Holistic veterinarians explained to cats

In this article, we answer some frequently asked questions about holistic vets, including the cost of holistic vets and how holistic vets treat cat cancer.

Have you ever wondered what a holistic cat vet is? Have you walked into a holistic clinic and were curious about the treatments and methods they use? Then this article is for you!

We all want the best for our tender cats (including the hairless types – we’re seeing you!) making sure they have loads of love and attention. We buy them toys and candy to enrich their lives. We also make sure to find a great vet for routine care and emergencies.

So you may have wondered what role a holistic vet plays in cat care, and whether this is the right choice for you and your fur friend.

In this article, we will answer some common questions about holistic vets.

Holistic vets for cats explained

• Holistic medicine is often seen as a “preventive” approach to pet health, choosing to favor alternative treatments first and using invasive treatments as a last resort.
• You can find comprehensive veterinarians by searching AHVMA database.
• Your vet’s inclusive rates can vary but should be considered an investment in the longevity of your pet’s health.
• Holistic vets are often open to discounted vaccination protocols.
• Comprehensive cancer treatments are offered by many practices and have had some success with young animals.

Let’s start by understanding more about what the term “holistic” actually means.

What is the difference between traditional and holistic vets?

As we all know, veterinarians are specially trained doctors who treat animals of all shapes and sizes.

All licensed veterinarians receive the same training over several years, using the most proven and scientifically supported research to understand animal anatomy, behaviour, disease and treatments. This is known as “traditional” medicine.

The vast majority of vet practices use these methods, and urgent medical attention usually includes these traditional practices to save a pet’s life.

But after completing their training, some veterinarians They decide to specialize or hone their treatments towards a specific area. One of these areas is quickly becoming known as “holistic medicine”.

Holistic medicine is often thought of as A ‘preventive’ and ‘natural’ approach to pet health. This means that they often take the approach of avoiding medications, antibiotics, and surgeries where they can.

This is because they aim to address the root cause of your pet’s problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. This often means choosing to focus instead Use of less “traditional” practices such as:

• Acupuncture
• Herbal remedy
• aromatherapy
• Chiropractic practice
• Natural treatment
• Nutrition and lifestyle changes
• Supplements
• message
• Behavioral coaching and assistance

Medications, vaccinations, surgery and other conventional treatment options may be essential in your cat’s life and cannot be avoided – such as vaccinations.

For this reason, a lot of holistic vets are “integrated,” meaning It mixes traditional and less traditional practices.

But some owners are now deciding to turn to holistic vets as their first choice for routine care. So what does that look like for cat owners like us?

What is a holistic vet for cats?

A comprehensive vet visit is a lot like a ‘regular’ vet visit., so you can be sure that you won’t feel out of place or uncomfortable. A major benefit is that some holistic practices focus on a specific species, so your cat may not have to deal with any unruly dogs nearby.

At most first appointments, a thorough veterinarian will examine your cat and discuss any issues it may have, or just assess your cat’s general condition.

They may ask you to bring a stool or urine sample with you, as well as take blood from your cat to get an overall picture of their health. They will then do the usual checkups – looking at your teeth, gums, ears, and eyes.

They may also have a feel for your kitty’s body to check for digestive issues, lumps, lumps, or muscle issues.

One thing might be different?

Many college vets have lost the stainless steel examination table which can be very cumbersome for many cats. Alternatively, they may have a more suitable examination room to keep your cat calm and happy. With comfortable beds and even some toys.

Many owners report it Comprehensive vet appointments are much longer than traditional appointmentsallowing them to fully understand your cat and its history with you.

They may also make recommendations that you may not be familiar with, Such as adding herbs or supplements to your cat’s diet, changing their diet to a raw or grain-free one, or adding more enrichment to your cat’s day.

For example, a holistic veterinarian may treat cat fleas using natural remedies, management methods, and prevention—instead of traditional medications.

Do holistic vets offer cat vaccinations?

As parents of pets, we are used to going to the vet to keep these vaccinations up to date. It’s something we did routinely to allow Yoda to travel with us. But since our journey with Yoda’s Cancer, Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (Fiss), we’ve learned more about vaccinations and what they can mean for the health of our kitties.

Vaccinations are very important (and are legally required!), but there has been some debate in the pet community about potential over-vaccination negatively impacting the health of our fur babies.

This led the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) to review Vaccination Instructions, to point out that cats should be evaluated on an individual risk basis, rather than continually revaccinated. This helps address the balance between global safety and risk reduction for vaccines.

Do holistic vets offer cat vaccinations? Yes – they do! Like we said, some vaccinations are necessary to keep your cat healthy.

But what you may find is that holistic vets are often interested in finding the fewest vaccinations needed to keep your cat safe – Especially their lifestyle and needs. It’s often a mutual discussion, and you can ask about their vaccination policy when looking for a clinic to determine if it’s right for you.

Can you treat cat cancer with a holistic vet?

Traditionally, cancer in cats is treated with a combination of surgery to remove the cancer, chemotherapy to attack the cancer cells, and radiation to attack the tumor.

Holistic vets often choose a different approach to feline cancer. Instead of “attacking” many, they switched perspective, viewing cancer as something produced by the body, and not as a separate element.

The goal is usually to use homeopathy, acupuncture, and nutrition to strengthen the body. To give it the power and tools to fight cancer itself, while also using the same methods to weaken cancer.

This approach aims to Increase the quality of life for cats (Keeping them off stressful medical procedures) and keeping the cancer under control, rather than attacking it.

Although there is not a lot of research on comprehensive treatments for cancer in cats, there is plenty of research on these types of treatments on rats, mice, hamsters and guinea pigs!

these studies They showed it Herbs can control the effects of chemotherapy, increase recovery rates after surgery or radiotherapy, and generally complement conventional cancer treatment. Really good. However, they have also shown that herbs are great at preventing cancer, and at supporting cancer-affected areas.

It’s important to listen to the traditional and holistic arguments for cancer treatment and decide what you feel comfortable with. Both have important and meaningful arguments behind them, and it is up to you which path you want to take with your cat, should they ever encounter a diagnosis.

If you want to read about our journey through Yoda’s Cancer, you can read his story here.

Are holistic vets more expensive?

A frequent question we face is Just how much does a holistic vet cost? Is it more expensive than traditional clinics?

While some polyclinics may charge more than traditional practices, there are many that charge less as well. It will really depend on your area and the qualifications of your vet.

Many choose to see comprehensive veterinary care cheaper in the long term, because the preventative methods used can reduce the chances of your cat developing a chronic or life-threatening illness.

While some conventional medications may be cheaper than, say, a round of acupuncture, using these medications may also require more frequent checkups. So weighing all the information you have to hand is the best way to calculate the true cost of vet visits.

How do I find a holistic vet?

To find a holistic vet, you can ask your local pet store or online natural cat care communities for recommendations. Word of mouth is usually a great way to find a vet who is well respected and loved in the cat community!

You can also start by searching a file AHVMA database. You can filter by location, type of practice, and even for the specific treatments they offer.

Even when you find a holistic vet, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and keep searching until you find the right option. Getting the right vet is an important part of our farmer’s life – so it’s well worth the effort!

Holistic vets for cats explained – the conclusion

Since Yoda’s battle with FISS, we’ve been interested in exploring the ways holistic vets are taking toward cat health.

While conventional treatments will always be necessary at certain points in our cats’ lives, knowing that there are more options than ever allows us to try to find the best vet for our cat and their specific needs.

Have you used a holistic vet? What was your experience? Let’s know!