As many of you know, I have a very special relationship with cats.
Horses, of which we own ten ourselves, are loyal friends. They carry us a little way on their backs into freedom, giving us strength, power, and security. Watching the horses in the pastures or listening to them graze is a moment of unity with nature. You go to them in the stable or their stall. You happily spend hours in their presence, but then you go home again. The horse stays where it belongs.
And at home, perhaps our cat is waiting besides a dog. We find them in so many homes or on farms, but also on streets. Always, however, close to humans, even if not always at first glance.
A cat is independent. Unyielding, roaming in the dark, untrainable, mysterious. For many, it's a nightmare because its hunting instincts have led to its reputation as a bird killer, it buries its droppings in the neighbor's flowerbeds, and I could list countless other characteristics, good and bad, attributed to it. Attributed!! But what do we really know about cats? Food (preferably high-quality, whatever that may mean). Scratching post, litter box, and that's it for a cat moving in. Oh yes, a few vaccinations, illnesses… And its behavior? It sleeps, it purrs, and it scratches if you're not careful. Roughly put, but that's how it is.
So you see... we don't actually know much about them, even though there are countless books on the subject of cats. Some of it is great literature, but it never answered my actual questions. And medical literature? It tells me the worst-case scenario, and that's exactly what I don't want.
Cats have been a part of my life for 40 years (with a few breaks), and I was 12 when I raised my first litter of orphaned kittens. At 18, I bought my first pedigree cat, a Persian. Four more followed, much to my mother's dismay. And so it has been, like a recurring theme throughout my life. Today, I have 11 cats living in the house and countless others of these wonderful creatures at the feeding stations. This allows me to observe a great deal, but also confronts me with every kind of imbalance, or rather, illness.
The fact is: cats are truly the most challenging teachers, and in the last year and a half, I've learned an incredible amount myself. Not only about their behavior towards each other, but especially about their diseases. I believe there's hardly another species that reacts as sensitively to so many external factors as the cat, and not infrequently with fatal consequences. Just think of FIP. Thankfully, there's now a treatment that has saved many lives.
My question, however, was: is it possible to work preventively without overtaxing an organism but to create a basis with which the body can get through stressful situations well, because cats are very susceptible to stress?
If we are familiar with predators and prey animals, then the cat is the prey predator and, for me, the species that, in addition to its other unique characteristics, embodies both of our familiar, separate behavioral components (flight or attack). Perhaps this is what makes it seem so mysterious and what we cannot understand because it defies categorization.
It starts with just reading the feeding schedules, because good intentions don't always translate into good results with a cat. The persistent rumor that cats are carnivores—pure meat-eaters—while dogs are considered omnivores, eaters of everything, is a common misconception. Well, when I look at our cats, I have to ask myself: are these cats according to conventional wisdom, or do I have a different species in the house? Because they steal all sorts of things and eat what they've stolen. They love grass without vomiting, without supposedly just bringing up hairballs, etc.
Let's take a little detour into the realm of green fodder. I certainly have grass available for my cats, and I put it to the test. They had grass cut from my horses' pastures, sedge, and the usual fast-germinating "grass" you can buy from the pet store. The result: The pet store grass (actually wheat) wasn't even looked at for a second. They nibbled on the sedge, but the pasture grass was a huge hit. So, what was the reason for this?
Cats, like all animals, are not stupid, and their senses are far superior to ours. Their instincts work so precisely and purely that we can hardly follow them with our intellect, so we have to go on a quest and draw our own conclusions. During my research on the different types of grass, one thing stood out: the protein content. Ordinary pasture grass has a significantly higher plant-based protein content than the other two types. Could it really be that cats need plant-based proteins just as much as the previously promoted purely animal-based ones? If I ask Google, I get the following answer: High-quality proteins are only found in animal-based sources; plant-based sources do not provide cats with the necessary energy and nutrients.
Hm………..
I don't want to feed my cats a purely plant-based diet, but their behavior tells a different story. Or perhaps I don't even have cats, but... well, who knows?! So I continued experimenting and observing. I literally put my beloved cat on a leash (after an adjustment period, of course) and we took a trip into the great outdoors, outside his usual environment. Initially, it was stressful for him, as the new situation frightened him. Slowly, however, he began to find it exciting, and we explored the area together. Once he had regained his sense of security, the following happened: he practically pounced on the grass, and if I hadn't known who I had on the leash, I might have thought he was a grazing animal. He ate the blades of grass with relish... WITHOUT vomiting them up later, which is something that very rarely happens, even when they eat the grass I provide indoors. This is further evidence that they metabolize it.
Instinctively, he stuck to one type of grass in the meadow, which was full of other plants. I ruled out the possibility that it was just the protein. But the vitamins found in fresh grass... those must be it. Normal pasture grass contains plenty of vitamins A and D, two substances that I rarely find in sufficient quantities in so-called "high-quality" food. His behavior also made sense, because the average house cat lacks the sunlight needed to synthesize vitamin D, unless they have access to a balcony or an outdoor enclosure and can replenish their vitamin D stores by sunbathing. Or they receive bioavailable vitamin A for cell building and, most importantly of all, for maintaining their eyesight—the very thing that distinguishes cats and makes their life and survival in nature possible. Certainly, there are vitamin derivatives, meaning artificially produced vitamins, but they never match the natural form.
These are my observations and thoughts regarding grass. But let's be honest. It all sounds wonderful, but how many house cats have the opportunity to go outside into nature? And which house cats willingly walk on a leash? Few, and those that are allowed outdoors often have other concerns. I'll get to those later.
Therefore, a solution had to be found.
Something with which I can intervene preventively, but also supportively, in the case of one or another imbalance, in the interest of our world-changers.
And so, a herbal formula was created that I have now been able to use over an extended period with my own cats in the house, with the semi-feral cats at feeding stations, and with breeders to gather experience. I will now explain what it contains and the philosophy behind it.
Gudushi
One of the most important plants for cats is Gudushi, a climbing plant used in Ayurvedic medicine. I'd like to tell you how I came to know it. One of my cats became ill last year, and tests revealed she was suffering from FIP. For those unfamiliar with cats: this is a coronavirus-related infection originating in the intestines, which triggers severe peritonitis. It is very often accompanied by ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen), but can also manifest neurologically, ocularly (changes in the eyes), and even as a dry condition. Until a drug was discovered in the United States, this disease was 99.9% fatal. This feline coronavirus infection is comparable in its progression to the so-called cytokine storm, which we have learned about in humans over the past two and a half years. Naturally, I started with medication, but I also believed that there's a cure for every ailment. And indeed, I found what I was looking for at the University of Seoul in South Korea. Studies had shown that the active ingredients in Gudushi act like a cap on cytokines, neutralizing them. So I ordered Gudushi and gave it to my cat. We didn't have much to lose. The result was astonishing. Within five weeks, her blood work was back to normal and she was healthy (mind you, this was in combination with the aforementioned medication. A typical course of treatment usually takes well over 80 days. We needed just under 35 days). But Gudushi's incredible effects aren't limited to this. It influences urine flow and can help to break down small stones that tend to accumulate in cats' bladders or urinary tracts. It also reduces fever, strengthens the liver, has anti-inflammatory properties, and strengthens the heart. As a result, I've seen minor and major miracles with it in cases of feline herpesvirus infection and many other inflammatory conditions in cats, and I've even observed that diabetic cats' blood sugar levels remained stable. One of the most difficult moments for affected cats, as it fluctuates constantly and this poses an incredible challenge for both animal and owner.
Gudushi also has a positive effect on arthritis, which was previously only observed in older cats, but is now increasingly seen in younger animals. The same applies to the skin. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is often used to treat psoriasis. I was able to successfully help a cat with lick granuloma and the associated extreme hair loss.
The Reishi mushroom
One of the most important medicinal mushrooms. Its use is not only sought after when it comes to pulling a child out of a well, but its preventative use is far too often overlooked. It regulates heart function, promotes healthy cell division and regeneration, and can therefore be used preventively to stop cell degeneration, i.e., cancerous changes, from occurring in the first place. Its active ingredients are absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the intestines and support the immune system. Furthermore, Reishi has a significant affinity for the kidneys, a factor not to be underestimated, especially for cats, who tend to drink too little.
Moringa
The Tree of Life. It truly lives up to its name when you consider its nutritional content. Its leaves contain seven times more vitamin C than oranges, four times more vitamin A than carrots (remember that?), four times more calcium than milk (calcium and calcium metabolism disorders are considered a possible cause of FORL), and so on. It also contains an enormous amount of chlorophyll, and for those who remember the chlorophyll thing: chlorophyll has the same molecular structure as vitamin B12, only the core of this molecule is different. But it wouldn't be wrong to say: chlorophyll is the plant's answer to vitamin B12.
Hemp protein flour
The ultimate substitute for the vital grass our cats need. Remember? I mentioned earlier that analyses of regular meadow grass revealed a high protein content. Hemp contains this protein, comparable to that found in egg whites. However, it has another advantage. Hemp protein has an exceptionally high globulin content, which is so easily broken down and metabolized that very little cellular waste remains. Globulins are the third most abundant protein group and a crucial component of the immune system.
This makes it possible to produce so-called transporter proteins from hemp protein without overloading the body with breakdown products from other protein sources. We recall that when various substances are broken down, they must be delivered to the liver to be metabolized and rendered harmless. Hemp protein provides the body with a protein that can be very easily converted into the body's own protein without significant waste products, thus further relieving the burden on one of the most important detoxification organs.
These are so-called transporter proteins that enable the binding of vitamin B12, for example, and thus represent a vital process that is important in all inflammatory conditions. Hemoglobin, lipoprotein, and other essential nutrients can also be ensured through the intake of hemp protein.
Now, let's expand on the theory that cats need grass not only to dispose of hairballs, or, to put it simply, for digestion. Then we can begin to understand what this beloved "ordinary" grass is capable of for cats and how important it is. Oh yes... before I forget: its effect on the skin. Hemp protein
Catnip
Most cats love catnip and find it irresistible to roll in it, nibble on it, etc. It's very often used to stimulate cats, but also to calm them down. And here we come to one of catnip's major mechanisms of action: it's adaptogenic. This means it stimulates exactly what a cat might be lacking. Lazy cats become more active, and hyperactive cats can finally get some rest. With 11 cats of my own, you can be sure... I know what I'm talking about! 😀
Catnip, however, not only possesses this property, but it also enhances the appeal of the herbal blend and promotes acceptance. This isn't always easy when you want to do something good for your feline friend. Besides promoting acceptance, catnip also has a relaxing, digestive, antispasmodic, and fever-reducing effect, should an infection occur.
The most remarkable thing I've experienced with this powder so far was the treatment of feline herpesvirus (feline rhinotracheitis) in the cats at the feeding station. Some of them were in very bad shape this year, and mixing antibiotics into their food was a last resort to contain the worst of it. The animals did improve relatively quickly. But better isn't always good. It was clearly visible that their third eyelids were still exposed, indicating that the illness was simmering beneath the surface. So, their food was pureed in the mornings, and the powder was mixed in. They ate it without hesitation. What pleased me most, however, was that the cats' eyes became increasingly clear, and after about a week, the obvious symptoms had disappeared. Nevertheless, they still receive their powder in the mornings, and they are all thriving.
Breeders are also reporting that their cats are accepting it without any problems, and that even chronic diarrhea has improved. In one cat, it disappeared completely.
Cats are special, and it was important to me to find something that's an all-in-one solution, without putting a strain on their system, without having to worry about diarrhea or potential intolerances. A cat's system is as delicate and sensitive as the feline itself, so a heaped pinch once a day is sufficient, because here, as always, less is more.
I hope I've been able to give you a better understanding of my thoughts on cats. I'm not one of the so-called "experts," but I strive to understand their needs and their language, and to find solutions for them where they remain misunderstood.
With this in mind, I wish you and your cats a continued healthy and happy time and hope you give them a little more attention in their nature.
All love
Yours, Vera
