Take Extra Care with Cats in Cold Weather

Article obtained from:
The Daily Interlake, Kalispell, MT on Wed. Dec. 14, 2011

Take Extra Care with Pets in Cold Weather

With winter weather here, the Flathead County Animal Shelter urges pet owners to take precautions to ensure the safety of their pets. Help keep your pets safe during cold weather by following these simple guidelines:

* Don’t leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for supervised exercise. Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision.

* Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal.

* Wind chills can threaten a pet’s life. If your dog spends significant time outdoors, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his or her body heat. The house should be turned to face away from the wind and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

* Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife that may crawl under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

* Salt and chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet and may be harmful if ingested. Wipe your pet’s feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them to remove snow packed between your pet’s paws. Pet-friendly ice melts are available at many pet supply stores or online.

* Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that can attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Consider using antifreeze coolant made with propylene glycol, which is less toxic in small amounts than traditional ethylene glycol antifreeze.

* If you’re feeding homeless cats, be sure to provide an insulated shelter for them. Information about building a shelter, spaying and neutering and more is available at http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats or contact the Spay and Neuter Task Force.

* During the winter months, the happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks or exercise but kept inside the rest of the time.

For more information or any questions, contact the Flathead County Animal Shelter at 752-1310 or go to www.flathead.mt.gov/animal. Shelter hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 11 am to 4 p.m.

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Today's article was suggested by Kitty Grass and Catnip and Lifes Abundance Cat Food and Bonito Flakes Kitty Treats.


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Preparing your Kitty for Holiday Boarding

How to Prepare for Holiday Pet Boarding
from the Daily Inter Lake, Saturday November 12, 2011

(MS) – The holiday season is a time when many family and friends come together.  If you’ll be going home for the holidays, that trip may or may not include the family pet.

For people with a pet at home, it might not always be possible to bring the pet along during holiday excursions.  Therefore, arrangements must be made for the animal while you will be away.  From pet sitters to boarding facilities, pet parents must decide where to turn.

According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spend roughly $3.5 billion on grooming and boarding their pets every year.  Boarding is common during holiday travel.

When preparing a pet for boarding, there are suggestions for making things go smoothly.  The process begins even before your brining your pet to the boarder.

Finding a Boarder

Most animals are like extended members of the family.  Therefore, pet parents want to find a facility that will take good care of the animal and ensure its comfort and safety.  World-of-mouth recommendations are one of the best ways to get a feel for a particular boarder if you haven’t’ used one before.

When visiting facilities, look for certain things, including cleanliness, the number of employees available, the appearance of the animals, the areas where the pets are allowed to go and things of this nature.

Ask certain questions, including how pets are housed and exercised.  Find out if you are allowed to bring in food for the pet and his or her own treats to minimize stomach discomfort.  Investigate how a health issue is handled, including whether you veterinarian will be called or if the facility has a relationship with another vet.

Steer clear of facilities that do not offer satisfactory answers to all of your questions or seems opposed to your ideas and concerns.

Preparing your Pet

Many boarding facilities require that pets be vaccinated prior to their stays.  The boarder may have specific immunizations that are required.  Be sure to update vaccinations a month prior to boarding your animal.  Sometimes the vaccination can produce minor symptoms of the actual illness, which the boarder may mistake as a sick dog.

There are also other things that you can do to prep a dog or cat prior to its stay.  Get a vet checkup just to ensure your pet’s health, especially if the animal is old and has chronic conditions.  At this point, double-check medications and get extra supplies for the boarder.

Bathe the pet and keep up with flea/tick prevention so the animal will be protected when in close proximity o other animals.  Inspect the dog or cat to ensure that the pet does not have an infestation.

Checking in

Bring your pet to the boarder early and pack along some of the animal’s comfort toys or belongings, including a piece of clothing that has your scent.   Clearly mark bags of food and any items you bring so they will be identified for your dog or cat.

Leave contact information with the boarder and review the information on how long the stay will be.  Inquire as to what times are best to phone in and check up on your pet.  Some high tech boarding facilities may have cameras in the building that you can access via the Internet to see the goings-on while away.

Leaving your pet may pluck at your heartstrings, so it’s best not to linger, otherwise you could add to your anxiety and also the dog or cat’s level of nervousness. 

If you do your homework researching facilities, changes are you have found a boarder that will provide adequate care for your pet and you’ll return to find a pet that is healthy and happy to see you.

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Today's topic suggested by Lifes Abundance Cat Food and Life's Abundance Cat Food

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Great Cat Treat Tip

Pet Care Tip

Reserve a percentage of your cat's daily food allowance to use for treats.  This insures that your cat stays within his recommended calorie intake, while still making him feel rewarded for good behavior. 
Food rewards don't have to be big -- a little goes a long way.

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For a premium quality cat food go to Lifes Abundance Cat Food does not contain corn, wheat, artificial flavors or colors, by products or added chemical preservatives.

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Keep Your Kitty Healthy and Happy

Eight Ways to Keep a Cat Healthy and Happy
Credit: Saturday, September 24, 2011, Daily Interlake Newspaper

(MS) – Most people view their pets as an extension of the family. Therefore, pet parents are interested in the best ways to ensure their dogs, cats, birds, or small mammals are healthy and happy.

It doesn’t take much to keep a pet healthy, but these steps are essential for the well-being of the animal. An individual who is not able to provide the general care for a pet – whether financially or emotionally – should reconsider if it is the right time to bring a pet into the household. A pet that is well cared for can live many years and provide great rewards.

1. Choose healthy foods.   Many commercially prepared foods are full of fillers and sugars in stead of fresh meats and grains. Although it may cost a bit more, pet food that is formulated with good quality meat and grains with minimal preservatives, artificial flavorings or colorings can keep a pet in better form. Diet can affect health in a number of ways including energy levels and coat appearance. So good health begins with good food.

2. Keep fresh water handy.   All animals should be given fresh water that is routinely changed. Bacteria and viruses can multiply in water that is left sitting around. Plus, there could be other contaminants in unfiltered water that is left stagnant. If a person wouldn’t drink the water, it should not be offered to a pet.

3. Exercise your pet.   All animals need exercise to be healthy. Exercise helps to keep weight in check, banish boredom and ensure that the systems of the body all get pushed to their potential. A dog that does not get to exercise may become destructive in the house when the owners are not home.

4. Consult with a veterinarian.   Routine health checkups should be part of keeping a pet healthy. Not only does the vet give pets annual vaccinations that can prevent common diseases, but also the vet will examine the animal to diagnose or catch illnesses early. If a pet is not acting normally, consult your vet.

5. Groom the pet regularly.   Some animals groom themselves. Others can use the help of nail clipping, bathing and fur cutting to keep in top form. Matted fur can pull at the skin and cause irritation. Dogs and cats may lick or bite at a wound and cause more trouble. In general, a clean pet is a happy pet.

6. Know pet dangers around the house.   Pet proof the home just as one would baby-proof it. Keep chemical products locked up so they cannot be consumed. Certain products smell sweet and inviting to unsuspecting pets, but consumption can be deadly. Even certain house plants can be deadly when eaten.

7. Avoid “people” food.   Certain fruits and vegetables can be supplemented in a pet’s diet (consult with a veterinarian). However, on the whole, limit the amount of human food that pets eat. It may not provide the nutritional value the animal needs and can contribute to obesity. Foods like raisins, grapes, onions and macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs and cats and should be avoided.

8. Show interest in the pet.   A pet needs a certain level of interaction to be content. Discipline, affection and exercise with a pet parent are key components of animal health.

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For a premium, healthy cat food that does not contain by products, corn, wheat, artificial colors or flavors, purchase Lifes Abundance Cat Food

For organic grow your own kitty grass or catnip, check out Organic Catnip (cat nip) and Kitty Grass Seeds .  Kitty Grass helps keep your cat from eating household plants some of which can be poisonous to your cat.

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Portly Cats Need to Lose Weight

Portly Pets a Problem for Many Owners
Daily Inter Lake, Saturday, September 17, 2011


It's not just two legged animals that are having a problem with obesity.  According to recent reports, pets are heavier than ever.

A 2009 national survey of veterinarians by the Association for the Prevention of Pet Obesity found 45 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats were overweight or obese.

Inactivity, too many snacks and poor diets are to blame for both pet and human obesity issues.  The health implication can be severe for everyone involved.

Overweight animals can have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, be at risk for heart attack or stroke, be at risk for skeletal problems, such as hip dysplasia, and low self-esteem, among other things.

The good news is some the same methods humans use to lose weight could be effective for pets, too.

1. Choose foods that list meat (protein) first.  Too many pet foods have replaced the majority of protein with high-carbohydrate ingredients such as corn and wheat.
2. Watch portion sizes.  Use the portion suggestions on the food as a guideline for feeding a pet.
3. Consider smaller, more frequent meals.  Instead of one large meal, feed a dog or cat three small meals a day.
4. Cut out nutritionally poor treats.  Replace fatty dog bones with crunch carrots or broccoli for better health.
5. Get moving.  Walking a pet is good for everyone involved.  Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of activity a day.  This will also improve joint flexibility.

Pets don't raid the refrigerator at night and often rely on their owners for exercise and care.  Poor habits on the part of pet owners could spell trouble for pets in terms of weight gain.

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Information about Lifes Abundance Cat Food
Information about Lifes Abundance Healthy Cat Treats
For Human Weight Loss visit the ShapeWay Diet Plan

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Keep Cats Happy, Health in Summer

Keep Pets Happy, Healthy in Summer

(Adapted from Saturday, July 16, 2011 Issue of the Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT)

Most people view their pets as an extension of the family.  Therefore, pet parents are interested in the best ways to ensure their dogs, cats, birds or small mammals are healthy and happy.

It doesn’t take much to keep a pet healthy, but these steps are essential for the well-being of the animal.  An individual who is not able to provide the general care for a pet – whether financially or emotionally – should reconsider bringing a pet into the household.

1.     Choose healthy foods.  Many commercially prepared foods are full of fillers and sugars instead of fresh meats and grains.  Although it may cost a bit more, pet food that is primarily good quality meat and grains with minimal preservatives or artificial colorings can keep a pet in better form. Diet can affect health in a number of ways, including energy levels and coat appearance.

2.      Keep fresh water handy.  All animals should be given fresh water that is routinely changes.  Bacteria and viruses can multiply in water that is left sitting around.  Plus, there may be other contaminants in unfiltered water that’s left stagnant.

3.      Exercise your pet.  All animals need exercise to be healthy.  Exercise helps to keep weight in check, banish boredom and ensure that the systems of the body all get pushed to their potential.  A dog that does not get to exercise may become destructive.

4.      Consult with a veterinarian.  Routing health checkups should be part of keeping a pet health.  Not only does the vet give annual vaccinations that can prevent common diseases, but also the vet will examine the animal to diagnose or catch illnesses early if a pet is not acting normal, consult the vet.

5.      Groom the pet regularly.  Some animals groom themselves.  Others can use the help of nail clipping, bathing and fur cutting to keep in top form.  Matted fur can pull at the skin and cause irritation.  Dogs and cats may lick or bite at a wound and cause more trouble.  Long nails can impede a bird’s ability to hold food or a perch.  In general, a clean pet is a happy pet.

6.      Know pet dangers around the house. Pet proof the home just as one would baby-proof it.  Keep chemical products locked up so they cannot be consumed.  Certain products smell sweet and inviting to unsuspecting pets, but consumption can be deadly.  Even certain house plants can be toxic if eaten.

7.      Avoid “people” food.  Certain fruits and vegetables can be supplemented in pet’s diet (consult with a veterinarian). However, on the whole, limit the amount of human food that pets eat.  It may not provide the nutritional value of the animal needs and can contribute to obesity.  Foods like raisins, grapes, onions, and macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs and cats, and should be avoided.

8.      Show interest in the pet.  A pet needs a certain level of interaction to be content. Discipline, affection and exercise with a pet parent are key components of animal health.

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For a quality, holistic cat food that does not contain added chemical preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, choose Life's Abundance Cat Food.

Kitten Mills

Although not as well known or as well publicized as puppy mills, you need to be aware of purchasing your new kitten from a Kitten Mill.

Cat Breeding requires excellent breed knowledge and outstanding responsibility by reputable breeders. Unfortunetly, cat breeding (and dog breeding too for that matter) is often exploited as a profit making business with the sad consequence of cruel treatment of felines who are kept in inhumane conditions.

Females are expected to breed many litters.  In some cases, once they are no good for breeding, they are cruelly destroyed.

The litters produced can be unhealthy and have health challenges. Kittens are often taken away from their mother before they should be so they are denied socialization skills by their mother and litter mates.  (It is the opinion of many breeders that kittens should be with their mother and litter mates until at least 8 weeks old.)

What's the difference between Backyard Breeders and Mills/Farms?

Backyard Breeders practice random or ignorant cat breeding on a small scale.

Mills or Farms are large cat breeding operations, and the people who own them are known as millers/farmers.

Backyard Breeders and Millers are usually motivated by profit. (For example, Backyard Breeders don't realize that the hobby of animal breeding practiced on a small scale is not usually profitable when one considers the cost of health maintenance, healthy food choices and pregnancy care.)  Often times, Backyard Breeders and Millers are ignorant of selective breeding goals and techniques.  They aren't even familiar with the breed standard of their chosen breed of cat. Sometimes they are cruel and abuse animals because they are only concerned with profit.

Look Out for the following:

Unethical Backyard Breeders and Millers want your money, so, they will tell you what you want to hear. The may tell you that the kitten is registered, which it may not be. They may tell you they have a certificate to prove that the kitten is registered but the certificate will not be signed or have the breeders name on it.

Be aware of outlets offering more than one or two breeds. When visiting the seller note the surroundings. Visit the kitten more than once. Ask to see the pedigree papers and ensure the breeder's name is on the certificate.

The breeder should want to know about you too. They will want to make sure the kitten  is going to a good home.

Ask to see the kitten with its mother - be very suspicious if you can't.

Think carefully before buying and do not buy the kitten because you feel sorry for it.

If you trade with an unscrupulous breeder, you will be supporting their trade.

Think before you buy from a pet shop. Purchasing kittens, especially those claimed to be purebred, from a pet store is strongly discouraged by reputable breeders and animal shelters.

While many pet stores claim to purchase kittens from "local breeders" instead of kitten mills, this is often untrue. Most reputable breeders do not sell animals to pet stores. The phrase "local breeder" may also refer to backyard breeders.

Reputable breeders raise their animals in humane conditions, provide good socialization and kitty box training, and adhere to the breed standard.

They are knowledgeable about major health problems associated with their breed.  They are knowledgeable about the principles of genetics and they frequently undertake specific matings to produce or refine particular desirable characteristics in their cats.

They are sensitive to the requirements of their breeding adults — who may also be breeding for performance champions. Reputable breeders frequently screen potential customers rigorously, and usually provide a pedigree and health guarantee with their kittens.

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This post was suggested by a Lifes Abundance Cat Food field rep.

A quality, wholesome food is critical for your new kitten's health.  We recommend a holistic cat food such as Life's Abundance Pet Food.

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How to Help Cats that are Afraid of Thunder and Fireworks

Loud noises can be scary for cats. Helping your cat cope with loud thunder and fireworks can help make your cat feel more comfortable.

Obviously, it's not uncommon for a cat to be afraid of loud noises, especially thunder and fireworks.

They usually react by hiding.

A cat suffering from a substantial fear of loud noises may begin to display anxious behavior before the thunder begins. Rain on the roof of the house, bright flashes of light or even the drop in air pressure before a storm may be enough to trigger anxiety.

It is important to know what to do when the situation occurs.

Staying calm will help your cat feel safe. You might even try to play with your cat to distract from the noise of thunder or fireworks.

Make sure your cat has a safe place to seek refuge. Cats typically will run under a bed or under a chair to escape loud noises. Your cat chooses these places because she feels protected and the noise of thunder or fireworks is muffled.

If your cat has not already picked out a place, provide one. Try leaving a few kibbles of a favorite cat food in safe place to encourage your cat to go there.

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Post suggested by Organic Catnip and Organic Kitty Grass Seeds.

Information about holistic cat food.

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5 Biggest Mistakes a New Pet Parent Makes

Five Biggest Mistakes a New Pet Parent Makes
by Dr. Sarah from May 2011, Lifes Abundance Newsletter

We’ve all been there. Looking into the pleading eyes of a puppy or kitten who needs a good home. In that moment, it’s hard to think straight. Fortunately, Dr. Sarah is here to help. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah discusses the five biggest mistakes that new pet parents make, and how to avoid them. By taking these solutions to heart, your next adoption could just be the best decision you’ve ever made!

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Click the following for the products that Dr. Sarah is speaking about in this video.
Lifes Abundance Cat Food
Lifes Abundance Pet Food
Lifes Abundance Holistic Products for Cats

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Holistic Pet Care Defined

Holistic Tips
by Dr. Jane Bicks, Lifes Abundance Blog Post, April 21, 2011

The holistic approach to veterinary care has different meanings for different people. Essentially it means just what the name indicates - looking at “the whole” and not the individual parts.

Holistic practitioners consider the whole of a companion animal’s being and how every discrete part works in relation to every other part. Fundamental to this mindset is that everything is interrelated and nothing occurs in isolation.

Furthermore, holistic veterinarians don’t only focus on physical aspects; they also consider the emotional, mental and spiritual elements. Holistic health boils down to balance; imbalance leads to dis-ease. It’s important to remember that physical signs of illness may often be the last to appear, and that mental and emotional imbalance can lead to disease, too.

In the United States, veterinary medicine is usually divided into conventional and holistic medicine. In the conventional tradition, veterinarians focus almost solely on the physical evidence. Holistic medicine, which originated from ancient cultures (such as, Asian, Indian, African and Native American Indian) takes into consideration the mental and spiritual aspects, as well. In the treatment of their patients, holistic practitioners often use herbs, vitamins, minerals, homeopathy, energy medicine and other alternative methods. I believe in an integrative approach, taking the best of all forms of medicine and combining them to produce a modern holistic approach.

In addition to the internal workings of a companion animal’s body, holistic health explores the influence of external factors for their direct or indirect impacts on the body. In the case of companion animals, this includes their shelter, social interactions, levels of exercise and mental stimulation, diet, vaccination history, and any potential exposures to toxins.

A cornerstone of the holistic approach is nutrition, because the quality and type of foods consumed will play a significant role in overall health, on all levels. For example, studies show that an adequate intake of B complex vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in fish oil) can help to promote emotional and mental health, for companion animals and humans.

A vital component of holistic care is taking a preventive stance - promoting wellness and balance to prevent illness in all its forms. Maintaining an excellent diet, stimulating the mind for emotional and mental well-being, and exercising appropriately for your pet’s age and body type are all critical to the holistic approach to leading a balanced life.

I advocate these practices beginning as early as possible, so you won’t have to come see a veterinarian for imbalance and illness later in life. If their furry little bodies are in balance, and thus in good health, then the risk of disease is reduced, as is the need for pharmaceuticals.
While conventional medicine is highly valuable, sometimes it doesn’t tell the whole story. Fortunately, increasing numbers of conventional veterinarians are adopting a more integrative approach. Wellness programs and educational outlets (like this blog post) are empowering pet parents to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their beloved companion animals.

The bottom line is that it is possible for you to develop and adopt a preventive care plan for your furry family members. In most cases, I recommend that pet parents work with both a conventional and a holistic veterinarian to foster a balanced life for their companion animals.
In the coming months, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite holistic tips for companion animal care. Look for future posts on this blog to help your whole family achieve a new level of balance, and wellness.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals,

Dr. Jane Bick,
Lifes Abundance Pet Food Formulator

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Learn more about Dr. Jane's Holistic Pet Products including Lifes Abundance Cat Food, Lifes Abundance Kitty Treats, Life's Abundance Wellness Food Supplements and more.

Cats Behaving Badly

Cats Behaving Badly
from Thursday March 24,2011, Lifes Abundance Blog by Dr. Jane Bicks

As a holistic vet, I’m frequently asked, “How can I deal with my cat’s bad attitude?” The problem area dubbed “feline aggression” can be complicated, upsetting and potentially hazardous for pet parents. Not only can cat bites and scratches really hurt, they can transmit diseases, too, such as cat scratch fever (yes, it is real). While most cat moms and dads prefer a purring lap-warmer, especially on cold winter nights, some felines need extra help learning how to sheathe their claws.

Unfortunately, feline aggression is not well understood or handled appropriately. An important first step in dealing with this frustrating issue is to understand the behavior. Learning why a cat lashes out can help pet parents deal with the issue patiently and properly.

In this post I’ll be covering the five basic types of aggression in cats.

Pain or Health-Related Aggression

A cat who is experiencing pain or ailing may exhibit aggressive behavior, so it’s vital that your first stop be a trip to your vet, especially if what you’re witnessing is a recent change in behavior. Medical conditions that can cause pain and aggression include abscesses, dental disease and arthritis. Additionally, hyperthyroidism is associated with increased aggression in older cats. Alleviation of underlying medical conditions can often resolve the aggressive behavior.

Play Aggression

This form of aggression is typical of young cats and kittens. You can recognize play aggression by the feline’s posture: stalking or crouching like a lion, lashing the tail from side-to-side, especially when their pupils are dilated. As unsuspecting “prey” passes, whether it’s your dog or your spouse ... pounce! The cat who attacks your ankle and then disappears in a flurry of fur isn’t trying to maim you - he’s playing, albeit aggressively.

The best way to address play aggression is integrate a toy, such as a cat fishing pole or a laser pointer, into play sessions. These toys serve a dual purpose - they will hold your cat’s attention while burning off excess energy and keep your hands out of the “strike zone”. A stuffed sock can provide the perfectly-pouncible object. If additional measures are required to curb the behavior, consider blocking access to your cat’s favorite stalking places or use a noise deterrent, such as shaking a can full of coins. Remember that you must use a noise deterrent within the first few seconds of the inappropriate behavior for it to be effective. Never let your cat, even when he is a cute kitty, view you as an acceptable chew-toy. You might also trim her nails to minimize the “ouch factor” (here’s a video that shows you how).

Fear Aggression

When a fearful cat encounters an unpleasant situation, such as the veterinary office, he will likely take steps to protect himself. Fear clues include crouching with tail and legs tucked under, hissing and baring teeth, flattened ears, dilated pupils and fur standing on end. If your cat is fearful, it is important to identify and avoid, if possible, the thing triggering the fear. To overcome fear aggression, you can try to desensitize your cat to the fear-inducing object by keeping it at a distance and rewarding your cat with treats for non-aggressive behavior. Also, try to minimize stress in a fearful feline’s home environment. If your cat is completely out of control, have your veterinarian refer you to a behavioral specialist who can work with you and possibly prescribe medications to get your cat through the rough spots.

Redirected Aggression

I like to refer to this type as “innocent bystander aggression”. Redirected aggression typically occurs when a cat is aroused by one stimulus, such as a bird outside, when another pet or person intervenes. A cat exhibiting redirected aggression can be staring at something while growling and pacing with a lashing tail and dilated eyes. Avoid this cat until he has calmed down because interaction can lead to injury. If you can identify the stimulus that sets off your cat, you may be able to prevent the aggression. If it’s an external stimulus for an indoor cat, try using sticky tape or window blinds to prevent him from perching on windowsills. This, coupled with motion-activated lights (or sprinklers) to discourage outdoor visitors, could end the behavior. If your cat is aroused for an extended period of time, you can herd him with a thick folded blanket to a “time out” room equipped with food, water and litter. After he becomes calm, reward him with loads of attention.

Overstimulation

Similar to redirected aggression, overstimulation usually occurs when you are petting your cat and out of the blue they grab you and sink their teeth or claws into you. For highly reactive and vivacious cats, even a single long stroke down the spine can elicit an aggressive reaction. The key here is to recognize the warning signs: when the tail starts twitching, stop petting. Restrict your affections to areas that your cat enjoys, such as behind the ears or under the chin. If your cat grabs you, try not to overact; in fact, if you can, simply freeze … they will usually calm down quickly and let go.

If you take-away anything from this article, I hope it’s to never, ever hit a biting or scratching cat. Physical punishment, even a light rap on the nose, can increase fear and anxiety, potentially worsening the aggressive behavior. With time and patience, you can turn even the most claw-happy kitty into a loving companion.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals,

Dr. Jane Bicks

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For a wholesome, healthy cat food try Life's Abundance Cat Food

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Life's Abundance Premium Health Cat Food Review

Lifes Abundance Premium Health Cat Food Review
by Susan Peters  (Susan Peters is a professional pet groomer for more than 20 years. Susan has taken her interest in pet care and carried it over into writing for the public. Click her name for more information about Susan.)

Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)), Dried Beet Pulp, Whole Egg, Catfish Meal, Brewers Dried Yeast, Chicken Liver Meal, Flax Seed Meal, Fish Oil, Turkey Meal, Lecithin, Potassium Chloride, Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Bifido Bacterium Fermentation Product, Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product, Alfalfa Sprouts, Wheat Grass, D/L Methionine, L-Lysine, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Ascorbic Acid, Grape Seed Extract, Rosemary, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate

Animal Digest - Plus 1 point = No animal digest
Corn - Plus 1 point = No corn
Wheat - Plus 1 point = No wheat
Soy - Plus 1 point = No Soy
Gluten - Plus 1 point = No gluten
Extra Goodies - Minus 1 point = Dried Beet Pulp
By-Products - Plus 1 point = No by-products
Animal Fat - Minus 1 point = Chicken Fat
Pet Food Recalls - Plus 1 point = No Recalls for Life's AbundanceCat Food
Class Action - Plus 1 point = No Class Action - Life's AbundanceCat Food

Cat Food Rating for Life's Abundance Premium Health Dry Cat Food

Total Score = 8/10

Ask Susan Peters Cat Food Review


No Class action filed against Life's Abundance Premium Health Dry Cat Food.


No Pet food recalls against Life's Abundance Premium Health Dry Cat Food.

Use of corn, wheat, or soy which cause skin irritation, hair loss, fever, ear infections, kidney failure, liver failure. Dental disease, Obesity, Chronic digestive problems, Bloat, Heart disease, Hyperthyroidism.

Because manufacturers need to ensure that dry foods have a long shelf life (typically 12 months) to remain edible through shipping and storage, fats used in pet foods are preserved with either synthetic or "natural" preservatives. Synthetic preservatives include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, propylene glycol (also used as a less-toxic version of automotive antifreeze), and ethoxyquin.

Use of by-products. By-products are ingredients used which are not fit for human consumption. By-products are often floor sweepings from a rendering plant. "Animal by-product" is rendered product from animal tissues, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices." Pet food labels contain the words "meal" or "byproduct" on the ingredient label. Inedible byproducts such as bone, fat, heads, hair, feet and condemned offal are used in commercial pet food. These materials are sent to a rendering plant for processing into pet food products.

"Meat" is often rendered dogs and cats as well as other animals such as road-kill. When the source of the meat is known it will be listed as beef, poultry, chicken, turkey, etc. If the source of the meat is not known it is simply called "meat.

Rather than the wholesome pictures shown on the pet food packaging, rendering companies dispose of millions pounds of inedible waste each day including, heads, feet,stomachs, intestines, spinal cords, tails, restaurant grease, feathers, bones and dead or diseased animals rejected from slaughterhouses for use in manufacturing pet food. Amazingly, animals from research laboratories may be rendered into pet food as well.

Total Score = Ol' Roy dog food, which is considered one of the poorest quality dog foods on the market, scored 5 out of 10. Life's Abundance Premium Health Dry Cat Food scored 8 out of 10.

The life span of your pet should be at least 20 years. Your pet's diet strongly influences your pet's life expectancy...

Life's Abundance Premium Health Dry Cat Food is a pet food I do consider to be a healthy choice in pet foods.

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Click for more information about Life's Abundance Cat Food

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Feline Hyperthyroidism

Feline HyperthyroidismThursday, January 20 by Dr. Sarah from Lifes Abundance

Since the late 1970’s, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism, making it the most common feline endocrine disorder in the world. What causes hyperthyroidism, and why is it so common? Previous studies of cats in the U.S., Great Britain and New Zealand have identified a number of risk factors for the development of hyperthyroidism, including genetic predispositions, the feeding of some canned cat foods and cross-breeding. Furthermore, some veterinarians believe feline hyperthyroidism is simply an outcome of cats living longer. But, if thyroid dysfunction is symptomatic of old age, why is it not more common in dogs, or people for that matter?

Veterinarians first noticed a dramatic surge in feline hyperthyroidism in the 1980’s. This rise coincided with the prevalent use of PBDE’s as a flame retardant in many products. A chemical flame retardant used widely in carpet pads, furniture, and electronics, PBDE (or, polybrominated dephenyl ethers) were researched in a recent EPA study that suggested that these chemicals may partly explain the current epidemic. PBDE’s linger in the environment, and cats ingest the substance in both foods and by licking their fur which retains house dust laced with toxic PBDE particles. Furthermore, studies have also shown a link between hyperthyroidism and BPA in the lining of many canned cat foods. Life’s Abundance is proud to inform our consumers that the lining in our canned foods is BPA-free.

An Environmental Science & Technology study reported in 2007 looked at whether hyperthyroid cats had greater body burdens of PBDE’s, and found that all cats have high levels compared to humans, with some cats with incredibly high levels (Dye et. al, 2007). The potential link between feline hyperthyroidism and PBDE exposure may be the veritable “canary in the coal mine” when it comes to evaluating the human health impacts of PBDE’s. People in the United States have the highest PBDE levels reported worldwide, according to a 2004 study also published in Environmental Science & Technology. By gaining a more complete understanding of chronic indoor PBDE exposure and its effects on thyroid hormone levels in cats, medical researchers can better assess whether the same risk exists for people. Researchers believe that further studies need to be performed before concluding a direct link between PBDE’s and feline hyperthyroidism.

There is good news, however. It isn’t necessary to rip up your carpet and throw out your furniture as these chemicals have been or are in the process of being banned in many states. And cats still live longer, healthier lives if they live primarily indoors, and the risk of being attacked by other animals or hit by a car while roaming outside is still much greater than the risk of developing hyperthyroidism from PBDE exposure.

What can you do if your cat has already been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism? What are the symptoms? In this video, Dr. Sarah reviews the signs of hyperthyroidism and treatments available. If you suspect your kitty has hyperthyroidism, schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian.





Potera, C. Environews Forum. Chemical Exposure: Cats as Sentinel Species. Environ Health Perspect. 2007. Dec;115(12)A580.

Wakeling J, Everard A, Brodbelt D, Elliott J, Syme H. Risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism in the UK. J Small Anim Pract. 2009 Aug;50(8):406-14.

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