Monday, March 17, 2014

Is Uva Ursi Safe For Cats? Get The Facts Here

If you are considering using homeopathic supplements to encourage urinary bladder health in your cat, you may be wondering about the safety of the common ingredient uva ursi, often called bear's berry.

Uva ursi herb is an antibacterial, antiseptic and diuretic supplement that is held to help kill off germs such as e. coli which cause urinary tract infections (UTI) in cats, and at the same time encourage heavy and frequent urination, washing germs down the urethra and out, and at the same time ensuring very dilute urine. Dilute urine is less likely to form irritating crystals which can injure your cat's bladder and urethra, causing blockages and bleeding and providing open wounds in which germs can set up housekeeping.

But is uva ursi safe for cats? Under normal circumstances, and when used as intended by homeopathic supplement providers, then the answer is usually yes, though you should check with your veterinarian to make sure that there are no strong counter indications in the case of your cat.

There are circumstances where uva ursi herb should be carefully considered: if your cat is already suffering renal damage (kidney damage) then it is unlikely your veterinarian will want you using a diuretic agent of any sort without his approval and close supervision. But for a fundamentally sound cat, in a regimen intended to promote healthy bladder function, with the knowledge of your vet, there should be no problem whatsoever.

Uva ursi in low homeopathic dosages has been used safely on both humans and cats. It is a medication that is felt to be effective in both species, providing a mild supplement to support natural functions and encourage the body's own system of health protection.

Keep in mind that homeopathy is not very much like the intensely high dosages used in standard medical treatments of disease. The idea of homeopathy is to provide minute traces of natural substances at such low levels that there have been times and places in which those ignorant of the subtle technique have assumed the amount could do no good.

However we know now that many aspects of health are based on the most trivial amounts of substances: so little that the amount present must be given in extremely diluted ways. A trace of selenium is necessary for human health: more than a trace can be fatal. In the same way homeopathy attempts to provide trace levels of supplement, ensuring healthy function but not attempting to bully or blast the system into cooperating. At these levels the already low-impact uva ursi herb is not normally harmful and can be used with confidence and a sense of control.

You want to act in your cat's best interests. To accomplish that you need to check the basics, including whether such supplements as uva ursi are safe for cats, and in particular check with your vet that they are safe for your cat. But having done due diligence it is safe to proceed with the knowledge that the homeopathic formula you pick is likely to be safe and beneficial.

So is uva ursi safe for cats? Absolutely, as long as it is used properly. Consult with your veterinarian so that he or she can track your cat's progress with this type of approach.