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How to Choose an Integrative Holistic Veterinarian
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How to Choose an Integrative Holistic Veterinarian

Cat Health, Dogs, Holistic Pet Health

How to Choose an Integrative Holistic Veterinarian

Editor's note: Dr. Christina Chambreau has graciously given us permission to reprint her classic article. It’s been lightly edited and updated. How to Choose an Integrative Holistic Veterinarian The reasons you may want to have a holistic veterinarian on your team: Your pet is ill and you want to treat them holistically. You want to prevent illness, save money and have your companion live a long life. Who is an integrative veterinarian? A licensed veterinarian trained in using conventional drugs and diagnostics. They have also been trained in one or ...

Jean Hofve DVM2026-07-15T15:59:42-07:00July 15th, 2026|

New Research on Omega-3s (2026)
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New Research on Omega-3s (2026)

Cat Health, Holistic Pet Health, Holistic Pet Mall, Pet Food and Nutrition

New Research on Omega-3s (2026)

You already know Omega-3s are important for cats. For one thing, I keep telling you! Plus, it’s all over the media--more now than ever before. While EPA was the darling for many years, DHA has become the current star of the show. There are a couple reasons for that. First, it is being intensely studied right now, so many more research papers are being reported. But more subtly, I think, is that DHA is easily produced from algae, making it vegan (not that carnivorous cats need a vegan product). Algae ...

Jean Hofve DVM2026-05-27T15:58:00-07:00May 27th, 2026|

Phosphorus Matters for Cats
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Phosphorus Matters for Cats

Cat Health, Holistic Pet Health, Pet Food and Nutrition

Phosphorus Matters for Cats

A new upper limit for phosphorus in cat food is about to be implemented. But what does that mean? AAFCO, the Association for American Feed Control Officials, sets nutritional standards for pet food sold in the U.S. Their Nutrient Profiles for dogs and cats set minimums for 40+ nutrients including amino acids, minerals, fats, and vitamins. But very few nutrients have maximums, even though it might be beneficial for certain ingredients that can become toxic in excess. Phosphorus has become a nutrient of concern for cats in the last several ...

Jean Hofve DVM2026-05-19T11:46:05-07:00May 19th, 2026|

Hyperthyroidism in Cats
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Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Cat Behavior, Cat Health, Holistic Pet Health

Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Feline hyperthyroidism has become one of the most common senior cat diseases. Learn how to spot the signs, understand possible causes like diet and environmental toxins, and explore treatment options from medication to radioactive iodine therapy and holistic options.

Jean Hofve DVM2025-11-01T18:24:19-07:00October 27th, 2025|

Coconut Oil and Cats
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Coconut Oil and Cats

Cat Health, Holistic Pet Health, Pet Food and Nutrition

Coconut Oil and Cats

Updated 4/29/26 Questions about coconut oil keep coming up, so I want to explain why I don't recommend giving it to cats. Cats Need the Right Fats The carnivore's natural diet is high in both protein and animal fat. There are only three essential fatty acids that cats must obtain from their diet: linoleic acid (LA), alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and arachidonic acid (AA). Adult cats can benefit from many other fats and oils, particularly EPA and DHA (which kittens require), but they aren't necessary for survival. Coconut oil is ...

Jean Hofve DVM2026-04-29T18:42:26-07:00June 29th, 2016|

Declawing and Science
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Declawing and Science

Cat Behavior, Cat Health, Declawing

Declawing and Science

Updated 6/30/26 This summary presents the main arguments against a legal ban on declawing (of cats and other animals), and the documented, scientific facts about each one—as opposed to the opinions expressed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and various other individuals and organizations. Public opinion is subject to change; and the change is now moving in favor of more humane treatment of all animals. The veterinary profession is finally getting clued in, having added "animal welfare" to its Veterinarian's Oath late in 2010 (41 years after it was first written). ...

Jean Hofve DVM2026-07-02T21:16:58-07:00April 24th, 2013|

Declawing – Annotated Reference List
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Declawing – Annotated Reference List

Cat Behavior, Cat Health, Declawing

Declawing – Annotated Reference List

Updated June 30, 2026. New references will be added as they become available. Ansah OB, Vainio O, Hellsten C, et al. Postoperative pain control in cats: clinical trials with medetomidine and butorphanol. Vet Surg 2002;31:99-103. Medetomidine and butorphanol provided equivalent pain relief up to 2 hours. Atwood-Harvey D. Death or declaw: dealing with moral ambiguity in a veterinary hospital. Soc Anim. 2005;13(4):315-42. Discussed strategies used by clinic staff to cope with declawing, whatever their feelings about it. Bamberger M, Houpt KA. Signalment factors, comorbidity, and trends in behavior diagnoses in ...

Jean Hofve DVM2026-06-30T22:09:07-07:00August 2nd, 2011|

Homemade Diets for Cats and Dogs
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Homemade Diets for Cats and Dogs

Dogs, Pet Food and Nutrition

Homemade Diets for Cats and Dogs

REVISED 6/1/23 Balanced homemade diets are the best for our cats and dogs. By making your pet’s food at home, you control the quality of the ingredients, and commercial food additives such as colorings and preservatives can be avoided. Once you get the hang of it, homemade food is both time and cost-efficient. It’s definitely worth the effort! Before you put your companion animal on a home-prepared diet, please discuss your decision with your veterinarian, or a holistic veterinarian who understands nutrition and is comfortable with home-made diets. For a ...

Jean Hofve DVM2024-09-01T01:53:31-07:00November 18th, 2010|

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.