Veterinarian Dr LaCombe from Sedona shared the following case from her clinical work. She had been working with a 20½-year-old cat who was suffering from multiple, serious health problems, including an overactive thyroid, high blood pressure, low potassium levels, reduced kidney function, severe constipation (she had not passed stools for four days), facial swelling, and loss of appetite. The cat had stopped eating, which meant she was also unable to take her usual medications and herbal support, despite normally being a good eater.

It was initially suspected that the facial swelling was caused by an infected tooth root, which would have been causing considerable discomfort. Applied Zoopharmacognosy was therefore introduced to explore whether the cat could indicate what she needed.

The cat first selected cilantro and fennel and then went on to plant extracts often selected by those with tumours and cancer, thuja and garlic engaging with them for an extended period. Once she had finished with these, the cat walked into the kitchen and ate a small meal. Over the course of the afternoon and evening, she went on to eat several more meals and continued eating the following morning. The four plant extracts were left on paper samples for the owner to offer two to three times daily.

As the day progressed, the cat began to show a return of her normal behaviours. The facial swelling reduced by around half, and she allowed her owner to gently massage her face, something she had previously resisted. Additional fluids were given under the skin to support hydration and kidney function, and the owner was advised to continue offering the essential oils  at least twice daily over the weekend, while her progress was monitored.

Reflecting on the case, Dr LaCombe wrote that she was deeply grateful to have learned these gentle self-selection techniques. They allowed her to support healing in a fragile patient for whom invasive or stressful interventions could have been harmful.