Kat's Korner

A FEW YEARS AGO I had a major health event, and had to regularly see a specialist for the first time. I was surprised that half of the plans she suggested included supplements and other non-prescription alternative treatments. While researching my options, I discovered many alternatives offered for pets as well.
    One of the first things I learned is that veterinary advisory panels are debating a more flexible use of vaccines for cats. Recent recommendations are that each cat’s needs be considered individually, taking into account age, test results, and home environment. Basically, the thinking is that not all cats need all vaccines, and some are more dangerous than helpful.
    Just as we have a partnership with our own caregivers, we need to discuss with our veterinarians a good plan for our pets. We know how they think and react. We speak for them, as for children, and they are as unique in their physical and emotional requirements.
    When I took the leap to adopt my boys, I started reading about feral cats and their special needs. My boys had been socialized at a slightly older age, which meant it took some extra attention to convince them that living indoors was a good thing. Their human rescuers used Spirit Essences, formulated by a holistic veterinarian and a wellknown cat behaviorist for a wide spectrum of behavioral and emotional issues. So from the beginning of their lives with humans, they were exposed to specific formulas and scents to ease their stress and separation anxiety.
    There are treatment options using acupuncture or chiropractic adjustments. With some training, there are also treatments that can be done by us. Since cats are not normally happy to visit the vet, I have been learning the correct way to do simple home care, like massage. Years ago I learned from a friend who was studying massage therapy the proper pressure points and intensity for pediatric massage, which seems to translate well for my cats.
    With some experimentation and patience, I can now give all of the boys a full body massage. This also gives me a chance to check them for physical changes and possible injuries. You can find classes that teach this. Often your animals will reciprocate, in their way—a sure sign that you are their human.
    Never try anything without discussing it first with your caregiver. Animals have different needs and tolerances than humans, so you can do more harm than good without proper guidance.
    I am following a cat now that is receiving acupuncture, Reiki, and a special diet along with medical treatment for renal failure. He is not just hanging in there, but actually beginning to get stronger and gain weight. He is as active as he once was. It takes time and dedication to make sure a cat receives the proper balance of fluids, medications, and treatments, but the cat’s quality of life is not compromised, he is content and has good blood test results, which is the real test of the validity of treatments.
    Just as with their MD counterparts, not all veterinarians are open to alternative methods. Sometimes it takes a while to find a cooperative blend. Some larger clinics offer alternative options or contract with therapists and other holistic specialists for referral. New discoveries are being made in these fields all the time, and many practitioners and veterinarians are offering options you may not know about.
    Unfortunately, pet insurance plans do not cover alternative options, as most human insurance plans now do. I can only hope that the industry will eventually bow to pressure from pet owners who want the same options for their animals’ health care that we enjoy.

Kat Brown of Albuquerque is a lifelong animallover, especially of cats. She wears many hats, but animal-lover is perhaps the one that has given her the most pleasure. Share your cat stories or comments at katskorner88@gmail.com.