Natural Remedy: How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help Your Cat
This amazing tonic has myriad pet applications, from deterring fleas to treating skin conditions and removing odours. Here’s how to take advantage of apple cider vinegar’s many health and household benefits!
Illustrated found that cleaning produce with a solution of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water removed 98 percent of bacteria, proving it to be more effective than anti-bacterial soap. Apple cider vinegar must always be diluted with equal amounts water (or more) when it is used externally for your cat.
We love ordinary products that do extraordinary things, and apple cider vinegar (also referred to as ACV), is one such product extraordinaire. ACV is made from fermented apples. It is one of the oldest fermentation processes known to humankind and has been used medicinally for thousands of years.
Today we’re seeing a resurgence of this popular but common household staple to help humans with everything from relieving sore throats, bug bites, and constipation, to even regulating blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol.
So, if this simple and natural but multifaceted home staple is so useful for humans, is it also good for our cats? The simple answer is yes—most experts agree that its documented human benefits also help cats; but, as always, it’s a good idea to check with your vet prior to starting new treatments.
Made from just apples and water, it may be surprising to learn that it has strong antioxidant and antibacterial qualities. Slightly acidic (it has a pH of 3.1 to 5), it can soothe a cat’s overly alkalized digestive tract, aid digestion, and regulate weight and blood sugar. To do this, add a little bit of apple cider vinegar to your cat’s food or water (see table at right). ACV is also packed with potassium—11 grams in a tablespoon. You can also use it to rinse any vegetables or fruit you and your pets consume; Cook’s
for more ideas and recipes using apple cider vinegar that can help your cat!