conscious living, health and happiness for cats and their humans
Environmental toxins are ever present in our homes, from the chemicals used in rugs and furniture to fire retardants and air fresheners. The effects of all these chemicals on human health have been well documented: researchers have identified nearly 800 chemicals that are of concern. These same toxins also affect our cats.Continue Reading
Food sensitivities and food allergies are caused by a reaction to a particular ingredient in the diet. The most common allergens are usually proteins, with fish and chicken being two of the most common causes. Grains, especially corn, and dairy products can also cause problems. An allergy can develop to any protein to which the cat is repeatedly or constantly exposed. Sometimes, allergies develop over time. Once an allergy has developed, it may last for the cat’s life.Continue Reading
FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) is caused by a coronavirus. Easily transmitted between cats, it is equally as easily cleared by most, but sadly in a small subset of cats, the virus changes from a non-pathogenic form to one that aggressively infects intestinal macrophages. Up until very recently, FIP was almost always fatal.Continue Reading
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Nine-year-old Rascal was adopted by Cerise and her husband Jim when he was two years old. He shares his home with 16-year Jinxy, 4-year-old siblings Gyoza and Gnocchi, four-year-old Ozzy and Missy, and 2-year-old Princess. All cats are rescues.Continue Reading
During the hot summer months, it goes without saying that you need to take precautions for your outdoor pets to protect them from heat stroke and other heat related problems, but even indoor cats require special attention, especially if you’re trying to save on cooling costs by turning the air conditioning up when you’re not at home.Continue Reading
This post is sponsored by Care Credit
The joys of sharing life with a cat are limitless. Cats have an amazing ability to provide us with love, fun and play, while also bringing many important health benefits into our lives from relieving stress, preventing allergies, calming our nervous system and more. While these independent animals can be considered a low maintenance pet, caring for one is still a major commitment. Too often, we hear from veterinarians across the country about instances of pet parents struggling to balance the care their pet needs with what they can afford. While millions of Americans choose to share life with a pet, the true cost of ownership has historically been incredibly vague.Continue Reading
Guest post by Ingrid R Niesman, MS PhD
Despite the intrusion from COVID-19, or perhaps because of the pandemic, more and more Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) infected cats are surviving and thriving in 2022. Just a few short years ago, all FIP positive cats died.Continue Reading
Sponsored guest post by Rowyn Rose, Science Communications Specialist at Basepaws
Do you have an itchy cat, or know someone else who does? Many itchy cats suffer from the increasingly common feline skin condition called dermatitis.Continue Reading
Guest post by Ingrid R Niesman, MS PhD
While we don’t really know the extent of pain cats actually experience, we do know that they are masters at masking their discomfort, leaving cat parents guessing. This is especially true with arthritis pain. Just like humans, cats’ joints take a lifetime of abuse and display similar arthritic tendencies with age. Humans can avoid suffering with medications and joint replacements. Our cats with chronic osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD) have fewer options.Continue Reading
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Welcome to our regular “Ask the Cat Doc With Dr. Lynn Bahr” segment! Once a month, Dr. Bahr answers as many of your questions as she can, and you can leave new questions for her in a comment.Continue Reading
Even though heatstroke is more common in dogs than in cats, cats can get it, and it is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.Continue Reading