As guardians of our pets, we are always looking for ways to sustain their health and happiness. Most of the time, our decisions inculcate various foods, or eventually require some drugs which concern the well-being of our pet.
The latest substance raising eyebrows among med-tech gurus in cat feeding is gum-omile. But what exactly is this surprising development, and can it be used safely for one’s cat?
Gum-omile, as a natural cure, is increasingly finding space in human health. Its safe if it is given in moderation, has many benifits for cats such as improve metabolic health, immunity booster.
In this article, we will delve into the potential risks and benefits of gum-omile for cats, share some comments from expert veterinarians and help you decide if this is something you have to consider for your feline companion.
What is Gum-Omile?
Gum-omile means natural most usually referred to as Guggul, and found in the charitable form of an extract of Commiphora wightiia tree in Africa and certain parts of Asia.
It was actually used for ages back in shaping traditional medicine, especially among hazened followers and for that word that often escapes Ayurved.
It has become more and more known for its potential qualities in both human health supplements as well as in other wellness communities. Concerning efficacy against: joint care; minimalizing inflammation; and immune function in general.
In feline species, people often say that this is a natural supplement that can work on such things. Is mind-omile safe for cats? Safety is a point of focus for debate in some veterinary quarters. So, is mind-omile safe for cats too? To answer this, consider the benefits and possible risks of such a substance.
Potential Benefits of Gum-Omile for Cats
The product could be of value when used to improve joint health and reduce inflammation in older cats or those displaying specific health symptoms.
Here are a few of the supposed benefits that gum-omile has brought to human health and thus most likely to apply to cats:
- Anti-inflammatory Properties
It is said that gum-omile has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and will, therefore, be effective in helping with arthritis or joint pain. With aging, many cats can develop arthritis, which leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Some proponents believe that mind-omile could be used as a natural alternative or adjunct therapy that will reduce the inflammation and improve the movement of the joint involved. - Immune Boost
It has been so with people-it is traditionally used as an aid in support of immune system health. Thus far, nothing has scientifically been explained to take directly from that to the cat immune support, but there are some that would not love to leave their cats-their pets alone to withstand a chronic disease or convalescence, without hope that antioxidant properties of the gum might give an added immune support to the cats. - Metabolic Health
In traditional medicine, gum-omile is claimed to assist in moderating cholesterol level s and normal metabolic functions especially because it doesn’t always apply in scientific proof for the cats; some cat owners might have taken to the idea of using gum-omile supplements in their cats with the thought of improving their overall metabolism, as those cats that are overweight or have other metabolic matters obstructing their metabolism from working optimally.
The Risks and Concerns of Gum-Omile for Cats
There are a number of serious risks that come into play the moment you include gum-omile in a cat dietary or health program. With something being natural and even homeopathic as all that is, this product also comes with no guarantee to ensure that everything it does has been verified-that is since there is not much published research support for the efficacy of usage in cats.
- Lack of Veterinary Approval
Perhaps the most important aspect that should be concerning is that there have been no veterinary approvals done on the use of gum-omile in cats. There might be some success stories from cat owners who have provided their feline friends with gum-omile supplements, or maybe they felt that way, but nothing has been proven about these in a controlled manner yet. A very good example can be made with such widely accepted supplements such as glucosamine or fish oil, which have been well studied and clinically tested on cats-many veterinarians claim using these two supplements in their practices-but gum-omile still remains largely uncharted territory in veterinary care.
“As a veterinarian, I err on the side of caution when introducing any new supplement or natural remedy as a first-choice treatment to unproven smart medicine use in any cat,” says Johnson. “Compounds within gum-omile may have side effects when interacting with other medications; however, there isn’t enough data yet to feel comfortable making a recommendation.”
- Toxicity Risks
One of the biggest problems for these pet owners is the possible toxic side effects of using gum-omile in cats. Sure, gum can be safe for human use in minute doses, but cats have a wholly different metabolic system, where more and more substances that could prove quite harmless to humans can highly toxic to most cats. Also, herbal supplementation and natural additives are not regulated for purity or ideal dosages.
“Herbal supplements like gum-omile may not always be formulated with cats in mind, and without proper dosing information, there is a risk of toxicity or adverse reactions,” says Dr. Amy Harris, a veterinary toxicologist.
- Possible Digestive Upset
When adding any new supplement to your cat’s diet, there is a major chance to exposure to digestive upset especially when the supplement is not specifically formulated for cats. These may include vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite losses if mistakenly given in volume or combined with other supplements since cats are considered obligate carnivores-that is, they do not have the digestive tolerance for plant-based ingredients that people do. - Interaction with Medications
This very well could apply with these supplements against any other supplements. Odds are high that the gum-omile product can counteract all medications the cat takes from your friend if he is taking anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications, or other treatments recommended by a veterinarian. A veterinarian should be discussed with while administering any extra supplements particularly if the cat is on medication for arthritic pains, for kidney disease, or diabetic symptoms due to age.
What is the opinion of the veterinarians on Gum-omile For Cats?
Dr. Elizabeth Chang, DVM, lives the appreciation, “We know that cats have nutritional and medicinal needs peculiar to them. What works humans or even for dogs may not always translate safely to cats. Well, in the dearth of studies and reliable data based on the gum-omile, I wouldn’t recommend its use as a first choice for managing inflammation or joint issues in cats.”
Although some veterinarians may admit that gum-omile may help with the supplement, they emphasize to let owners first consider the more scientifically acknowledged therapies, such as glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids in joint health, because these therapies have undergone much more detailed examination and seen good effects in cats.
Alternatives to Gum Omile for Joint Health in Cats
If you are concerned about healthy joints and inflammation for your cat and still want a more reliable, proven option, there are several other options that have proved effective:
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Among the best supplements to be recommended for joint health in cats lie these. They can protect cartilage, reduce inflammation, and improve joint mobility.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil offer natural anti-inflammatory effects and are widely used to control such conditions as arthritis in cats.
- CBD Oil: An increasing body of evidence supports the use of CBD oil in controlling pain and inflammation in cats. Always consult your veterinarian about proper dosing and quality.
- Prescription Joint Supplements: Some manufacturer brands like Cosequin and Dasuquin may offer veterinary-prescription joint supplements that may help support your cat’s freedom of movement and comfort.
Final Thoughts
Gum-omile does bring a rather hopeful future as a natural remedy that would be resisted from becoming the present standard treatment for cats because no scientific data prove its safety and bailout for its effects.
Always consult with your veterinarian before making any new supplements part of your pet’s diet. Many other established and safe options exist for raising a healthy cat, in particular, managing arthritis, joint pain, and inflammation.
This is wise counsel from Dr. Sarah Johnson, DVM: “Always do your research, talk to your vet, and put solid treatments at the top of your priority list instead of trendy alternatives, especially in the area of pet health.”
Also Checkout: Is There Sawdust in Your Cat’s Food?