🐾 Episode Summary
This week I’m doing something different. Instead of a brand-new interview, I’m sharing the full, uncut conversation from the Thrive Feline Wellness Summit with clinical herbalist Rita Hogan.
Rita is best known as a canine herbalist, but she’s also a devoted cat mom who’s spent over 20 years using herbs to support animals—especially around kidney disease, urinary tract issues, and stress.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why kidney disease is so common in modern indoor cats
The role of kibble and low-moisture diets
Early warning signs that your cat’s kidneys and urinary tract might need help
How herbs like parsley, nettle seed, marshmallow root, catnip, and cat grass can support your cat
How to use herbs safely, without guessing on dosage or relying on sketchy Google advice
Real-world tips for actually getting your cat to take herbs (without turning it into a wrestling match)
This conversation hit home for me after going through kidney disease with Mia. My hope is that it gives you a clearer roadmap and a little more confidence to support your own cat—especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed or brand new to herbs.
Important note: This episode is for education, not medical advice. Always work with your veterinarian (and, ideally, a qualified herbalist) before adding herbs or supplements to your cat’s routine.
🐱 What You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why kidney disease is so prevalent in cats
The impact of dry food and low moisture
How stress and the emotional “vibe” in your home can affect your cat’s kidneys
Early red flags for kidney trouble
Vomiting and loss of appetite
Weak teeth, low immune function, ear infections
Constipation, groaning when they lie down
Jumpy, noise-sensitive, or howling at night
UTIs, bladder infections, stones, incontinence
Herbs that support your cat’s kidneys
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) – gentle diuretic, rich in minerals, helps sodium balance
Nettle seed (stinging nettle) – a powerhouse herb that can support kidney function, reduce inflammation, and help with protein in the urine
Why trace minerals are such a big deal for kidney health
Herbal help for urinary tract issues
Marshmallow root to soothe irritated urinary tissues
Other supportive herbs: ginger, couch grass, uva ursi, juniper berry (when used properly)
Why your cat’s pooping habits are part of the equation
The difference between “weird but still peeing” and a true emergency (especially in male cats)
Everyday herbs you probably already know
Catnip as a daily nervous system support herb, not just “kitty party dust”
Cat grass/wheatgrass for urinary and kidney support and chlorophyll
Using herbs safely (without guessing)
Why more is NOT better
The importance of correct dosing and Latin names
Why Google (and yes, even ChatGPT for dosing) isn’t where you want to be making medical decisions for your cat
How to slowly build your own “herb library” by learning one herb per month
Getting herbs into picky cats
Using glycerite extracts (less smell, less drama)
Hiding drops in high-value foods (tiny bit of tuna, churro sticks, etc.)
Staying calm and confident so you don’t stress your cat out further
📘 Recommendations for Cat Owners
Here are some practical, doable steps inspired by Rita’s wisdom in this episode:
Rethink the bowl.
Work with your vet to move away from an all-dry diet toward more moisture-rich, species-appropriate food (wet, gently cooked, or raw where appropriate and safe).
Get yearly kidney data before there’s a crisis.
Ask your vet about a yearly urine protein check and bloodwork so you have a baseline and can spot changes early.
Start with one safe, simple herb.
Examples to explore (with proper guidance and dosing):
Parsley tea (Petroselinum crispum) as a gentle tonic
Nettle seed tincture for kidney support
Marshmallow root for urinary tract soothing
Catnip and cat grass for everyday nervous system and urinary support
Learn one herb a month instead of trying to master everything at once.
Use trusted products—not random Amazon bottles.
Some brands Rita mentioned in the interview to research and discuss with your vet/herbalist:
Pet Wellbeing – especially Urinary Gold
Adored Beast – silver hydrosol
Two Crazy Cat Ladies / Feline Essentials – urinary support with vitamin C and PEA
Dr. Judy Morgan’s store – PEA formulas
Invest in a good reference.
Book: Herbs for Pets by Greg Tilford (covers cats and dogs, safety, and dosing).
Book: The Herbal Dog by Rita Hogan (includes info on which herbs are safe for cats and how to dose them).
Don’t over-dose.
With herbs like nettle seed, “one to two drops” really means one to two drops.
If you’re ever unsure, pause and ask a pro instead of guessing.
Watch the whole cat, not just one symptom.
Mood, sleep, appetite, energy, litter box habits, and vocalizations all give clues.
If something feels off, check in with your vet—especially if your cat is straining to pee, not peeing, or seems in pain. Those are emergencies.
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
Learn from and connect with Rita Hogan:
🌿 Website & Store: [canineherbalist.com]
🎓 Teaching Platform: [canineherbalism.com]
🎙 Podcast: Dogs Are Individuals (search wherever you listen to podcasts)
📗 Book: The Herbal Dog by Rita Hogan (includes cat-safe herb notes and dosing)
🐾 Final Thoughts
Going through kidney disease with Mia was one of the hardest stretches of my life as a cat dad. A lot of what Rita shared in this conversation—especially around nettle seed, parsley, and early subtle signs—are things I wish I had known back then.
If your cat is already dealing with kidney issues or urinary problems, or if you just want to be more proactive, my hope is that this episode gives you:
A few concrete places to start
Language you can bring into conversations with your vet
And a reminder that you don’t have to learn everything at once
Just like Rita said: one herb a month is more than enough.
If this episode helped you, it would mean a lot if you:
Share it with another cat parent who’s navigating kidney disease or UTIs
Follow/subscribe to the Golden Whiskers Podcast
Leave a quick rating or review so we can help more people help their cats live longer, healthier, happier lives into their golden years.
Thanks for being here and for loving your cat as much as you do. 💛🐾
