Sick Cats. Plus Information On Herbs, Ilnesses and Treatments.

A young black tabby pads through the den as you walk through. "Careful in here. Don't eat anything and if you touch something wash your paws in a river, not with your tongue or you could get sick!" He warned. "We hope not to have many sick cats, but unfortunately there is often someone here."

Sick Cats in the Clan:

Frostberry who ate deathberries when he didn't hear the warning because of his deafness.
Snowsong, paralysed leg from Thunderpath accident.

Runningshadow continues with his speech. "We also have unfortunately lost a few cats to illnesses or wounds. Here they are so we will always remember them."

Cats who have died:

Bouncekit of Greencough.
Mosskit of Greencough.
Icepaw of a battlewound.
Waterfall on the Thunderpath.
Blueshadow fighting RiverClan and ShadowClan.
Hollyclaw of an infected throat wound.


A silver tabby suddenly speaks up. "I'm Echofoot. We also use a variaty of herbs to treat injured or sick cats. Here's the list, in case you ever need to treat a sick or injured cat yourself. Their listed in alphabetical order."

(note: found on
http://medicinecatsource.vndv.com/ )
A

Adder Barrack - Used for toothache.
Adder's Tongue - Anti-infectant.
Agrimony - Aids recovery from winter colds, fevers, and diarrhea. Cures sores and blemishes.
Aldaka - Helps soothe irritated eyes and prevent blindness.
Alder Bark - Reduces swelling and prevents infection when chewed and applied to a wound. May also be chewed by a cat with a toothache to reduce pain, swelling, and aid in preventing complications.
Alestris - Helps troubled digestive systems; makes the digestive process easier.
Alfalfa - Prevents tooth decay.
Allspice - The pulp can be used for toothache. It should NEVER be swallowed, just applied to the affected area.
Aloe Vera - The gel within the leaves prevent scars, and treat burns, skin diseases, and bruises. The actual herb must NOT be consumed!
Angelica - Soothes upset stomachs, vomiting, ulcers, cramps, and other problems with the digestive track.
Anise - Counters bad breath.
Anserke - Stops bleeding.
Archangelica - Good for colds and the flu.
Arfandas - Treats fractures and broken bones.
Asarabacca - Renders a cat docile when ingested; acts like a tranquilizer.
Ash Tree - New shoots can be eaten to counter adder poison.
Ash Tree Seeds - Treats cramps if consumed.
Aspen Tree Bark - Relieves stress and soothes restlessness and distraughtness.
Astralagus - Stimulates the immune system, prevents colds, and treats common bronchial infections.
Atigax - Aids eyesight.
Attanar - Good for fevers.


B

Base Mullein - Treats burns.
Basil - Fights infection and intestinal parasites. Stimulates the immune system. Leaves should be ingested.
Bastit - Repels insects when rubbed on a cat's body.
Bay - Fresh leaves should be applied to wounds to help treat them. It also soothes sore joints, treats infections, and repels bugs.
Bay Laurel - A digestive stimulant and indigestion reliever.
Bearberry - For liver disorders.
[Crushed] Beech Leaves - Useful for Juvenile Kidney Syndrome when eaten.
Belan - Stops bleeding.
Belramba - Treats nerve damage.
Benzoin - Can help with increasing blood flow through the heart, and can help tone and strengthen the heart as well. Great as a pre-journey medicine.
Bergamot - Scent can soothe nerves, calm emotions, and even help with tension and insomnia.
Betony - Treats fevers, diarrhoea, sore mouth and throat, internal bleeding, and weaknesses of the liver and heart.
Birch Bark - When moist, can be used as a splint for broken bones.
Birthwort - Induces contractions when chewed.
Black Cohosh - Reduces congestion. Can also reduce inflammation.
Black Mustard - Helps in many different ways. Can soothe chest congestion, coughing, helps with the digestive tract, arthritis, poor blood circulation, and acts as an antibacterial and an anti-fungal.
Bladderwrack - Counters inflammation and aching joints as well as helping the body cope with stress; boosts stamina, and regulates blood pressure.
Blessed Thistle - Increases flow of breast milk for she-cats.
Bloodroot - Applied externally can help skin problems. Toxic; do not ingest.
Boldo - Helps with liver disease.
Boneset - Reduces fever.
Borage - Leaves and Roots should be consumed to stave off fevers. Seeds and leaves should be consumed by the nursing Queen to increase available milk. Borage should never be used dried, only green.
Bramble Twigs - Helps to sleep when chewed to a fine syrup.
Broom - Treats broken bones + open wounds. Chew to a pulp and use that as a poultice.
Bugleweed - Is helpful with heart conditions.
Bull-Rush - Induces sleep.
Burdock Leaves - If chewed, should be applied to a NON-INFECTED wound to speed up healing.
Burdock Root - Mainly used for treating rat bites. Apply thoroughly chewed root to a wound; can also treat rashes or baldness. Internally, treats aching joints and removes poision in the bloodstream.
Bursthelas - Treats fractures and broken bones.
Butterbur - Can help with blood flow, but may cause liver damage.
Buttonbush Down - Helps constipation and urine problems.

C

Calamus - Aids hearing; prevents deafness. When ingested, can help with lungs and digestive tract. Removes phlegm from lungs and can help with asthma.
Calendula - Heals damaged tissue, cuts, wounds, burns, ulcers, inflammation, heals rough or problem skin; stimulates blood circulation; and helps to break fevers.
Caraway Seeds - Soothes the digestive track and repels cramps. It may also soothe cramps of pregnant she-cats.
Cascara Sagrada - A laxative. Can help constipation or flush out unnatural objects within the body.
Catchweed - Used to help protect freshly-applied poultices by sticking them over the area.
Catnip - Treats greencough. Feed chewed leaves to infected cat.
Cat's Claw - Prevents infection by boosting the immune system.
Cayenne - A popular herb for cleansing the body of germs by killing bacteria in illnesses such as colds. It also aids in the treatment of sore throats and feverishness by warming the body and inducing beneficial sweating.
Cedar Leaf - Good for infections.
Cedarwood - Oil can be used to treat skin problems, as an insect repellant, or can help with moderate respiratory problems.
Celandine - Soothes damaged or irritated eyes; can prevent blindness. Also aids blind eyes.
Celery - Treats headaches, stomach aches, and ulcers. Can help with kidney or bladder problems, though should be avoided if either area is inflamed.
Celery Seeds - Help rid the body of a chemical that causes inflammation and swelling in arthritis.
Chamomile - Soothes frayed nerves. Ingest the leaves.
Chapparal - Digestive & liver tonic & stimulant; bitter; antioxidant; can be useful in cases of bacteria, viruses or parasites. Also can be used to help clean the face.
Chaste Tree Berries - Increases flow of breast milk and aids the digestive track. Also increases hormonal output to aid infertility.
Cherries - Cures coughs, but is also mildly poisonous. (Not fatal. Use as a last resort.)
Chervil Root - Treats bellyache. Relaxes restlessness. It is also good for building stamina and strength.
Chickweed - Treats greencough and minor whitecough. Can be used in blackcough, though it is almost useless.
Chicory - Reduces bitterness of food, and aids in cleansing the urinary tract, aching joints, and digestion problems.
Cinnamon Leaves - Used for infection prevention, pain relief, a digestive aid, and soothing the uteruses of she-cats.
Clove - Used for toothaches, infection prevention, digestive aid, and treats ringworm. It is especially effective in the oral area, and should not be given to young kits.
Cobwebs - Stops bleeding and binds broken bones.
Coltsfoot - Helps uneven breathing.
Comfrey Root - Helps repair broken bones, and helps wounds to heal faster. Also good for ulcers.
Copal Resin - Good for infections.
Coptis - Works as an antibacterial, anti-parasitical, and an anti-inflammatory.
Coriander - Used for indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, and externally for muscle or joint pains.
Cornsilk - A mild laxative; blood cleanser; eases bladder irritation due to infection.
Costmary - Used for the strong scent, which helps keep the body awake and ready.
Cranberry - Can be used as a plaque remover for bad teeth.
Cranberry Juice - Helps treat urinary tract infection.
Cubeb - An antiviral.
Cucumber - The juice is good for the skin, burns, and sunburn. Sliced cucumber on closed eyes refreshes the eyes.
Culver's Root - The bitter-tasting root purges a cat of toxins.
Cumin - Can be useful in relieving an upset stomach.

D

Dainaberry - Induces sleep.
Daisy Leaves - Treats aching joints.
Damiana Leaves - Helps nervousness, weakness, exhaustion, and dizziness. Can be used as a mild laxative.
Dandelion - Treats colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, ulcers, itching and internal injuries.
Dandelion Roots - Help dispose of skin bacteria, stimulate the digestive system, and support the liver.
Darnell - Dims sight.
Deer-tongue - Used to flavor poultices and remove bitterness.
Dill - Fights infection and soothes the digestive system. Used for stomach problems, flatulence, and urinary tract infections.
Dittany - Prevents infection.
Dock Leaves - Leaves can be chewed and applied to a cat's body to make them slippery. A good lubricant.
Dried Oak Leaf - Collected in leaf-fall and stored in a dry place. Stops infections.
Dwarf Mallow - Cures bee stings and insect bites.


E

Echinacea - Fights infection, strengthens tissue, kills a wide variety of diseases (viral and bacterial), and helps aching joints. It highly boosts the immune system.
Eldaas - Cures nausea.
Elder Berries - For coughs, drying, colds, flus, and fevers.
Elder Flower - Soothes sunburn.
Elder Leaves - Help cure skin rashes, and help heal bruises or sprains.
Elecampane - Induces vomiting.
Slippery Elm - Helps heal wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, reduces pain and inflammation, and inner bark can help soothe throat and support the urinary tract.
Eucalyptus - Loosens phlegm, kills influenza, and may help bacterial bronchitis. An effective treatment for minor cuts and scrapes.
Evening Primrose - Soothes inflammation and supports the immune system. Also helps bloodflow, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Everlasting - Works in many ways: anti-inflammatory, infection, respiratory conditions, muscle pain, arthritis, liver failure, and increases production of skin cells.
Eyebright - For sore, red, or infected eyes. Can also treat nasal infections.

F

False Unicorn Root - Prevents miscarriage.
Fennel - Relaxes the digestive tract and expels gas.
Fennel Juice - Can treat chronic coughs.
Fenugreek - Used in the treatment of sore throats and to loosen and expel mucus.
Feverfew - Treats fevers and suppresses head pains. Leaves should be ingested. It may cause sores within the mouth.
Flax Seed - A laxative; crushed and mixed with enough water to make a paste is effective as a drawing poultice for boils, etc.; can be served with honey & lemon for coughs and colds.
Foxglove Cloves - Used to purge toxins from the body. Will force you to throw up the toxins.
Fringe Tree - Shoots kill germs and stop infections.
Fucus - Improves metabolism.
Fumitory - Helps skin diseases.

G

Garlic Juice - Dripped into wounds to prevent infection. Will cause slight stinging sensation when used.
Gentian - A tonic that stimulates cats, similar to catnip. Also stimulates the digestive system.
Geranium - Useful to heal cuts, burns, diarrhea, great for skin care, and can improve depression or stress.
Ginger - Treats stomach aches.
Ginger Root - A digestive stimulant; relieves indigestion; for nausea, and for flus and colds. Pregnant she-cats should only take the dried root, not the fresh one.
Ginkgo - Increases blood flow to the brain which can prevent strokes and heart attacks, improve memory, help impotence and chronic dizziness. It also helps with blindness, circulation, and deafness.
Ginseng Roots - Boosts the immune system and protects the liver.
Goldenrod - Treats aching joints and stiffness.
Goldenrod Juice - Dripped into wounds to relieve the tingling or pain sensation. It does nothing to heal, but numbs the pain.
Golden Seal Root - This kills many disease causing organisms e.g. bacteria, yeasts, fungi and parasites and also helps to boost the immune system.
Grapefruit - Helps fight bacterial and parasitical illness.
Grass - Soothes upset stomachs if consumed.
Gumweed - When chewed, used to help seal wounds from infection. It will slightly sting, and helps to collect the skin together and close quicker.

H

Hawthorne Berries - Counters diarrhea and repels toxins; treats indigestion, very similiar in appearance to deathberries.
Heather Down - When thinned out, treats a kit's indigestion.
Heather Nectar - Improves the taste of bitter herbs, suck as dock and yarrow. Does no harm to the treatment.
Hibiscus Flowers - Aids sore throats.
Honey - Soothes tender, sore, or raw throats. Stored in moss. [Most effectively soothes infections or the throats of cats who have breathed smoke.]
Hops - Relaxes the nervous system as well as the muscles, and a bitter digestive aid.
Horehound Flower - Good for minor respiratory problems, coughs, colds, and bronchitis.
Hornbeam - Can be chewed to aid in fighting depression and stress.
Horsetail - Treats infected wounds and prevents infection.
Hyssop - Flowers and leaves treat cough and irritation of colds and flu. DO NOT use on pregnant she-cats!

I

Iris Petals - Should be crushed and given to a she-cat during the birthing process to stimulate breathing. Also treats sore throats in kits.
Irish Moss - Draws out excess mucus for lungs and stomach and provides moisture to dry coughs. Also a digestive aid.
Ivy - Relieves sunburn.
Ivy Juice - Calms a cat if ingested.



J

Jinab - Keeps awake.
Jojojopo - Treats frostbite.
Juniper Berries - Treats bellyaches and sometimes troubled breathing.


K

Kava Kava - Relaxant; for anxiety & depression; soothes pain.
Kelp - Leaves fight infection, but have an unpleasant taste.


L

Lady's Mantle - Used for skin problems.
Lamb's Ears - Builds strength.
Lavender - Treats chills; leaves and flowers are particularly good for head and throat pains. Inhaling the scent of fresh flowers may calm a cat. Also cures fever.
Lavender Stem - Calms a cat in shock.
Lemon - Can be chewed to a pulp, or balm, which in turn treats wounds, viral infections, digestive problems, or cramps. It can also be used as a sedative.
Licorice Root - Good for coughs, colds, lung problems, and soothing sore throats.
Lime Juice - Heals injured paws.
Lotus Root - Prevents a cat from falling asleep.


M

Mallow - Treats broken bones.
Marigold - Leaves and Flowers should be consumed to relieve chills. Leaves and Petals can be chewed and placed on wounds to prevent infection.
Marigold Petals - When crushed, used to prevent against infection of serious wounds. Avoid around eyes, for it can irritate the skin.
Marjoram - An effective digestive aid.
Marsh Mallow - Has soothing qualities.
Meadowsweet - Calms the nervous system, as well as a painkiller, inflammation fighter, and aids with ulcers.
Milk Thistle - Repels toxins and stimulates proper liver function and protects liver from toxins & stress. It also aids the healthiness of the spleen and kidneys and stimulates breast milk.
Milkweed Juice - Used for sores or burns. Do not use around eyes or ears. Poisonous if ingested.
Mint - Soothes the stomach and numbs wounds.
[Broken] Mint Leaf - Has a slightly numbing effect when rubbed on one's skin.
Motherwort - Relaxes the nervous system and reduces anxiety.
Mouse Bile - Wards off ticks.
Mugwort - Nerve relaxant; helps anxiety and shaking; aids colds & flus; treats fevers; circulatory stimulant.
Mullein Leaf - Stimulates expulsion & drying up of excess lung fluid & toxins through coughing; sedative.
Myrrh - Fights bacteria, especially in the oral area.



N

Narcissus Flower Petals - Used when a she-cat has contractions. Helps soothe their mind.
Nettle Leaves - Treats swelling.


O

Oatstraw - Fights chronic depression and reduces nervousness, stress, and anxiety.
Onion - Helps sore throats.
Oregano Leaf - A digestive aid, as well as a treatment for dry, chesty coughs and bronchitis.
Oregon Grape Root - Not to be used by pregnant she-cats. Aids constipation and allergies; externally, use for infections and rashes.
Osha Root - Helps expel excess fluid from lungs; for coughs; circulatory and digestive stimulant.



P

Palm Fronds - Used as a splint for injured paws or claws.
Parsley - Seeds and leaves contain liquid that help with fever, freshen breath, and help with allergies.
Passionflower - Eases shock or trauma.
Pau d' Arco - This can be taken internally or used externally for treating infections such as thrush or any yeast/fungal overgrowth. It is also effective against some intestinal parasites.
Pawpaw Roots - Treats kitten cough; should be crushed and ingested.
Peacock Flower Petals - Clears nasal passages and clogged throats. Treats kitten cough as well.
Peppermint - Good for digestion, relieves gas; induces perspiration; helps open up nasal passages.
Pleurisy Root - Makes a cat discharge phlegm or other fluids from the respiratory tract.
Poison Ivy Leaves - Helps cracked pads.
Pokeweed - Counters viruses and bacteria.
Pond Apple - Cures bellyaches.
Poppy Seeds - Used to help cats or kittens sleep, and also to dull pain.


R

Ragwort - Travelling herb, often found in mountains. Helps keep up strength and energy.
Raspberry Leaf - Relieves diarrhea; good for mouth ulcers, cleansing wounds; promotes easy labor and childbirth (taken near the onset of labor); too much may cause constipation.
Red Clover - Treats coughs.
Red Pepper - A good digestive aid, can relieve infectious diarrhea, helps chronic pain when used externally, and helps headaches. Has a pleasant taste.
Rose Hips - Very high in Vitamin C, good for colds, flu, etc. Can also be eaten if there is no prey.
Rosemary - A good digestive aid and kills bacteria.
Rosemary Blooms - Should be broken and used to heal eye infection or to treat wounds around the eyes or eyelids.
Rosinweed - Used to clean out the system when poisons have been digested. (Will happen during "relieving yourself.")
Rushes - Binds broken bones.


S

Sacred Root - Used for upset stomachs if digested.
Sage - An anti-perspirant, as well as a fighter against infection, and a digestive aid. Can soothe sore throats as well as adding tasteful flavors to bitter remedies.
Sage Leaves - Can be crushed and applied to wounds.
Sage Root - Used for cracked pads.
Sarsaparilla - Cleanses and detoxifies the blood by binding toxins. It is also good for skin problems.
Sassafras - Externally for skin problems of all types, rashes, etc.; internally, thins the blood.
Savory - Has excellent soothing properties for kits, and can be used to treat the digestive track and colds.
Shock Root - Stimulates the nerve system. Use after a cat has been knocked unconscious, poisoned, or received head trauma.
Skullcap - Leaves can be used as tranquilizers. Anti-spasmodic.
Skullcap Seeds - Gives a cat extra strength.
Slippery Elm - Nutritious; soothing properties.
Smut Rye - Stimulates uterine contractions.
Snakeroot - Used to counter poison.
Snapdragon Seeds - Clears ringworm and rids the body of fleas.
Spirulina - An almost microsopic freshwater plant that boosts the immune system.
St. John's Wort - Counters chronic depression and viral or bacterial sicknesses.
Sundew - Relieves bad coughs.



T

Tansy - Treats coughs, colds, etc. Also treats wounds.
Tansy Leaves - Keeps hunger at bay.
Tarragon - Chew fresh leaves for toothache, apply fresh leaves to cuts and wounds. Prevents infection.
Thyme Leaves - Treats shock.
Tormentil Root - Good for all wounds and for poison.


U

Usnea Lichen - Treats parasites and strengthens the immune system.
Uva Ursi - For sluggishness, infections, or urinary tract problems.


V

Valerian Root - A powerful but pungent sedative; it has the ability to temporarily ease spasms when ingested. Lasts 1-12 hours. The scent of the root attracts rats.
Vervain - Leaves are used to treat headaches, for mild pain relief, and a very mild laxative.


W

Watermint - Treats bellyache.
White Bryony [Root] - Treats pnuemonia when ingested. Root should be chewed well before being ingested.
Whitecandle [Flowers] - Relieves pain when ingested.
Wild Garlic - Can be rolled in to prevent infection.
Wild Lettuce - For back pains, restlessness, aching joints, or headaches. Also a nerve relaxant.
Willow Bark - Juice beneath the bark can be applied to eyes to clear clouded vision; also cures itches. Small amounts of the actual bark can be eaten as a painkiller or to cure fevers.
Witch Hazel - Prevents inflammation, and is good for sore muscles, cuts, and bruises.
Windflower Shoots - Counters cramps, especially in pregnant she-cats.
Wintergreen - Good for all wounds and for poison.
Wormwood - Relieves pain when chewed.
[Dried] Wood Sorrel - Temporarily doubles the cat's ability to endure heat effects when ingested. (Increases tolerance; it does not counteract dehydration, etc.)



Y

Yaran - Temporarily enhances senses for one hour.
Yarrow - Induces vomiting; used for removing toxins from the body. However, if given to an extremely ill cat, it could make them sicker.
Yerba Santa - Treats sinus infections, coughs, aids the respiatory system, and dries the mucus membranes.
[Crushed] Young Lad's Love Flowers - Should be chewed to a pulp (poultice) and dripped on minor frostbites to cure them.


Z

Zur - Temporarily enhances senses for one hour.



Deadly Herbs

Bael - Poisonous.
Belladonna - One of the most poisonous plants, the leaves, roots and berries are all fatally toxic.
Bleeding Heart - Deadly.
Buttercups - Not fatal, but it's best to avoid this, as it can cause a nasty bellyache.
Cashew Apple - Poisonous.
Cherries - Poisonous; they grow on small trees.
Coast Spice Bush - Causes a rash.
Deathberries - Bright scarlet in color, these berries can be used to kill a cat in a matter of seconds. Use if you're getting revenge or, if a cat is near death and in great pain, make their passage easier.
English Ivy - Gives a stomach ache.
Foxglove - Poisonous. The cloves, however, have medicinal purposes.
Hemlock - Fatal.
Leopard's Bane - Poisonous.
Nightshade - Deadly berries; can be bright red or green.
Orange Angel's Trumpet - Poisonous.
Sweet Acaica - Poisonous.
Thorn Apple - Poisonous.
Tree Tobacco - Poisonous.


Traveling Herbs

Crushed Lotus Roots - Used to aid alertness, so that you will not fall asleep. (Energizer)
Poppy Seeds - Used to help dull the hunger, or pain in your paws.
Tansy Leaves - Used to keep your hunger at bay.
Skullcap Seeds - Used to give you extra strength. (Acts like a steroid)



Echofoot continues. "Now here are some illnesses we know of."

ACHING JOINTS
Arthritis; usually found in elderly cats. It can be caused by cold weather, damp bedding, or just plain old age. Their joints will become stiff and it will be painful to move. In some cases there may be swelling or inflammation. Not a very serious disease.

Best Treatments:
Burdock Root and Daisy Leaves
Nettle Leaves and Goldenrod
Wild Lettuce and Bay




TORN CLAW
A torn claw is a fairly common wound. Most cats will tear a claw within their lifetime. This may cause some minor limping that will go away within a matter of days. There may also be a bit of swelling and pain.

Best Treatments:
Cobwebs, Marigold and Poppy Seeds


SORES
Sores are similar to bruises; they are parts of raw skin on a cat's body and can be caused by mostly any type of rough activity. Not a very serious illness. The abrasion might ache for a while, but it is best to get it cured if you want the cat up to snuff.

Best Treatments:
Agrimony and Milkweed Juice (poisonous if swallowed)
Witch Hazel and Poppy Seeds
Vervain and Agrimony



TOOTHACHE
An ache in the oral area of a cat. An annoying pain which will probably not go away unless treated. Toothaches can be the sign of a lose tooth or some type of gum disease.

Best Treatments:
Alder Bark [chewed by cat] and Allspice Pulp (poisonous if swallowed)
Clove and Tarragon
Poppy Seeds and Alfalfa





BELLYACHE
A recurring pain in the stomach area of a cat. This can be caused by a wide range of things and can sometimes be symptoms of more serious diseases. However, most bellyaches are minor, nagging pains.

Best Treatments:
Watermint and Chervil Root
Juniper Berries and Poppy Seeds
Cinnamon Leaves and Meadowsweet




ACHES AND PAINS
When a cat has some sort of recurring ache or pain in any, or at times multiple, areas of the body. Not a very serious illness, though it should be treated if you want the cat to be up to snuff.

Best Treatments:
Poppy Seeds and Chamomile
Coriander and Cinnamon Leaves
Kava Kava and Willow Bark




THORNS
A very common ailment, this is when a cat gets a thorn lodged in its pad. There may be some minor swelling and pain.

Best Treatments:
Pull out the thorn with your teeth, then apply marigold to prevent infection.




CUTS
Now I don't mean serious wounds here, I mean cuts. Small scrapes and such that bleed a bit but aren't too serious. Unless they get infected. Yes, even small injuries can get infected. These usually close up on their own, but if not, well just use a bunch of these herbs below.

Best Treatments:
[Chewed] Gumweed and Goldenrod Juice
Eucalyptus and Calendula
Tarragon and Witch Hazel


SWELLING
A painful inflammation of one part of the body. Swelling can sometimes be a symptom of something else or some type of infection. If it happens in certain body parts, such as the legs, it can restrict movement. Swelling is not very serious, but should be cured to relieve the cat of pain.

Best Treatments:
Nettle Leaves and Poppy Seeds
Goldenrod Juice and [Chewed] Alder Bark
Calendula and Meadowsweet




FEVER/HEADACHE
A fever is when the cat's body temperature shoots up. The cat may start sweating and/or become delirious. Headaches are minor head pains, but may also come along with fevers. This is a mild illness, definitely not fatal. It can be contracted in any season.

Beast Treatments:
Feverfew and Nettle Leaves
Borage Leaves and Willow Bark
Boneset and Celery




COUGH
Usually contracted in leaf-bare, similar to whitecough but somewhat less serious. The cat will have a minor cough which can sometimes cause rawness of the throat. This will usually disappear in a few days, but if not, you can treat it with the herbs below.

Best Treatments:
Tansy and Agrimony
Licorice Root and Mugwort
Astralagus and Elder Berries




FATIGUE/LETHARGY
When a cat is tired. This could be the result of stress or overwork; in any case, the muscles are having too much tension placed on them. The cat will feel lazy and drowsy. This should be cured to ensure that the cat leads a healthy, active lifestyle.

Best Treatments:
Ragwort and Skullcap Seeds
Chervil Root and Lamb's Ears



MILK
If a she-cat is not supplying enough milk for all of her kits, these herbs can be used to increase the flow. If this is unsuccessful the unnourished kits should be moved to another nursing queen or risk death.

Best Treatments:
Borage Leaves and Blessed Thistle
Chaste Tree Berries and Milk Thistle



TROUBLED BREATHING
A cat's normal breathing pattern is interrupted. It starts breathing in an unusual pattern which can be harmful to its body. For instance, hyperventilating. The cat may pass out from not getting enough air, so you should give it herbs at once.

Best Treatments:
Coltsfoot and Juniper Berries
Iris Petals - stimulate breathing during birthing process



BEE STING
A flying insect called a bee sticks its stinger inside a cat. The area where the cat was stung will be painful, raw, and will swell up. Well at least the bee dies after it stings you! Anyway, the medicine cat should first pull out the stinger before applying any treatments.

Best Treatments:
White Liquid Within Dandelion Stems and Alder Bark
Nettle Leaves and Poppy Seeds



TICKS
Ticks are small, almost microscopic insects that jump from animal to animal and suck blood. They have parasitic tendencies. Ticks can come on to a cat at any time while they are going through the forest. They are especially common in elders, and more of a painful nuisance than anything else. In rare cases they can carry diseases.

Best Treatments:
Mouse Bile



RASH
A rash is an itchy spot on a cat which is painful when scratched. Needless to say it can get quite bothersome after a while. To cure a cat of this nuisance use one of the remedies below. Usually a cat should be cured of this before it gets the chance to infect other cats.

Best Treatments:
Nettle Leaves and Poppy Seeds
Goldenrod Juice and Burdock Root
Sassafras and Oregon Grape Root


CRACKED PADS
A painful but not fatal ailment usually found in elderly cats. The tender paw pads can become dry and cracked from cold or dryness. It can lead to infection if untreated. It will be painful to walk and the cat should rest until their paws are better.

Best Treatments:
Sage Root and Poppy Seeds
Marigold and Poison Ivy Leaves (can cause a minor rash)
Goldenrod Juice and Garlic Juice



CHILL
A very minor sickness; usually contracted around leaf-bare, when the weather is freezing or a cat falls into icy water. Somewhat similar to hypothermia. The cat will get cold chills. This sickness is very mild and not fatal.

Best Treatments:
Cayenne and Elder Berries
Horehound Flower and Hyssop
Licorice Root and Rose Hips




IRRITATED THROAT/SMOKE INHALATION
A raw, sore, or tender throat can be caused by numerous things. The onset of leaf-bare usually brings colds along with it, which can mean irritated throats; smoke can also cause this ailment. The cat's throat may feel dry, itchy, sore, or painful. This is also a mild sickness.

Best Treatments:
Betony and Honey
Cayenne and Fenugreek
Hibiscus Flowers and Onion
Iris Petals and Honey (for kits)


WHITECOUGH
Similar to influenza and kittencough, a common disease. However, it CAN turn into greencough or even blackcough, so you want to cure it as soon as possible. The cat will be sneezing, coughing, have a runny nose, feel tired, and have a slight fever.

Best Treatments:
Tansy and Yerba Santa
Cayenne and Feverfew
Red Clover and Agrimony



ACHING/INFECTED EYES
The eyes will have pains and it will be hard to keep them open for a normal period of time. In some cases the eyes may turn red or the skin around them may be raw. They could even start bleeding. It's best if you treat this as soon as possible, for if left untreated for too long blindness may occur.

Best Treatments:
Celandine and Eyebright
Willow Bark Juice and Eyebright



BLEEDING
No matter if it's just a small trickle of blood or that blood is gushing out, bleeding has to be stopped. It can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious disease. Bleeding is most likely from some kind of wound, and should be stopped as soon as possible to prevent infection.

Best Treatments:
Cobwebs




ANXIETY/SHOCK
Anxiety is when a cat is excessively nervous or fearful for some reason. Shock is when, after witnessing a traumatic event, the cat is unresponsive or refuses to come out of a daze. Listed below are treatments to bring the cat out of its trance or to soothe the frayed nerves.

Best Treatments:
Kava Kava and Passionflower
Motherwort and Thyme Leaves
Mugwort and Oatstraw



WOUND
A serious injury, to say the least; could be attained in battle, either with other cats or with animals. This should definitely be treated to prevent infection and possible death. The larger and/or deeper the wound is, the more likely it will leave a scar.

Best Treatments:
[Chewed] Alder Bark and Bay
Calendula and Comfrey Root
Garlic Juice and Horsetail



INFECTED WOUND
Infected wounds are normal wounds that have had some type of viral bacteria enter them. Infected wounds set off a bad stench, ooze pus, and the skin around them is raw. Infected wounds are very painful and in some serious cases can be fatal.

Best Treatments:
Horsetail and Chervil Leaf Juice
Burdock Root and Marigold
Goldenrod Juice and Echinacea



JUVENILE KIDNEY SYNDROME
Heavystep of RiverClan was afflicted by this in the books. The medicine cats don't know the Twoleg name for it, of course. The symptoms are dehydration, general weakness, vomiting, losing the ability to pass dirt, and softening the pads on the foot to therefore create cracks. Usually a cat will die unless the sickness is not very serious.

Best Treatments:
Crushed Beech Leaves are useful when eaten, though there is no cure.



CARRIONPLACE DISEASE
This was seen only once in the books, as a result from ShadowClanners eating infected rats. Cinderpelt cured it, but I'm not sure of the herbs she used, so here's a few educated guesses. Carrionplace Disease is similar to Greencough; the cat will have troubled breathing, violent coughing fits, fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and exhaustion. There is a terrible stench associated with this disease.

Best Treatments:
Borage, Angelica, Coltsfoot, Juniper Berries, Honey, and Feverfew.



GREENCOUGH
A sickness similar to pneumonia; usually contracted in leaf-bare. Very contagious; ailing cats should be set apart from the rest of the Clan. It usually is contracted under freezing conditions. Wheezing, phlegm streaming from the nose and mouth, fever, and sluggishness are the
symptoms. This can turn into the fatal blackcough, so watch out!

Best Treatments:
Feverfew and Catnip
Chickweed and Mugwort
Sundew and Elder Berries



POISON
When a cat is poisoned, it could mean anything from a minor dizziness to a painful death. In most cases the medicine cat should try to expel the poison immediately, especially if deathberries or a fatal herb has been ingested. Adder or other snake bites should also be cured (if possible) at once. Symptoms may include dizziness, aches and pains, headaches, fever, sweating, and loss of consciousness.

Best Treatments:
Snakeroot and Yarrow
Rosinweed and Ash Tree Shoots
Culver's Root and Hawthorne Berries


BROKEN BONES
A cat breaks any bone in its body due to some accident. It could be as simple as a minor fracture to as serious as a completely split bone with shards of bone going through the bloodstream. In any case, a broken bone should definitely be first priority. It only takes a few minutes to set a splint and give the cat a painkiller.

Best Treatments:
Poppy Seeds and [Moist] Birch Bark
Comfrey Root and Cinnamon Leaves
Meadowsweet and Broom Poultice



BLACKCOUGH
A fatal sickness. Any cat who catches this is most likely going to die. You can try to treat it, but there will most likely be minimal results. It is highly contagious. Whitecough and greencough can turn into this. Symptoms are probably severe wheezing and coughing, phlegm streaming from the nose, pus or blood excreted from the body, perspiration, lethargy or weakness, and high fever.

Best Treatments:
Feverfew and Sundew
Echinacea and Damiana Leaves
Yerba Santa and Foxglove Cloves (or Yarrow)



DEATH DISEASE
A very fatal illness, worse than blackcough. Humans call this lime disease. The cat will have aches and pains all over its body and its body will slowly self destruct over time. There is no cure for this. The cat will have many near death experiences, and will be in great pain until it finally expires.

Best Treatments:
The best you can do is deathberries to ease their
passage to StarClan




"And some treatments! Echofoot, I knew you would forget them." Runningshadow interrupts.

Broken Bones

Ragwort & Crushed Juniper Berries
Can be mixed together to create a poultice for broken limbs.
Chew the Ragwort Leaf to a pulp and crush the Juniper Berries. Mix it together. The resulting poultice can be dripped into the wound of a broken bone.
Apply externally.

Broom
A poultice for broken bones.
Chew to a pulp and then apply to the wound.
Apply externally.

Goldenrod Juice
Dulls the pain of the wound.
Simply drip the juice into the wound to numb any pain that may occur.
Apply externally.

Birch Bark and Cobwebs
Use together as a splint to set broken bones and stop the blood flow.
The Birch Bark should be moist; soak it in water or damp moss overnight, and then shake out the excess water. Wrap the wound in cobwebs first to stop the blood. Then set it with the moist Birch Bark.
Apply externally.

Marigold, Alder Bark, Bay, and/or Tarragon
Prevents infection. Or treats infection.
Marigold Leaves can be chewed and placed on a wound to prevent infection, petals can be crushed and also placed on a wound to prevent infection. Alder Bark reduces swelling and prevents infection when chewed and applied to the wound. Fresh Bay Leaves should be applied to a wound to treat or prevent infections. Apply Fresh Tarragon Leaves to cuts and wounds to prevent infection.
Apply externally.



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Pregnant She-Cats

Caraway Seeds
Repels and soothes cramps.
Take whenever the she-cat has cramps.
Ingest.

Windflower Shoots
Soothes cramps.
Take whenever the she-cat has cramps.
Ingest.

Skullcap Seeds
Gives a cat extra strength.
Taken before or during labor.
Ingest.

Raspberry Leaf
Promotes easy labor and childbirth. Too much may cause constipation.
Take before or during labor.
Ingest.

Crushed Iris Petals
Stimulates breathing during birthing process.
Take during birthing process.
Ingest.

Poppy Seeds
Stimulates restful sleep. Also relieves pain.
Taken after birthing process to ensure a good slumber.
Ingest.

Blessed Thistle
Increases and stimulates the flow of breast milk.
Taken during nursing process.
Ingest.



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Eye Problems

Celandine and Eyebright
For sore, red, or infected eyes.
When chewed to a pulp, Celandine and Eyebright can be dripped into or around the eye.
Apply externally.

[Broken] Rosemary Blooms
Treats eye infections or wounds around the eye.
Broken Rosemary Blooms should be applied to or around the eye to treat infections or wounds.
Apply externally.

Willow Bark Juice
Clears clouded vision.
Juice beneath the Willow Bark can be dripped into the eyes to clear clouded vision.
Apply externally.

Sliced Cucumber
Refreshes the eyes.
If you manage to get a hold of a cucumber, slice it with your paw, and place over the eyes for a set amount of time. Probably ten to twenty minutes at best.
Apply externally.



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Irritated Throat

Honey
Soothes tender, sore, or raw throats.
Honey is collected from a bee hive and is stored in moss. It is especially efficient for cats who have breathed smoke.
Ingest.

Sage
Soothes sore throats, and fights infection.
Sage leaves also have a pleasant taste; as well as fighting infections and soothing the throat, they can be used to make bitter concoctions more tasteful.
Ingest.

Meadowsweet
Fights infection and inflammation.
When eaten, reduces the swelling in a sore throat that essentially adds to the irritation. Also reduces the pain.
Ingest.

Black Cohosh
Reduces congestion and inflammation.
Helps if your throat is especially swelled up or if your throat or nasal passages are congested.
Ingest.


Medicine Cat Code:


1. A medicine cat may not fall in love or take a mate.
2. A medicine cat may not have kits.
3. A medicine cat may only retire when their apprentice is ready to take their place.
4. A medicine cat shares dreams with only StarClan.
5. A medicine cat may only discuss dreams, prophecies, etc. with their leader or other medicine cats at the monthly meeting; dreams of an otherwise prophetic nature should not be disclosed to any outside parties, or any other cats in the Clan
(Information from The Medicine Cat Source

<a href="http://medicinecatsource.vndv.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://medicinecatsource.vndv.com/images/affbanner.png" width="88" height="31" border="0" alt="The Medicine Cat Source"></a> )