by (Livin' La Vida) Mocha
"MEyowww"
English Translation:
Garlic! HUH! What is it good for?
Absolutely..... a lot!
Superstition dictates that garlic is said to ward off
vampires, and also those other horrible blood suckers --
FLEAS! The theory is that individuals who eat garlic
don't taste good, at least not to fleas. Garlic is high
in sulfur, which helps change the oil secretion in such a
way that fleas tend to find garlicky kitties less
pleasant.
Garlic also has antiseptic and antiviral properties. It's
said to be effective against internal parasites and may
be of benefit in fighting cancer. It's been used as an
adjunct in the treatment of asthma, arthritis,
infections, and liver disease. But flea control is still
the main reason why it's useful.
In homeopathy, garlic is used for digestive problems,
especially when kitty has an upset stomach caused by
dietary change. It's most suitable for kitties that tend
to be overweight and eating a pretty rich diet.
You can even give some to kitty before and after a dental
treatment. During dental treatments, a lot of bacteria
are thrown into the bloodstream. They tend to clog the
kidneys, and clot up on the valves of the heart. Garlic
keeps the heart clearer.
Allicin, one of the main active ingredients in garlic,
has antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial benefits.
It's recommended for pets with tapeworms. It's also
useful for treating allergic dermatitis because it
contains chemicals that can reduce the production of
inflammatory prostaglandins.
There are some things you should know before you start
chopping up cloves and adding them to kitty's dinner.
Garlic can cause excess intestinal gas, which can be
reduced by decreasing the amount. And, some pets can have
a toxic reation to members of the onion family: including
leeks, chives, and scallions.
For obvious reasons, avoid giving garlic to a cat with
anemia. Cats that are scheduled for surgery should not be
given garlic for at least one week before the proceedure,
and one week after. And, garlic should not be given to
kittens.
It's always wise to remember that too much of anything
can cause problems. So, you should consult with your
veterinarian. If you want to make sure the amount you are
giving kitty is safe, arrange for a blood test a few
weeks after you begin feeding garlic.
lavidamocha@meowmail.com
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