You can promote your cat’s health with the help of different herbs. You may use them to prevent illnesses in your pet but, if it already suffers from certain condition, consult a veterinarian before using any herbal remedy.
Easy-to Grow Herbs for Cats
Catnip
Catnip is a herb of the mint family. Catnip is native to Europe but now it is wide spread in North America too. Catnip is known for its amazing reaction that causes in cats. Chemical compound known as nepetalactone found in catnips leaves is the reason why cats are attracted to this plant. Catnip stimulates cats when they sniff it while get sedated when eat the plant. That is why growing of this plant involves protecting it from the neighborhood cats. When a cat sniffs catnip it instantly eats it. Thereby, to grow the herb you have to protect its cage made from chicken or fencing wire. Size of the cage should be as the size of adult catnip plant. Catnip can be invasive since it has long roots that grow near the surface of the soil which allows new plants to grow along the root. If you want to avoid spreading of the herb all over your garden you may want to consider keeping your catnip in a plastic container.
CalendulaCalendula, also known as marigold, has been used for its medical purposes for centuries. It has beautiful orange and yellow flowers and due to that it is mainly grown as an ornamental plant. Calendula is an annual plant that can grow up to three feet and it is native to Mediterranean countries. Calendula is easy to grow from seeds and it should be planted indoors 4 to 6 weeks before final frost of the season. You can use calendula to treat cuts, burns, incest bites and surgical incisions on your cat.
Caraway and Dill
Caraway and dill seeds are commonly used in cooking but they also can be used as herbal remedies for cats. Both of these plants thrive in full sun location. Dill grows to a height of about 3 feet while caraway is around 2 feet tall. These plants don’t produce seed until the second year. Caraway seed can be used for relieving symptoms of diarrhea and upset stomach in cats. Seed of dill can be also used to treat upset stomach, nausea and flatulence in cats.
EchinaceaEchinacea is a perennial plant native to American continent. It is often grown because of its beautiful pink, red or white flowers. This herb has several medical qualities and it is mainly used for boosting the immune system. It is also used topically to treat wounds and burns. It has to be given to cats with caution because of possible harmful physical reactions. Echinacea can be used for treating pain caused by an insect bite or bruise in cats. However, it should not be given to cats suffering from diabetes, weak immune system and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
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