So Much Information!
Understand the unique needs and behaviors of cats. Cats are highly intelligent, naturally curious, and active creatures. Cats need to feel independent and comfortable in their home domain! Learn how to be a better guardian!
Holistic Pet Health
Cat or dog, you’ve come to the right place! Holistic veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve and cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy are here to help!
Pet Food & Nutrition
An official advisor to AAFCO, the organization that sets standards for pet food. She is a voice against the powerful pet food lobby.
Little Big Cat is your Award-Winning Website for Holistic Feline Health, Nutrition, and Behavior information!
If you’re looking for reliable information on holistic health, behavior, and nutrition for your cat, or dog, or both, you’ve come to the right place! Holistic veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve and cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy are here to help!
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There is so much more!
Keep up with important news about feline health, nutrition, and behavior, and other topics of interest to pet parents. Sign up for our newsletter and get updates right to your inbox!
What Cats Should Eat – is updated for 2023!
- What you can (and can’t) learn from a pet food label
- Myths, deceptions, and hype that manufacturers use to trick you into buying their food
- How, what, and when to feed your cat (it’s not as obvious as it seems!)
- What you need to know about pet food manufacturing, oversight, safety, and influence
- Which ingredients may be dangerous for your cat, and why
- How to convince your cat to eat better food
- Ways to upgrade your cat’s diet without breaking the bank or your back
- How to make nutritious food for your cat at home
- How sustainability applies to pet food
- Updated Info on Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia
- More than 350 references from real science
- Nutrition tips for urinary issues, kidney disease, feline diabetes, and other common conditions – And much more!
You’ll also get a comprehensive list of Dr. Jean’s completely revised “approved brands” of canned; dry; frozen/freeze-dried, dehydrated and raw diets; treats, toppers, wholesome meat sources, and “just add meat” supplements. This list has been massively culled and updated based on NEW scientific information about the dangers of excessive phosphorus in regular cat food.
DECLAWING
Declawing is excruciatingly painful for the cat. Cat declawing has been legally declared to be animal cruelty in the U.S.A. It involves ten separate amputations of the cat’s toes at the third joint. In other words, this invasive surgery amputates functioning bones. Declawing severs not only the cat’s claws, but also the attached nerves, bones, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The surgery carries significant risks of lifetime physical, psychological, and behavioral consequences. Adult cats have an increased risk of medical and behavior complications; the older the cat, the worse the risk.
Anti-Declawing Handbook for Cat Lovers! Updated for 2018! To help cat lovers and animal advocates understand the truth about declawing that so many veterinarians and organizations lie about, Dr. Jean has written a detailed, fully-referenced ebook that is 100% free to download and share!
DOGS
“The history of dogs is inextricably woven together with our human story, and our bonds have grown closer with each generation—from being wolves on the fringe to their relatively new status as our best friends (and even de facto children). Their love and companionship have impacted our society as well as our individual lives. Through their unconditional love and loyalty, they teach us to be more humane. We owe it to them to ensure they live a full and healthy life alongside us.”
Paleo Dog: Give Your Best Friend a Long Life, Healthy Weight, and Freedom from Illness by Nurturing His Inner Wolf, is the newest book by award-winning authors Jean Hofve, DVM and Celeste Yarnall, PhD. The Paleo Dog Program isn’t just about diet. It’s also about the dog’s whole lifestyle.
Latest and Greatest
HOLISTIC PET MALL
What Cats Should Eat
By Jean Hofve DVM
Updated for 2022! How do you know which food is the best to feed your cat? The answer depends on many factors, including your cat's age and health... as well as the your wallet! However, whatever your budget, if you learn the basics about how to assess the quality of any given cat food, you’ll be able to find a...
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MOXXOR Omega-3s
By Jean Hofve DVM
With all the media attention, and 80 zillion products on store shelves, you've probably gotten the message about Omega-3 fatty acids. But did you know that they're just as important for cats and dogs as for people? The anti-inflammatory effects of Omega-3s EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid) have been thoroughly researched, and are abundantly proven to be beneficial...
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Paleo Dog
By Jean Hofve DVM
Paleo Dog: Give Your Best Friend a Long Life, Healthy Weight, and Freedom from Illness by Nurturing His Inner Wolf is the latest book by award-winning authors Jean Hofve, DVM and Celeste Yarnall, PhD.* Paleo Dog is your guide to optimal health for every dog, from the most pampered Teacup Poodle to the most rugged Mastiff, and every breed, age,...
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The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care: An Illustrated Handbook
By Jean Hofve DVM
To order the book as an instantly downloadable electronic (PDF) file, just click on the “Add to Cart” button below. To order it in paperback from Amazon.com, The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care: An Illustrated Handbook. To order a personally autographed copy from author Celeste Yarnall, visit CelestialPets.com. All proceeds from e-book sales support Dr. Jean's work with AAFCO...
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Animal Wellness Magazine
By Jean Hofve DVM
by Jean Hofve, DVM Animal Wellness Magazine is the #1 integrative pet health and wellness publication. I’ve been writing for Animal Wellness for many years. It’s a wonderful resource that features the latest information in natural nutrition, holistic veterinary advice, natural products, gentle training techniques, and much more. To view a sample issue online, visit www.animalwellnessmagazine.com, and click on SAMPLE on the right-hand side of the...
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Instinctive Choice Cat Food
By Jean Hofve DVM
Usually, I don't like to name names when people ask, "What is the best pet food?" What works best for one pet will give another one tummy problems, and still another one won't even touch it. Variety is extremely important for our cats and dogs. Feeding the same food year in and year out is a good way to create...
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Health – the Greatest Gift
By Jean Hofve DVM
My dear friend and world-renowned veterinary homeopath, Dr. Christina Chambreau, has a very specific idea about how to achieve optimal health for your cat or dog. She believes (and I agree!) that keeping a journal is the key to early diagnosis of problems as well as the best way to monitor any treatments or response to changes such as an...
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Only Natural Pet Store
By Jean Hofve DVM
Only Natural Pet Store is the largest online retailer of natural pet foods and products. Dr. Jean has been working with Only Natural Pet for several years; in fact, many of her articles can be found in their Holistic Healthcare Library. ONP sells most of Dr. Jean's "Approved Brands" of cat food (listed in her eBook, "What Cats Should Eat") including...
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BioSuperfood for Super Health
By Jean Hofve DVM
By Dr. Jean Hofve There are a zillion products out there that make marvelous claims about how they will improve your animal companion's health. Many of these claims are exaggerated, and sometimes so fantastic that they seem too good to be true--and usually, they are! However, several years ago we discovered a product that does everything it claims--and much more....
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To contact Jackson, please visit JacksonGalaxy.com.
To make your home cat-friendly (and solve a bunch of health and behavior problems at the same time, check out Jackson Galaxy’s newest book, Total Cat Mojo! You’ll also enjoy Jackson Galaxy and Kate Benjamin’s fun and practical book, Catification: Designing a Happy and Stylish Home for Your Cat (and You!); and Jackson’s autobiography, Cat Daddy: How One Very Special Cat Fixed One Very Broken Man.
HOLISTIC PET HEALTH
How to Use Moxxor Omega-3s
By Jean Hofve DVM
Discover Dr. Jean's favorite Omega-3 supplement for pets and people!
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Top 10 Cat Medical Conditions – And How to Prevent Them!
By Jean Hofve DVM
Veterinary Practice News publishes an annual "Top Medical Conditions in Cats," based on insurance claims made to pet health insurance companies. For 2017, the list includes: 1. Bladder or urinary tract problems (aka feline cystitis, FIC, or FLUTD 2. Periodontitis/Dental disease 3. Chronic kidney disease 4. Vomiting 5. Hyperthyroidism 6. Diabetes 7. Diarrhea 8. Lymphoma 9. Upper respiratory...
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Cats, According to Two Holistic Veterinarians
By Jean Hofve DVM
Recently Dr. Jean did an interview with her pal, Dr. Judy Morgan, on Dr. Judy's radio program. They covered all sorts of cat topics, from nutrition to declawing. Listen here: http://dreamvisions7radio.com/are-you-raising-your-cats-to-optimize-health/#more-32978
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Vaccination Update
By Jean Hofve DVM
Recently I did an interview with Jenny of Floppycats.com on vaccines. We talked about the how, when and why, kittens, Ragdolls, titers, and whether and which vaccines are needed or not. You really want to know the new info about titers! Listen (or read the transcript) here: http://www.floppycats.com/vaccines-for-cats-an-interview-with-dr-jean-hofve.html For complete information on cat and dog vaccines, see our comprehensive article...
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The Most Important Supplement for Your Cat
By Jean Hofve DVM
The most important supplement I recommend for cats is Omega-3 fatty acids. They have deep and profound effects on every cell, organ, and tissue in your cat's body. Omega-3s are needed by every cell membrane, and they also have major anti-inflammatory effects. Helping your cat’s immune system keep inflammation in check is absolutely crucial to good health. I recommend MOXXOR...
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Dr. Becker’s Homemade Flea & Tick Repellent Spray
By Jean Hofve DVM
My good pal Dr. Karen Becker has homemade recipes for flea, tick, and mosquito repelling spray... you can mist them directly on the fur, or spritz it on your hands and stroke on the fur. Shake well before applying. Store in the refrigerator. Apply every four hours as needed. These are effective, but you should still hand-check for ticks just in case,...
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Lilies that Kill!
By Jean Hofve DVM
Lilies are beautiful, and lovely to see in the spring. They're especially common now, as Easter approaches. BUT... Lilies are extremely dangerous for cats. If your cat goes outside and brushes against a lily in your neighbor’s yard, the tiny amount of pollen that sticks to her fur, when she licks it off, is enough to cause acute, fatal kidney failure. Symptoms...
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Indoor Air Pollution
By Jean Hofve DVM
This might surprise you: it's very likely that the indoor air in your home is more polluted than the air outside! There are many factors, most of which are totally within your control. Some factors present a serious health hazard for your cat! Read on to find out more Air fresheners have become ever more varied and more popular over the...
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Cat Vision & Eyesight: Common Myths Debunked
By Jean Hofve DVM
With many thanks to our special guest author, Amber Kingsley! Cats have been our companions for many thousands of years, dating back to the days of ancient Egypt where they were worshipped and given elaborate burials. Soon they spread throughout Europe, first to Italy and later to England. In this distant past, they were always appreciated for their keen ability to...
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Clean Teeth for Good Health
By Jean Hofve DVM
This is such an important subject! We're proud to feature this guest post from our friend Lana Fraley Rich, Catsultant®, at www.Catsultant.com. Here is an important question for you: Do you know if you have any dental diseases? You may not know for sure, unless you are having regular dental checkups or you are having some kind of discomfort or bleeding. It is...
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Epigenetics
By Jean Hofve DVM
Jean Hofve, DVM; Revised 3/7/21 Epigenetics is the study of changes in the way genes are expressed that do not involve DNA. It turns out that DNA isn’t in charge the way we once thought it was—it's the proteins around the DNA that really control gene expression. These proteins are influenced by the environment. This means that anything in the environment can have a...
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Toilet Training for Cats
By Jean Hofve DVM
Our good friend Jo Singer recently spotted an old idea being given a disturbing new life: toilet training a cat. And sorry, no... this is not a "how to" article, it's about "why not"! A 2001 book by Dr. Eric Brotman on the subject is once again the media. Brotman's doctorate is in clinical psychology, not veterinary medicine; that may explain his is utter ignorance...
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Homeopathic First Aid: The Ten Best Remedies to Keep at Home
By Jean Hofve DVM
Homeopathy is a 200-year-old, holistic system of medicine. While homeopathic prescribing for chronic or complex health issues should be left to an qualified veterinarian, there are several remedies you can keep at home to use in emergency situations. Click here to read full article.
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FDA Finds Toxic Sludge Going Into Animal Food
By Jean Hofve DVM
Many thanks to our good friend Mollie Morrissette for her excellent reporting on this issue. This is one more reason for why it is so important to have consumer representatives at AAFCO meetings--we provide a layer of protection (and a warning to these guys that we are watching!) when feed suppliers want to use harmful or non-edible feed materials. A similar...
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Euthanasia
By Jean Hofve DVM
When I was in practice, I noticed that we wouldn't have a death or euthanasia for weeks, then we'd get a rash of them all at once. But there was a reason, many other veterinarians have also seen it, and it turns out to be very simple....
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Holiday Safety for Cats and Dogs
By Jean Hofve DVM
The holidays can be a stressful and even dangerous time for our cats. Normal routines are upset, visitors come and go, and overly tempting smells may be coming from the kitchen! The Christmas tree is the first item of great interest on your cat’s Santa list. Many cats find it irresistibly tempting to climb. First, make sure your tree is...
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Please Don’t Give Pets as Gifts
By Jean Hofve DVM
It's a wonderful thing to give, and we all have good intentions when shopping for truly special gifts for our loved ones. You may have visions of one you love opening a beautiful box with an adorable kitten inside, or of covering their eyes and leading them into a room where a puppy wearing a big bow is waiting. We...
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats
By Jean Hofve DVM
Changing diets at least every 3-4 months, to a food with different protein and carbohydrate sources, may prevent your cat from becoming allergic or intolerant to a food in the first place.
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When You SHOULD Induce Vomiting
By Jean Hofve DVM
We recently discussed when NOT to induce vomiting after your pet has eaten certain harmful items. Today we’ll look at common situations where you should induce vomiting (how-to instructions below). Rodent poisons often contain anti-coagulant (blood-thinning) drugs such as coumarin or warfarin; newer products contain bromethalin, a neurotoxin that is equally dangerous. If a pet ingests an anti-coagulant, or even...
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Rabies Vaccine Reality Check
By Jean Hofve DVM
Thanks to my good friend Dr. Karen Becker at Mercola.com for this incredibly important article! By Dr. Becker I have some encouraging news to share about rabies vaccines, or more specifically, how pets with out-of-date vaccinations that are exposed to a rabid animal should be handled. Currently, if a pet with a lapsed rabies vaccination is exposed to a rabid...
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PET FOOD & NUTRITION
Grain-Free Dog (and Cat) Food, Taurine, and Heart Disease
By Jean Hofve DVM
FINAL UPDATE 12/27/22 The FDA has closed its investigation into this matter, saying there is "insufficient evidence" to establish a causal link between diet and DCM in dogs. They will not be providing any further updates. NOTE: We now know that, as suspected all along, the purported link between grain-free pet foods and heart disease was entirely speculative. I can...
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What Cats Should Eat
By Jean Hofve DVM
Updated for 2022! How do you know which food is the best to feed your cat? The answer depends on many factors, including your cat's age and health... as well as the your wallet! However, whatever your budget, if you learn the basics about how to assess the quality of any given cat food, you’ll be able to find a...
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Cat Feeding Myths
By Jean Hofve DVM
I admit, it really irks me when companies who know nothing about feline nutrition give bad advice to their customers. This is the case with Assisi Animal Health, which manufactures a device called the Assisi Loop. Now, the product is a good one and I've heard great reports about it. But they should stick to what they know! Here are a...
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Why Fish is Dangerous for Cats
By Jean Hofve DVM
The fish used in pet food may contain all kinds of toxins and drug residues, including persistent organic pollutants that actually stop the body from eliminating it and other toxins. Another common toxin, domoic acid, may be an unrecognized factor in chronic kidney disease.
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Pet Food: Processed to Death?
By Jean Hofve DVM
Many thanks to Susan Thixton at TruthAboutPetFood.com for letting us reprint her excellent article here, which applies 100% to cat food as well as dog food. The multiple rounds of heat processing that pet food undergoes causes many deleterious changes that can harm our pets. And it's worse than most people even imagine. How many times are Ingredients cooked in...
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Coconut Oil and Pets
By Jean Hofve DVM
Updated 5/17/20. Questions about coconut oil keep coming up, so I thought I'd explain in why I recommend not giving it to their cats and dogs. Humans have lived with coconut palms for millennia. Primates, including early humans, ate, and still eat, coconuts. Coconut is a natural food for us. The carnivore's natural diet is high in both protein and animal...
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Pet Food Contaminants
By Jean Hofve DVM
Updated 3/23/18 As part of my duties as an AAFCO advisor and member of several Working Groups, I attend numerous webinars and teleconferences. In one group, the discussion centered around the use of 4D meats and other rotten junk in pet food, and the consensus was that as long as these things are rendered (heat-processed) to kill pathogens, they're perfectly...
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FDA Finds Toxic Sludge Going Into Animal Food
By Jean Hofve DVM
Many thanks to our good friend Mollie Morrissette for her excellent reporting on this issue. This is one more reason for why it is so important to have consumer representatives at AAFCO meetings--we provide a layer of protection (and a warning to these guys that we are watching!) when feed suppliers want to use harmful or non-edible feed materials. A similar...
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Yucca
By Jean Hofve DVM
Updated 6/6/20 There have been a few myths about the desert plant Yucca schidigera floating around the internet. In particular, some are suggesting that yucca is not safe as a daily supplement, even though it's present in many pet foods. So it's time to set the record straight! Yucca is an extremely versatile and useful plant, but in large doses...
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats
By Jean Hofve DVM
Changing diets at least every 3-4 months, to a food with different protein and carbohydrate sources, may prevent your cat from becoming allergic or intolerant to a food in the first place.
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The Ideal Diet for Cats
By Jean Hofve DVM
Data suggest that diet is largely irrelevant in terms of extending longevity... On the other hand, there is plenty of research showing that the more prey-like the diet, the better for the cat. Certainly dry cat food has no place in the diet if longevity is the goal.
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Pet Food Labels Don’t Match Ingredients (Part II)
By Jean Hofve DVM
Multiple studies have revealed that pet food manufacturers aren't careful about handling their ingredients; and some are deliberately fraudulent. This has serious implications for pets with food allergies.
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Pet Food Labels Don’t Match Ingredients (Part I)
By Jean Hofve DVM
Tests show that pet food labels aren't always truthful. One study found that, “Only in two pet foods... did the results of both analyses match the ingredients listed on the label.”
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Selecting a Good Commercial Pet Food
By Jean Hofve DVM
Updated February 2023 Packaged, manufactured pet food is a great convenience to cat and dog guardians. But responsible consumers who want the best for their animal companions have a bewildering array of foods and claims to choose from. So, how do you know what's best for your animals? Holistic veterinarians agree that the very best diet for your animal companion...
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Carrageenan: a Controversial Pet Food Additive
By Jean Hofve DVM
Jean Hofve, DVM; Revised 5/10/22 Carrageenan is a seaweed derivative that is commonly used as a food additive in a wide variety of products. There has been a lot of controversy about this ingredient, so let’s take a look at it in more detail. Carragreenan is an edible red seaweed. Sounds good, right? Many seaweeds contain lots of trace minerals and are...
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Choosing an Omega-3 Oil for Your Pet
By Jean Hofve DVM
You may already know how important Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is for dogs and cats. I consider it to be the #1 most important supplement you can give your pet. The anti-inflammatory effects of Omega-3s EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) have been thoroughly researched. Omega-3 supplementation has proven to be beneficial for dogs and cats for a wide variety...
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10 Reasons Why Dry Food Is Bad for Cats & Dogs
By Jean Hofve DVM
Strictly carnivorous cats preferentially use protein and fat for energy, and these pathways are mandatory. Felines can digest and absorb carbohydrates, but those carbs mostly turn quickly and directly into fat.
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Food Allergies in Cats
By Jean Hofve DVM
Cats often develop "food intolerances" or "food allergies" to ingredients found in commercial cat food. Currently, the most common allergies in cats are: chicken, dairy, fish, beef, lamb, and eggs. However, an allergy can develop to any protein to which the cat is repeatedly or constantly exposed. The symptoms of food allergy are typically skin-related and/or digestion-related. Skin symptoms include...
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Homemade vs. Commercial Food for Cats and Dogs!
By Jean Hofve DVM
By Jean Hofve, DVM Preparing a home-made diet for one's pets is a bit of a challenge. However, it is no more difficult than feeding one's children a balanced and nutritious diet. Most human beings seem to be able to do that, since we have survived as a species. As any parent knows, it is not essential to balance all...
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Feline Obesity
By Jean Hofve DVM
By Jean Hofve, DVM Obesity is a serious problem for our feline friends; it affects more than half of American cats today. Many serious health problems can result from obesity, including arthritis, diabetes, liver disease, heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, urinary tract problems, skin conditions, and many more. When possible, prevention is better than cure; don't allow your cat to become overweight in...
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CAT BEHAVIOR
“New” Declaw Technique Shot Down by Facts
By Jean Hofve DVM
In January 2018, the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association published a letter from Dr. Kerry Yoon of Hawaii, who claims to have invented a "new, painless" declaw procedure. He is so confident that his special technique is "painless" that he has NEVER given any pain meds to the hundreds of cats and kittens he has mutilated. I'm sure...
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Sleeping with Pets
By Jean Hofve DVM
Many thanks to Kellen Smith at Tuck.com for allowing us to reprint this excellent article, which is one of many helpful insights. Many of us allow our pets to sleep with us, but is it healthy? Are there health risks to letting your dog or cat share the bed with you? How does it affect your relationship with your pet?...
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How to Travel with Your Cat (The Ultimate Guide)
By Jean Hofve DVM
UPDATED 7/05/10 Many people travel with their cat, as can be seen by the YouTube videos that depict people taking their cats on hikes, boat trips or bike rides. While it can be fun, it requires a lot of careful planning and consideration of feline and human needs. This guide will help you travel with your cat successfully. Things you...
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Toilet Training for Cats
By Jean Hofve DVM
Our good friend Jo Singer recently spotted an old idea being given a disturbing new life: toilet training a cat. And sorry, no... this is not a "how to" article, it's about "why not"! A 2001 book by Dr. Eric Brotman on the subject is once again the media. Brotman's doctorate is in clinical psychology, not veterinary medicine; that may explain his is utter ignorance...
Read More
Euthanasia
By Jean Hofve DVM
When I was in practice, I noticed that we wouldn't have a death or euthanasia for weeks, then we'd get a rash of them all at once. But there was a reason, many other veterinarians have also seen it, and it turns out to be very simple....
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Cats Aren’t Loners
By Jean Hofve DVM
For millennia, cats have been considered "loners" and "aloof." But it's absolutely not true. Recent research shows that cats can be just as affectionate and social as dogs; they just have different ways of showing it. One human behavior often provoked by the cat's theoretical loner-ness is leaving the cat alone for a weekend or holiday, with a big bowl...
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Restful Sleep
By Jean Hofve DVM
Restful sleep is a topic that most of us don't give enough attention to... unless it's to fret about not getting enough of it! And hardly anyone thinks about sleep as far as animal companions are concerned. But getting enough good quality sleep is essential to health. And this goes for our pets, too! Most wild members of the feline...
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Cat Scratchers – What Do Cats Like?
By Jean Hofve DVM
Updated 6/3/20. Having the right cat scratching "implements" is critical in preventing claw damage to carpets and furniture. Now, scientific research provides insight into where and why cats scratch. Scratching is a deeply embedded instinct in cats. It is used as a visual and scent marking technique; to stretch tight shoulder and back muscles; to condition the claws by removing...
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The Woman-Cat Bond
By Jean Hofve DVM
You may have heard of the "human-animal bond," but my colleague and friend Dr. Jane Bicks (who makes Life's Abundance pet food) just posted a great summary of research on the bond between humans and cats; and more particularly, the unique bond between women and their cats. Fascinating! One of the study's authors, Dorothy Gracey of the University of Vienna,...
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Are Cats Really Domesticated?
By Jean Hofve DVM
There is an ongoing debate in the science community about cats. That is, are they fully domestic, or are they still essentially wild? The premise is that unlike dogs, who are thoroughly domesticated in mind and body, it's unclear just how wild or domesticated our cats may truly be. As a veterinarian, I can tell you that individual cats run...
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Catnip Fiends?
By Jean Hofve DVM
Here's a gaggle of giggles to brighten up your day... some cats who've had a little too much of "the 'nip"! https://www.distractify.com/catnip-junkies-1238334409.html
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Animal Communication
By Jean Hofve DVM
Many thanks to our guest author, animal communicator Kate Solisti! The art of listening to an animal and actually receiving something back from them is based on two things: (1) Love and (2) Intuition. I have been a professional interspecies communicator for over twenty years and in that time have helped many people rekindle their natural abilities to open and...
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Pets in Pain–Don’t let them Suffer
By Jean Hofve DVM
We are honored to have a wonderful guest blogger today, Dr. Shelley Brown of Harmony Veterinary Center, Arvada, CO. Dr. Brown practices integrative veterinary medicine, including acupuncture, cold laser, and homotoxicology. She is a member of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. I hear it all the time--“My pet’s limping, but she’s not in pain” or “Surely he’d cry out if...
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Cat Litter Roundup & Review
By Jean Hofve DVM
Every now and then, I go through a kind of "Litter Dance," in which I try out a variety of kitty litters on my gang of four. Fortunately they're amenable to the changes, which allows for a thorough evaluation of the different types of litter. I thought I'd share some of my most recent experimental results, as well as research...
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Aggression in Cats
By Jean Hofve DVM
Aggression in cats is not uncommon, but it's unusual for it to be serious enough for people to seek professional help. Just a decade ago, however, a study from Cornell University noted an upward trend in people-directed aggression. Those researchers thought it may be attributable to an increasing tendency to keep cats inside the home (and thus interacting more with people). Other possible explanations: cats...
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Play is Important for — Survival??
By Jean Hofve DVM
We have long advocated play therapy as a way to prevent--and solve--a host of feline behavior problems, as well as a part of indoor enrichment for your cat's mental and physical health. Now there's another reason--longevity! In a fascinating article, ABC News ponders the question: "How could play — defined as “apparently purposeless activity that’s fun to do and pleasurable”...
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Indoor Enrichment for Cats
By Jean Hofve DVM
Cats are smart, and they naturally know everything they need to know about being a cat. However, they do not know about things like cars, dogs, infectious diseases, and other outdoor hazards. Like young children, cats need to be protected from dangers they can't anticipate or handle. That's why Little Big Cat recommends that cats be kept indoors, and not...
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Double the Fun, Double the Territory!
By Jean Hofve DVM
By Jackson Galaxy Michael, Patty, their toddler Pandora, and most of all, their cat Tess, had a big problem*. As Pandora was becoming more and more mobile, Tess was getting increasingly irritated. The problem culminated a few days before they called me, when Tess took a swipe at Pandora and broke the skin near her eye. Michael was in a...
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Play Therapy
By Jean Hofve DVM
by Jackson Galaxy As you pass innocently by a doorway, your cat pounces fiercely on your ankle, gnawing and clawing until blood is drawn, and then bolting away under the bed...Two littermates, now six years old, suddenly start fighting and can’t be in the same room together anymore...Perhaps your cat is vocalizing so loudly at 4:00 A.M. that you seriously...
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Flower Essences for Animals
By Jean Hofve DVM
By Jean Hofve, DVM Flower essences (remedies) are specially prepared extracts of the flowering parts of certain plants. They work through energy fields to heal stress and disease from the inside. Flower essences were first developed by Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician who gave up his busy practice to study and prepare the 38 flower essences which now bear...
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CATSWALK NEWSLETTER
Cats, According to Two Holistic Veterinarians
By Jean Hofve DVM
Recently Dr. Jean did an interview with her pal, Dr. Judy Morgan, on Dr. Judy's radio program. They covered all sorts of cat topics, from nutrition to declawing. Listen here: http://dreamvisions7radio.com/are-you-raising-your-cats-to-optimize-health/#more-32978
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CatsWalk December 2015
By Jean Hofve DVM
In this issue: Cats Aren’t Loners For millennia, cats have been considered “loners” and “aloof.” But it’s absolutely not true. Recent research shows that cats can be just as affectionate and social as dogs; they just have different ways of showing it. One human behavior often… Read more → Holiday Safety for Cats and Dogs The holidays can be a...
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CatsWalk Newsletter – Summer 2014
By Jean Hofve DVM
In this issue: 1. News Bites Donate litter to cat shelters! Coconut oil is not for cats Fire safety for cats Studies show that Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) works More on the downside of fish Dirty deeds with pet treats 2. Science Notes Second opinion may only provide confusion Less pain = longer life New white paper on manufactured pet food Hope...
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Catswalk Newsletter – Spring 2014
By Jean Hofve DVM
In this issue: 1. News Bites GMO dangers Seeking humans who are allergic to cats Pet Cancer Awareness Month Feline fitness More on jerky treats Is Purina the best cat food? 2. Science Notes Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Red meat allegy from tick bite? 3. Animal Pain 1. News Bites GMO dangers: While scientists continue to debate whether genetically modified organisms are...
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CatsWalk Newsletter – February 2014
By Jean Hofve DVM
Sign up to have this newsletter delivered right to your email inbox! → In this issue: 1. News Bites February is Pet Dental Health Month! How People Choose Cat Food Recent Cat Food Recalls Jerky Treats Back on the Shelf--and Still a Problem Pet Food Safety Info Rabies on Staten Island 2. Science News Thiamine Too Low in Many Canned Cat Foods ...
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CatsWalk Newsletter – November 2014
By Jean Hofve DVM
NOTE: This was reposted in January 2014 because the original was accidentally deleted in a fit of organizational zeal! - Editor In this issue: 1. News Bites Vacation Destinations for Cat Lovers Crazy Cat-Related Patents See the World Through Cats’ Eyes Cats Stealing Dog Beds FDA and Pet Food 2. Science Notes Cats = 85% Tiger Gut Bacteria and Cancer...
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CatsWalk Newsletter – September 2013
By Jean Hofve DVM
News Bites New Feline Vaccination Guidelines Traveling with Pets Paw Project Launches Colorado Campaign Finally - Tighter Regulations on Kitten and Puppy Mills Winter's Coming - Are Your Pets Ready? Science Notes Less Diversity in Gut Bacteria Increases Obesity and Disease Risk Antibiotics are Good for Bad Bacteria Common Feline Anesthetic May Cause Brain Damage How Homeopathy Works Low-Carb Diets...
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Catswalk Newsletter – August 2013
By Jean Hofve DVM
In this issue: 1. News Bites Paw Project: The Movie! Vegan Diet Nearly Kills Kitten Obesity-Related Diseases in Cats Rhode Island Bans Declaw Requirement for Tenants Dolphin Rights 2. Science Notes Fish Oil Fakery Hope for Allergy Sufferers Another Problem with Outdoor Cats 3. Report from the AAFCO Annual Meeting 1. News Bites Paw Project: the Movie! The Paw Project has...
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CatsWalk Newsletter – July 2013
By Jean Hofve DVM
In this issue: 1. News Bites: Fat cat prompts cruelty charges Iceland hunting whales for dog food Internet vet loses license over online advice Children die in hot cars--and so do pets! Remember what it was like before you had a cat? Class action suit over toxic treats will proceed 2. Science Notes: Marine Omega-3s show benefit in asthma Cell...
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CatsWalk Newsletter – April 2013
By Jean Hofve DVM
CatsWalk Newsletter April 2013 by Jean Hofve, DVM Library of Congress ISSN #1550-0764 Please note: This newsletter is emailed only to current subscribers through Get Response, but please feel free to forward it to friends! If you got it from a friend and would like your own subscription, please use the link at the bottom of the page. For easier...
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CatsWalk Newsletter – January 2012
By Jean Hofve DVM
*Yes, we know it's February and we're a little late...but we were waiting for some important info on Jackson's book! In this issue: 1. News Bites February is National Pet Dental Health Month Cats and rats team up Lawsuit claims puppies have souls Social networking for animals? LCTI for treating feline leukemia Ticklish critters Extra pounds put pressure on pet...
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CatsWalk November-December 2011
By Jean Hofve DVM
Happy Holidays! In this issue: 1. News Bites Little Big Cat is "best cat website" of 2011! Israel bans cat declawing Pet theft on the rise FDA looking for Salmonella Jack the JFK Cat is gone Texas court rules in favor of sentimental value for dog Pet food causing feline dental disease? Do animals know right from wrong? Miami area...
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CatsWalk Newsletter – October 2011
By Jean Hofve DVM
In this issue: 1. News Bites Little Big Cat wins award! Florida cats being poisoned. Jack, the cat lost and found in JFK airport, is sick RIP feline leukemia pioneer William Jarrett More swine flu news Flu vaccine for people doesn't work 2. Are Cats Medically Underserved? 3. Holiday Safety Tips Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to keep up...
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CatsWalk Newsletter, September 2011
By Jean Hofve DVM
Please note: This newsletter is emailed only to current subscribers, but please feel free to forward it to friends! Click here to get your own subscription. To unsubscribe, please click here or use the link at the bottom of the page. In this issue: 1. News Bites Milk Bones Dog Biscuits "Pulled" Graeme, the new Railway Cat? AVMA Lobbies against...
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CatsWalk Newsletter August 2011
By Jean Hofve DVM
In this issue: 1. News Bites Recall of ground turkey across the West Wolverines killing cats in British Columbia Manufacturer runs out of heartworm drug Click to donate cat litter to shelters! "New" Avian Flu will destroy all life on Earth...or not? Microchip Cat Door limits access 2. New "Thyroid Diet" for Cats 3. Basic Cancer Prevention and Treatment 1....
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CatsWalk Newsletter July 2011
By Jean Hofve DVM
In this issue: 1. News Bites Purina ONE dry cat food recalled Kitten survives washing machine ordeal Mountain lion's long walk ends in Connecticut Cat winning as "Biggest Loser" 2. Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy and Healthy 3. Cat TV 1. News Bites Purina ONE cat food recall: Nestlé Purina has issued a recall on Salmonella-contaminated dry cat food, specifically Purina...
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CatsWalk Newsletter – June 2011
By Jean Hofve DVM
In this issue: 1. News Bites 2. Water, the Forgotten Nutrient 3. Top Ten Summer Safety Tips for Pets! 1. News Bites Adopted cat returns life-saving favor. Rusty, a 10-year-old cat adopted from the Reading (PA) shelter two years ago, would not leave his guardian alone. Due to the cat's non-stop pestering, Claire Nelson ultimately made it to the hospital,...
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CatsWalk Newsletter, March 2011
By Jean Hofve DVM
Important news on recalls, toxins, spring hazards, the latest Mad Cow, puppy mills and unscrupulous importers, and the surprising (Not!) finding by a pet food company that cats prefer to eat food that is more like their natural diet. Read up on the current wave of niche marketing rolling across the pet food industry, and get info on the best diet for your own cat. We also take on the Associated Press and the main veterinary organization over ethical considerations.
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CatsWalk Newsletter – January 2011
By Jean Hofve DVM
* Breaking news: study shows unsafe levels of toxic heavy metals in pet food * Aflatoxin caused illness in recalled Kroger pet foods * FDA seeking comments on proposed PETNet * Food Safety Bill signed into law * Small animals re-protected * Bottled water report * Medicated topical creams for people can harm pets * Nordic Naturals introduces new fish oil products for pets 2. Powerful new public service announcement from The Paw Project 3. Veterinarian’s Oath Revised 4. Cats, Sickness, Stress, and Environment 5. February is Dental Health Month!
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CatsWalk – November 2010
By Jean Hofve DVM
by Dr. Jean Hofve & Jackson Galaxy Library of Congress ISSN #1550-0764 In this issue: 1. News Bites New Little Big Cat website is up and running November is Diabetes Month Salmonella outbreaks from dry pet food Suit filed against microchip makers 2. BPA and Pet Food 3. Heartworm Resistance? 4. Holiday Safety Reminder 1. News Bites New Little Big...
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OTHER STUFF
Science Proves that Raw Diet Beats Kibble
By Jean Hofve DVM
Thanks to our good friend Dr. Karen Becker over at Mercola.com for this excellent article! Story at-a-glance Big Pet Food wants you to believe your dog is no longer a carnivore and can “thrive” on a diet high in starch A 2013 study is often used by processed pet food advocates as “proof” dogs are no longer meat-eaters. All the...
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Top 10 Cat Medical Conditions – And How to Prevent Them!
By Jean Hofve DVM
Veterinary Practice News publishes an annual "Top Medical Conditions in Cats," based on insurance claims made to pet health insurance companies. For 2017, the list includes: 1. Bladder or urinary tract problems (aka feline cystitis, FIC, or FLUTD 2. Periodontitis/Dental disease 3. Chronic kidney disease 4. Vomiting 5. Hyperthyroidism 6. Diabetes 7. Diarrhea 8. Lymphoma 9. Upper respiratory...
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Little Big Cat Wins 2011 Muse Medallion Award!
By Jean Hofve DVM
We are very proud that Little Big Cat won the coveted 2011 Muse Medallion Award for best website, from the Cat Writers' Association. You may remember a few weeks back that, along with our good friends Ingrid King of the Conscious Cat and Mary Ann Love-Miller of Feline Express, we won a Certificate of Excellence. Then those 3 sites competed...
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GMO Kittens Bred for Research
By Jean Hofve DVM
The Time online headline reads: "Glow-in-the-Dark Cats May Help Shed Light on AIDS." Maia Szalavitz reports: "These glowing animals have been genetically engineered to make blood cells that are resistant to feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, the virus that causes feline AIDS. The study could give researchers insight into fighting AIDS in both humans and cats. While humans cannot get...
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Pets’ Top “Complaints”
By Jean Hofve DVM
An interesting article at Southampton.patch.com cites animal communicator Patty Payne and the top five "shocking" things she's heard from pets. I have no doubt about #3; two of my cats have a running feud and I'm sure they've said some pretty rude things to each other! According to Ms. Payne: 1. Animals are holistic. Payne says our pets would rather...
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Swimming cats!
By Jean Hofve DVM
Our good friend, Mary Ellen at AngelScribe.com, is featured in a video interview about her 5 swimming cats! She had been worried that they might get loose and fall in the pool, but no worries...the feline's amazing instincts include dog-paddling! However, it is very important to show your cat how to get out of the pool, either by swimming to...
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Plants that clean the air (from Mercola)
By Jean Hofve DVM
One of the items posted in Dr. Joseph Mercola's newsletter this morning was pushing his special air filter, which is fine, but he also mentioned that many plants are good at pulling toxins out of the air. Unfortunately, several of the plants listed are toxic to cats. Plant Toxicity Feston Rose Non-toxic Devil's Ivy Toxic Phalaenopsis (orchid) Non-toxic English Ivy...
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Consumer Reports giving bad pet advice — again!
By Jean Hofve DVM
For decades, Consumer Reports was THE place to go for product reviews and advice on big purchases. But when they enter the area of pet care, they consistently give very bad advice. Their product-review algorithm simply falls apart when applied to living, breathing beings. Example: "get the cheapest pet food at the cheapest store, there's no difference between that and...
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Spaying & Neutering Saves Lives
By Jean Hofve DVM
A very well-written article in the Seattle Post Intelligencer reveals that aggressive spay-neuter programs have dramatically decreased the killing of pets simply because they are unwanted. From a ghastly high of 20 million pets per year in the 1960s, and an improved but still unacceptable level of 8-10 million by 2000, it is estimated today that only 4 million pets will be euthanized...
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ASPCA’s tips for a safe 4th of July for your pets
By Jean Hofve DVM
The ASPCA Poison Control Center offers the following pet safety tips for 4th of July -- we agree! Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also...
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People without Pets
By Jean Hofve DVM
There was a great article in the Huffington Post this week about people who choose not to have pets. The writer, Joan Liebmann, wondered if and how people without pets differ from those who do. Her research turned up some very interesting information! For one thing, there are way more people with pets than without: a recent survey found that...
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Guidelines for Safe Handling of Cats
By Jean Hofve DVM
Cats get less veterinary care than dogs. That's an established fact. A study published in 2008 in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that: Cats get significantly less attention and veterinary medical care from their owners than dogs. Dog owners took their pets to a veterinarian more than twice as often as cat owners. Dog owners more...
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Animal lovers choose pets over money and politics
By Jean Hofve DVM
A survey of 1500 pet guardians conducted by PetMD found that 90% of pet "owners" would choose their animal companions over money in a divorce, and 56% would not vote for a presidential candidate who was perceived not to like pets. They would also buy products from a company that supports an animal-related charity rather than one that doesn't, given...
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It’s Adopt-a-Cat Month!
By Jean Hofve DVM
June is Adopt-a-Cat month! It's also the start of kitten season, when tens of thousands of unintended and unwanted kittens will be dumped at shelters. People think, "Oh, kittens are so cute, they'll be adopted." But the sad truth is that there just aren't enough homes available, and shelters everywhere will euthanize litter after litter of sweet, friendly, adorable kittens...
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Pets and Cars: a Potentially Deadly Combination
By Jean Hofve DVM
Even though the weather doesn't feel like it in many places, summer is upon us! So it's time to remind folks about the volatile combination of cars and pets. Every year, hundreds of pets, mostly dogs, die of hyperthermia from being left in the car in dangerously hot conditions. What most people don't realize that those conditions can occur in...
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Outdoor Cats’ Secret Lives
By Jean Hofve DVM
A study done at the University of Illinois tracked 42 owned outdoor and free-living cats for two years. The report, published in the Journal of Wildlife Management, found that stray/feral cats had larger territories than pet cats; in one case, the cat's home range covered more than 1,300 acres! Unowned cats were much more active than outdoor pet cats, because...
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More money, fewer vet visits
By Jean Hofve DVM
The headline read: "Revenue growth can't hide 'alarming' decline in client visits." This news, from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, went on to note that "Income increased at many pet practices in 2010, but frequency of veterinary visits remains depressed." In other words, fewer guardians took their pets to the vet, but got charged more. This trend...
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Flea/Tick Drug Promeris Causes Autoimmune Disease
By Jean Hofve DVM
The flea/tick preventative Promeris Duo for dogs and cats has been proven to cause Pemphigus foliaceus, an autoimmune disease. The reaction is "rare but serious," according to the study’s lead author, Thierry Olivry, DrVet, PhD, Dipl. ACVD, of North Carolina State University. The product, ProMeris Duo (Metaflumizone–amitraz ), which is also used for treating demodicosis (Demodex mites), will be discontinued....
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Cats-Only Clinics becoming more popular
By Jean Hofve DVM
Cats-only clinics gain in popularity A recent article by Anne Gonzales at the Sacramento Bee (California) discussed the increasing number and popularity of cats-only veterinary clinics. Sacramento veterinarian Irene Fujishima said that offering cats-only care is important, because have different physiology as well as different personalities than dogs. Cat-exclusive clinics are calmer, without the chaos of barking dogs and strange...
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Pet “OCD”
By Jean Hofve DVM
Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the Behavior Clinics at the veterinary school at Tufts University, recently spoke about compulsive behaviors in animals at the conference of the The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. "Like people with compulsive behaviors, such as famously washing their hands until their skin is raw," said Dodman, "animals can have similar behaviors." He said that...
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