Finding a holistic veterinarian for your cat can be hard. As a homeopath, I don't need one often as I treat any ailments that arise myself. But there are occasions when a vet is needed, such as for sterilisation, setting a broken bone or stitching up a large wound. This is the limit that I need a vet, because homeopathy is so far reaching.
I have searched high and low for one I could resonate with. I have tried a variety, travelling many kilometres to see what they are like. It's taken me years, but I have finally found one who fits the bill. He is a conventional vet, but he also uses homeopathy and Chinese medicine. He is very approachable, doesn't put himself on a pedestal, is open minded and I can talk to him easily.
This is such a refreshing change.
I will never leave an animal at a vet, I will never abandon them there. So for me, I need someone who allows me access to the animal immediately after surgery, so that I can get my homeopathic treatment started.
There is so much that needs to be done - pain of tissue damage, possible nerve damage, infection prevention, ailments from the anaesthetic, grief and resentment from loss of fertility, sudden cut off of hormones at the very least.
The sooner I can get started, the better the animal will recover. So many problems can arise in later life that are connected to veterinary treatment.
It was one of these problems that brought me to homeopathy. A cat who had suffered with eczema for many years, reacted unfavourably to the veterinary medications. Eventually I stopped the medications, feeling she would prefer the eczema.
When I finally consulted a holistic vet, or more accurately a homeopathic vet, he opened my eyes to this reality. He suggested that the cat's sterilisation was the cause of her eczema because it was done without her consent. She was resentful of this action, which was expressed as eczema. He sent me (this was a telephone consultation as we were in different areas) a homeopathic remedy which immediately cured the eczema.
This could only happen because it healed the resentment.
I dislike sterilising animals, but am at a loss for real alternatives. The best I can currently do is to understand that what I am doing is far from natural, far from healthy and that I need to understand how to undo the harm I inflict on them, as much as I can.
Appropriate homeopathic treatment does this so well.
Be mindful of what you are causing in your cat. Most ailments are man made. Most are diet related. If you feed your cat a quality, natural diet, your need for any vet will dramatically diminish, as their immune system will be so good.
Then you may only need a vet, preferably a holistic vet, for those once in a lifetime incidents such as sterilisation and serious accidents.
To discover more about a healthy diet and natural health care for your cat, click on the link below.
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Best Ways to Groom Your Cat
Cats are by nature fussy and clean animals. You can see them always licking their fur to make it clean and always in proper place. However, even the fussiest cat needs little grooming most especially those having long hair.
Grooming your pet cat is also a great way to create bond between the pet and the owner. It is also a good time to check your cat's body for any possibility of skin and coat problem such as cat shedding.
Make your cats get used to regular hair brushing and combing while they are still young. Constant combing will remove dead hair and irritating knots as well as lessen the hair swallowed and smaller amount of hairballs.
Brushing your cat's hair should be done twice on a weekly basis, while cats with shorter hair can be brushed even only once per week. There are grooming tools specially designed for combing your long haired cat, however, the most important is brushing them as required. For shorthaired cats, there is a type of brush which will be recommended by your vet.
Ways of Grooming your Cat
Brushing
When the fur of your cat is not tangled, just brush her hair for at least five minutes. Most cats like having their hair brushed. If your pet is not comfortable with it, just let her go but you need to try again until she'll get used to it. There is more time required in brushing longer haired cats. If there are tangled masses of fur, careful and patient brushing should be employed. To prevent pulling the hair and hurting the cat, hold the fur below the tangles while brushing. When your cat's hair is really stubborn, it will be wise to take her to professional grooming shop. Cat shedding can also be prevented when the pet is given the proper nutrition.
Bathing
Unless the cat is really dirty or have skin allergies, shorthaired felines do not require bathing. For cats with long hair, regular bathing is important to maintain the good condition of her coat as well as prevent grease build-ups. There is a special shampoo intended for cat that your vet can recommend. Also, pet specialists can give you some pieces of advice on proper bathing. Most cats are not keen on bathing because they don't usually like getting wet. However, you can make the task easier by having a shampoo and towel nearby for quicker bath time. If you cannot manage the cat alone, ask someone to lend you a hand during the cat's bath time. Before you give your cat a bath, make sure that tangles in her hair are removed by combing them first. Tangled hair can shrink and tighten when they get wet. If you will bathe your cat in the tub, make sure to fill the bath first with water prior to bringing her in. Noise and water motion can cause agitation in cats that can also make bath time a hard task. Make sure that the water in the bath is only filled up to the cat's belly. Test the temperature of water to ensure that it's not too hot. Instead of the bath tub, you can prepare soapy warm water in one pan and another one for rinsing. The amount of water should be just enough for a brisk bath. Don't pour the water directly to the cat's head or submerge her in the water. During the bath, your cat will sometimes howl, but she's perfectly fine. It's just a sign of surprise and perhaps she's a little frightened. Once you're done with the bath, wrap her gently in a towel and hug her for a moment. This will give her feeling of assurance. It is also a form of bonding between you and your pet.
Grooming your pet cat is also a great way to create bond between the pet and the owner. It is also a good time to check your cat's body for any possibility of skin and coat problem such as cat shedding.
Make your cats get used to regular hair brushing and combing while they are still young. Constant combing will remove dead hair and irritating knots as well as lessen the hair swallowed and smaller amount of hairballs.
Brushing your cat's hair should be done twice on a weekly basis, while cats with shorter hair can be brushed even only once per week. There are grooming tools specially designed for combing your long haired cat, however, the most important is brushing them as required. For shorthaired cats, there is a type of brush which will be recommended by your vet.
Ways of Grooming your Cat
Brushing
When the fur of your cat is not tangled, just brush her hair for at least five minutes. Most cats like having their hair brushed. If your pet is not comfortable with it, just let her go but you need to try again until she'll get used to it. There is more time required in brushing longer haired cats. If there are tangled masses of fur, careful and patient brushing should be employed. To prevent pulling the hair and hurting the cat, hold the fur below the tangles while brushing. When your cat's hair is really stubborn, it will be wise to take her to professional grooming shop. Cat shedding can also be prevented when the pet is given the proper nutrition.
Bathing
Unless the cat is really dirty or have skin allergies, shorthaired felines do not require bathing. For cats with long hair, regular bathing is important to maintain the good condition of her coat as well as prevent grease build-ups. There is a special shampoo intended for cat that your vet can recommend. Also, pet specialists can give you some pieces of advice on proper bathing. Most cats are not keen on bathing because they don't usually like getting wet. However, you can make the task easier by having a shampoo and towel nearby for quicker bath time. If you cannot manage the cat alone, ask someone to lend you a hand during the cat's bath time. Before you give your cat a bath, make sure that tangles in her hair are removed by combing them first. Tangled hair can shrink and tighten when they get wet. If you will bathe your cat in the tub, make sure to fill the bath first with water prior to bringing her in. Noise and water motion can cause agitation in cats that can also make bath time a hard task. Make sure that the water in the bath is only filled up to the cat's belly. Test the temperature of water to ensure that it's not too hot. Instead of the bath tub, you can prepare soapy warm water in one pan and another one for rinsing. The amount of water should be just enough for a brisk bath. Don't pour the water directly to the cat's head or submerge her in the water. During the bath, your cat will sometimes howl, but she's perfectly fine. It's just a sign of surprise and perhaps she's a little frightened. Once you're done with the bath, wrap her gently in a towel and hug her for a moment. This will give her feeling of assurance. It is also a form of bonding between you and your pet.
Asthma in Cats Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What is Asthma in Cats
Asthma in Cats - much like human asthma is really a chronic inflammation of the small passageways of a cat's lungs. Whenever an asthma attack happens, these types of passageways coagulate and tighten, rendering it very hard for your cat to breathe. This frequently results in asthmatic distress, that can turn out to be serious within a matter of minutes. Your cat's lungs might also start to release mucus in the air passages, bringing about fits of wheezing as well as coughing. A few cats having more gentle circumstances merely feel a small, persistent cough. Since asthma can easily turn into a fatal health condition, any kind of hacking and coughing cat must have a vet examination.
Symptoms of Asthma in Cats
· Coughing and wheezing
· Persistent cough
· Squatting with shoulders hunched, neck extended as well as rapid breathing or gasping for breath
· Gagging up foamy mucus
· Open mouth breathing
· Blue lips and gums
· Labored breath after exercise
· General weakness and lethargy
The Cause of Asthma in Cats
Though there are numerous components which lead to asthma in cats, it is considered to produce due to allergic bronchitis. Allergic bronchitis takes place when the air passage within a cat's lungs turn swollen because of an inhaled allergen or some other element that induces the immune system.
Frequent components that may add to the intensity of the asthma attack can include:
· Allergens, such as pollens, molds, dust from cat litter, cigarette smoke, perfume as well as particular foods
· Pre-existing heart problems or illnesses
· Parasites
· Extreme stress
· Obesity
Asthma-like conditions in cats can be related to various other disease, like heartworm, respiratory parasites, tumors, heart failure and pneumonia.
Do Allergies affect Asthma in Cats
Cat Allergies The Sensitivity to external air-borne pollutants and pollen can play a role in asthma in certain cats.
Cats More Susceptible to Asthma
Asthma in cats generally builds up between age of 2 and 8 years of age, having a greater likelihood in female cats than males. Siamese and Himalayan breeds as well as mixed breeds often have asthma more often than other breeds.
My Cat Has Asthma What do I do
Pay a visit to your vet right away if you believe your cat has got asthma. The Vet will then carry out a physical check-up and probably suggest diagnostic assessments to discover the cause of the condition.
How does Asthma in Cats get Diagnosed
Given that signs of asthma may be much like the ones from other diseases like heartworm, pneumonia and congestive heart failure, it is vital for your vet to identify the reason for his attacks. No specific test can confirm asthma, however radiographs, blood work, analysis of bronchial secretions as well as parasite tests might be performed to exclude additional factors.
Treatment for Asthma in Cats
Though there's no genuine cure for asthma, there are a variety of techniques for effectively handling it. Efficient therapy can include medicines which will clear breathing passages and lessen airway inflammation or adjust the body's immune response. Similar to human asthma, medicine is occasionally given via an exclusively adapted inhaler.
Prevent Asthma Attacks in my Cat
· Have your cat analyzed regularly for internal parasites.
· Reduce stress within your cat's environment, since it has a tendency to intensify allergy and asthma symptoms.
· NO perfumes, room fresheners, carpet deodorizers, hairspray, aerosol cleaners, etc., around your cat.
· Avoid cat litters that generate a lot of dust, scented litters or litter additives.
· Dry air motivates asthma attacks, so hold an effective humidifier going particularly throughout the winter months.
· Hold your cat's weight down and her body active!
· NOTE, no cat should be exposed to cigarette smoke however should your cat have asthma, cigarette smoke is a complete no-no.
Asthma in Cats - much like human asthma is really a chronic inflammation of the small passageways of a cat's lungs. Whenever an asthma attack happens, these types of passageways coagulate and tighten, rendering it very hard for your cat to breathe. This frequently results in asthmatic distress, that can turn out to be serious within a matter of minutes. Your cat's lungs might also start to release mucus in the air passages, bringing about fits of wheezing as well as coughing. A few cats having more gentle circumstances merely feel a small, persistent cough. Since asthma can easily turn into a fatal health condition, any kind of hacking and coughing cat must have a vet examination.
Symptoms of Asthma in Cats
· Coughing and wheezing
· Persistent cough
· Squatting with shoulders hunched, neck extended as well as rapid breathing or gasping for breath
· Gagging up foamy mucus
· Open mouth breathing
· Blue lips and gums
· Labored breath after exercise
· General weakness and lethargy
The Cause of Asthma in Cats
Though there are numerous components which lead to asthma in cats, it is considered to produce due to allergic bronchitis. Allergic bronchitis takes place when the air passage within a cat's lungs turn swollen because of an inhaled allergen or some other element that induces the immune system.
Frequent components that may add to the intensity of the asthma attack can include:
· Allergens, such as pollens, molds, dust from cat litter, cigarette smoke, perfume as well as particular foods
· Pre-existing heart problems or illnesses
· Parasites
· Extreme stress
· Obesity
Asthma-like conditions in cats can be related to various other disease, like heartworm, respiratory parasites, tumors, heart failure and pneumonia.
Do Allergies affect Asthma in Cats
Cat Allergies The Sensitivity to external air-borne pollutants and pollen can play a role in asthma in certain cats.
Cats More Susceptible to Asthma
Asthma in cats generally builds up between age of 2 and 8 years of age, having a greater likelihood in female cats than males. Siamese and Himalayan breeds as well as mixed breeds often have asthma more often than other breeds.
My Cat Has Asthma What do I do
Pay a visit to your vet right away if you believe your cat has got asthma. The Vet will then carry out a physical check-up and probably suggest diagnostic assessments to discover the cause of the condition.
How does Asthma in Cats get Diagnosed
Given that signs of asthma may be much like the ones from other diseases like heartworm, pneumonia and congestive heart failure, it is vital for your vet to identify the reason for his attacks. No specific test can confirm asthma, however radiographs, blood work, analysis of bronchial secretions as well as parasite tests might be performed to exclude additional factors.
Treatment for Asthma in Cats
Though there's no genuine cure for asthma, there are a variety of techniques for effectively handling it. Efficient therapy can include medicines which will clear breathing passages and lessen airway inflammation or adjust the body's immune response. Similar to human asthma, medicine is occasionally given via an exclusively adapted inhaler.
Prevent Asthma Attacks in my Cat
· Have your cat analyzed regularly for internal parasites.
· Reduce stress within your cat's environment, since it has a tendency to intensify allergy and asthma symptoms.
· NO perfumes, room fresheners, carpet deodorizers, hairspray, aerosol cleaners, etc., around your cat.
· Avoid cat litters that generate a lot of dust, scented litters or litter additives.
· Dry air motivates asthma attacks, so hold an effective humidifier going particularly throughout the winter months.
· Hold your cat's weight down and her body active!
· NOTE, no cat should be exposed to cigarette smoke however should your cat have asthma, cigarette smoke is a complete no-no.
Arthritis In Cats - What Is Causing It And What You Can Do Naturally?
Arthritis in cats is not a common problem, as it is in dogs. Its veterinary title is known as feline osteoarthritis, or feline degenerative joint disease. It affects the cartilage of the joint, rather than the joints themselves. But as the cartilage wears away, the joints can rub together.
Arthritis in anyone commonly occurs years after a joint injury. The joint may swell up causing pain. This leads to lameness or stiffness. Naturally, the cat will be less inclined to move about. Certain areas may be painful to touch.
Cats are less likely to suffer with a genetic inheritance of arthritis than dogs are, unless they have been inbred. But environmental factors do play an important role in whether or not they will develop it. Toxicity comes high on the list.
It is normally older cats or overweight cats who are the ones who are most prone to suffer. This is not inevitable. It isn't age that is the problem per se, so much as the accumulation of toxins, that cannot be eliminated.
The two most common culprits of toxicity in the life of the majority of domestic cats are the processed commercial cat food and the veterinary medication.
Let's examine each in turn.
Commercial cat food is made by corporations. Corporations have one aim and one aim only; to make money. This is true across the board, whatever area they are in. Honestly, quality, integrity and ethics do tend to get in the way of maximum profits, so are limited, discarded or skated over.
The ingredients that are used in commercial cat food are of poor quality, with cheap food that is unsuitable for cats, laced with a chemical cocktail to stimulate the appetite, to colour, to flavour, to preserve, to hide.
Veterinary medication, as with human medication, does not aim to cure arthritis in cats, or any other condition. Instead, it can only manage the problem by suppressing the symptoms.
In doing so, it adds to the already burgeoning toxic load and lowers the immune system. This compounds the problem.
Past medication, including vaccines, may have lead to this problem simply by overloading the cat with toxins.
So why do people unwittingly create a problem for their cat? It's not that most people are gullible; it's more that children are brought up to respect authority without question. As a result, the world is dominated by people who can't think for themselves, but obey what they are told, especially if that person is held in high social regard.
Start to question for yourself. Start to look for causes yourself. You have as much ability to work problems out as the next person. Don't allow the opinions, however common, of others to sway your better judgement.
Arthritis in cats can be prevented if the cat is fed a good quality, natural diet. And it can be cured by adding in to this good quality homeopathic treatment.
To find out more about natural and healthy choices, click on the link below.
Arthritis in anyone commonly occurs years after a joint injury. The joint may swell up causing pain. This leads to lameness or stiffness. Naturally, the cat will be less inclined to move about. Certain areas may be painful to touch.
Cats are less likely to suffer with a genetic inheritance of arthritis than dogs are, unless they have been inbred. But environmental factors do play an important role in whether or not they will develop it. Toxicity comes high on the list.
It is normally older cats or overweight cats who are the ones who are most prone to suffer. This is not inevitable. It isn't age that is the problem per se, so much as the accumulation of toxins, that cannot be eliminated.
The two most common culprits of toxicity in the life of the majority of domestic cats are the processed commercial cat food and the veterinary medication.
Let's examine each in turn.
Commercial cat food is made by corporations. Corporations have one aim and one aim only; to make money. This is true across the board, whatever area they are in. Honestly, quality, integrity and ethics do tend to get in the way of maximum profits, so are limited, discarded or skated over.
The ingredients that are used in commercial cat food are of poor quality, with cheap food that is unsuitable for cats, laced with a chemical cocktail to stimulate the appetite, to colour, to flavour, to preserve, to hide.
Veterinary medication, as with human medication, does not aim to cure arthritis in cats, or any other condition. Instead, it can only manage the problem by suppressing the symptoms.
In doing so, it adds to the already burgeoning toxic load and lowers the immune system. This compounds the problem.
Past medication, including vaccines, may have lead to this problem simply by overloading the cat with toxins.
So why do people unwittingly create a problem for their cat? It's not that most people are gullible; it's more that children are brought up to respect authority without question. As a result, the world is dominated by people who can't think for themselves, but obey what they are told, especially if that person is held in high social regard.
Start to question for yourself. Start to look for causes yourself. You have as much ability to work problems out as the next person. Don't allow the opinions, however common, of others to sway your better judgement.
Arthritis in cats can be prevented if the cat is fed a good quality, natural diet. And it can be cured by adding in to this good quality homeopathic treatment.
To find out more about natural and healthy choices, click on the link below.
Monday, 15 October 2012
Cat Dental Health: 6 Steps to Healthy Teeth
Before becoming a cat owner most people don't give two seconds of thought to cat dental health. It is more likely for a dog to have bad breath, hence the term "dog breath", so we are more apt to pay attention to their dental health over our feline friends. For your cat to be healthy she needs clean, sharp teeth and healthy gums. Pay attention to your cat's dental health and follow the steps below for perfect feline pearly whites!
1) Smell your cat's breath. Cats are smaller animals so it can be difficult to smell their mouth from a few feet away, unlike dogs. The smell of her breath should not be offensive, if it is, she may have gum problems that should be looked at by a veterinarian. Stinky breath can also signal digestive problems.
2) Check gums thoroughly. At the same time that you check her breath, you can check her gums too. You will have to gently push the lips back to get the best view. The gums should be firm and pink and white; red colors and swelling can pinpoint dental problems.
3) Know the symptoms of mouth problems. Your cat's teeth should be clean and free from brownish tartar, and none should be loose or broken. Watch for any of the following signs that could indicate problems in her mouth:
• Dark red lines along the gums
• Red and swollen gums
• Ulcers on gums or tongue
• Loose teeth
• Difficulty chewing food
• Excessive drooling
• Excessive pawing at the mouth area
If you cat is showing any of these signs, you should bring her to a veterinarian right away. Even though the problem could be small, it is best to rule out serious problems like gingivitis and gum disease. Avoiding these symptoms could lead to tooth loss, inability to eat and even internal conditions such as kidney disease.
4) Use a dental cleanser such as a gel, spray or tooth paste and brush.
5) Give your cat chew toys or dental chew treats. All cats love to play and need to satisfy their natural desire to chew. Chew toys can do the trick, while also making her teeth strong. You can also use a dental cleansing treat such as Greenies Dental Treats.
6) Keep on top of her diet. Some cats are more susceptible to mouth problems than others. There are special cat foods for cats with dental issues. You can ask a veterinarian to recommend the best food for your pet.
By following all of these steps, you will be well on your way to keeping on top of your cat's dental health.
1) Smell your cat's breath. Cats are smaller animals so it can be difficult to smell their mouth from a few feet away, unlike dogs. The smell of her breath should not be offensive, if it is, she may have gum problems that should be looked at by a veterinarian. Stinky breath can also signal digestive problems.
2) Check gums thoroughly. At the same time that you check her breath, you can check her gums too. You will have to gently push the lips back to get the best view. The gums should be firm and pink and white; red colors and swelling can pinpoint dental problems.
3) Know the symptoms of mouth problems. Your cat's teeth should be clean and free from brownish tartar, and none should be loose or broken. Watch for any of the following signs that could indicate problems in her mouth:
• Dark red lines along the gums
• Red and swollen gums
• Ulcers on gums or tongue
• Loose teeth
• Difficulty chewing food
• Excessive drooling
• Excessive pawing at the mouth area
If you cat is showing any of these signs, you should bring her to a veterinarian right away. Even though the problem could be small, it is best to rule out serious problems like gingivitis and gum disease. Avoiding these symptoms could lead to tooth loss, inability to eat and even internal conditions such as kidney disease.
4) Use a dental cleanser such as a gel, spray or tooth paste and brush.
5) Give your cat chew toys or dental chew treats. All cats love to play and need to satisfy their natural desire to chew. Chew toys can do the trick, while also making her teeth strong. You can also use a dental cleansing treat such as Greenies Dental Treats.
6) Keep on top of her diet. Some cats are more susceptible to mouth problems than others. There are special cat foods for cats with dental issues. You can ask a veterinarian to recommend the best food for your pet.
By following all of these steps, you will be well on your way to keeping on top of your cat's dental health.
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