Visit the vet for a thyroid check first.
Many owners of ailing cats prefer treating their pets with homeopathic or natural remedies rather than with prescribed antibiotics. A number of natural and homeopathic treatments are available for weight loss and hair loss, although you should always have your cat examined by a veterinarian to determine whether the problem lies in the thyroid gland before starting a course of treatment. Some vets may be opposed to natural and homeopathic remedies, but will usually be cooperative if you explain your wishes clearly. Alternatively, many states now have holistic vets who can provide expert advice on alternative treatments.
Establish the Cause of Weight Loss
There can be several reasons for weight loss in cats, ranging from urinary disease to renal failure or thyroid problems. You can treat the problem only after establishing the cause. Have your veterinarian run tests to determine the reason behind the problem (hyperthyroidism is the most common reason) and discuss your options before undertaking any course of treatment. In most cases, you should be able to find a natural or homeopathic remedy that will stop weight loss in a cat. Veterinary consultation is essential if a suitable treatment is to be found.
Using Supplements
There are several supplements available that are considered effective at countering weight and hair loss in cats. In all cases, the recommended dosage will depend on the weight, age and condition of the animal. Talk to your vet about the benefits of lemon balm, which is available as a tea or a tincture, and administer by mouth using a pipette. CoQ10 and L-Carnitine, which are both commercially available, have the effect of relaxing the thyroid gland and help to promote weight gain. Resthyro, which is a mixture of different herbs, cuts down on the production of the thyroid hormone, allowing the cat to gain weight.
Condition of the Coat
Adding fresh cooked meat or cooked fish to the diet can improve the condition of the coat and make it thicker. You can also use supplements to counter hair loss. If you choose to use fish oil, which contains omega 3 and omega 6 oils, it is important to establish the correct dosage with a vet before a course of treatment begins. Vets will rarely recommend a dosage of more than 200 mg per day. To promote a thicker, glossier coat, add vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A. The amount you use will depend on the weight of the animal. A combination of all of these supplements should help the problem.
Using Melatonin
Melatonin is a homeopathic remedy used to stop hair loss in cats, although it is still very much in the experimental stage. Melatonin has very few side effects but it can cause minor gastric problems in some cats. Be aware that melatonin can take anywhere from one to four months to produce strong results in the animal. Melatonin is also effective for weight loss, so it can be used for both problems. A vet will usually suggest a 0.75 mg dosage of melatonin every day for up to six weeks. Melatonin is available in liquid or in tablet form. Time-released, sublingual and vitamin enhanced melatonin should be avoided in the treatment of pets.
Tags: weight loss, course treatment, hair loss, loss cats, natural homeopathic
