I realize when children who grew up with pets, they are more in tune with their sensitive side hence more compassionate.

I also see you gave a lot of thoughts in naming your cat—Spike, which didn’t take me by surprise—as a regular reader of your blog. I love it when pet parents take the time to brainstorm good name for their pets—either to match its personality or enhance its physical condition.

I hope Spike will feel better with the new ingredient in his diet. One thing I learn to trick finicky eaters is to sauté garlic before adding any other ingredients. Otherwise I would use it whole in soup. Messaging pets is always good for both pets and owners.

You are always welcome, Rick. It has always been my pleasure to help our little friends.

Right now I’ve got two cats. Ash is a six month old kitten my granddaughter’s dad got for her. Spike is 14 or 15. We’ve had him from birth. The only reason we have him is because he was feeble enough we thought he would die, and didn’t want to have that happen to someone else. His name was a bit of sympathetic magic to strengthen him.

Anyway, he’s older and has been depressed since his brother died last year. I think I’ll try the garlic for his appetite, but the ginger oil with the shiatsu for his arthritis sounds like a great idea. Thank you.

I didn’t know you have a cat. What’s her/his name?

Actually, ginger is the better herb for aiding arthritis. Garlic does help but it’s generally use to stimulate appetites. I usually use ginger and garlic in soups or sauce for my dogs.

In addition, you could use essential oil of ginger (Zingiber officinale) to relieve your cat’s inflammation in the joints. Dab a couple drops on your thumb and gently massage it on the inside tip of your cat’s ear. Hopefully s/he allows you to. I know many cats ‘hate’ to be fussed over, uninvited.

Good luck, do let me know of the result. And thanks for dropping by.

Do you think garlic would help with arthritis in a cat?