Bach Flower Remedies were designed for people, but holistic veterinarians have used them for more than 50 years. Pets are not people, though. We don’t know if they share the same emotions. Even though we may think cats feel similar emotional states, ascribing human emotions to them can cause problems if we guess wrong.
Since the 38 Bach Flower Remedies are harmless, choosing wrong won’t hurt your cat. It’s worth a “best guess” when picking the right remedy may be of great help. Purchasing all 38 essences can be quite expensive, though. Here are the top veterinary recommendations and what they treat.
1. Aspen
Fear of the unknown. These cats become nervous for no obvious reason. Separation anxiety often seems responsive to this essence.
2. Rock Rose
Bach Flower Essence Rock Rose helps cats with terror, panic, phobia. Feral cats being handled by people and transitioned into homes are prime candidates.
3. Star of Bethlehem
Mental or physical shock. Helpful for cats that act withdrawn having lost their home or a family member, or that lose urine/bowel control due to emotional upset. Bach essence Star of Bethlehem can help with separation anxiety.
4. Beech
Intolerance. For the cat that complains loudly. Typically these cats only tolerate their owners, and dislike strange people and pets. Bach Flower Essence Beech is helpful during introductions of new cats, and helps reduce territorial aggression issues.
5. Centaury
Excessive submission. Bach Flower Essence Centuary helps the timid cat who get picked on by the other cats and won’t take up for herself.
7. Vervain
Over-enthusiasm. Bach Flower Essences Vervain helps the high strung, intense, hyperactive cat with nervous energy that paces, or seeks to escape.
8. Vine
Dominance or aggression. Vine is helpful with “thinking” cats who want their own way. May be appropriate for the “bully cat” who wants to control interaction and indulges in petting aggression behaviors.
9. Water Violet
Aloofness. Bach Water Violet is particularly helpful for cats who seek solitude when ill, and become antisocial or retreat from the world emotionally during grief.
10. Willow
Resentment. Willow may be helpful for cats who appear to show displeasure by urinating inappropriately.
11. Mimulus
Fear of the known. Bach Flower Essences Mimulus is helpful for fearful cats with a specific identifiable fear, such as cats that hide when visitors arrive, or react in fear to a particular noise or animal.
12. Rescue Remedy
Mental or physical trauma. Rescue Remedy is a five-flower combination “emergency” remedy that contains Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose, and Clematis. It's appropriate for any sudden emotional upset or physical injury.
