Is althea syrup for humans safe for cats?

She has respitory problems so I wanted to know if althea is safe for cats... Or is inula helenium any better?? If they are safe, how much should I give and how often?

You should not give any human medicine to you cat without checking with your vet first to make sure it is safe and what dose to give.

ok

spacecat1210 said:

She has respitory problems

so I wanted to know if althea is safe for cats... Or is inula helenium any better??

If they are safe, how much should I give and how often?

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Hi spacecat1210 !

Franksmom just gave you the best advice ever......many cats have been poisoned when well-intentioned, but uninformed people have become their own Vets!

And, even when non-poisonous things are given to our cats.....they can trigger reactions because of hidden conditions in the cat.

All of that said - and, provided you speak with your Vet before trying anything, here is a little information about those two herbs:

Herbal Treatments

There are some herbs known to improve respiratory function that have been effective in reducing asthma symptoms in cats. Inula helenium (elecampane)  and althea officinalis (marshmallow) are two herbs that have been used for centuries because of their respiratory calming properties.

from: Natural Treatment Options for Feline Asthma - Vetinfo.com

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You'll notice that there are no suggested dosages in that article......one reason: those would be recommended for each individual patient by the prescribing Vet.

Now, you said "She has respitory (respiratory) problems".......that could mean a few things. Was she actually diagnosed with Asthma by a Vet?

If it is asthma, here is something that you might consider: there is a specialized online group of people with asthma kitties. Asthma is their only focus and they've online for 14 years...almost 4000 people (and cats) have been members - so, they should know a thing or two about Asthma. I'm sure that holistic treatments would be on their menus! Here's more info:

• you can find their group here  Feline Asthma & Respiratory Diseases Group    You can join up by pressing the blue "Join This Group!" button

• this is their website  http://www.felineasthma.org/

Hope some of that helps !

Thanks White Shadow. She has not been diagnosed but from what I've read, dusty clay litter could be the cause of her wheezing. I believe this is the cause because her litter is extremely dusty and has a strong scent. I will try switching to Swheat Scoop, people seem to reccomend it for low dust.

OK...well, for sure, change the litter. I've read - and, I found out by experience - that cats do NOT like 'flash' changes to the litter they use. It's recommended that litter be changed over gradually, much like the way dry food changes are made.