Veterinarian Medicine: Science or Superstition?

Leave a Comment 

Actually, more superstition than you would imagine.

The science part, we all know. By application of laws, theories, and technologies borrowed from physics, biochemistry, and engineering, veterinary medicine takes on the appearance of a science.

But, surely, mere application of scientific principles does not make an enterprise a science. After all, belief systems of all kinds use scientific principles. Religions apply the principles of economics, engineering, and more. But no one would confuse religion with science.

A science is a coherent system that produces consistent outcomes. Orthodox veterinary medicine has value, but it is neither coherent nor consistent.

The lack of consistency is obvious. Anyone having an animal treated at a vet knows that the outcome is chancy. Maybe the treatment will work and maybe it won’t. Vets make no excuses for this lack of certainty and everyone, including myself, accepts it. Animals are extraordinarily complex creations and no one should expect predictable results.

The lack of coherence, though, is another matter. After all, we expect any credentialed group, especially one authorized to deal in sickness and health to have a logical coherence. We expect their facts to be part of a real, objective analysis. Many of the “facts” of veterinary medicine are not facts at all.

A complete analysis of the logical flaws in veterinary medicine would take a much longer article and will be dealt with in the future. However, their most flagrant disregard for reality has to be the reliance upon disease entities.

]]>

Disease entities do not exist! At least they do not exist in the way that we ordinarily understand a thing to exist. Things, entities, objects have a mass that can be measured and weighed. Diseases do not have extension in time or space. There is no there there. They have no factual basis. Disease entities are a focus for treatment, a shorthand notation to explain a complex biological process.

No problem with veterinarians using shorthand to focus their treatments. The problem arises when a convenient way of talking about a condition takes on a life of its own. The problem arises when we start to confuse the label of a disease entity for the reality of a disease process.

Take for an example, Parvo in dogs. What is it? It is not the Parvo Virus. The Parvo Virus existed before 1984. But Parvo, the disease, did not. Before 1984, dogs contracted the Parvo Virus but most of them did not contract Parvo, the disease.

Even today, most unvaccinated dogs contracting Parvo will recover. Some, though, will die within 24 hours. The virus is the same. The dogs are different. Parvo, and all diseases, describe a complex response between host and pathogen. Parvo is not a thing. It is a process.

Facts are stubbornly solid. They have a solidity that superstitions lack. So the veterinarian inability to affect the immune strength of dogs is a fact that should be addressed but for many reasons is not. So since the vets lack the tools, they do not talk about treatments for immunity. In its place, they substitute an imaginary enemy they can deal with–the disease of Parvo.

Parvo, a non-existent entity, can be conquered with a vaccine, itself a very dangerous treatment. That would be acceptable except the Parvo was never there to begin with. What happened with the advent of modern veterinary medicine was that dogs were getting immunologically weaker. One treatment the vets devised for that immunological weakness was to initiate an immune response to the Parvo virus. The result of the Parvo vaccination, and the many other vaccinations, is that while dogs are now immune to Parvo and other common canine diseases, their overall immune strength continues to fall as they get sicker and sicker.

Now dogs are free of the common canine diseases. Only, they get more immune-related diseases than ever. Dogs are diabetic, cancerous, dyspeptic, allergic, and inflamed. The vets focused on disease entities rather than on the interaction of a pathogen and the host. The result is a domestic canine population more immune to a narrow spectrum of diseases and more susceptible to a much wider spectrum.

Superstition, especially the kind that denies the facts underlying sickness and health, is counter-productive. Superstition does have a positive value, though. It is a tool of the powerful against the powerless. When diseases became things, medically authorized persons gained a great deal of power but lost their credibility, effectiveness, and scientific legitimacy.

Cat Care 101

Leave a Comment 

It seems that cats have become a common fixture in our household. Many people own one, and in fact, having cats as pets has been a practice for over thousands of years.

Just like dogs, though not as many, cats also have numerous breeds, but the popular ones are Siamese and Persian. If you plan to get one for a pet, there are factors you have to consider, and among these is the cost.

Just like owning any other pet, it will cost some money to own a cat. Of course, you will need to buy food, medicines, clinic visits, and also a litter. The basic essentials you should have are: food plate, water plate, and a litter box. Additionally, cats love to play so buying toys would be recommended. Other paraphernalia you will need: cat collar, bed, carrier, and scratching post.

Feeding Your Cat

The kind of food and frequency of feeding vary with age. When a cat is still very young- a kitten- he will need to be fed several times a day; as he grows older, you can feed him twice daily, or even with one big meal. To be more specific, before he reaches 12 weeks, you will have to feed him at least 4x daily; when he reaches 3-6 months, feeding is lowered down to thrice daily.

Dos and Don’ts

Never feed him food that has been left out for more than half an hour. Canned food can be given, but these can be expensive. For some reason, cats love canned meals but these do not really have any advantage to dental health in the way that dry meals do. So you might want to consider giving him dry food too. When giving dry food, see to it that your cat gets sufficient water intake on a day to day basis. When buying dry food, make sure that you look at the nutritional value it offers and not buy it because it is cheap. Usually, generic food does not contain enough nutrients that your cat needs. Kittens should only be given kitten food, and do not feed yours with adult cat food. Do not keep on giving your cat milk. They love milk but it causes diarrhea. Do make sure to wash his plate everyday. When giving treats, keep it to a minimum as this will make your cat fat. You can feed your cat human food occasionally but still mix it with his regular food. Brush their coat once daily to avoid hairballs, and at the same time, it helps keep their coat shiny and clean. Clean their litter box at least once a week because cats hate it when their litter box is dirty. Take regular visits to his vet, and make sure required shots are given.

Well, if you may have noticed, owning a cat is not always that easy as they require maintenance and care. But cats are wonderful, loving creatures who will keep you company for many, many years. In the end, it is going to be worth it.

Advantages Of Training Your Cat

Leave a Comment 

I like cats and despite all of the stereotypes; cats are not completely self-sufficient creatures and need us to feed and water them and to protect them from the elements. And, despite all of their protests against it, cats need us to love them. Adopting a cat can be a very rewarding feeling, as well as a major challenge at times. We want our family life to be calm and warm, not frantic and frustrating, so we need all of the members, including the furry ones, to be at their best behavior. Training your cat can ensure that you have a gentle, loving pet that does not eat your furniture and pee in your houseplants. Training your cat does not only protect it from potential dangers, but keeps your belongings safe from destruction as well.

Cats claw, scratch, bite and chew for many reasons. If they are doing these things to food items or their cat toys, that is great, but many times they will find something else. Cats that chew on the new divan or the electrical cords are not only destroying property, they are also potentially put their own lives in danger. Young cats will mouth or chew on things for the same reasons that puppies and human babies do- they are exploring their world, as well as teething. Give them substitutes and reward them for chewing on the right items. If an older cat has suddenly developed a urge to gnaw on things other than food or usual toys, then consider whether he is bored, or if it is possible that he has a nutritional deficiency.

]]>

Poorly trained cats will often start using the entire house as their personal litter box. If you have ever walked in the house when the litter box needs to be changed, you know how disgusting that can truly be. If your cat is using items like your bed or favorite chair to potty on, he might be sending you a message. Does he loathe the new litter you bought? Did you move his litter box? Or, has something in the cat’s environment been changed?

I like cats, but let’s face it some cat behavior problems have to be dealt with. There are many guides and resources available that will help you to understand and solve these problems. Some of these problems can also be caused by health issues so make sure you understand what is causing the behavior and your training program will be greatly improved. Understanding cat behaviors and causes is key do developing a well trained cat and creating a loving relationship with your pet which one of the main reasons I like cats.

Before we start training our cats to do something or to stop doing something, we need to look at how cats learn. They don’t understand language; they can’t read books or attend lectures. They learn by experience. If the experience is good, they will try to repeat it. If the experience is unpleasant, they will try to avoid it in the future.

The cat is a very independent animal, and many cat owners will tell you that this independence is what makes the cat such a comfortable companion around the house and is another reason I like cats. Cats are not as demanding of attention as dogs. And, unlike dogs, most cats don’t make any particular effort to win your approval and often wait for you to come to them rather than run around trying to catch your eye.

A well trained cat can be very entertaining and enjoyable pet giving years of companionship and love. The advantages of training far outweigh the disadvantages.

An Owner’s Guide to Anemia in Cats

Leave a Comment 

Anemia in cats is a condition that occurs when there is not enough hemoglobin or red blood cells produced.  It is not a disease, but merely a symptom of an underlying condition or disease.  So, what exactly causes it?

Causes

Many things can cause this condition.  The kidneys are responsible for producing hormones that stimulate red blood cell production.  So, kidney disease is one of the most common causes.  Parasites such as ticks, fleas, and hookworms are another leading cause.

Anemia in cats can also be the result of a traumatic injury.  This happens when the trauma causes damage to blood vessels or internal organs.  Serious diseases such as feline immunodeficiency or leukemia virus may also be to blame.  Other causes include ingestion of chemicals, toxins, or cancer.

]]>

Symptoms

Your cat’s gums, tongue, and nose normally have a pink color.  If he has anemia, these areas will lose their normal color.  Instead, they will appear to be pale.  Also, your cat will likely be lethargic if he has this condition. 

Treatment

As you already know, anemia in cats isn’t a disease but a sign of an underlying problem.  Therefore, the underlying condition will have to be treated in order to treat the anemia.  A blood transfusion may be required until the cause can be treated effectively.  Medications that stimulate the production of hormones responsible for red blood cell production will also help.

Prognosis

Most cats are able to recover from anemia without problems.  However, this condition can be caused by some serious diseases.  In these cases, anemia will be one of the least problems to worry about.

Ways To Make Vet Visits Affordable

Leave a Comment 

Cutting down on your pet’s health expenses without compromising its health is possible, veterinarians say. Pet owners can forgo some procedures and even discard inoculations from their pet’s protocol without risking their animal’s lives. But the process of choosing which ones to keep, and which ones to drop, depends a lot on the pet’s habits. Here are some factors to consider in seeking more affordable care options.

Pet Care by the Numbers

American pet owners spent an estimated .2 billion on veterinary bills in 2009, according to the American Pet Products Association. Nevertheless, some veterinarians have seen a severe downturn in income from non-medical procedures and services, such as boarding. To cut expenses, many are cutting their employees’ hours. But, unfortunately, most are not cutting their fees.

Tips for Lowering Costs

Cost cutting can begin with evaluating your pet’s annual inoculations. Not all inoculations need to be administered yearly, as many vaccines stay in the bloodstream longer than was previously thought.

“People who have been getting vaccines for their pets every year, probably could slide on some of them,” says Dr. Bernadine Cruz, a veterinarian at the Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Hills, CA.

If there is any doubt how much of last year’s inoculation is still potent in the pet’s bloodstream, the vet can conduct what’s called a titer. Talk to your vet about whether the fee for a specific titer is less than the potential savings from skipping the inoculation.

]]>

In evaluating which vaccines to drop and which to keep, a pet’s location and lifestyle are also important factors to consider.

“An out-and-about pet needs more vaccines more than a couch-potato kitty or dog who takes it easy,” Dr. Cruz said. An indoor cat may simply not require a leukemia vaccine booster. A pooch romping through a deer-tick ridden field in Connecticut needs a vaccine for Lyme Disease; but a city dog strolling a Southern California sidewalk may not.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners issues protocols of what vaccines are needed at each life stage. Though the AAFP “highly recommends” the FeLV vaccination for all kittens, booster inoculation is recommended only in cats considered to be at risk of exposure.

There are just some procedures pet owners can’t stint on, however.

“Hard times are not an excuse to skip your pet’s annual shots,” said Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, ASPCA’s Executive Vice President, National Programs and Science Advisor, “but it does make sense to talk to your vet about personalizing your pet’s vaccine protocol. Some vaccines are optional, while others are essential in preventing serious diseases.”

But skipping on the pet’s annual exam altogether is not an option. “It’s much more expensive—and risky—to treat illnesses than to protect against them,” Zawistowski said.

Evaluating Other Types of Pet Care

Owners can also cut economic corners in other modes of preventative care, such as for periodontal disease. Dental care—vital for keeping bacteria in the gums from leaching into the bloodstream and ultimately into an animal’s kidneys, liver, or joints—does not have to be conducted under anesthesia in every case, not even for cats.

Although not all veterinarians conduct dental work on conscious animals, the difference in price could well be worth seeking out a veterinarian with that expertise. Gas anesthesia can cost from to 2 for a 60-pound dog, plus for anesthesia monitoring, according to a 2009 study by EC Veterinary Economics & Wutchiett Tumblin and Associates. Though tooth cleaning can be less effective when not done under anesthesia, this option is preferable to not cleaning the teeth at all.

As with all types of care, because every individual pet is different, be sure to talk your veterinarian about the best protocol that will work for your pet. Courtesy of RadioFence.com, a leading online retailer of Pet Doors and Dog Training Collars.

Cat Ownership Costs

Leave a Comment 

Cat ownership costs should be considered before purchasing your kitten. If you are going to be a new cat owner, knowing what the costs of cat ownership are up front should be very helpful for you in planning your pet budget. The chart below describes the most common costs for owning a cat. The costs will vary depending upon type of cat being bought and your location.

 

Item

Typical Costs

Included

Additional Costs

Buying a Cat

Adoption of a kitten from a shelter: to 0. Purebred kitten: 0 to ,200. Breeding quality: ,000 to ,000 and up to ,000.

Shelters: Neutering or spaying. Initial vaccinations. De-worming, and a vet Check-up.

Breeders: Registration papers. Health Certificate from a vet, Initial vaccinations, and de-worming if necessary. Proof kitten does not have leukemia.

Shipping costs: 0 to 0.

Cat Declawing

0 to 0 depending upon vet. Laser method: 0 to 0.

 

Anesthesia, pain medications, antibiotics, two day hospital stay, and post surgical examination.

Pre-surgery blood test: to extra. Pain medication patch after surgery: extra.

Neutering

to 0.

 

Reduced desire to roam, fight, and mark territory.

Pre-anesthesia blood work: .

 

Spaying

0 to 0.

 

Reduced risk of mammary cancer. Prevention of urine marking and heat cycles.

to extra for overweight or in heat cats.

Vaccinations

Average cost: to in the first year and to each year afterward.

Feline distemper, rhinotracheitis and caldvirus at 7 weeks, 10 weeks, and 13 weeks.

Rabies vaccine at 12 or 13 weeks. Boosters administered annually.

Leukemia and peritonitis are to extra for each shot.

Owing a Cat

0 to 0 for basic food, cat litter, veterinarian care, vaccinations and boarding not including grooming

Adoption fee or purchase price, spaying or neutering, initial vaccinations, a general health assessment. May include carrier, litter box, collar, tags and food bowls.

Renters may be charged 0 or more for a pet deposit fee.

Injured or sick cat can cost 0 to ,000 depending upon the injury or sickness.

Grooming

At home grooming tools: a year. Professional: 0 and up for two months grooming services.

Professional: Trimming of nails, brushing, and teeth cleaning.

a year on toys. on grooming tools.

Cancer

Varies upon age and treatment needed. Initial visit: 0. Major surgery: 0 and up. Chemotherapy: 0 to ,000. Radiation: ,000 to ,000. 

Referral to oncologist or draw up a treatment plan specific to the cancer.

Medications: to per month.

Antibiotics: to .

 

Food

Basic dry kibble: to for a four pound bag each month.Premium dry kibble: to for a four pound bag each month.Canned, frozen or raw: to two cases of 3-ounce cans each month.

Protein, fat, soluble carbohydrates, fiber and vitamins and minerals.

Cat treats: per year. Vtamins: per year.

Teeth Cleaning

At home process: or less.Starter kit: to .Veterinarian: 0 average cost.Prices vary from to 0.

Remove tartar and plaque. Polishes teeth with fluoride and conducts a thorough exam for disease and cavities.

Antibiotics for an infection: to .

 

De-worming

Kittens: to 1. At home treatment: .99 Cats: Basic visit: to . Oral Treatment: to .

Diagnostic check, vaccinations, and deworming and medicine.

Disinfect litter box: to . Low dose treatments: to .

 

Armed with this information about cat ownership costs, you can make your decision on what to buy and how much to set aside in your budget for these costs.

Top five reasons you need pet insurance for an indoor cat

Leave a Comment 

As a general rule of thumb, most people don’t think cats have as many medical problems as other animals, especially if they live indoors. Because of this notion, most agree that pet care insurance is more appropriate for outdoor cats or dogs.

Although indoor cats tend to have fewer medical problems than outdoor pets, they can still incur serious and expensive cat health care problems.

Curious cats can get into trouble while playing with items in your home. Ribbons, yarn and string can cause intestinal obstruction and can be fatal.

Dozens of indoor plants are toxic to cats, and ingesting them can cause upset stomachs, heart collapse, kidney failure and even death.

During the holidays, pet health can also be seriously compromised by something as seemingly innocent as tinsel, which can cause internal blockages and often requires surgery to remove.

When these things happen, cat owners often don’t realize that the veterinary cost can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars without the help of pet insurance.

The following are some reasons to consider pet care insurance for your indoor kitty:

Cats are good at hiding symptoms: Cats are more sedentary by nature, which mean that cat owners are not as likely to notice symptoms their kitties might be displaying.
Indoor cats are still at risk: Some other common problems for indoor cats include- cystitis, digestive upsets, cancer, diabetes, thyroid disease, leukemia, kidney failure and even heart disease. Thousands of medical conditions can occur in indoor felines.
The cost of treating felines is just as expensive as other animals: Cats tend to have fewer veterinary visits overall, but when they do have an illness or injury, costs can add up.
Pet insurance coverage is cost effective for cats: Pets Best Insurance feline rates start as low as per month for kittens and average less than per month for adult cats with the same coverage no matter the age of the cat.
Pet insurance increases spending power: Pet owners who have insurance for their indoor cats will be able to afford nearly FIVE TIMES the veterinary care with pet health insurance that pays 80% of veterinary cost after the deductible- like Pets Best Insurance does.

Overall, pet insurance allows cat owners to budget for their cats’ care and provides peace of mind in the case of pet health emergencies and unexpected illnesses.

Consider protecting your feline’s health and your pocketbook with pet insurance. For more information visit www.petsbest.com

Pet Health Insurance Reviews – Is Cheap Pet Insurance the Best?

Leave a Comment 

Health insurance is something almost everyone has, or strives to have. In addition, many people also get pet health insurance as well. Animals are a very important part of most families just like the rest of the family members and sometimes even more. Most people don’t realize that there are now many options out there for pet health insurance and most are much more reasonable and affordable than what we have available for ourselves.

Most pet health insurance policies cover all basic needed services such as spaying and neutering, de-worming, shots, and basic tests such as leukemia testing. Most of these pet health insurance policies offer different tiers to choose from depending on the age and specific needs of the pet. Rather than having to pay outright and break your pocket book for needed vet visits these policies enable you to make low monthly payments, and not owe anything at the time of the visit.

When checking out pet insurance reviews, going for the cheap pet insurance may or may not be the best idea depending on your pets needs. The cheapest pet insurance usually only covers the basic needs of the pet for example; vaccinations, de-worming, etc. When going through a pet insurance review make sure you get the level of coverage that is most accomodating to your needs as well.

Below is a list of the different kinds of coverage pet health insurance usually offers to aid in finding and selecting the best pet health insurance plan for your animals needs. Unfortunately pets just like people get health issues, and it’s just heart breaking when this happens and you’re not prepared or able to get your pet the help they need. Similar to our health insurance depending on the type of visit there may be added expenses that may need to be paid, but those can normally be taken care of at a later date in easier to pay monthly installments along with your pet insurance costs. This makes properly caring for your animals a lot more feasible.

When Does an Individual Not Need Pet Insurance?

This is a tricky question. For some, the cost of caring for a pet may be unjustified if the finances are above the individuals needs. In addition, some may feel that smaller pets, ie; rats, mice, frogs, etc. may not be the best canditates for pet insurance and the pet insurance cost may not be justified. This is also determined on an owner-by-owner basis and is strictly up to the pet owners discretion.

Another time when pet insurance is not needed is when a pet owner is completely capable of paying the vet bills without strain at any given moment. Many people have very healthy pets and only want to pay when the pet is sick or in need of treatment. This is completely o.k. for plenty of individuals. In general, pet insurance is for those who don’t want to pay a lump sum, but find it more affordable to pay ahead of time and be covered when the time is right.

Unfortunately there are many individuals that don’t take their pets to the vet at all. This can lead to undiagnosed illnesses, and a lower quality of health. For example, it’s very important to take your cats in for leukemia testing as it has become a common fatality among the feline society. Most kittens also require de-worming and de-fleeing which is very important to their health and development. We are offering here resources to some of the cheapest pet health insurance so that everyone can find a plan that can work for them and their pet.
The benefits for having pet insurance are abundant though unfortunately it may not be financially feasable for everyone at least it is to most. Below is an example of what a tiered plan may offer;

- Leukemia testing and shots
- de-worming
- de-fleeing
- spaying and neutering
- rabies vaccination
- heartworm testing
- fecal exam
- coronavirus vaccinations
- canine and feline distemper vaccinations
- Treatment and medication for illness
- Treatment and medication for injury
- Annual physical exam

* A plan like this would normally run you anywhere from to a month per pet.

This is an example of a well rounded option for a plan that includes wellness as well as continuing care and accidents which could be most important as they account for the larger bills and can never be planned for. There are also plans lower than the above. one such as this that is just strictly accidental coverage, which may be a good option for some as well that are not so much concerned with the costs of routine visits but are with the possibility of accidents. There are also of course plans higher than this as well that offer additional services to the plan, but for most this would be sufficient.

Useful Tips on Caring for your New Cat or Kitten

Leave a Comment 

Owning a cat takes a little work but gives back a whole lot of pleasure in return. Here are some ideas on how to make your new kitty feel at home, while giving you peace of mind. It is a transition to own a new pet, so take it step by step and don’t be afraid.

If you have a small kitten, make sure to handle it a lot, gently showing it that you are someone it can trust. Put a ticking clock in where its bed is, the soothing sound mimics the mother cat’s heartbeat. If you are keeping the kitty in a separate room until it’s ready to acclimate to the household, make sure it has a soft pillow or cat bed to sleep in. A few toys are appreciated, too. Some great free toys are things like a cotton swab tied to a string and hung from a doorknob (supervise play with this item)or a milk jug ring (that plastic ring around the cap). At the pet store, buy super balls, a laser pointer and catnip mice then sit back and watch the show as kitty wears himself out, being a spring-loaded, furry ballet dancer, leaping in the air as he chases his “prey”. Find toys that are lightweight and throw them around a little, to show the kitty how to play. Kittens learn by watching their mothers, so they will also learn by watching their adopted human parent.

Establish an area for the cat’s litter box in a well ventilated, quiet place. Then, show the kitty where it is, taking your hand and play scratching the litter to show him it’s ok for him to use it. Again, cats learn from watching, and especially kittens need a little guidance sometimes. If the kitty relieves itself outside the box, don’t punish it, just put it into its cat box immediately. Show no anger, as this will scare the cat and make them fear you. Fear isn’t a good teacher, calm praise and encouragement is what you want. Make sure to address the problem as it happens for best results since cats have short memory spans and won’t correllate the accident with the cat box unless you quickly link the two together with corrective action (putting kitty in the box).

All my life, I have given my cats both wet and dry food. Ask your vet the proper amount to feed your cat, but make sure to get quality food that they like, not just anything cheap you see at the store. If you feed your cat quality food, they have a better chance of steering clear of health problems later. My vet told me that male cats can get crystals in their urinary tracts, which are painful and expensive to remove. To avoid that, don’t give kitty food with high magnesium in it. Read the ingredient labels. Having male cats myself, I avoid fish products and give them turkey, chicken or beef flavored canned foods. The ones with rice in them are good, too. Just like humans, vary the flavors of food you feed your cat somewhat. I buy a case of canned food and feed mine one can every day at the same time.

Save money on pet medicines by buying them online. You can take the kitty to the vet when he’s sick and buy the medicine there, but if it isn’t an emergency then by all means, research to find lower prices on pet meds like flea or parasite killing aids. My cat had tapeworms (they look like rice in the cats stool) so I found out what medicine the vet uses and located it on an internet pet store site. The medicine would’ve cost me over if I’d bought it through the vet, but I got the exact, same kind for online. It pays to research the safety of the medicine vets recommend, and make sure to follow the dosage instructions very carefully. Don’t dose your pet higher than listed in the instructions and don’t use dog medicines on cats unless the vet says it is ok to do so. Cats groom themselves, and if you use a topical medicine on a cat that is meant for a dog, it could potentially poison him when he cleans himself. It is better to be safe than sorry. Also, never give human medicine to pets, cats have different systems than we do. Don’t gamble on the life of your precious pet.

When it comes to the question of whether or not to let your cat outside or not, it is a proven fact that indoor cats live longer lives than those who are permitted to go out. This is because there are a vast amount of dangers and illnesses outside that a free-roaming cat may encounter. Cars, cat-hating neighbors, dogs, diseases from other peoples’ pets, and of course, fleas top the list of hazards. We had cats as I grew up, all of whom went outdoors, and one by one, they died from things like leukemia, poisoning from a neighbor, hit by cars (we lost a few cats to cars), and one was trapped and came back with a mangled leg, that needed to be amputated. We lived on a peaceful, upscale street and still, all this happened. I cannot emphasize more strongly, indoor cats do live longer. As an adult, my cats have been indoors, and they have lived to 21 or more years old. Just get your indoor kitty a cat tree (kitty condo) or a scratching post and put it near the window so that he can bird-watch.

Protect your cat when you have guests over who are either rough with, or dislike cats. Put kitty in another room if you don’t want him manhandled by very young children, for example. If you have young children, make sure to show them very carefully and thoroughly to be gentle and kind to pets. Well-meaning kids may break a cat’s leg by picking it up wrong (one of my cats was a rescue who had this happen to him) so it pays to supervise your small child’s interaction with a new pet. This is for the protection of the child as well, as rough handling a cat can cause it to scratch! Cats are loving, but they must be treated with kindness, or their natural instinct is to protect themselves.

If you are going to be gone for a week or so, make sure you have a pet sitter or friend look in on your cat while you’re away. Put down a large amount of dry food and water for the cat, but make sure someone checks to make sure it hasn’t run out. My local pet sitters cost me per day, a small price to pay for peace of mind when I’m away from my furry friends.

Having a pet is a committment and priveledge. Remember, your pet is going to be with you through thick and thin, so be there for him in sickness or health. Give them the same chance at having a happy and full life that you yourself deserve by giving him a forever home. If for any reason you are forced to part with a pet due to unforseen problems, be responsible about finding your pet a good home. Do for your pet what you would do for yourself. There are few circumstances that would warrant giving up a pet, so I advise you to keep your committment, no matter what. I live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and if I have to evacuate, my pets have a large pet cage in the car to be in, with a fan, so we can be together. If you are in a hurricane zone, preplan disasters by arming yourself with a foldable cage for the back of your car, a jug of water and food if you evacuate. Don’t ever leave your pet behind, because he may not be there when you come back. I had my three cats microchipped, in case somehow they got physically separated from me, they would be able to come home to me. Microchips carry the address of the owner, and authorities check strays to see if they have them so they are great investments.

Owning a pet teaches patience and responsibility. In return, you will be paid by unconditional love and acceptance.If you have any questions on cat care, contact your local chapter of the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or your vet, and they usually will help you over the phone. In time, you and your pet will be more comfortable with one another. Until then, just take it slow, remember to be gentle and supportive, and you will have a special friend for life.

Keeping your Cat Healthy with Vaccinations

Leave a Comment 

If you have a kitten or cat and have been questioning whether or not you should vaccinate it, the short answer is yes.

Vaccinations are important to your pet’s health and not taking this action could result in several complications for the duration of the animal’s life and shorten it tremendously.

Below you will find some extremely helpful information that will allow you to take the next steps in keeping your pet healthy.

Why Should You Do It?

Well, like we discussed above the most important reason is for its health. Both cats and kittens can contract various diseases that are not only uncomfortable for them, but could also be fatal.

Beyond that, having a pet can be extremely expensive and if you don’t care for it upfront then more expenses will soon follow that could hurt your finances.

Even though they are just pets to us, felines can’t just get up and go to the veterinarian when they don’t feel well. We understand this is common sense, but it’s important to embed this in everyone’s mind the next time your cat seems to be having problems with its health.

Getting vaccinations will also keep you from taking it to the vet’s every week.

Is There One Vaccination For Every Cat?

This is a great question and the answer is both yes and no. Yes, there are vaccinations that cats should all take at some point within their lifetime, but there are different shots and methods for every age.

When kittens are around six to eight weeks old, they are required to take the FVRCP vaccinations. FVRCP stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia.

The first (FVR) is a respiratory infection that is contagious in cats. It is a serious issue where kittens and older cats may need special treatment to recover.

The second (C) deals with an upper respiratory issue and can be contracted as easily as sharing or using the same dishes for food and milk.

The last (P) is extremely deadly and if they contract this disease (feline distemper) they will have to be put in ICU.

Feline versions of AIDS, Leukemia, and Infectious Peritonitis are also issues that need to be addressed with vaccinations along with rabies. The pain, agony and discomfort cats will go through if they end up having any of these diseases you will know from the vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea and many other symptoms that occur.

The Important Facts

The point is that if you were or someone you know was extremely sick, the first thing to do would be taking a trip to your family physician. In this case, it’s a ride to the vet, but instead of waiting until something doesn’t seem right with your cat, take care of it now.

This is rare, if your cat is not vaccinated its chances of getting sick from one of the diseases listed above is much greater then developing a cancer due to vaccinations.

The risk of tumors developing because of vaccines has prompted most veterinarians to vaccinate in the hip area rather then in the scruff of the neck.

Routine visits should always be kept in regards to its health and even though it can’t say thank you, it will show it in other ways.

Next Page »