not cure the condition but will remove flaky skin cells from the coat and stimulate circulation of blood in the skin. Brush your cat regularly, but gently to loosen dry skin cells and dandruff flakes.

Dry your cat thoroughly after washing, as shampoo residue can dry on the skin and cause flaky skin and dandruff. If you wash or bathe your cat regularly, reduce the frequency. Bathing removes skin oils and can make the skin scaly. The production of natural oils in the skin is disrupted to counteract the dry skin caused by frequent washes and oil glands start producing too much oil.

If your cat is prone to dandruff, avoid keeping your cat in very cold and dry environments. Humidity in a room can be controlled by installing humidifiers.

These natural remedies for cats with dandruff will rid your cat of dandruff in an effective manner.

Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin and is very uncomfortable for your cat. Symptoms typically include persistent scratching which may lead to lesions, constant licking of a particular area, the appearance of a red, painful-looking sores, often overnight or scaly, rough or oozing areas on the skin, usually accompanied by hair loss. There are various types of dermatitis such as:

• Flea-bite dermatitis
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Autosensitization dermatitis
• Pyotraumatic dermatitis (also known as hot spots)
• Notoedric mange

Conventional medication for dermatitis includes corticosteroids and oral antibiotics to calm the itching and inflammation. However, these medications may have side effects. Home remedies for cats offer an effective alternative for the treatment of dermatitis. There are many herbal and homoeopathic remedies which will lessen inflammation and soothe itchy skin.

Home remedies for cats with flea bite dermatitis

If your cat’s dermatitis results from flea bites, you should take action to rid the home of fleas as flea bite dermatitis is caused by flea saliva residue on your cat’s skin.

To treat the condition, give a tisane (herbal tea) of thyme and stinging nettle, three dropperfuls four times daily. To make the tisane pour 200ml of hot water over one teaspoon of the mixed dried herbs and let it brew for no more than two minutes.

Also give ¼ of a teaspoon of fresh speedwell juice mixed with ¼ of a teaspoon of honey and apple cider vinegar in a dropper, morning and evening. Rub nasturtium tincture into the affected area. If skin lesions are present follow the instructions below.

Home remedies for cats with pyotraumatic dermatitis

‘Hot spots’ need prompt attention to prevent infection. Hot spots are red, moist, hairless skin lesions. They can appear suddenly, and grow rapidly. Redness, oozing, pain, and itchiness are common signs of a hot spot. Hair loss is also common.

The first treatment for hot spots is to get air to the area and dry them out. Although air loss is a feature of hot spots, hair can also mat over the inflamed area, covering up a potentially much more severe and large problem, so shave the area and then cleanse with a herbal solution of German chamomile and water. The apply a cool compress of black or green tea teabags 2-4 times a day to dry out the area. Alternatively, apply bruised plantain leaves as a compress and then treat the area with some marigold ointment. Marigold is an effective natural remedy to soothe itchiness.

If you prefer to buy ready-made natural remedies Allergy Itch Ease from Pet Alive will help. It relieves and soothes skin itch and allergies, stops scratching and calms your cat. It comes in dissoluble granule form and is easily administered by sprinkling into the mouth or mixed with a small amount of wet food. Initially, give one dose every 30 minutes for up to ten doses, thereafter, one pinch three times daily.

Hot spots are made worse by biting, licking, or scratching. An Elizabethan collar is therefore helpful to prevent your cat from scratching and licking itself. To make one yourself, simply cut out ¾ of a circle of cardboard, fit it around your cat’s neck and fasten with sticky tape.

Home remedies for cats with atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is caused by allergens. Cats develop dermatitis if the skin is hypersensitive to allergens present in the environment. Although the allergens differ, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis are similar and include wheezing, asthma, and very dry skin. Cats suffering from atopic dermatitis develop skin rash or redness. Inflammation of the ears can also occur. Cats will frequently paw her face or rub it against a surface due to the itchiness. Some cats will also develop skin lesions after excessively scratching affected areas. Cats suffering from inhaled allergies often exhibit a runny nose. The symptoms of atopic dermatitis may appear seasonally or when pollen levels are high.

To treat the condition, eliminate the suspected allergens from the cat’s environment. Keep your cat’s bedding clean. Routine grooming and flea control measures are also beneficial. An Oatmeal and aloe vera conditioner can help to soothe itchy skin. Recent studies have established that Omega 3 fatty acid supplements may be beneficial for cats. They will improve your cat’s skin and fur and reduce the immune reaction to certain allergens. Give for a few weeks and check the results.

Home remedies for cats with other types of dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by hypersensitivity of your cat to allergens such as bleach, fertilizers, carpet cleaners and flea collars. Avoid exposing your cat to irritants.

Autosensitization dermatitis is an itchy rash that occurs in response to inflammation somewhere else on the body, especially fungal infections.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder in which the sebaceous glands produce an excessive amount of sebum, i.e. the oily fluid that keeps the skin and hair moisturised. It typically affects the back, face and flanks and manifests as yellow, greasy scales like dandruff on the skin. There are two types of seborrhea; dry and oily.

The condition may be caused by a variety of factors e.g. thyroid disease, allergies, parasites, fungal infections. Treatment is aimed at the underlying cause. For allergies, parasites and fungal infections please follow the instructions above. For treating thyroid problems, read the article on Home Remedies for Cats with Hyperthyroidism.

Notoedric mange is caused by a mite infection of the skin and typically affects the ears, face, and neck. To treat the condition, follow the instructions in Home Remedies for Cats with Ear Mites.