If you are considering using homeopathic supplements to promote urinary bladder health in your cat, you may be wondering about the safety of the common ingredient uva ursi, often called bear berry.
The herb uva ursi is an antibacterial, antiseptic, and diuretic supplement that is used to help kill germs like E. coli that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats, while at the same time encouraging profuse and frequent urination, pulling germs up the urethra and out, while ensuring highly dilute urine. Diluted urine is less likely to form irritating crystals that can damage your cat’s bladder and urethra, causing blockages and bleeding and providing open wounds where germs can establish cleanliness.
But is uva ursi safe for cats? Under normal circumstances, and when it is used as intended by homeopathic supplement providers, the answer is usually yes, although you should check with your veterinarian to make sure there are no strong contraindications for your cat.
There are circumstances in which the herb uva ursi should be carefully considered: If your cat is already suffering from kidney damage (kidney damage), it is unlikely that your vet would want him to use a diuretic agent of any kind without your approval and close supervision. But for a fundamentally healthy cat, on a regimen intended to promote healthy bladder function, with the knowledge of your veterinarian, there should be no problem.
Uva ursi in low homeopathic doses has been used safely in both humans and cats. It is a drug that is considered effective in both species, providing a mild supplement to support natural functions and stimulate the body’s own health protection system.
Note that homeopathy is not much like the intensely high doses used in standard medical treatments for disease. The idea of homeopathy is to provide minute traces of natural substances at such low levels that there have been times and places where those ignorant of the subtle technique have assumed that quantity cannot help.
However, we now know that many aspects of health are based on the most trivial amounts of substances – so small that the amount present must be administered in extremely dilute forms. A trace of selenium is necessary for human health: more than one trace can be fatal. In the same way, homeopathy attempts to provide trace levels of supplement, ensuring healthy function but without attempting to intimidate or make the system cooperate. At these levels, the herb uva ursi, which is already low impact, is normally not harmful and can be used with confidence and a sense of control.
You want to act in your cat’s best interest. To achieve this, you need to check the basics, including whether supplements like uva ursi are safe for cats and, in particular, check with your vet if they are safe for your cat. But after you’ve done your due diligence, it’s safe to proceed with the knowledge that the homeopathic formula you choose is likely safe and beneficial.
So is uva ursi safe for cats? Of course, as long as it is used correctly. Consult with your vet so that you can follow your cat’s progress with this type of approach.