May all of you
> always have LOVE to share,
>
> HEALTH to spare and
> FRIENDS that care...
>
> And may
> you always believe in the magic of Christmas!
>

THIS IS A TORTUROUS PROCEDURE FOR YOUR CAT!!!!

Declawing isn’t a nail trim. It isn’t the equivalent of permanently removing ‘just’ the claws. It is amputation of the entire first joint of each of a cat’s toes

Declawing is surgery! Despite what you may have been led to believe, declawing is painful for the kitty, expensive and irreversible.



Amputation of the third phalanx or the first toe bone that houses the nail drastically alters the confirmation of the feet, which can lead to a whole host of physical complications such as chronic small bone arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and neuralgia.

Declawing Can Have Emotional as Well as Physical Consequences


Many cats experience emotional difficulties from declawing surgery.

It is common for a pet owner to notice personality changes in their cat after declawing surgery. These changes probably stem from feelings of insecurity after having their primary defense mechanism against predators taken away from them.

Recently declawed cats often become nervous, fearful and aggressive, often resorting to use of their last remaining means of defense – their teeth.

Some declawed kitties, once they discover they can no longer mark with their claws, begin to urinate around the house in order to mark their territory. This can result in long-term inappropriate elimination problems.

Many declawed cats who were confident on the ground when they still had their claws, begin spending all their time on elevated surfaces like the top of the refrigerator, countertops, or high shelving in closets.

There are Only Risks – No Benefits – for Cats Who are Declawed


The main reason pet owners cite for requesting declawing surgery is concern over their home furnishings, flooring and window coverings.

And a main reason veterinarians perform the procedure is out of fear the owner may become abusive or neglectful if the cat damages household belongings, relinquishing their cats to shelters, or banning them from the home.

Because there are so many risks and absolutely no benefit to the animal from declawing surgery, the procedure has been outlawed in many European countries and is a hot topic of debate in many local jurisdictions in the U.S.

Alternatives to Declawing


My motto is 'Educate, don't amputate.'

The humane solution to unwanted scratching is to provide sensible, appealing options for the cat.

I explain to all my clients with kittens that felines have claws for a reason, and as long as they have them, they'll use them.

I explain that just as most humans need to trim their nails weekly, it may be necessary to trim your cat's nails weekly or at least quite frequently.

In addition to weekly nail trims, I also recommend cat owners provide at least two different scratching surfaces, including:
•A tall, sturdy scratching post
•A horizontal scratching mat

My cats prefer floor mats, as well as a log I drug in from outside. My cats also love a commercially available cardboard paper scratcher I bought for them.

In addition to providing your kitty with appropriate surfaces to scratch, you must also take steps to protect any off-limits areas your cat is scratching. You can use aluminum foil or double-sided tape to discourage your cat.

You can also consider covering your cat's nails with a commercially available nail cap, which will protect both you and your belongings from kitty's sharp claws.

Thanks to Dr. Karen Becker

Hangover Remedy Smoothie

From Smoothie Web

Filed Under Healing Smoothies ·

I’m sure a few people will have the need for this hangover remedy smoothie. The real question is can you stand the noise of the blender?

You’ll notice there are some odd ingredients in this smoothie recipe such as chamomile flowers, slippery elm power and gingerroot. They are there to help with stomach issues and help relax the mind, all good things for treating a hangover, yes? Which also makes this a great smoothie for stomach pains, cramps, sickness and stress.

Ingredients:
■1/2 cup apple juice
■Juice of 1 lemon
■2 apples
■1 banana
■1/2 inch piece of gingerroot, peeled
■1/2 tsp dried Chamomile Flowers
■1/2 tsp Slippery Elm Powder (See all Vitamins & Supplements)

In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth.

And if you are wondering what the heck slippery elm is: Slippery elm is used to relieve gastrointestinal conditions, sore throats, ulcers, and respiratory irritations today. External uses include treatment of skin conditions, vaginitis, and hemorrhoids. It can be used as a cough medicine or as a skin smoother and softener. Read more: http://www.naturalherbsguide.com/slippery-elm-bark.html


Tags: apples, banana, chamomile, cough medicine, gastrointestinal, gastrointestinal conditions, hangover remedy, skin conditions, slippery elm, slippery elm bark, slippery elm powder, sore throats, vaginitis

POM Breakfast Smoothie

Filed Under Breakfast Smoothies, Healthy Smoothies · Comment

This POM smoothie is full of super healthy antioxidants from the pomegranate juice and and the almonds. The banana provides a great source of potassium. This is being labeled as a breakfast smoothie, but it ain’t bad for a lunch smoothie either. Why is pomegranate juice (POM) so wonderful: Its has wonderful healthy benefits such as Antioxidants. There have been many Scientific Studies showing that POM can support a healthy cardiovascular system and helps with problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes Type II among others.

And just how rich in antioxidants is POM pomegranate juice? Take a look at the image below rating high antioxidant juices. POM scores the highest.



Oh yeah, what about the POM Smoothie recipe? Here it is:

Ingredients:
■1 cup POM wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
■3/4 cup soy or low-fat milk
■2 ice cubes
■1 large banana
■2 tablespoons almonds
■3 table spoons protein powder (optional)
■1 teaspoon honey or stevia sweetener

In a blender combine all ingredients. Cover and blend on high for at least 30 seconds (make sure the almonds aren’t visible) then pour into two glasses. Makes 2 servings.


Tags: almonds, antioxidant juices, antioxidants, banana, breakfast smoothie, diabetes type ii, healthy cardiovascular system, high blood pressure, low fat milk, pomegranate juice, protein powder, source of potassium, table spoons, teaspoon honey

When needing to evacuate your home

You never know when you might need to evacuate your home. Even if you don't live in a hurricane-prone area, flooding, wildfires, or chemical spills may force you from your home. If you do have to evacuate, take your pets with you. Over 90% of animals left behind in a natural disaster do not survive. Leaving your pets behind is not an option.

Think of your furry babies

Cancer In Cats

Just about all there for several reasons as there was always a huge variety to choose from, from the comfort of little kittens to your veterans, which would cherish a new loving home.

While cancer in cats isn't as common as it in dogs, it's still one of the main causeof death in older cats. Using the Animal Cancer Foundation, 6 000 0000 cats will be clinically determined to have cancer in the us along. And growcause cats are masters at masking illness, it is usually harder to detect. Cancer once was a death sentence for cats, but recent advances in feline cancer research are making treatment possible on many occasions. Just like with human cancers, early detection is essential to successfully treating feline cancers.

Common cancers in cats

Essentially the most common sorts of cancer in cats is lymphoma. Other frequently seen cancers are oral squamous carcinomas, just like what people get. Fibrosarcomas, or soft tissue sarcomas, are tumors developing in muscle or perhaps in the connective tissue from the body. These are generally associated with injections and vaccinations. Other kinds of cancer are less common, nonetheless they do take place in cats: lung tumors, brain tumors, nasal tumors, liver tumors. There are actually fewer incidences of mammary tumors (yes, cats could possibly get breast cancer, too) since more cats are spayed and spaying is among the best ways to prevent this type of cancer.

Indication of feline cancer

People and cats both show similar symptoms on the subject of cancer:

Lumps, especially lumps that seem to be getting bigger
Sores that don't heal
Modifications in bowel or bladder habits
Unexplained bleeding or a strange discharge from any body opening
Lack of appetite and fat loss
Difficulty in breathing
Lameness or stiffness that persists over a period of time
Bad odor
Having problems eating or swallowing food

If you notice your cat showing such symptoms, take him for your veterinarian for just a thorough examination.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis will vary, according to the presenting symptoms. An exam probably will add a complete blood chemistry, blood count, and urinalysis. Your veterinarian takes x-rays, perform an ultrasound, and take tissue biopsies. According to the place that the biopsies are extracted from, this will require sedation, or full anesthesia. Biopsies might be reviewed with a veterinary pathologist to discover the kind of cancer.

Treatment

Treatment options for cats are almost as varied as alternatives for human cancers, and will be determined by any type of cancer. Surgery is easily the most common treatment for the lumps or growths that need to get removed. Sometimes, surgery can be curative. Other cancers may require chemotherapy or radiation. Cats are likely to tolerate chemotherapy much better than people, and may have high quality of life for many months and even just years following treatment. Radiotherapy can also be used for tumors that are not to be removed. This is a more stressful therapy for cats, as it requires sedation or anesthesia for every single treatment.

THERE ARE ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE. SEEK A HOLISTIC VET. FOR A GENTLE METHOD OF TREATMENT.

Causes

There isn't all the research in the cause of feline cancer as you can find to the human side, but I wouldn't think it's a leap to assume that many of the same toxins in the environment that cause cancer in humans also cause cancers in our cats.


Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

Kittens are irresistible

A kitten is the most iresistible comedian in the world. Its wide-open eyes gleam with wonder and mirth. It darts madly at nothing at all, and then, as though suddenly checked in the pursuit, prances sideways on its hind legs with ridiculous agility and zeal.
--Agnes Repplier

I know this to be true from watching my two young cats and one kitten.

Entertainment Value

"I have noticed that what cats most appreciate in a human being is not the ability to produce food--which they take for granted--but her or his entertainment value.

Why Re-Vaccination is the WORST Reason for Routine Vet Visits…

According to a recent Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study, a majority of U.S. pet parents don’t see the need for regular veterinary care for their non-human family members.

A few takeaways from the study:

•Over 60 percent of dog owners and nearly 70 percent of cat owners are skeptical about the need for routine vet visits.
•Owners of older animals and cats are especially reluctant to take their pets for vet checkups.
•Most pet owners are unpleasantly surprised by the cost of veterinary care these days.
According to Veterinary Practice News, the six root causes for declining vet visits are:

1.Fallout from the current economic climate.
2.The ability of pet owners to get their animals vaccinated outside the vet’s office at mobile clinics, shelters and pet stores.
3.Growing use of the Internet to research and find answers when a pet is sick or hurt.
4.The reluctance of cat owners to deal with a situation of ‘feline resistance’ to vet visits.
5.A general opinion among pet owners that regular vet checkups are simply unnecessary, especially for older pets and those kept indoors.
6.The perceived high cost of veterinary care.
Sources:
dvm360 January 17, 2011
Veterinary Practice News January 17, 2011



Dr. Becker's Comments:

Since lots of people don’t visit their own doctor until illness strikes, it’s not surprising to me so many pet owners avoid the vet’s office as well.

In my opinion, in many ways the traditional medical establishment itself has set the stage for sick visits, not well visits. The approach of conventional Western medicine, both human and veterinary, is reactive rather than proactive.

The fact is, with the exception of a handful of common screening procedures and tests, traditionally trained MDs and DVMs wait for full-blown illness to show itself, and then try to cure it with drugs, surgery, or a combination.

With that general approach, it’s no wonder people aren’t rushing to doctors or veterinarians for checkups to help them or their pets stay well. Traditional medicine doesn’t have a lot to offer those of us – or our pets – who aren’t showing signs of significant illness.

Why Take My Pet to the Vet If He’s Healthy?
I practice proactive veterinary medicine. I want to see your pet when he’s healthy, so I can help you help him stay that way.

My goal with my patients is to maintain them in the ‘white zone’ of health, first, and treat disease (the ‘black zone’) as necessary.

In between the white and black zones is the grey zone, in which an animal can be moving in either direction – toward disease or toward health. I do a lot of my best work with pets in the grey zone, where I’m often able to stop or significantly slow progress toward full-blown illness.

For example, let’s say your pet’s blood test results come back and some number is a bit off but not yet out of the established ‘normal’ range. Many vets would take a wait-and-see approach because the number is not (yet) out of whack enough to warrant further action.

In contrast, my approach and the approach of any proactive practitioner would be to probe deeper to find the root cause of the not-quite-normal blood test result.

Chances are something is going on inside your pet’s body which is moving her health from the white zone into the grey zone. We want to find out what that something is and deal with it before it becomes an expensive, debilitating or even life-threatening health crisis.

Lots of pet parents are amazed and hugely relieved to learn many disease processes can be halted or reversed with small dietary or lifestyle changes, often coupled with appropriate natural healing therapies.

Re-vaccination Should NOT Be a Reason for Regular Vet Checkups!
It’s discouraging to learn from this study that pet owners are now seeking out other sources for re-vaccinations, like pet stores and mobile clinics.

And it’s certainly not the other sources that concern me. It’s the re-vaccinations.

Yearly re-vaccinations are unnecessary and dangerous for too many pets. These immunizations should not be used to promote annual veterinary visits.

It’s really tragic so many pet owners have been led to believe their pet’s health is all about those yearly vaccinations. Nothing could be further from the truth.

At my clinic, Natural Pet Animal Hospital, I tailor vaccine protocols to minimize risk and maximize protection, taking into account the breed, background, nutritional status and overall vitality of the pet.

With healthy puppies, for example, I generally follow the protocol set by Dr. Ron Schultz, professor and chair of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin Veterinary School and an expert on vaccine effectiveness.

Per Dr. Shultz’s protocol, we provide a single parvo and distemper vaccine at or before 12 weeks of age, and a second set after 14 weeks. We then titer two weeks after the last set and if the dog has been successfully immunized, she’s protected for life.

If titer tests on any pet no matter the age indicate vaccine levels are low, we recommend a booster for only the specific virus or viruses that titered low, and only for those to which the animal has a real risk of exposure.

We do not use or recommend combination vaccines (six to eight viruses in one shot), which is the traditional yearly booster.

For those pet owners adamantly opposed to any vaccine or for animals that have had past reactions to vaccines, we also offer the option to boost a pet’s immunity naturally with homeopathic nosodes rather than traditional vaccination. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of treatment with nosodes cannot be guaranteed and will not result in a measurable titer.

Why I Encourage Routine Wellness Exams
I recommend twice yearly wellness examinations to my Natural Pet clients.

A thorough, tip-of-nose to tip-of-tail professional exam every six months is the best way for you and your vet to detect and stay on top of any changes in your pet’s health. This is especially true for animals getting up in years.

It’s somewhat the nature of humans to avoid situations in which they fear they may hear bad news. It’s my opinion this is another reason many pet owners avoid routine vet visits. It’s the old ‘ignorance is bliss’ approach.

Needless to say, this isn’t a wise outlook when it comes to issues of health.

That’s why I want to emphasize, again, that in the case of a developing illness in your pet, often a few simple lifestyle changes are all that is needed to return your companion to glowing good health.

Many diseases seem to come on quickly and progress rapidly. The reality is there are almost always subtle changes taking place long before there is evidence of a full-blown illness.

It’s those subtle changes I look for in routine wellness exams, so we can take action right away and hopefully prevent a developing illness from destroying your precious pet’s health.

For the same reason, I also recommend you perform regular at-home wellness exams on your pet between vet visits.

Choosing a Vet
As always, I strongly encourage you find a holistic/integrative vet who will partner with you to keep your pet healthy. If you have a feline not fond of leaving the house, seek out a holistic vet that makes house calls.

Holistic-oriented veterinarians are licensed DVMs with additional education and experience in alternative methods of healing such as homeopathy, natural supplements, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, etc.

They are also more likely to titer than vaccinate, and to use single vaccinations rather than shots containing vaccines for several different pathogens.

Many holistic vets are also well informed about species-appropriate nutrition and can provide guidance in the best way to nourish your pet.

If you can partner with a vet whose practice philosophy appeals to you, together you can build an affordable wellness strategy to provide your pet with vibrant health and a long life.

Great and Exciting News

Kitty Cat Organics is going to the radio. Beginning Feb 22 on The River 95.3 a live read advert will be read for Kitty Cat Organics between 12 noon and 1 PM for 13 weeks.

Cats May Be Finicky

Cats mat be finicky, but they always seem to appear in the kitchen when they know you're making their favorite "people" food. Some like chicken noodle soup, others a bowl of vanilla ice cream. Some have been known to sneak a bite from a doughnut or a homemade meatloaf. They're clever about getting exactly what they want!

They can wrap you around their furry paw and you never know it. Leading you to believe you are in charge of your home. The Cat rules!

Aspartame

Aspartame is, by far, the most dangerous substance on the market that is added to foods!
Aspartame is the technical name for the brand names NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, and Equal-Measure. It was discovered by accident in 1965 when James Schlatter, a chemist of G.D. Searle Company, was testing an anti-ulcer drug.
Aspartame accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA. Many of these reactions are very serious including seizures and death. A few of the 90 different documented symptoms listed in reports as being caused by aspartame include: Headaches/migraines, dizziness, seizures, nausea, numbness, muscle spasms, weight gain, rashes, depression, fatigue, irritability, tachycardia, insomnia, vision problems, hearing loss, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, loss of taste, tinnitus, vertigo, memory loss, and joint pain.
Check this out for yourself. Plenty of research has been done on the ill affects of this dangerous food additive.
Pet food manufacturers dump chemicals into what your cats and dogs eat, which is slowly killing them. Do your homework!

I Love Cats

I love cats because I enjoy my home: and little by little, they become its visible soul.

---Jean Cocteau