Why Homeopathy
At Catmandu, we provide homeopathic care to all our cats as a unique and compassionate approach to their well-being. In fact, Catmandu is the only animal shelter in the United States that consistently uses homeopathic treatments for its residents. Given that there are only 12 small animal veterinarians nationwide who practice 100% homeopathy, our commitment to this alternative care sets us apart.
Homeopathy offers a gentle, natural form of treatment that works on the nano-cellular level to help the body heal itself. It is tasteless and given in a dish with special food, so it is non-invasive. The cats see it as a treat rather than a treatment. This is especially important for cats who have come from situations of abuse, trauma, or long-term feral life. For these cats, rebuilding trust can take years, and invasive treatments—such as shots, oral medications, or other conventional medical interventions—can undo that progress in a heartbeat.
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One example is Dillinger, a cat who is nearly blind and requires medication. While he's now comfortable enough to be pet, trying to hold him down for a shot or steroid eye drops would cause him to regress into fear and hiding, making future care nearly impossible. For cats like Dillinger, homeopathy provides a vital alternative. It allows us to provide treatment and alleviate suffering without compromising the trust we've worked so hard to build.
We use a unique combination of homeopathy and standard veterinary care. All Creatures Veterinary Services visits once a week with their mobile hospital. They provide testing, diagnosis, advice, surgical and medical treatment as needed. In addition, our dedicated volunteers come in daily to administer homeopathic remedies to the cats that need it. This combined approach provides the best possible healthcare to all our cats, with the least amount of trauma.
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For cats who are too fearful or traumatized for conventional care, homeopathy is the only option to help them have a fighting chance for a healthier, happier life without breaking their fragile trust. How homeopathy works is not understood by scientists and is often ridiculed or dismissed. We think the problem is that modern science simply does not yet have the knowledge or tools to comprehend how it works.
Through a currently unknown process, it works by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes using highly diluted natural substances, which are chosen according to their ability to trigger similar symptoms in a healthy individual. This principle, often summarized as "like cures like," is foundational to homeopathic practice. By introducing an infinitesimal (smaller than nano-particle sized) amount of a substance that mimics the symptoms a cat is experiencing, homeopathy aims to encourage the body to restore balance and heal itself.
How Homeopathy Works
At Catmandu, we apply this approach to our sanctuary cats by selecting remedies tailored to their specific health needs. For example, a cat suffering from chronic stress or trauma might receive a remedy that helps reduce anxiety, while a cat with inflammation or injury might be given a substance aimed at promoting cellular healing and reducing pain.
Since homeopathic remedies are typically given orally, they can easily be administered to cats that are too skittish for injections or other hands-on treatments. The remedies are usually added to water or given with a puree treat, making it simple for even the most anxious cats to receive care without stress or fear. This is crucial for the well-being of the many cats at Catmandu who cannot tolerate traditional handling.
Unlike conventional treatments that may act as "chemical band-aids" to address symptoms temporarily, homeopathy seeks to support the body and restore overall health from within. This makes it especially beneficial for cats that have experienced trauma, abuse, or are too fearful for most standard medical treatments.
Overall, homeopathy at Catmandu is not just a form of treatment but a way to respect the emotional and physical boundaries of our cats while providing them with natural, effective care that supports their long-term health.