In recent years we have often heard of Bach flowers, also applied to our pets. There are more and more cases treated with this therapy, as well as veterinary professionals who are trained in this discipline. In this article on our site we are going to focus on cats to discover what Bach flowers are, what are the benefits and the uses they can have for our cats. If you have ever heard of these Bach flower remedies for cats, you are interested in reading on!
What are Bach flowers?
This is the name given to the 38 flower and plant extracts discovered by the English doctor Edward Bach at the beginning of the 20th century. This doctor chose plants that acted on different conditions that human beings could experience, such as fear, sadness, anger or hyperactivity. He prepared these plants in the form of dilutions that he preserved with alcohol in a dropper to facilitate their use. Various drops were administered directly several times a day or put into water or even food. Normally, a unique composition dropper is prepared for the needs of the patient, and usually between two and five flowers are mixed.
Over time, after Dr. Bach had passed away, his disciples continued to spread his legacy, which was expanded with the use of flowers in animals and to treat physical ailments as well. Among all the Bach flowers for cats, humans and other animals, Remedio Rescate stands out for its popularity, which is a mixture of a minimum of five essences and used in high stress situations.
Yes, and although successful clinical cases are reported, we must recognize that the scientific studies carried out on its usefulness do not give it any more efficacy than a placebo.
Bach flowers in cats
As we have said, it is possible to use Bach flowers in cats. These should be prescribed by flower therapists, better with experience in animals, or by veterinarians trained in this discipline. Flowers can be used both for disorders that we detect in our cat (hyperactivity, aggressiveness, stress), and for specific momentsin which we want the cat to remain calm. These events, predictable in a way that we can anticipate, would be moving, visits to the vet, strangers at home or introduction of new animals.
Depending on how manageable our cat is, we can administer the drops directly into the mouth or add them to the water in the dose recommended by the therapist. Although we have several animals living together, there is no problem with all of them consuming the water that the flowers contain. It is also possible to offer them mixed with a little food. We must find the way that best suits our cat and our circumstances, bearing in mind that it is advisable to supply them several times a day.
As we mentioned, there are many situations in which we can use Bach flowers for cats. Let's see some of its most common uses.
Bach flower uses in cats
Bach flowers for cats are frequently used in the following conditions:
Bach flowers for aggressive cats
Flowers are used both for attacks on people and other animals. Although their administration spread over several times a day is scheduled, it is possible to offer them more frequently if we anticipate signs of aggression. In these cases, sprayed flowers can also be used in the environment (be careful if the cat reacts to the noise of the spray). In very few shots, a significant improvement should be seen, consisting of a decrease in attacks and their virulence.
Bach flowers for cats with fear
In the case of a fearful cat, we must try to determine the cause of his fear It is basically a matter of discerning between if this is abstract or concrete, since, according to this classification, the use of one or another flower will be pertinent. As always, we are going to be able to use Bach flowers to improve the life of our fearful cat in general or we can reduce its administration to specific moments in which we know that our cat is going to react with fear.
Bach flowers for hyperactive cats
At this point it is important to differentiate between true hyperactivity and the cat's normal activity, even if it is high. Bach flowers will only be prescribed in cases in which the animal suffers as a result of this condition, and the specialist must determine the most appropriate remedy.
Bach flowers for stressed cats
It is usual for cats to show stress behaviors when faced with changes. Bach flowers can also help to cope with these moments. Thus, we can anticipate triggering situations, such as a visit to the vet. Another paradigmatic example of this use would be travel. The flowers will be able to be administered before leaving and, also, during the time that the displacement lasts, according to the needs of the cat.
Things to keep in mind
In addition to the different forms of administration we have seen (direct, mixed with food or water and sprayed), it is important to note that treatment may have to be modifieddepending on changes in the behavior of the animal, both in terms of frequency, if there is remission of critical moments, and in the composition of the preparation. Using Bach flowers does not imply neglecting changes that we can make to improve our cat's environment. Lastly, we can use them once the veterinary examination has ruled out any condition that requires "conventional" intervention or medication.
Benefits of Bach flower remedies for cats
Among the benefits of Bach flower remedies for cats, the following stand out:
- Wide spectrum of use (stress, fear, aggressiveness, hyperactivity).
- Rapid action, with visible results in a very short time.
- Ease of administration, which avoids having to "fight" with the cat for the medication to be taken.
- No side effects; in no case will its use produce adverse effects.
- Their harmlessness makes it possible to administer them to cats at any time of their lives, from the smallest kittens to old age. They can also be used by pregnant or lactating cats and sick animals, even when taking other medications.
