Jean Hofve DVM, Author at Little Big Cat - Dr. Jean Hofve

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So far Jean Hofve DVM has created 317 blog entries.

Cat Scratchers – What Do Cats Like?
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Cat Scratchers – What Do Cats Like?

Cat Behavior, Declawing

Cat Scratchers – What Do Cats Like?

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 the damaged outer layers; and to relieve stress. If you have a cat, you need to provide an acceptable outlet for this normal and necessary behavior. Unfortunately, many cat guardians ...

Jean Hofve DVM2020-06-07T16:47:48-07:00September 25th, 2015|

Cat Senses
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Cat Senses

Fun Stuff, Holistic Pet Health

Cat Senses

Science has discovered what many cat-lovers have known for years... most cats depend more on their vision than on their sense of smell! I could have told you that when I brought my freshly-shaved dog home one summer afternoon. My "watchcat" Spencer took one look and attacked instantly, drawing blood on both the dog--and on me, when I tried to intervene. He didn't spend a nanosecond analyzing any smells... it was a lightning reflex arc from eyeballs to claws! But to give science credit, the British researchers did develop a ...

Jean Hofve DVM2017-03-23T14:17:35-07:00September 20th, 2015|

Preventive Care Perspectives
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Preventive Care Perspectives

Holistic Pet Health

Preventive Care Perspectives

Veterinarians quickly get frustrated when clients turn to those alternate sources of information, even though they themselves are unwilling or incapable of providing that advice.

Jean Hofve DVM2017-03-23T14:00:48-07:00September 18th, 2015|

The Woman-Cat Bond
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The Woman-Cat Bond

Cat Behavior, Fun Stuff, Human Health

The Woman-Cat Bond

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, said, "A relationship between a cat and a human can involve mutual attraction, personality compatibility, ease of interaction, play, affection and social support... A human and a cat mutually develop ...

Jean Hofve DVM2017-03-23T14:18:22-07:00August 26th, 2015|

The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care: An Illustrated Handbook
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The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care: An Illustrated Handbook

Holistic Pet Mall

The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care: An Illustrated Handbook

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 on pet food regulations, and help defray the costs of Celeste's cancer treatment. is an information-packed, lavishly illustrated e-book (PDF) by nutritionist Dr. Celeste Yarnall and Little Big Cat’s own Dr. ...

Jean Hofve DVM2019-06-30T13:20:50-07:00July 15th, 2015|

Are Cats Really Domesticated?
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Are Cats Really Domesticated?

Cat Behavior

Are Cats Really Domesticated?

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 the full gamut. Some kitties are totally relaxed and docile, and others more resemble an angry rattlesnake! Complicating the issue are feral cats, who are as wild as any other ...

Jean Hofve DVM2017-03-23T14:19:36-07:00July 12th, 2015|

Catnip Fiends?
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Catnip Fiends?

Cat Behavior, Fun Stuff

Catnip Fiends?

Photo credit: Reddit 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

Jean Hofve DVM2018-09-17T09:44:49-07:00July 8th, 2015|

E-Cigarettes: Dangerous for Pets
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E-Cigarettes: Dangerous for Pets

Dogs, Holistic Pet Health

E-Cigarettes: Dangerous for Pets

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/a-warning-to-pet-owners-who-use-e-cigarettes?Wt.mc_id=facebook The ASPCA Poison Control Center says that electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) often contain high concentrations of nicotine, which is a dangerous poison for dogs and cats. Nicotine exposures are increasing, and the types of exposures are changing. In 2012, e-cigarettes made up 4.6% of total nicotine exposures (including tobacco cigarettes, nicotine gum, e-cigarettes, and nicotine patches), but in 2013, this number increased to 13.6%; and it's expected to continue rising. Nicotine is dangerous for pets, and e-cigarettes and refills can contain far more nicotine than regular cigarettes. E-cigarettes are filled ...

Jean Hofve DVM2017-03-21T19:21:26-07:00June 25th, 2015|

More Research on Declawing
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More Research on Declawing

Declawing

More Research on Declawing

Our good friend Jo Singer interviewed Dr. Kristen Doub, a veterinarian practicing in Utah and the director of The Paw Project's Utah branch. Dr. Doub has been researching declawed cats by taking x-rays of their paws. Among her findings: 66% of declawed cats had bone fragments left behind by a sloppy surgeon. These fragments are synonymous with pebbles in your shoe. They can also cause nails to regrow under the skin, which can then form abscesses. Osteomyelitis, a painful bone infection, was present in 30% of declawed cats and can result ...

Jean Hofve DVM2018-08-02T22:01:51-07:00June 19th, 2015|

Is Toxoplasma Making You Crazy?
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Is Toxoplasma Making You Crazy?

Holistic Pet Health, Human Health

Is Toxoplasma Making You Crazy?

The notion that the parasite Toxoplasma causes mental instability has been disproven.

Jean Hofve DVM2017-03-23T14:07:50-07:00June 17th, 2015|

Pet Food Labels Don’t Match Ingredients (Part II)
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Pet Food Labels Don’t Match Ingredients (Part II)

Dogs, Pet Food and Nutrition

Pet Food Labels Don’t Match Ingredients (Part II)

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.

Jean Hofve DVM2017-03-21T19:21:41-07:00June 15th, 2015|

Pet Food Labels Don’t Match Ingredients (Part I)
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Pet Food Labels Don’t Match Ingredients (Part I)

Dogs, Pet Food and Nutrition

Pet Food Labels Don’t Match Ingredients (Part I)

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.”

Jean Hofve DVM2017-03-23T14:20:22-07:00June 12th, 2015|

Feline Hyperthyroidism
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Feline Hyperthyroidism

Holistic Pet Health

Feline Hyperthyroidism

Updated 5/2/25 A serious disease called "feline hyperthyroidism" has risen to epidemic proportions since the first cases were diagnosed in 1979. It is a worldwide phenomenon, though worse in the U.S. than other countries. Hyperthyroidism (hyper = too much, thyroid = a hormone-making gland), is seen mostly in older cats age 10 or more. Watch Floppy Cat's interview with Dr. Jean here (a written transcript can be found below the video by clicking "show more"): In people, the thyroid gland is "H" shaped, and located at the base of the ...

Jean Hofve DVM2025-10-27T17:43:28-07:00April 4th, 2015|

Animal Communication
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Animal Communication

Cat Behavior, Dogs, Holistic Pet Health

Animal Communication

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 receive information from non-speaking beings through their intuition. It is my belief that the heart is the seat of our intuition and innate wisdom. In order to access these, we ...

Jean Hofve DVM2017-03-21T19:22:08-07:00April 2nd, 2015|

Dr. Jean’s best-selling e-book, What Cats Should Eat, is now updated for 2026! Do you want know which cat foods are safe and healthful, and which ones aren’t? Do you want to understand how to feed your cat for optimal health and long life? Do you want to know how to prevent and treat the most common feline diseases with nutrition? Then check out our expanded, updated special report, WHAT CATS SHOULD EAT including Dr. Jean’s freshly curated list of Approved Brands! Don’t depend on AAFCO, the FDA or pet food makers to take care of your cat!

Get the truth in “WHAT CATS SHOULD EAT” on Amazon.com — or as a PDF from an independent seller!

Hey, we love dogs, too! Get Dr. Jean’s newest book with nutritionist Dr. Celeste Yarnall, Paleo Dog: Give Your Best Friend a Long Life, HealthyWeight, and Freedom from Illness by Nurturing His Inner Wolf. It’s not just another cookbook, either! Paleo Dog covers a wide range of topics, including nutrition (of course!), but also vaccines and veterinary care; exercise and rest; and alternative therapies such as Earthing, acupuncture, and herbs that are compatible with the Paleo Dog philosophy. It is science-based, understandable, and practical; its comprehensive scope and down-to-earth details will satisfy both pet guardians and pet professionals.