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!

Play is Important for — Survival??

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” — be vital for grim survival in such an often random and dangerous world? – And not just play in childhood, but throughout life. – And throughout life not only ...

2018-06-09T13:48:34-07:00February 6th, 2012|
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Vegetarian Cats?

Updated March 6, 2024 There are several companies and websites that promote vegetarian (no meat or fish) or even vegan (no animal products at all) diets for cats. These products appeal to people who have chosen a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle for ethical reasons, and want to apply the same principles to their cats. As a feline veterinarian, I absolutely do not recommend trying to turn your cat into a vegetarian or vegan, but if you are determined to do so, here is my best guidance for you. Products The ...

2024-03-06T16:43:41-07:00December 16th, 2011|
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Feline Hyperesthesia

"Ripple Skin Syndrome," or "Itchy Twitchy syndrome" (technically called "feline hyperesthesia") is a unique problem for cats. It starts as a rippling of the cat's skin on its back, from the shoulders to the tail; the cat may turn and lick or bite at the area; and most cats will run away as if something frightened or hurt them. This article explores the potential causes and what you can do to help your cat.

2026-03-31T22:21:48-07:00September 26th, 2011|
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Rabbit Fever

Both people and cats can get infected with Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever. People usually acquire the infection by handling dead rabbits (whether shot or died of natural causes); and cats contract it more directly by eating infected rabbits. Infected cats may have a high fever, mouth ulcers, depression, enlarged lymph nodes and behavioral changes that include not wanting to eat. Cats that have been outdoors and are showing these symptoms need veterinary care. People can become infected by handling pets or wild animals with tularemia, or by being bitten ...

2017-03-23T15:10:05-07:00September 16th, 2011|
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The “Greening” of Cats

Updated 6/30/19 Here are a few good ways  to make living with a cat “greener” (that is, more “environmentally friendly”) by exercising some discretion in how you shop. Buy earth-friendly cat products. Such products are made from recycled or recyclable materials, minimally packaged, and sustainably harvested and produced. Buying “green” pet products,  supports their manufacturers with your pocketbook, and motivates them and others to move in a more sustainable direction. Use earth- and pet-friendly household products. Pet-safe substitutes for detergent, furniture polish, glass cleaner, scouring powder, and even insecticides can ...

2019-06-30T13:53:24-07:00September 10th, 2011|
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Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Cancer. Pet guardians fear this diagnosis above all others; not only because the conventional treatments are so perilous, but also because, despite treatment, it is most often fatal. More than half of dogs over the age of 10 will die of cancer, and the incidence of cancer in cats and younger animals is growing rapidly. As responsible guardians, we need to understand the risk factors that contribute to the development of cancer; do all we can to prevent it; and take effective action when a diagnosis of cancer is made. Causes ...

2018-09-18T06:09:48-07:00August 18th, 2011|
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Indoor Enrichment for Cats

Updated 5/30/26 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 allowed to roam loose outside. (See our article "Indoors or Outdoors" for more information.) Now, many people think that this is cruel. They say that Nature intended for ...

2026-05-30T11:26:32-07:00August 2nd, 2011|
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Consumer Reports giving bad pet advice — again!

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 the high-dollar foods." Well, we know that's absolutely false, and that ingredient quality makes all the difference in your pet's health. Science proves it, experience proves it. Or as they ...

2017-03-23T15:23:05-07:00July 13th, 2011|
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Itch Relief Update

Dr. Patty Khuly's blog this morning was terrific! She has personally been dealing with a very itchy skin eruption, probably what most of us would call hives or "heat rash." I am totally sympathetic...last summer I developed a series of severe itchy rashes, I think from some bug or other that apparently lives in my lawn. O Misery, thy name is Itch! Her pruritis (med-speak for itch) not only drove her crazy, but also drove her to look into the problem more deeply. After all, skin problems are one of ...

2018-02-11T16:50:19-07:00July 7th, 2011|
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Spaying & Neutering Saves Lives

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 in shelters this year. However, 4 million is still a heck of a lot of pets--way too many, of course! But the drop is even more impressive when you figure ...

2017-03-23T15:25:26-07:00July 6th, 2011|
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Heartworm now found “in all 50 states”

According to the American Heartworm Society (AHS), its "every-three-years survey, which tracks heartworm incidence from data supplied by more than 5,000 veterinary clinics, has documented cases in every state." [Note: this may, and probably does, mean that two or three cases, but not necessarily more, have been reported by these drug-pushing clinics, which represent only a fraction of U.S. veterinarians. The trick is that they don't say where the dogs came from. Colorado received a lot of heartworm-positive dogs after Hurricane Katrina, but the actual rate of heartworm infection in ...

2014-04-28T08:43:52-07:00June 1st, 2011|
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What if your pet gets into YOUR medications?

Great post by Dr. Patty Khuly over at PetMD on what to expect when your pet eats one of the five most-prescribed medications! (In case you're curious, those five are: Lipitor, Nexium, Plavix, Advair, and Abilify.) Also see: When You SHOULD Induce Vomiting When NOT to Induce Vomiting

2017-03-23T14:09:55-07:00May 25th, 2011|
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Heartworm in Cats

By Jean Hofve, DVM In a seemingly diabolical plot, veterinarians and pharmaceutical companies have teamed up in a marketing campaign to frighten guardians into giving year-round heartworm preventatives to their cats. They say they're doing this to improve protection for individual pets, but the facts say they have other motives. With few exceptions, heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are a completely seasonal problem, so there is no reason to give heartworm medicine to ANY pet year-round--except to make money for those who make and sell it! Those financially-motivated folks say the number ...

2016-11-19T12:33:46-07:00May 1st, 2011|
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