Gary i would be careful about administering herbal medicines to my cat,they are not 100 per cent proved to be safe, you would need advice from a herbalist who specialises in animal care.

There is stuff out there on the internet, i have been looking for my Ellie for her gingivitis,and it probably would suffice for Joseph as he will have sore gums, but again i would be hesitant to recommend it, for the above reasons and because i have never tried it myself on my cat yet.

Wishing Joseph all the best, i think perhaps Laura's babies suggestion of salted water would be my preferred choice, cannot hurt or go wrong with that, nothing like old fashioned remedys, they often work best, good luck, let us know how you get on, wishing Joseph a speedy recovery and relief from pain.