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.

###

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.

###

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.

***

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.

###

Post suggested by Organic Catnip and Organic Kitty Grass Seeds.

Information about holistic cat food.

***

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!

###

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

***

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

###

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.