It’s Time We Pay Attention to What We Feed Our Pets!

By Claude West

We have been hearing in the news and internet that there has been a massive recall of pet food manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods.  They manufacture pet food for many premium labels such as Wellness, Chicken Soup, Taste of the Wild, Canidae, Kirkland, Solid Gold, Apex, Natural Balance, 4Health, Professional, Premium Edge, Country Value, Diamond, and Diamond Naturals.  The recall is due to microbial contamination from Salmonella bacteria resulting in intestinal and septic infections.  There are reports of human illness reported to the CDC from consuming or handling the pet food.

Diamond is doing a voluntary recall when health officials from other states reported the contamination.  The South Carolina health department and the Food and Drug Administration are involved in plant inspections of the suspect facility, and there is an indication that other Diamond plants may also have contamination.  The preliminary findings indicate that there is a general lack of sanitation and good manufacturing practices performed by plant workers.  In addition, the FDA mentions lack of inspection and proper storage of ingredients such as animal fat/oil and animal digest.

What also seems odd is the pet food brands mentioned above are premium and do not show animal fat or digest in their ingredient information panels.  What is going on?  The byproducts of rendering plants are animal fat and digest which the worst ingredients in pet foods.  It will be interesting to see if the FDA will pursue this mislabeling and invoke a total mandatory recall for mislabeling.

There has been reports of animal illness from the tainted pet food and the CDC has reported at least 16 human illness.  Cats and dogs have shorter intestinal tracts compared to human and digest quicker which helps reduce the incidence of intestinal infections but animals that have a compromised immunity or chronic illness may not fare as well eating the tainted food.

I have been pointing the finger at foods manufactured in China because the lack of government quality standards and blatant use of toxic chemicals in foods.  This recall here in America is a red flag that we have a food industry that lacks government quality standards and the public must voice out their discontent.  Our pets deserve better food than foods that are toxic or tainted with bacteria.

I have been blogging for over a year that the commercial pet food industry is

Raw Food versus Commercial

guilty in manufacturing substandard quality and even toxic additives in the food.  The FDA and the USDA lacks involvement unless there is a human illness.  There is a loose governing body called the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) but does not have authority over the pet food industry rather provides recommended guidelines.  There is a dire need for a governing body with authority that can fine and close down pet food operations not meeting basic guidelines for food quality.

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Learn About This Site

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcEbtZht_to

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB90NjT51gg

By Claude West

This site is dedicated to helping you “the cat owner” to overcome many of the feline health issues you’re facing today.

• How to successfully understand and manage the proper diet for any cat and keep them healthy!
• How to manage the conversion of a dry food fed cat to a whole raw food diet
• Understand the vaccination process and learn how to manage vaccines
• Reduce your veterinary bills by managing your Veterinarian
• Super boost your cats health and immune system to reduce most diseases caused by pests and diet
• Watch your cat go from “couch potato” to “mighty cat” (here to save another day)
• Save a bundle of money by making your own cat toys and furniture

Make no mistake about what this site claims.  This site is not for the “doubting toms” of this world.  All of information in this site is backed by experts in small animal health.  This includes veterinarians, naturopaths, and people just like you who have decided to learn and take ownership of their pets’ health.   Cats and Dogs share a similar diet so you can also utilize the information for all of your four legged carnivores.

• In 30 years of raising cats, I have made and learned from many mistakes by myself and others
• Blog interviews with cat and dog experts including links to their sites backed by research and testimonials

Proof is all around you.  Take a look at your veterinarian bills and how healthy is your cat?  The best proof is common sense.  If God made a cat to be a vegetarian or an omnivore like humans then having corn, wheat, soy, greens, and fruits in their food would be proper.  Does it make any sense to feed a chicken, duck, deer, or rabbit raw meat?  Of course not, and that is why your cat should not be fed like a vegetarian or omnivore.  Their metabolic processes are designed for hunting and eating their prey raw.  This is their natural diet, and most commercial cat foods do not even begin to provide the necessary raw meat protein to sustain their health naturally.  A happy cat is a healthy cat.

Protect your pet from Fleas, Ticks, and Worms Naturally

By: Claude West

Protecting your pet from common pest is a subject that often comes up in discussions in

Common Flea

pet forums and is subject to controversy.  The article purpose will explain some of the controversy and provide the reader with a natural solution.

Pest such as ticks, mosquitos and fleas exist in nature and around your house.  It is difficult to control if the source is feral animals or your neighbor’s pets.  Pest such as these causes many different kinds of diseases and often not recognized until it becomes a problem.  Hence, veterinary practice promotes and biopharma makes many kinds of “pest control” medicines for your pet and all of these are toxic.

Side effects from pest control medicines can be worse than the infection designed to control.  The EPA has studied and advised on some of these chemicals referred as “spot-on” a topical application to the neck or back of your pet.  The report stated that

Ticks

many pets had mild to severe reactions to the chemicals and stated there were 44,000 incidents reported in 2008 including 660 deaths.   Even though millions of pets receive treatment with “spot-on” pest control medicine, there is significant risk associated to topical applied chemicals that eventually access the blood and internal organs.

The question most people face is how to control pests without putting toxic chemicals all over your pets, your home and your yard.  There are several natural ways to control pests on your pets but be careful because what works for dogs may make your cat sick.  Some essential oils are too strong for cats and need to use less and others can be toxic to cats.  I prefer using Natural Flea and Tick Defense.  This product is a combination of natural oil extracts from Brazil and formulated for both dogs and cats so you do not have to worry about concentration.

There is more to protecting your pets from pets than using essential oils, you must do the following to have a successful program:

• Detox your pet with herbal remedies formulated and ready for your pets click here.
• Boost your pet’s immunity in two ways.  First, start with a proper specie natural diet for your pet with more info here.  Second, is supplement your pet’s diet with the proper vitamins and antioxidants, click here and provide probiotics with enzymes as you convert your pet away from regular store bought pet food.
• Groom your pet regularly with the proper brush and inspect your pet from nose to tail for the presence of ticks or fleas.
• Eliminate standing water where possible outside to reduce mosquito activity.  Check for water in the house gutters, make sure pools and ponds aerate well during the summer months.
• Keep grass mowed and weeds cut down to reduce harborage for ticks and fleas.
• Have your pets examined by a veterinarian at least once per year.

Mosquito

This may seem to be many things to do and remember but it is very easy once you start a regular routine.  Your pet will be healthier with the changes in diet and be more resistant to diseases.

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Is Heartworm a real concern?

By Claude West

You may have noticed that in the last ten years there has been more talk about heartworm disease in cats where before it was about the disease in dogs.  In areas that are endemic (have lots of incidences) with heartworm some of the information indicates that the prevalence of heartworm disease in cats can be as high as feline leukemia and FIV infections.

The heartworm disease is very different in cats from dogs because cats are not the natural

Heartworm Life-cycle

host for heartworms where dogs are a natural host.  The heartworm causes problems in dogs when the adult worms become very large and obstruct the flow of blood to the heart but with cats, the presence of heartworm causes a large immune reaction and the population of adult worms is low.  The few adult worms that survive become too large, block the blood flow, and can be fatal to your cat.

Immature heartworms tend to cause much of the respiratory symptoms because they first invade the pulmonary system and some of the immune response occurs there.  The combination of worm obstructions from adult worms and an elevated immune response makes heartworm disease serious to your cat’s health.  Because so few worms make it to adulthood in a cat, the tests for heartworm infection in cats can be misleading even show negative in an infected cat.

Treatment for cats is more of a watch and waiting game.  The cat’s immune system is very efficient and treatments are limited.  The drug given to dogs for heartworm is toxic for cats and is not a recommended therapy for your pet.  There is a two to three year waiting period before your cat can be considered free of heartworm.

The holistic approach to combating heartworms is keeping your cat’s immune system strong with supplements (check out the cat box store) and feeding your cat a natural specie specific diet.  Heartworm transmits to your cat from mosquito bites so prevention is to eliminate standing water on your property or keep your cat indoors during the summer.  In areas where there are few mosquitos, the concern for heartworm disease is usually low.

Most communities have mosquito abatement programs but some areas always have

Adult Worms will Obstruct Blood Flow to the Heart

standing water and abatement programs are not effective.  High foreclosure incidences have created some mosquito problems due to swimming pools not in service.   Pay attention to your neighbors if mosquitos become prevalent.

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Ten Common Myths about Cats

By Dr. Karen Becker DVM

Dr Karen Becker

Myth: Cats always land on their feet.
Fact: Cats do not have collarbones, their backbones are very flexible, and they are extremely graceful animals. This may have led to the old wives tale that they always land on their feet. However, the way your kitty is constructed is no guarantee he will not be harmed in a fall.

Myth: You should give your cat cow’s milk.
Fact: Adults of any species typically have trouble digesting the milk of another species – and that includes cats. Like humans, many cats are also lactose intolerant, and cow’s milk offers no nutritional value to your kitty.

Myth: All cats hate water.
Fact: Many cats are intensely curious about the wet stuff and love moving water – a sink faucet, a water fountain for drinking, a running shower, even a flushing toilet.

Myth: Dry cat food is best for cats because it helps clean their teeth.
Fact: Crunchy food is not any better at brushing and flossing your kitty’s teeth than it is yours. From a nutritional standpoint, dry food is the worst thing you can feed your cat – it is devoid of both the healthful, unadulterated protein and moisture cats need in order to stay healthy.

Myth: Cats that live indoors do not get sick or need to see the veterinarian regularly.
Fact: While it is true indoor living is much safer and healthier for domesticated kitties, they still need regular wellness visits to a holistic or integrative veterinarian. In addition, no matter where your cat spends her time, if she is not eating a species-appropriate, nutritionally balanced diet, she is at risk for poor health. An annual physical examination and blood work to detect early organ dysfunction is priceless, in terms of being a proactive pet owner.

Myth: If you have a cat at home with an infant, the cat will be attracted to the scent of milk and can suck the air from the baby’s mouth, suffocating it.
Fact: There is absolutely no evidence cats are attracted to an infant’s breath, nor has there ever been a case where a cat has suffocated an infant in this manner. If you find your cat snoozing with your baby, it is because kitties like to snuggle up against warm bodies, especially in quiet, darkened rooms – which nurseries often are. Sometimes fat cats are bigger than tiny infants, hence, the recommendation to keep the cat out of the nursery.

Myth: Declawing is just a permanent nail trim.
Fact: Declawing is the surgical amputation of the first joint of each of a cat’s toes, and is increasingly viewed as inhumane and a form of mutilation.

Myth: Cats thrive on a vegetarian diet.
Fact: Cats are obligate carnivores, designed by nature to require animal protein. In fact, human-grade, unprocessed protein and moisture (water) should make up the bulk of your kitty’s diet. Regardless of your own feelings about eating meat, please do not compromise your cat’s health by feeding him a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Myth: Cats are cold and aloof. If you want a loving, loyal pet, get a dog.
Fact: Many cats are very loving. Cats are not dogs, so other than having four legs, a tail and fur like their canine counterparts, they are very different animals and comparisons do not make much sense. Dogs are by nature pack animals, while kitties are more independent. But cats that enjoy the same status in the family as dogs are often just as loving, attentive and present as their

Myth: Cats have nine lives.
Fact: Utter nonsense! Cats are smart, so it may appear they are “luckier” than dogs.

Tips About Pet Vaccines

By Claude West

Pet vaccines is a topic discussed more than any other time in the past because there is evidence that vaccines can cause adverse even deadly reactions in pets.  The purpose of a vaccine is to stimulate the production of antibodies to specific antigens, (components or byproducts of viruses and bacteria), so when exposed to the disease later will provide a strong antibody production to combat the infection.

Oh no! Not again!

Repetitive vaccinations will actually weaken the immune system and could make you more susceptible to the disease when exposed.  We do not receive additional vaccines against polio or small pox after the initial vaccination.   So you need to ask, why vaccinate my pet so frequently?

The term vaccinosis refers to the adverse or deadly reactions caused by an overstimulated immune system or toxic reaction to components of the vaccine itself.  The exact chemistry of vaccines is proprietary information and guarded by the manufacture but certain heavy metals detected such as mercury and aluminum.   Does stand to reason why some pets are developing cancers at the injection sites.

Another concern about vaccinosis is the impact to future generations of pets who depend on receiving passive immunity from their mothers through nursing.  Over vaccinating will cause disruption of the mother’s immunity and then there is no passive transference.

Cats and dogs have survived diseases over the millennium before vaccines and we should

Nursing Kittens

not overreact because we feel they are unprotected.  What we should focus on is improving your pet’s health through proper specie specific diet and exercise.  Seems our human doctors say the same is necessary for us to stay healthy.  Good health promotes good immunity and a mother will passively transmit this to her infants giving them a good start in the beginning of their life.

The typical vaccination schedule identifies core vaccines and non-core vaccines.  The veterinarian practice agrees that core vaccines at the recommended time intervals established by the companies that manufacture the vaccine.  The non-core vaccines will depend on the age, breed and health of the cat as well as the prevalence of these diseases in the local area.  Below identifies the vaccines and

How Many This Time Doc?

recommended frequency.

Vaccination Recommendations for Cats summarized from American Association of Feline Practitioners 2006 Feline Vaccination Guidelines

Core Vaccines:

Panleucopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Rabies, and Feline Leukemia all of which according to the manufacture are good for 1 year with exception of Rabies can last up to 3 years depending on vaccine type.

Non Core Vaccines:

Chlamydia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis, Bordetella, Giardia, and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.  There is limited data on how long the vaccines will last and some data indicates that several of the vaccines have potential to cause disease after vaccination.

As previously mentioned, over vaccinating your pet may do more harm than good.  Most holistic veterinarians will recommend a titer test on the cat’s blood to see if its immunity is still strong in protecting the cat from disease.  This is an extra step and will cost you more if the cat needs a booster to get the titer above minimal levels but well worth it verses just vaccinating.  All naturopaths agree that a strong immune system through diet and exercise will overcome the disease(s) and do not recommend vaccination regardless of the titer results.

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The Siamese Breed – Grace and Intelligence

By Claude West

I wanted to make a tribute to the breed Siamese.  They are a very special breed of cat that stands out amongst other breeds.  I think Gary Bogue, a newspaper columnist, did a great job of promoting the intelligence of this breed when he made comments about the

Seal Point Siamese

activities of his two Siamese.   The cat’s names are King Tut and Isis.

According to Gary, Isis created a list of “basic rules for cats who have a house to run”.  It is quite funny and real at the same time.  I would like to reveal several excerpts from his article.

According to Isis:

In reference to chairs and rugs while running the household and you have to throw up just get into the nearest chair.  Should there be no time for the chair then find a rug, preferably an expensive one like the Oriental.  The shag rug will have to do if that is the best the human can offer.  I like to add my own piece here that easy clean surfaces are taboo and and the humans shoe or shirt will do.

Isis further instructs that play is very important for a cat and one must bag in as much sleep during the day so you can stay up at night and play.  Preferably on top of the humans bed around 2 and 4 a.m.

On the subject of work a cat must learn the rules of hampering for example when supervising the cook stay just behind them while cooking (sit just behind the left heel).  This way you won’t be seen and greater chance of being stepped on.  Now you can perform the major hurt drama and get picked up and consoled.  Demand a sample of the cook’s wares would be appropriate at this time.

Isis had many other subjects commented on and wrapped up the article about training.  A cat must begin to train people early in order to have a smooth-running household.  Isis further pointed out that humans are trainable and can be taught provided you start early and are consistent.

One of the most distinct breeds of felines is the Siamese cat.  The Siamese originated in Thailand, and the name translates to ‘moon diamond’.  Legend has it that they keep away evil spirits and bring good luck to their owners. Siamese cats are around and in the temples and royal households.

Siamese cats are a very popular breed in Europe and North America, largely due to their social personality, inquisitive nature, playfulness, intelligence, and affection. Their sleek lines, striking color contrast, chiseled aristocratic heads, deep blue eyes, and short silky coats are a type of living art.

There are quite a few types of Siamese, including Balinese, Burmese, Colorpoint Shorthair, Himalayan, Javanese, Ocicat, and others.  The origins of this breed reveals that the vast majority of Siamese had seal (extremely dark brown, almost black) points, but occasionally Siamese were born with the blue (cool grey) points, chocolate (lighter brown) points, or lilac (pale warm gray) points.  Points are the colors that accent the typically cream color of the cat.

Two of my favorite cats were Siamese.  I had a seal point and a chocolate that were from the same breeder so they were already pals.  The seal I named BJ and the chocolate named Bandit.  There is truth about how smart this breed is and their behavior can be dog like meaning that they are friendlier and quick learners compared to the average breed of cat.  They were extremely social and quite vocal and I was always amazed at how forceful their voices can be.

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I often wondered if the purr was magical.  I had my first cat when I was 5 years old (least what I do remember) and was always fascinated as to how a cat can purr and breathe at the same time.  Claude West

Are Animals Natural Healers? – A Cat’s Purr-fect Healing Frequency 

Val Heart is an animal communicator who works with health and behavior issues with animals.

By Val Heart

Many animals are healers.  For instance, science has shown that all cats from all around the world purr at the same frequency.  Further, they’ve discovered that that exact frequency when applied to bone and tissue accelerates healing!

As you allow yourself to see and respect animals as intelligent, responsive beings with spiritual qualities that we can admire and learn from, you’ll begin to know them at a much deeper level.  And they’ll respond to you like you’re more intelligent as well.  (I can’t tell you how often I hear from our animal friends how dense they think their humans are, and how hard it is for them to communicate with us!)

Some years ago my husband and I had two cats that shared our home with us.  When my husband laid down, whether for a nap or at night, one specific cat, TuffyTiger, would go directly to his chest and liver areas and start to vigorously purr and knead his body.  She would eventually settle and rest with him, all the while purring loudly.  We thought it was the cutest thing.  This went on for well over a year. Each time he laid down there TuffyTiger would be, always purring.

My husband wasn’t feeling any pain or showing any signs of illness, so we just thought she was being very loving toward him.  He got to where he sought her out because he always felt so peaceful and relaxed, and said he could sleep better with her there.  He also said he noticed that he would wake up from their time together feeling more refreshed.

After almost 18 years of marriage, my husband and I divorced.  Shortly afterward he noticed pain in his chest and stomach, and only then did they discover that he had liver cancer.  Within 10 months he passed away from cancer.

We didn’t know it at the time, but my husband had cancer throughout his body.  TuffyTiger had been healing and working with him for over 10 years, and had successfully been keeping cancer at bay with her purring and earnest, loving ministrations.

The next time a cat gifts you with their purr let yourself feel how deep into your own body the vibration goes.  Also notice where it is directed.  Often a cat will specifically choose where it sits with their human friend(s) – and the site is usually a problem area.  It could be a knee, organ or injured area that your friend is attempting to help you with.

I’ve even seen cats who literally configure their bodies to flow the energy in a specific pattern, channeling degenerative and destructive energy lodged in ‘hot’ areas into shut down, ‘cold’ areas that need it.

Take a moment to thank them, offering gratitude for their ministering to you. Breathe with the purr, and allow yourself to vibrate as deeply as possible.

For all you know, they are healing you in the same way that shamans and healers have for centuries!

If you enjoyed this article, you’ll love my expert animal communication eTips.  Subscribe today!

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Want to use my articles in your blog, ezine, or website? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Val Heart is called The Real Dr Doolittle, and teaches animal lovers how to connect and communicate from the heart. She specializes in resolving behavior, training, performance, health problems, euthanasia decisions. Free AnimalTalk QuickStart Course (value $79), The Real Dr Doolittle (podcast) Show now on iTunes! (210) 863-7928, email: contactval@valheart.com visit http://www.valheart.com

First Learn Your Cat’s Likes And Dislikes

By Claude West

I always hear from members and friends about how when training their cat seemed like banging their head against a brick wall.  They say, “I do everything I am supposed to but it is not working and I feel like the cat is training me for what it wants”.   In some respect, they are right because in training there is always a bit of give and take going on.  Patience and perseverance is necessary when training cats because what you desire is the cat doing

Happy Cat

what you want and is a happy cat.

You should know what your cat likes and does not like.  It will not take much time to learn if your cat likes to be held, petted or picked up.  If they do not like those activities then you will not be able to make them like it right away.  Cats like humans change over time and as your cat ages it becomes more tolerant to handling.  In successful training, you must not try to force your cat to like or do something.  Small successful training steps will achieve the desired action such as first getting kitty to sit near you, and then let you pet it and finally be able to hold it.  Forcing activities on a cat will only give you a discontented cat.

Train your cat by first learning what it likes and does not like.  You will know what it enjoys and avoid doing activities that simply make your pet annoyed.  A happy cat is always going to be a lot more fun and open to doing what you want than one who feels forced to do that activity.   People think they can win over a cat through force of will and this just will not happen.

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Keeping Your Pet Safe from Toxins Is a Challenge

By: Claude West

Keeping your pets safe from chemical toxins around the house is a challenge because some toxins are in the furnishings. Information is available about what active

House Cleaners

chemicals are in that bottle of cleaner you bought from the store. What about the household items such as carpet and furniture chemical treated during manufacturing? Several recent reports show that serious toxins exist in both.

Many stain protectors in carpet and furniture contain petroleum-based products that do not decompose and your pet walks on it or sleeps on it and the chemicals end up on the pet’s fur and then licked off when the pet cleans itself. Perfluorochemicals called PFC’s are in stain inhibitors and the lining of pet food bags and cans. One article reports that your pet’s exposure to PFC’s is three times more than human exposure because of their grooming habits.

Flame retardant chemicals in bedding materials and insulation contain polybrominated diphenyl ether’s, called PBDE’s, and your cat will have a concentration twenty times more

Toxic Danger

PBDE’s in its fatty tissues compared to humans. This is also due to their habits of clawing, kneading and grooming. Studies show that dogs are two to three times more PBDE’s than humans in their fatty tissue.

Here are some action steps to take to limit the pet’s exposure to toxins:

• Buy furniture without the stain protection chemical additives.
• Repair damaged upholstery or bedding with new covers. Foams likely treated with flame-retardants.
• Use HEPA filters with your vacuum cleaner because PFC’s and PBDE’s attach to dust particles and spread throughout the house.
• Be selective on household cleaning chemicals since most commercial cleaners are petroleum-based products. Consider using natural cleaners such as steam cleaning, ammonia, vinegar, and baking soda.
• Pet foods containing chemical preservatives, (Ethoxyquin, BHT and BHA), artificial colorings, and filler ingredients, (corn, rice, and soy), that are not part of the pet’s natural diet.
• Insecticides, flea collars, herbicides and lawn and plant fertilizers contain petroleum-based chemicals and are toxic to your pet. There are many natural alternatives available.
• If you give your pet a bath use natural based cleaners formulated for animals and not humans.
• Treated water for human consumption (potable) has trace amounts of chlorine and fluorine that are also toxic to small animals. Consider using a chemical filter in your water supply for you and your pets’ health.

You cannot put your cat or dog in a protective bubble but being knowledgeable on this subject will benefit both humans and animals in the house. Using herbal detox tonics designed for your pet several times a year will help reduce toxic buildup. On a daily basis use herbal supplements, fatty acids, and vitamins designed to support the immune system and help keep your pet healthy.

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