Sam, the cat, has been off-colour recently. We took her to the vet and they said that her kidneys were not functioning effectively and her gums were inflammed. So for the last week we have been going to the Vet where she receives a drip to help rehydrate her and also an anti-inflammatory injections to help her gums. She is now eating more and is more lively. Also, she is taking homeopathic medicine based on berberis. One web site listed the benefits of berberis as: A remedy for the skins, chronic catarrhal affections, secondary syphilis, hepatic torpor, lassitude and other evidences of incomplete metamorphosis. Other sites, fortunately, mention that it is also good for kidneys, liver and urinary issues. She goes back to the vet in 3 weeks to see how things are progressing.