Home Remedies for a Sick Cat

So your poor kitty has been out of sorts? If your cat seems lethargic, or hasn't been eating regularly or using the litterbox like he should then he's probably pretty sick. Chances are you know your cat very well, as most of us do, and would recognize when its time to take him to the vet. If you don't think its time, and you think it may just be a hairball or constipation that's getting him down, there are a few simple home remedies that I have found to be very effective at getting your kitty up and running again.

The first is canned pumpkin. Mixing a little canned pumpkin in with his food can aide in digestion, and help him to pass any hard stool that may be blocking up his little system. Do not, i repeat, do not use pumpkin pie filling. This is not the same thing and will just make your cat sicker.

If you can't find canned pumpkin (it's getting harder and harder these days) try feeding the little feline some olive oil. If its a hairball or constipation this may just grease the wheels a little bit and getting moving again. It can be a little tricky to get im to eat it, but a teaspoon or two is all you should need. I usually just use a syringe (no needle of course) or a small turkey baster. Careful when you do this because it can get messy if the cats not comfortable with it.

Petroleum jelly (or Vaseline) is also a safe solution. If you look at most kitty laxatives that is the main ingredient and should help things along. The best way I have found to get the cat to take this down is to simply put a little on his paw. Do this if he's lethargic only, you don't want grease stains all over your furniture. Considering that he's laying down, if you put a little on his paw it should bother him and he will sit there and lick it till its all gone. With This method a half teaspoon should work just fine.

With any of these methods make sure that your kitty is making progress. If he is still in the same shape after a day (you can try each method about twice a day) take him to the vet. It's best not to take any unnecessary chances. Remember that the cat can't tell you what's wrong and if your guesses aren't hitting the mark the only way you'll know is to take him in.