Supplements for Cats With Cancer: Three To Try

Though there are supplements that can help cats and dogs in their fight against cancer—including medicinal mushrooms, lactoferrin, ashwagandha, green tea extract, milk thistle, and turmeric—they don't often get used for cats due to the taste and aroma, says Dr. Katherine Kramer, Medical Director at VCA-Canada Vancouver Animal Wellness Hopsital and Director of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine. “Cats are so much more difficult to medicate and often cats with cancer are not eating well anyway so I hesitate to add anything that may cause them to turn away from food,” Dr. Kramer says. “For cats I find I rely more on CBD and essential fatty acids but I do have some cats that will take TCVM herbs.”

1 Omega-3 essential fatty acids

serve as natural anti-inflammatories in cells. There is evidence that these fatty acids can reduce postoperative infections and acute radiation side effects in human cancer patients, as well as being able to kill cancer directly and reduce the proliferation of cancer cells. “Multiple studies highlight the benefits of omega-3s for not only cancer, but many inflammatory diseases,” says Dr. Kramer. “It is important to look for a quality product and introduce it gradually since high doses can cause diarrhea.”

2 CBD,

a hemp-derived cannabinoid, has become very popular for its health benefits for humans and pets.

“CBD can be very helpful in relieving pain and nausea and stimulating appetite in most cats,” says Dr. Kramer. “This can be very beneficial for providing not only palliative care but relieving the side effects of chemotherapy. There is also a large body of evidence that suggests CBD and many of the other chemicals in cannabis have specific anti-cancer effects. There are several very exciting studies underway looking at the effects of CBD on specific dog cancers.”

Although veterinary cannabinoid medicine has come a long way, and while CBD is legal in both the U.S. and Canada, veterinarians in Canada and the U.S. are not allowed to recommend, prescribe or dispense cannabis or CBD products. “However, veterinarians can engage in harm reduction education and advise on how to find regulated CBD products and how to use them safely,” says Dr. Kramer. “A majority of my geriatric and cancer patients receive a CBD supplement.” (Always talk to your vet as there are potential drug reactions that could make chemotherapy less effective.)

3 Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)

There are several formulas that may benefit cats with cancer, says Dr. Kramer. “Common cancer preparations are Hoxsey formula, Stasis breaker, HSA formula, and Xue Fu Zhu Yu

Tang. Herbal formulas typically contain multiple herbs and have complex mechanisms of action. Recommendations for a specific formula is tailored to the individual patient. Combining herbs with other aspects of TCVM (acupuncture, massage, food therapy) can be quite effective,” she says.