Cat liver problems are extremely common.
Firstly, the liver is important for many bodily functions.
For example, it aids digestion, synthesizes proteins and hormones, regulates energy, and maintains metabolism.
Importantly, it also helps eliminate waste from the body.
Secondly, the blood supply between the gut and the liver connect. Therefore, the liver is susceptible to toxins ingested by cats.
Thirdly, a variety of common disorders can affect the liver including diabetes, lymphoma, and hyperthyroidism.
Lastly, these conditions are often chronic and manageable as the liver can regenerate and recover.
Symptoms of Cat Liver Problems
Common symptoms of cat liver disease include:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Increased thirst
- Vomiting
- Fluid accumulation in the abdomen
- Jaundice (yellowing of the gums and skin)
If you notice your cat suffers from any of these symptoms, check with your veterinarian immediately.
Your veterinarian will likely give your cat a physical exam and a blood test to check your cat’s liver enzymes.
Cat liver enzymes are typically at a certain level. Elevated enzymes suggest damage to the liver.
Other Symptoms of Cat Liver Problems
For example, you or your vet may also notice symptoms of cat liver problems such as occasional:
- Fullness in the chest, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or reduced appetite
- Loss of balance, weakness
- Urinary incontinence
- Shortness of breath
Herbal Solutions for Cat Liver Problems
An herbal blend such as Kan Essentials Open The Liver Canals is specially formulated to address cat liver problems.
Bupleurum Root
Firstly, practitioners have recommended bupleurum to treat liver problems for centuries.
Secondly, a review of herbal preparations including bupleurum suggested the extract may help protect the liver from damage. It regulates calcium levels within cells.
Chinese Skullcap Root
Traditionally, Chinese skullcap root is used to treat respiratory issues, diabetes, and arthritis.
Additionally, it contains chemicals that may decrease swelling and stop tumor growth.
Chinese Red Ginseng Root and Rhizome
Most importantly, studies suggest ginseng shows a variety of benefits for liver function and the treatment of liver disorders.
This includes acute/chronic hepatotoxicity, hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis, liver hepatectomy, liver transplantation, and even liver failure.
Turmeric Root Tuber
Traditionally, turmeric was used to stimulate bile production in the liver and encourage the excretion of bile via the gallbladder. Furthermore, this improves the body’s ability to digest fats.
Licorice Cured Pinellia Rhizome
In the book Dietary Interventions in Liver Disease, the authors write about a Japanese herbal blend called TJ-9. It contains bupleurum root, Pinellia tuber, jujube fruit, ginger rhizome, ginseng root, and other herbs with antioxidant activity.
Additionally, in conjunction with other medicines, the herbal blend can be used for chronic hepatitis treatment.
Furthermore, studies suggest TJ-9 prevents liver fibrosis and enzyme-altered lesions in rat liver cirrhosis.
Chinese Licorice Root And Rhizome
Licorice root has a long history of use for treating a variety of conditions, including lung, liver, circulatory, and kidney diseases.
Ginger Rhizome
Firstly, ginger root contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols. This helps inhibit inflammation and protect against cellular damage, supporting liver health.
Secondly, ginger may help protect the liver against toxins.
Thirdly, a study on humans with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease who were given a ginger powder supplement showed reductions in ALT, total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein.
Red Jujube Fruit
Most importantly, studies suggest jujube flavonoids help reduce stress and inflammation caused by free radical damage in the liver.
Seeking an herbal solution for cat liver problems?