I hope you like kitty's and can give advice that will help me to fix a long existing problem. A friend has three cats, all healthy except one. The problem has been a sore on the right side, near the liver that will not heal. It oozes and stays crusty, and the cat constantly licks it. My friend has changed the cat’s diet to as good as it can get. In fact, she feeds it to the other two, and she has noticed their fur feels softer. But not the case with the cat with the sore that won't heal. Its fur is very dull, dry and straw like. The vet recommended a round of steroids and this cleared the problem up with the sore. It healed, but fur still stayed the same. After the round of steroids was over and months went by the sore began to come back, in the same place, and the cats fur has remained the same. I have taken Dr. Fritchey's herb 101 class, and look forward to taking his herb 102 class. Paddycake, would you ask Emily and Dr. Fritchey what they would do? We are at a loss and my friend really doesn't want to use steroids. I am willing to put together a remedy or purchase one from Sunshine Botanicals. I have been using your products for a year now and wouldn't go a day without them. Thanks in advance!!

Julie Farnsworth

Hi Julie,

How nice to hear from you!  I have 4 brothers and sisters (all felines), so I definitely have a little experience in this area.  I asked my Dad what he would do, and he agreed with me that first of all, Oregon Grape root is what you need right away.  This wonderful herb is highly effective in cleansing the liver and has used it with success in treating hot spots for some time.  This is available in a liquid form that can be added to food or given full strength.  I recommend you use ½ the recommended dosage, 3-4 times per day.  This liquid tincture may also be applied topically to the affected areas.  That said, my Dad’s “Rescue Rapid Repair Serum” contains both Comfrey root AND Oregon Grape (along with whole leaf aloe Vera, lavender and Calendula.  Not only will this help heal the sore, it is also fabulous for your skin, too!  Apply to your cat’s wound 4 xs daily, generously. This will address the need from the inside out! Since you took my Dad’s Herbology class, you could make an Oregon grape tincture yourself J if you are time crunched (like most people) just call us and we will help you out.

In addition, essential fatty acids (especially fish oil!) are so necessary to supplement the diet.  EFA’s’ build healthy coats, greatly improve skin conditions (and people, too!)  and build a healthy nervous system.  The link that follows will help you better understand the role this vital nutrient plays!  Lastly, look at her daily food…the right diet will go a long way in preventing and healing many illnesses.  More info on one very interesting eating plan may also be found here. (am hearing about this more and more all the time!) http://www.barfworld.com/html/learn_more/efa.shtml   I sure hope this info helps!  Please let us know how your kitty gets along, and we all hope you have a fabulous week!

Happy Trails!

Paddycake