How To Finally STOP Reoccurring Cat UTIs

Veterinary Secrets
26 May 202309:17

Summary

TLDRThis video script discusses feline interstitial cystitis (FIC), a common urinary condition in cats often linked to stress. It explains the importance of maintaining a cat's bladder lining and offers various home remedies for managing FIC, including pain relief with CBD, anti-spasmodics like valerian root, anxiety reduction with l-theanine, and increasing fluid intake. It also suggests using natural supplements like slippery elm and glucosamine to strengthen the bladder wall and promote healing.

Takeaways

  • 🐾 Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC) is a common condition in cats, previously known as FLUTD, FUS, or Pandora's syndrome.
  • πŸ” The primary cause of FIC is now understood to be stress and anxiety, rather than diet-related factors.
  • πŸ’Š Traditional pain management for FIC includes narcotics and Gabapentin, but holistic options like CBD or catnip are also effective for pain relief.
  • 🌿 Valerian root extract and catnip are natural anti-spasmodics that can help relax the urethra and reduce spasms.
  • 🍡 L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, and CBD can be used to decrease a cat's anxiety levels.
  • 🌿 Using pheromone products like 'Feliway' can help decrease stress and create a more content environment for cats.
  • πŸ’§ Increasing fluid intake is crucial for cats with FIC, as it helps dilute urine and reduce bladder inflammation.
  • πŸ₯« Switching from dry to canned cat food can significantly increase a cat's fluid intake and decrease FIC episodes.
  • 🍡 Administering chamomile tea with a syringe can provide additional fluid and act as a natural anti-anxiety agent.
  • 🌱 Slippery elm is an herb that can decrease inflammation in the mucous membranes and may help heal the bladder lining.
  • πŸ§ͺ Supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin can help rebuild the bladder wall lining and support cats with recurrent FIC.

Q & A

  • What is FIC (Feline Interstitial Cystitis)?

    -FIC stands for Feline Interstitial Cystitis, which is a condition that affects cats' urinary bladders, causing inflammation and symptoms such as straining to urinate and passing bloody urine.

  • Why has the understanding of FIC changed over time?

    -Initially, FIC was thought to be related to diet and the acidity of cat food. However, it is now understood that stress and anxiety are the primary causes of FIC, leading to bladder inflammation.

  • What is the role of the glycosaminoglycan layer in a cat's urinary bladder?

    -The glycosaminoglycan layer acts as a protective lining inside the urinary bladder, preventing urine from coming into direct contact with the bladder wall, which helps avoid inflammation.

  • What should a cat owner do if their male cat is straining to urinate without passing urine?

    -If a male cat is straining to urinate without passing urine, it could indicate a blockage. The owner should take the cat to a veterinarian immediately to ensure there isn't an obstruction.

  • How can CBD be used to help cats with FIC?

    -CBD, or cannabidiol, has been shown to be an effective pain reliever for cats with FIC. It can be given at a dosage of one drop per 10 pounds of the cat's weight, twice a day.

  • What are some natural anti-spasmodics that can be used for cats with FIC?

    -Natural anti-spasmodics for cats with FIC include valerian root extract and catnip, which can help relax the urethra and decrease spasms.

  • How can l-theanine help cats with anxiety?

    -L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that has been shown to decrease anxiety levels in cats, with a dosage of one to two milligrams per pound of body weight, twice a day.

  • What is the purpose of using pheromones like Feel Away for cats with FIC?

    -Pheromones like Feel Away mimic the natural hormones cats release when they are happy, which can help decrease stress and anxiety, potentially reducing the frequency of FIC episodes.

  • How can increasing fluid intake help cats with FIC?

    -Increasing fluid intake can help dilute the urine, reducing bladder inflammation and providing natural pain relief by stretching the bladder lining.

  • What is the role of slippery elm in treating FIC in cats?

    -Slippery elm is an herb that can decrease inflammation within the mucous membranes, which may help heal the bladder wall lining in cats with FIC.

  • How can glucosamine and chondroitin support the bladder wall health in cats with FIC?

    -Glucosamine and chondroitin are part of the building blocks of glycosaminoglycans, which make up the bladder wall lining. Supplementing with these can help rebuild and support the bladder lining in cats with FIC.

Outlines

00:00

🐾 Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC) Awareness and Home Remedies

The first paragraph introduces the signs and potential causes of Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC), a common urinary condition in cats. It explains that FIC, previously known as FLUTD or other names, is now understood to be stress-related rather than solely diet-related. The paragraph uses the analogy of a plastic cup lined with a plastic bag to illustrate the bladder's lining and how stress can lead to inflammation. It emphasizes the importance of addressing stress and anxiety in cats to prevent FIC flare-ups and suggests that certain home remedies and natural supplements, such as CBD oil and valerian root extract, can be beneficial. It also mentions the importance of pain relief and anti-spasmodics during an episode.

05:01

🌿 Holistic Approaches to Managing FIC in Cats

The second paragraph delves into various holistic approaches to managing FIC in cats. It discusses the use of L-theanine from green tea to reduce anxiety, the potential benefits of CBD oil for both anxiety and pain relief, and the calming effects of natural pheromones like 'Feliway'. The paragraph also highlights the importance of increasing fluid intake in cats to reduce bladder inflammation, suggesting a switch from dry to canned food and the use of chamomile tea as a natural anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory agent. It introduces slippery elm as a natural remedy to decrease inflammation in the mucous membranes and suggests supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin to help rebuild the bladder wall lining. The paragraph concludes with a reminder of the importance of these natural remedies in supporting the overall health of cats with FIC.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘FIC

FIC stands for Feline Interstitial Cystitis, a medical condition affecting cats that is characterized by inflammation of the bladder wall. It is the main theme of the video, as it discusses symptoms, causes, and potential home remedies for this condition. The script mentions that FIC was previously known by other names such as FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) and is now understood to be stress-related rather than strictly a dietary issue.

πŸ’‘Stress

In the context of the video, stress is identified as a primary cause of FIC. The script explains that increased stress and anxiety in cats can lead to bladder inflammation, which is a key factor in the development of FIC. The analogy of a 'plastic bag' lining breaking down due to stress is used to illustrate how urine can come into contact with the bladder wall, causing inflammation.

πŸ’‘Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)

Glycosaminoglycans, or GAGs, are complex carbohydrates that form a protective lining within the bladder, similar to the lining of a plastic bag as described in the script. They are essential for maintaining the health of the bladder wall. The breakdown of this lining due to stress is a significant factor in the development of FIC.

πŸ’‘Pain Relievers

Pain relievers are medications that can help alleviate the discomfort associated with FIC. The script mentions both traditional narcotics like butorphinol and holistic options such as CBD or Gabapentin. These are used to manage the pain and inflammation that cats with FIC may experience.

πŸ’‘Anti-spasmodics

Anti-spasmodics are medications or natural remedies that help to relax the muscles, particularly the urethra in the case of FIC. The script discusses traditional veterinary options like diazepam and natural alternatives such as valerian root extract and catnip, which can help reduce spasms and provide relief from urinary discomfort.

πŸ’‘Anxiety

Anxiety in cats is a significant focus of the video, as it is linked to the development of FIC. The script suggests that natural remedies and supplements, such as l-theanine from green tea and pheromone products like 'Feliway', can help decrease a cat's anxiety levels and potentially reduce the occurrence of FIC episodes.

πŸ’‘Fluid Intake

Increasing a cat's fluid intake is an important aspect of managing FIC, as it helps to dilute the urine and reduce bladder inflammation. The script recommends switching from dry kibble to canned food and using a syringe to administer chamomile tea, which not only adds fluid but also has anti-anxiety properties.

πŸ’‘Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm is an herb mentioned in the script as a natural remedy that may help decrease inflammation within the mucous membranes, including the bladder wall lining. It is suggested as a supplement for cats with FIC to help naturally heal the bladder lining.

πŸ’‘Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are supplements that are components of GAGs, the building blocks of the bladder wall lining. The script mentions that supplementing with these can help rebuild the bladder lining and support cats with FIC.

πŸ’‘Catnip

Catnip is a natural anti-spasmodic mentioned in the script that not only has calming effects on cats but also properties that may help reduce spasms in the urinary tract. It is suggested as a part of home remedies for cats with FIC.

πŸ’‘Home Remedies

Home remedies refer to the various natural and holistic treatments discussed in the script for managing FIC in cats. These include CBD, valerian root extract, catnip, l-theanine, pheromone diffusers, chamomile tea, slippery elm, glucosamine, and chondroitin. The video emphasizes the importance of these remedies in conjunction with veterinary care for treating FIC.

Highlights

Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC) is a common condition in cats with symptoms including straining to urinate, urinating in different places, and passing bloody urine.

FIC was previously thought to be related to diet, but it is now understood to be primarily caused by stress in cats.

Stress can lead to bladder inflammation in cats due to a breakdown of the bladder wall lining, similar to a plastic bag allowing urine to touch the bladder wall.

In male cats, straining to urinate without passing urine could indicate a blockage, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

For female cats, intermittent bloody urine is unlikely to be due to obstruction and can often be managed with home remedies.

Traditional pain management for FIC includes narcotics and Gabapentin, but holistic options like CBD have shown effectiveness.

CBD dosage for cats is one drop per 10 pounds of body weight, twice a day, and can be an effective pain reliever.

Anti-spasmodics are used to relax the urethra wall, with natural options including valerian root extract and catnip.

L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, can help decrease a cat's anxiety levels.

Natural pheromones like 'Feliway' can mimic the hormones cats release when happy, helping to decrease stress and FIC episodes.

Increasing fluid intake in cats can help dilute urine and reduce bladder inflammation.

Transitioning cats from dry kibble to high-quality canned food can significantly increase their fluid intake.

Administering chamomile tea with a syringe can provide additional fluid and act as a natural anti-anxiety agent.

Slippery elm can decrease inflammation within mucous membranes and may help heal the bladder wall lining.

Supplementing with glucosamine and chondroitin can help rebuild the bladder wall lining in cats with FIC.

The 'Ultimate Feline Health Formula' supplement contains additional glucosamine and chondroitin that may benefit cats with FIC.

A webinar on cat health and nutrition will cover what to feed your cat, what to avoid, and natural remedies for home treatment.

Transcripts

play00:00

is your cat straining to urinate

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urinating in different places passing

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bloody urine he or she could have fic

play00:07

feline Interstitial cystitis in this

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video pixie and I are going to show you

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what you can do about it at home we're

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having a brand new webinar in cats what

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to feed your cat what not to feed your

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cat plus the most important natural

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remedies you can use to treat your cat

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at home you can click the link in the

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box below to sign up

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one of the most common conditions our

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cats can get used to be called flutd

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feline lower urinary tract disease

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f-o-u-td the name has since been changed

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a number of times some people used to

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call it Fus some people used to call it

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Pandora's syndrome now we know it as fic

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or feline Interstitial cystitis we used

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to think that fic was specifically

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related to diet so years ago

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veterinarians formulated specific types

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of food to make the cat food more acidic

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the thought was if you made the cat more

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acidic you have less type of crystals

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there's less crystals you have less

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bladder inflammation since turns out

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that's all wrong we now know that the

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most important cause of fic in our cats

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it is related to stress so cats can have

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increased amounts of stress increase

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amounts of anxiety the result with them

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is they actually have bladder

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inflammation so think of this plastic

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cup here this is the urinary bladder

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there's a lining in every cat's urinary

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bladder and it looks kind of like this

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plastic bag it's known as the tag glycos

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aminoglycan so pixie's bladder kind of

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like this plastic cup there's an inside

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lining to our bladder wall kind of like

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this plastic bag the glycosamineal

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glycans and her urine is supposed to be

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kept inside that plastic bag not

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touching the lining of her bladder wall

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so you get repeated boats of stressful

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events you get a breakdown in the

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Plastic Bag the lining of the bladder

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wall then you have urine touching our

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plastic cup touching the lining of the

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bladder and guess what then you get

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bladder inflammation and that's what's

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causing the repeated boats a bloody

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urine the straining to urinate all the

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other clinical signs you're seeing with

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fic here's the anxiety or stress it's

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the knife

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it affects the lining of the bladder the

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plastic bag urine is leaking out is now

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in contact with the bladder so if pixie

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were a male cat and she was straining to

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urinate not passing an urine that's the

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cats are worried about being completely

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obstructed then you need to get into

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your veterinarian as soon as possible

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you have to ensure that there isn't a

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blockage preventing her from urinating

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but fortunately no because pixie is a

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female if she had a boat of intermittent

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bloody urine it's very unlikely she's

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obstructed more likely she just has Fus

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and this is something which can be

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amenable to a bunch of these different

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home remedies so if she had a big

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flare-up of the fic where she straining

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urinate passing a bit of bloody urine

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while that happens there aren't a number

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of Veterinary things that are really

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specifically helpful more than anything

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it seems to be that time is more

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important than anything else each

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episode can last somewhere between one

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to two weeks but there's two things in

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particular you can focus on number one a

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painkiller so traditionally inventor

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practice we're looking at pain

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medications that can be the narcotics

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such as butorphinol and or something

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like this drug Gabapentin generally

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they're pretty effective if we're

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looking at a holistic option the most

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important thing you want to consider

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would be this CBD or cambodile the CBD

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it's shown to Be an Effective pain

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reliever for our cats we're looking

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doses of one drop per 10 pounds which is

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three milligrams for 10 pounds of our

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supplement and that could be given twice

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a day to your cat that has an outbreak

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of fic

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the second medication that is often

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given are anti-spasmodics because here

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what we're trying to do is relax the

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wall of the urethra that's where all the

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urine is passing through so

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traditionally Veterinary practice we'd

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be looking at something like diazepam

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which is Valium but there are a couple

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other natural anti-spasmodics number one

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is this valerian root extract we're

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looking at cat doses of a quarter of a

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meal of the tincture which is about a

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quarter full of a dropper full here

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just edit it out it's about there and

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that could be given two to three times a

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day during an episode pixie's not super

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crazy of being up here but turns out if

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she gets some catnip that makes her feel

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a little bit more happy about it turns

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out the catnip it's also got properties

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that make it a natural anti-spasmodic so

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we have a cat that has an outbreak of

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fic also break out the catnip that may

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help decrease the spasms make them feel

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a lot better the third big principle

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here is we need to decrease anxiety so a

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couple options number one you can look

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at Naturally decreasing levels of your

play05:03

cat's anxiety there's an amino acid

play05:05

found in green tea it's called

play05:07

l-theanine and it's been shown to be

play05:09

beneficial for many of these cats which

play05:10

have anxiety

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pretty typical cat throws we're looking

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at one to two milligrams per pound for

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10 pounds of body weight twice a day

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another holistic option which may be

play05:20

beneficial for a cat with anxiety is CBD

play05:23

chemodile we're looking at doses of

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three milligrams per 10 pounds of body

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weight once to twice daily and another

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natural option could be the natural

play05:31

pheromone there's a product called feel

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away which you can plug it in as a

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diffuser it mimics sort of the natural

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hormones that cats release when they're

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happy many of these cats seem to be more

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content when they have feel away

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diffusing through the hose and that can

play05:46

also help decrease their level of stress

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and then you can have less episodes of

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repeated boats of these UTIs or have IC

play05:53

next the big thing is you're thinking

play05:55

about it is fluid we want to get more

play05:58

fluid into your cat's diet when there's

play06:00

more fluid going into the urinary

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bladder it can be more diluted it's

play06:04

going to decrease levels of inflammation

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secondarily we can also add things into

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the fluid such as certain teas which can

play06:12

also help decrease your cat's anxiety

play06:14

may also decrease levels of bladder

play06:16

inflammation

play06:17

so number one if your cat is on a dry

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cat kibble get her on a good quality

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canned cat food is Pixie is eating here

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then the most important thing is there's

play06:29

so much more additional moisture in that

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canned food additional moisture we see

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far decreased incidents of fic next you

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can also look at adding in additional

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moisture and when I had clients in the

play06:42

past had cats for this conditions I

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would actually get them to get a syringe

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such as this 20cc syringe here I would

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actually get them to make up some

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chamomile tea which I've got made up

play06:52

here and I'd have them treating their

play06:55

cat two or three times a day 20 CC's

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about a couple tablespoons two to three

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times a day this way you're providing

play07:03

the additional fluid that your cat needs

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you're giving them chamomile which is a

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great natural anti-anxiety tea and

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thirdly you're actually going to speed

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up resolution of those clinical signs

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the act of putting more fluid within the

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bladder stretches the lining of the

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bladder and that actually provides

play07:20

natural pain relief you mentioned this

play07:22

one herb called slippery elm that's been

play07:23

used for people that have interstitial

play07:25

cystitis which is very similar to are

play07:27

cats that have fic so what they're

play07:29

finding with slippery elm is that it

play07:32

works by decreasing inflammation within

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the mucous membranes just so happens

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that the inside lining of that bladder

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wall is very much related to the mucous

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membranes that are in your mouth that

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are going down their throat slip around

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that's also used in our cats that have

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kidney failure so cats tolerate it

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really well it's very safe may also help

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decrease that inflammation naturally

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healing your cat that has fic at a

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pretty standard cat slip around dose is

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one four milligram capsule daily and our

play08:01

half of those capsules twice a day you

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can break it open Sprinkle it into your

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cat's food and then the last part of you

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helping your cat naturally at home is by

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supplementing with something that's

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going to help build up that bladder wall

play08:14

lining so what you're wanting to do is

play08:17

supplement your cat's dye with something

play08:19

that's going to help rebuild this

play08:20

plastic bag the lining of the bladder

play08:23

wall the bladder wall lining is made up

play08:25

of something called the gag or

play08:28

glycosaminoglycans and it just turns out

play08:30

that glucosamine and chondroitin those

play08:33

are part of the building blocks of the

play08:35

gag the glycosaminoglycans

play08:37

and our supplement ultimate feline

play08:39

Health formula has additional

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glucosamine it has additional

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chondroitin that very well may help your

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cat that has repeated boats of fic so

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pixie as you can see she's not crazy

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about being filmed

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but I think she likes her ultimate

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feline

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thanks so much for watching this edition

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of energy secrets of how you can help

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your cat at home with fic click up there

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to subscribe hit the Bell to sign up for

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notifications and then we click the link

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in the box below you can sign up for a

play09:08

brand new webinar and Cat health and

play09:09

nutrition what to feed your cat what not

play09:11

to feed your cat plus the most important

play09:14

natural remedies that you can use to

play09:15

heal your cat at home

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Related Tags
Feline HealthUrinary TractStress ReliefHome RemediesCat NutritionCBD for CatsAnti-SpasmodicsAnxiety ManagementFluid IntakeBladder Lining