HSUS released info -one unspayed female and subsequent offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years!!!

shocking!! and even more shocking that some animal right advocates are against birth control as a temporary fix until animals can be spayed or neutered! It has even been reported that aggression among males in colonies have been decreased when they have eaten the hormone laden food..
If adding birth control to the food colonies should be fed during the day so wildlife can not get to it and animals should be monitored as best as possible while you are trying to trap for spay/neuter surgery.This should not be used as a permanent solution.
Yes, it has side effects and should not be used for long term but come on people open your minds!
How many women do you know that are using birth control? It is not a revolutionary topic!  How are people trying to solve the overpopulation problem?? Has there been a huge decline in population since trap/spay/neuter has been employed?? How effective is it? Are there other methods to employ?

Ironically, I do not like hormones but i am thinking  long term solutions for suffering shelter animals and think about the millions that are slaughtered!! Millions because there are not enough homes for these animals.
Not everyone can afford to fix a colony of 20 cats let alone trap them successfully. And many people in different parts of the US can't afford a reduced rate that some vets will offer.
What is now called FERALSTAT has been on the market over 20years and guess what vets have used female hormones as a fix for aggression in males for a couple of decades as well! This is NOT a new product.
The monopoly of ACCD is causing trouble for FeralStat because they are now producing their own birth control! Can we see financial motive? and in the meantime they are subjecting hundreds of cats to animal testing which is an absolute, unforgivable hypocrisy in veterinary medicine.

And I must add-diabetes was found to  be a side effect in these animals tested- but what diet were they fed? Purina which is primarily corn-which has a huge glycemic index. How does a carnivore survive on sugar?-they don't- they develop diabetes. So I do not have the facts about how these animals were treated and fed. If we have SF SPCA with a fully staffed veterinarian dept  feed shelter cats a lousy diet of Purina which is high in sugar - do i trust the financially motivated scientists invested in ACCD that are claiming birth control causes diabetes?- NO i dont, because they did not mention what those cats were fed. We all need to think and think deeply about all of the variables and parts of the equation.
And we all need to follow animals on their stay at shelters and really watch behavioral and health changes day to day. It is absolutely dismal. Basic requirements and needs are not met. Even at those revamped shelters that have nice little condos- there are hundreds of animals on a waiting list in a dismal area waiting for a space to open at many revamped shelters across the US. Some of them wait months in that state.

Liberate All Animals from Suffering

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2sgi3_buddhist-prayer-for-animal-liberati_animals

BIRTH CONTROL FOR CATS!

Why isn't more being done about this? Why isn't progesterone-laden foods being fed to strays and ferals?

Many animal advocates including myself, are exhausted and overwhelmed this time of year and constantly in crises mode with the infinite amount of felines (and all animals) surrendered or picked up as strays to face a very possible death sentence and the miseries of kenneling. Not to mention the very large canine and small animal population at municipal shelters being surrendered daily.
Trying to tend to socialization and health issues, save lives,  get adoptions,  fight for animal protection in the legal arena, it is never ending.  We are advocating 24/7....
If i was more of a fundraiser, I would try to raise funds to get this out info out there and really promote it. But, instead i have the internet, email and word of mouth....
One day in SF there were 36 felines (that number does not include dogs and small animals) impounded in early August, the next day 27. This is insane.
Shelters are euthanizing for space in many counties.
Trap-spay-neuter of ferals  is not enough .There is only so much that can be done in this area. If we could trap a 100 cats a day in SF that is one thing, but can we get them altered in a day in one city? And how about the next day?
Let's fight to get birth control into all commercial diets or add to food for feral colony keepers and really get the word out that this is an option. Perhaps, people aren't aware of this?

The people that are not altering their animals are feeding lousy junk diets. I personally think we should fight to get birth control added to brands like Fancy Feast, Whiskas, Purina, Friskies etc. Can we advocate for this?...
  I haven't heard as much about it as i would have hoped over the years. In fact, most cat advocates i know don't even realize this is an option.
Some cities do put birth control in the pigeon feed by the way! Why not for feral or outdoor cats?

I keep trying to discuss and plant the idea with someone that will really do something about it and/or use it  but I still don't hear that it is being used as much as it could.
Birth control has been on the market for animals for years by the way!
I am not one for hormones for animals BUT I am more against killing and more against extended kenneling and all the miseries created for animals at public and private shelters from overpopulation/overcrowding. Disease breaks out like wildfire when shelters are at capacity and animals are miserably confined. We don't have enough space or resources in any city to house all abandoned animals. Problems must be tended to at the root.
People want to see more no-kill shelters but what will we do when there is no space and more animals are impounded? Is there fair and adequate space to keep 600+ cats happy and healthy which is ACC's  and SFSPCA's numbers on 8/20/10. Where will the money come from to pay all of the employees required to house 600 cats + dogs + small animal when the numbers triple?
I am 100% against killing by the way.
What happens when disease breaks out?   An overpopulated community always becomes ravaged with disease. What about the ones that die because they have given up and just stop eating? What about the DREADFUL stress of long term kenneling? Are there enough volunteers to spend time with these animals daily? Is there enough space to exercise them?
I am always against killing but i dont think people are thoroughly thinking through the amount of animals and the amount of space at shelters and the amount of anxiety/suffering/loneliness and boredom animals at many shelters experience. (I am not talking sanctuaries).
  We need to think about all possible solutions.
The earth shines less brightly every time  a little sweet angel soul (picked up off the street or dumped by a callous owner) is killed.  It devastates many of us. I have known so many wonderful animals that haven't made it.

Please get this out to all feral cat keepers and advocates. Until the animals can be trapped get birth control into their food. Humane Society has discussed a three month hormone treatment at a convention several years ago....
This CAN BRING NUMBERS DOWN AND SOLVE THE MUCH OF THE PROBLEM OF OVERPOPULATION!
We can't save/place as many lives as being born without entire cities becoming filled with hoarders...something to think about and pass on...

Pittie Pups Slated for Death for Genetics

delayed posting...

On Wednesday, I found the cutest, little, isolated runt pittie pup crying inconsolably for his mama, and some warm body to snuggle up against. My heart sank, when I inquired as to his his impound story. This little guy wasn't getting enough nutrients and was separated from his mom and siblings to make sure he was eating. Appearing in size to be about 1month old, his little body needs to catch up to his age of 8weeks.

On Friday, I found another littermate in his cage as they wrapped their thin, but chunky little bodies into puppy knots.  

I hand fed them as they shyly kissed my hand and calmly snuggled up with an innocence too gentle for this cruel world. I snapped a picture as to remember them as I knew the next time i went to the shelter to volunteer, their bodies would be locked inside a refrigerator with a mass of heaped carcasses in a steal drum awaiting transport.

1am Friday night, I was summoned as a Bacchanalian cohort to tend bar at Skylark at the insanely debaucherous, party central of San Francisco, - the Mission District. The often unsavory Mission has the most diverse crowd of people- from the hollowed, hungry ghosts of the crack pipe, to trannies turning tricks at Esta Noche, to the yuppie annoying blondes of Marina District to the Norteno and Soreno gangsters packing a shit load of attitude and concealed weapons of which Mission streets are often caught in the crossfire.  Out of curiosity and not knowing what the rescues thought of this pups, i impulsively, texted Pali of Rocket Dog Rescue to found out if she knew about these little ones. (Unbeknownst to me that this was not intended to be public information and completely unaware what upheaval would ensue. oops.... The powers that be did not want information on these pups leaking out to rescues as they were slated for euthanasia and it was a unanimous decision amongst the employees.

Pali is tireless in her efforts to save dogs, I didnt want to overwhelm her with eight more dogs, as she has saved hundreds if not thousands of canines, but those little chunks were tugging at my heart strings all day.

Thank you Pali and Lena!!  from Rocket Dog Rescue www.rocketdogrescue.org

These adorable pups mom and dad were "deemed vicious and dangerous in San Mateo County" which basically signs their death slip at any municipal shelter.

And due to what is seen as genetic transference of aggressive traits eight little babes were going to doggie heaven with their parents. 

I was told Lena went marching in to the shelter to find out about these babes early sat morning and although a whole host of bureaucratic hogwash will ensue, these two of which there are also six more will live to see another day! I hope the passing of their mom and dad will be peaceful and i am sorry I couldnt save them.
Rocket Dog Rescue contacted Lana from www.GiveMeShelterSF.org a bay area cat rescue that has saved thousands of SPCA discards, ah, hem, i mean "declines." Thanks to these three, Lana, Lena and Pali for your hearts and tireless dedication...Give Me Shelter has already found placements for the little guys and girls.

On Wednesday, I found the cutest, little, isolated runt pittie pup crying inconsolably for his mama, and some warm body to snuggle up against. My heart sank, when I inquired as to his his impound story. This little guy wasn't getting enough nutrients and was separated from his mom and siblings to make sure he was eating. Appearing in size to be about 1month old, his little body needs to catch up to his age of 8weeks.

On Friday, I found another littermate in his cage as they wrapped their thin, but chunky little bodies into puppy knots.  

I hand fed them as they shyly kissed my hand and calmly snuggled up with an innocence too gentle for this cruel world. I snapped a picture as to remember them as I knew the next time i went to the shelter to volunteer, their bodies would be locked inside a refrigerator with a mass of heaped carcasses in a steal drum awaiting transport.

1am Friday night, I was summoned as a Bacchanalian cohort to tend bar at Skylark at the insanely debaucherous, party central of San Francisco, - the Mission District. The often unsavory Mission has the most diverse crowd of people- from the hollowed, hungry ghosts of the crack pipe, to trannies turning tricks at Esta Noche, to the yuppie annoying blondes of Marina District to the Norteno and Soreno gangsters packing a shit load of attitude and concealed weapons of which Mission streets are often caught in the crossfire.  Out of curiosity and not knowing what the rescues thought of this pups, i impulsively, texted Pali of Rocket Dog Rescue to found out if she knew about these little ones. (Unbeknowst to me that this was not intended to be public information and completely unaware what upheaval would ensue. oops.... The powers that be did not want information on these pups leaking out to rescues as they were slated for euthanasia and it was a unanimous decision amongst the employees.

Pali is tireless in her efforts to save dogs, I didn't want to overwhelm her with eight more dogs, as she has saved hundreds if not thousands of canines, but those little chunks were tugging at my heart strings all day.

Thank you Pali and Lena!!  from Rocket Dog Rescue www.rocketdogrescue.org

These adorable pups mom and dad were "deemed vicious and dangerous in San Mateo County" which basically signs their death slip at any municipal shelter.

And due to what is seen as genetic transference of aggressive traits eight little babes were going to doggie heaven with their parents. 

I was told Lena went marching in to the shelter to find out about these babes early sat morning and although a whole host of bureaucratic hogwash will ensue, these two of which there are also six more will live to see another day! I hope the passing of their mom and dad will be peaceful and i am sorry I couldnt save them.
Rocket Dog Rescue contacted Lana from www.GiveMeShelterSF.org a bay area cat rescue that has saved thousands of SPCA discards, ah, hem, i mean "declines." Thanks to these three, Lana, Lena and Pali for your hearts and tireless dedication...Give Me Shelter has already found placements for the little guys and girls.

      

No More Scruffing! No more forcing! and the result of constant vet visits..

Scruffing a kitten is something a queen does when a cat is a few ounces. When an animal weighs several pounds you will be ripping muscle from flesh and it is EXTRAORDINARILY uncomfortable and painful for a cat.
Whomever tells you otherwise is clueless. If an animal is fractious or needs a blood draw at the vet's office then scruffing is required. If a cat shows potential aggression when being transported at a vet's office or shelter and  then scruffing is often required but the FULL WEIGHT OF THE ANIMAL MUST BE SUPPORTED AT ALL TIMES WITH OPPOSITE HAND.
I have watched cat's be carried through shelter hallways just from scruff and it is barbaric.
This is from the old school that is from the Cartesian model. Get rid of cruelty and develop positive associations for your cat.
We all need to have an education in the psychobiology of Post Traumatic Stress. Animals often experience ptsd at vet visits and during restraint. In laymen's terms  what constitutes what becomes a traumatic experience is the flight or fight response was never completed and gets locked into the body and neurology of the individual as a "freezing". In one of my graduate programs, i did special studies in somatic responses and how to retrain ptsd. An animal that is restrained, held against their will and stabbed with a needled can lead to ptsd. There are at times multiple attempts as some animals struggle to get free. Body bags, muzzles, leather face masks are used to protect the humans and at times several people are needed to restrain. It may not be intention of abuse but the animal processes it this way. Think if you were held down against your will by several people, tied up and restrained? what would your autonomic responses be?
We need to understand once the animal has been traumatized once, the amygdala literally gets hijacked by a flood of stress and neurological responses  by any thing that could possibly remind him/her of the earlier trauma. It is conditioned responses to specific stimuli. I have witness cats get very upset by touching their neck, i look deeper into their history and records and often ask an owner to show me how they are medicating -and i often see the dreaded scruff. I also see "caution" on their vet records-this means kitty is having a horrendous time and fighting back.
 There are autonomic and hyperarousal responses. This isn't something that happens to all animals but i have seen animals that have had repeated vet visits requiring restraining, blood draw, bladder aspirate, anal gland expression often suffer from this. It is further evidenced in labs by an incredibly high glucose.  I knew of clients that took their cats and dogs several times monthly for different things which is just pure neurosis and not caring as the owner believes. High glucose can indicate diabetes but if the glucose can also be a sign of stress, severe stress. To further investigate values - a fructosamine can be evaluated.
Stop rushing your cat to the vet every opportunity you have. Consider a home visit. Your animal often hates office visits. They are violated and restrained. There are necessary visits but rushing your cat to a vet for a runny eye that is chronic and viral is abusive, neurotic and ridiculous.
There is such a thing as medical abuse and it is not in the public consciousness to acknowledge this. Due to Hippocratic oath we trust doctors. However, can we trust their callous training of desensitization?   But the medical paradigm is comparable to as much empathy as the Nazis. Hypocrite is a word to describe medical paradigm's Hippocratic oath.
The toughest clients I have and the most fractious animals that can do some severe damage are the ones constantly handled at the vet's office. The poor cats are in a state of utter terror just from being picked up.
They immediately associate holding or a touch to the neck with the many negative experiences they have had at vet's office. They might immediately urinate from fear and anxiety.Many uneducated people think this is the cat being angry. But, no when an animal or person pisses their pants or poops their pants it is due to sheer terror! We all make associations in our minds, due to past experience- all mammals have memory consciousness. It's called body memory and association and learned response. Unfortunately, trauma is a learned resonse that gets repeated from the slightest stimuli that can be reminiscent of the earlier original trauma. The body responds the same, emotional and psychological responses are the same. This isn't just hypothesis -  this is neurology, the body, the brain, which equals the experience
...
There are ways to lovingly medicate a cat in need  that consists of sitting on floor and having her between legs so that if she backs up she backs up into you. You have to make her feel safe and calm always. You must always be master of your own energy field and know where your pressure/strength of every part of your body is at all times. You must be in control of this and all areas of your body and emotions. If you are stressed your palms will sweat, your heart accelerate and your grip will be rougher and more painful making it all the more tortuous for your cat. Tension in your body = tension and fear for you cat.
If some person or animal touches you lovingly do you relax?
If someone touches you with stern, stressed fingertips and grip how do you respond?

If you ever would have to give your kitty  meds and she runs off and keeps associating it negatively, then coaching of scruffing a cat to restrain will get you nowhere.
 The old school is callous to the animals.

 The  more uncomfortable kitty becomes, the more she will resist.
You have to associate it with positive things like affection and love. You have to feel and be conscious of  how much pressure your hands are applying because hand and finger grips often cause pain. If you meditate you can carry that state with you of a calm peaceful energy that would be best for giving kitty if your kitty is in need of sub-q fluids, meds or assist feeding. No forcing!

If your cat is already resistant, you would need series of sessions to desensitize her resistance to build trust about touch again before you would be able to do it. So it wouldn't be easy on the first few tries, as making a cat unsure and skittish and scared to human touch must be reprogrammed. It would be many handling sessions of building trust always with a positive association.
At a vet hospital we must remember the treatment room has anxiety pheromones, odors of fear , smells of fearfully emitted urine and feces, barking and panting dogs, highly upset cats hissing and growling. Not a good environment! Cats respond to this and this all becomes part of the association of being restrained which consists of scruffing/restraining.being forced/held against their will. Again, for medical such as bladder aspirates and blood draws this is necessary but not at home when you medicate your cat or handle  your feline.
As anyone who has worked with multiple animals know, they witness and observe, if they see an animal in distress another animal will immediately fear you if they are not familiar with you. If they see another animal being treated with kindness and the animal responding with body language of pleasure then the observing animal's trust will be offered much more readily. Imagine how the observing animals in the treatment room of the vet hospital watching other animals go through this.

Our medical system is often based on a very hardcore paradigm that does not take the patient's  feelings, experiences or sensations or psychological wellbeing into account. It's about fast effectiveness.  I am commenting  on handling skills and so called "effectiveness" that needs to be updated with self awareness and consciousness of the biofeedback loop of the handler. So when you read literature on how to scruff to medicate find a more humane article or coach who is trained in handling and is savvy in cat behavior!
The Western medical paradigm treats pathology and is not in the business of wellness and optimal health.  I believe in making it easiest for the cat and for the adoring owner to enhance the relationship.
I have seen cats be ok with an owner scruffing  and forcing pills down their throat in a ridiculous manner but heaven forbid someone else like a petsitter need to do this for a feline that needs meds!
If this cat ever makes it to an animal shelter such as aspca or or animal care and control it will be put down due to  not being able to be handled for veterinarian treatment.
Each cat is unique and likes different types of handling, be an investigator and figure out the key to earning your cat's trust. some have been under handled or as we say under-socialized but there are other options for animals and there are ways of training to trust even if it is just from family members. I have an undersocialized cat that was in a shelter for five months. He came to the shelter at 2.5 months undersocialized. After two months at my house, he started following me around and loved to play fetch with rubber bands. The secret to his cuddling sessions for this cat that was barely handled affectionately or picked up (but forced itrafungol down his throat daily) and scared of humans when at the shelter will cuddle with me if i hold the rubber band in my hand. I have done this many times, several times a week always making it fun for him. He was extremely affectionate  with the rubberband in my lap. We do this often to remind  him and it is a process unfolding but he has now realized that it is actually pleasurable and will seek me out to sit next to me for love sessions. There is a map to follow but a lot must be individualized with animals, just like people.
 Tips for pilling cats:
Use butter, put in a pill pocket treat, follow pill with 1cc of liquid so as not to cause strictures in the throat, find a compounded flavored treat option offered from a pet pharmacy or figure out if there is a form of the meds that can be palatable with food. Medications like tapazole have a skin absorption option. It is called transdermal and is applied to the inner ear flap. It is so easy! Much better than pilling a kitty twice a day for years! Make it easy for you and your cat in the long run!


                                                              

44.000 ADVERSE REACTIONS REPORTED FROM AVANTAGE/REVOLUTION in 2008

That is only the reported stats from 1 year! I have seen animals with burns from the onsite application but didnt report, how about the scores of others that didnt?

Reactions range from skin irritation TO SEIZURE TO DEATH

I once received a 7 out of 10 rating on knowledge from a woman that i warned of the dangers of  spot flea treatments. She thought i wasnt aware of how safe it was as tested by the company or else the product wouldn't be on the market.
In holistic medicine, we dont believe in poisoning our pets by making pesticides pump through their blood.
I told her to read the warning: hazardous to domestic animals and pets. If it is killing the very resilient flea, what exactly are long term ramifications for your pet??
Unfortunately, many animals and kittens and puppies have given their lives dying with painful neurological convulsions being overdosed by this stuff in the name of keeping fleas off of our pets in some nazi-like laboratory of greed and misplaced values.
Fleas feed off of unhealthy pets, flea infestations on a pet indicate a sick or dying or very ill animal. Keep your pet healthy with proper diet and supplements and exercise and you wont see many fleas.
Once in a while treatment is ok.  By why on this green earth would you use a neurotoxin pesticide when it is white with snow and the grass is barren and the cycles of fleas are dormant?
Treat your yard with nemotodes. simple.
If your home is infested, Fleabusters has a natural boric acid salt. It will dehydrate fleas and eggs.
I would keep my animals off of treated areas until vacuuming 24 hours later so they dont lick their pads as common sense goes a long way.

We believe what we are fed on commercials because a multi billion dollar company paid for advertising?
Well, if you wont believe me finally the EPA which i have to say is often slow to catch on and really has a load of inherent problems but has the trust of the public finally announced the dangers of pet flea treatments. Some reading for the skeptics...
in EPA's pesticide question and answer database:

"Increased Scrutiny of Flea and Tick Control Products" 23 June 2009

www.epa.gov/opp00001/health/flea-tick-control.html

Further reading in: Journal of American Veterinary Medicine Association May 15 2009

Poor Litkat was killed, Twiggy/.Snow White might be on her way, the many others...

It is truly devastating, this bright light that makes this horrific world a much sweeter place, becomes a light extinguished by a misdiagnoses or an inability to rehome an animal.
This is all over the world, millions killed in US alone at city shelters.
I am thinking of sweet little Patsy, Princess, Valentine, Blueberry, it is endless. The planet is left with a void of the places they once filled.
Litkat was a 6 year old female dumped by her guardian, blue-grey, a bit overweight, patient and loving.
She had a pouch that almost felt like a fluid pouch after administering sub-q fluids that flopped around her underarm. It felt nothing like cancer, soft and mushy, very gelatinous. She was not put up for adoption for this by the shelter, was declined by SPCA for this and also declined by a bay area rescue. THIS IS FAT DISCRIMINATION FOR CATS. As she wasn't diabetic, didn't have heart issues, but this gushy mass was a probable lipoma. She patiently waited in a cage for 1 month, was never sent to the available rooms but as the shelter tried to see what they could do.  In the end she was killed and placed in the heap of carcasses in a steel barrel in a freezer.
Litkat would run to the front of her tiny cage to shower you with affection and love and although due to the scores of other animals to attend to, i couldnt spent much time with her, she never complained when i shut the cage door but just very acceptingly went back to lie down on her flimsy towel.
People know not what they do. The masses are ignorant to the suffering that they cause. If the owner knew her fate, would she still have dumped her or is the owner under one of the biggest misconceptions in San Francisco that we are a no-kill city? WRONG! SPCA also puts animals to sleep...

Twiggy, whom I call Snow White, a little one year old, Siamese cross, sweeter than cherry pie, makes muffins all day long when you visit her was first thought to have scabies, then an allergy, now a genetic disorder will most likely be offed in two weeks. She has not responded to treatment and it has been several months so they are now considering killing her.
She is warm the touch and itchy quite frequently but never once was the corn fed crap of Purina ever addressed as to how this shit diet exacerbates her issues.
She sheds like snow, which is why i call her Snow White and is believed by SFVS to have a genetic skin disorder that does not allow her to produce skin. She is being pumped with steroids, ivermectin (for what, i dont know) and NOT ONCE has diet, EFA's supplements or nutrition ever been discussed.
I have offered my allergy experience information to Dr Scarlett with no answer. I have also offered vets names that have experience with cases unsolved by the stodgy traditional, callous medical paradigm.
It is yet to be seen if the world will succumb to a dismal shade of depressing grey, a black hole or void, where her bright little spirit shone on the earth. she has two weeks, then they assess killing her.

Cat with Mysteriously Bloody Stools

Hello, my cat Zoey is having blood in her stool for 3 months now. The vet has given her antibiotics, steroids and now she is on a stool softener. Now and then she has a lot of blood in her stool, but it seems to be less since we started her on the stool softener. We just got more of the softener for her for next 3 months . I was wondering what can I be giving her to help her heal inside. I know that the aloe vera is a very good soother for the digestive system for people, but can I give it to a cat?     Danuta

Answer

:

Hi Danuta! Before I could recommend anything I would need to know what diagnostics were run on your kitty. Also, was a fecal sample sent 'out' to a lab? Vets offices often miss giardia or certain parasites which shows up sometimes as bloody stool. In some parts of the country this would cost upwards of $140 so you would know if it was in house or sent out to a lab for analysis. Does your vet think this is irritable bowel, colitis? idiopathic? Are there other symtpoms? Sounds like if stool softener is making it better, she is constipated? If she is constipated I would add canned pumpkin to her diet 1-2 tsp twice daily. This can also be put in a syringe with flax seed oil. What color is the blood? Is it bright red? Does it have mucous? Is she straining so hard that it could be broken blood vessels? I would need all this to determine how to better assist you. Blood in feline stool could be a whole host of different things. Aloe vera is listed as toxic to pets, however acemannan which is a compound found in aloe vera has been used for viral issues, t-lymphocytes and interferon building. This has shown very promising for FIP, FELV and FIV. Aloe can also be a digestive tract irritant and laxative and some health food brands will filter out this irritant but i would air on the side of caution at the moment since we dont have enough information and not give to her at the moment. If you buy aloe juice with anthraquinone filtered out this will take out the laxative effect of aloe and this could be ok. It is much more expensive form of aloe, and tastes like spring water. Very often food allergy shows up as blood in stool as well. The ingredient(s)she might be allergic to could be causing irritation along her digestive tract. My suspicion has to do with diet, what brands are you feeding? Many commercial brands such as fancy feast have a lot of irritants and could cause a whole host of problems with the digestive tract that could lead to irritable bowels. Does she ever have diarrhea? Vomit? What is the stool like? Runny? Your vet clearly does not use holistic medicine as he is masking issue with steroids. A natural home prepared diet free of pesticides, chemical additives, herbicides specifically prepared for feline needs with protein, taurine, bone meal, calcium  and organic ingredients is best to eliminate and heal digestive issues. Once I know what you are feeding, and if she is constipated, is there mucous in stool, is blood intermittent, what diagnostics were run, what does the blood look like? what the diagnosis is and what other symptoms i might be able to be of better assistance to you within reason as email has its limitations. But I might be able to recommend books and help direct you in research, supplements and dietary issues. I would also add a good expensive, healthy yogurt to her diet with plenty of healthful bacteria. A good probiotic product made for humans works too! Did she respond to the steroid at all? Does she have any other issues? Itchy skin? Shanti

STOP RIGHTS OF PASSAGE PILOT WHALE SLAUGHTER BY DENMARK'S YOUTH

I do not like the pharmaceutical industry but to live in this world of machismo and barbarianism one must contemplate a life meditating in the Himalayas  or anti-depressants and sleep aids to live to fight another day to protect against the most evil of all - mankind...

To become a man in Denmark, you must slaughter hundreds of pilot whales in a group ceremony and fill the seas with blood. lovely message to teach our youth...
http://getactive.PETA.org/campaign/faroe_islands_whaleshttp://getactive.PETA.org/campaign/faroe_islands_whales

PLEASE SUPORT HR 5092, WTF is up with supreme court removing ban on animal torture videos??

ok, i have just about had it with the bs regression of this sociopathic race and the damn ramifications animals have suffered from our most callous, and despicably horrendous hands...
Monday's Supreme Court ruling has me sick to my very gut. They lifted 1999 ban that prohibits 'crush videos' which is fodder for the sickest of sexual deviants who take pleasure in watching torture of animals.
i am thoroughly ashamed to be part of the human race. WTF???
Please support HR5092 as a countermeasure to stop this sick trafficking of animal torture videos.
please sign this...
https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4555&pagename=homepage

The ABYSMAL COMMERCIAL PET FOOD INDUSTRY & the EVILS of SCIENCE DIET, FRISKIES, ALPO, PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, PURINA ETC...

Let’s face it, upon examining the horrific ingredients used in actual product for commercial pet food we discover we have been grossly misinformed and blindly led like sheep to slaughter with our domestic pets being the sacrifice. Fillers, binders, MSG, dyes, chemical additives, and preservatives. Over two decades ago, Prevention magazine published an article where do the millions of dog and cat carcasses at city shelters end up? You got it - in Buddy's dinner.
The other meat processed is not fit for human consumption - take a look at our horrendous factory farms and monumental suffering of livestock confined in a space of their own shit. The tumors and diseased parts of these animals along with ligaments and parts humans do not consume end up in your pet's dinner.

The marketing of poor quality diet we are inundated with advertising such as Purina, Friskies, Alpo, Pedigree we are being blindly driven to believe is “nutritionally adequate” is a gross deception of corporate greed.
Some vets and I have worked for a few will absolutely inform you of the terrible product, but with a healthy diet you will have a healthy pet and our local veterinarians will be out of business.

Consider this, veterinary school requires one nutrition class in the four years of study. This course covers livestock, horses, rabbits, rodents, small animals, our winged friends, and your basic feline and canine. Would we put our trust in having these individuals recommend diet for our animals if there is inadequate training in nutrition?

Now also consider, foods such as Science Diet has a commission given for each product sold. Read the ingredients and decide if you think these are nutritionally superior?
Chicken liver flavor, corn meal, corn gluten, chicken by product meal preserved with BHT, BHA and Ethoxyquin.

We are somehow led to believe dry high glycemic index diets with garbage bulk and fiber will make our overweight pets leaner.
Inadequate diet and lack of exercise is what is making our pets obese. We are not feeding them adequate nutrition. This makes them hungry they are trying to find the nutrition and minerals they are lacking so this leads to constant hunger. Inadequate nutrition leads to lethargy and inactivity because common sense tells you the body is not provided with the adequate reserves for energy to basically be created. I have seen twenty recent labs at the animal shelter all with mild or moderate anemia. Red blood cells of our felines are not surviving on this crappy diet.

And do we really believe dry food is better for our pets because the vet says it keeps dental tartar to a minimum? Give your dog bone, that will keep tartar to a minimum.
Dry food is comparable to desiccated camping food. Could you exist on a diet like this for 15 years twice a day? Clearly not, you will develop nutritional deficiencies which will clearly show in your complexion like it shows in our canine’s coats and itchy skin. High glycemic index diets keeps us hungry by spiking our insulin and blood sugar levels. The more insulin raised in the body the more this leads to a pro-inflammatory state in the body and higher level C reactive protein or CRP. CRP has been linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia and also depression in clinical studies. When our blood sugar increases it also promotes a free radical oxidative process in the body. Free radicals can incite inflammation, (think arthritis) damage DNA and could cause cancer. This is one side of dry food’s detriment whether a superior brand or local supermarket chain garbage.

When considering dry food, although extremely convenient, and this being a poor example think of the difference in the glycemic index of eating fresh apricots compared to a diet of dried apricots. Sugar spike of which choice?

Consider who owns these pet food companies and make your decisions, Colgate Palmolive, Nestle and Proctor and Gamble to name a few. Colgate stock went through the roof many years ago, when Chairman of the company had a dentist promoting Colgate toothpaste in advertising. They now have veterinarians promoting their petfood.

The mostly unregulated pet food industry in 2006 grossed 12 billion annually and had export with one billion.
Profit is motive here.
And these are the individuals we are not skeptically questioning about our beloved Fido and Fluffy?
The brands that put there money into product and not advertising are the ones to consider feeding your beloved pets.
I will make a future commentary on Raw vs Cooked for out Pets. Lets think and explore, not just jump on the "holistic bandwagon." Are crowded factory farmed animals standing in shit, slaughterhouses and rendering markets meant to process food for raw consumption? Is this diet really close to "their ancestors diet"? umm, clearly blood, life force and the kill itself is missing amongst other things to be discussed. Are the ancestors of canines and felines the same animal as our blanket indulged house pet?
Is it not a blanket statement and very ignorant to assume each constitution will benefit from raw?
Think of people's digestive systems, some thrive on a raw diet of veggies, other not so much. Which animals would benefit from raw and which will benefit from cooked?
Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats is a good read for some more info.

Holistic Approach to Ringworm

QUESTION: Hello,
I have a 2 month old persian kitten. Yesterday she was diagnosed with ringworm and cat flu. As per Vet's advice we have shaved her completely and are giving her medicines. Vet also advised us to keep her in small area like toilet which is easy to clean. We tried to keep her in bathroom but she was meowing and crying so we had to give up. Yesterday we kept her out of our bedroom but she was crying and meowing alot. I understand that she is not well and needs me near her but I dont want ringworm. Please advise..

ANSWER: Hello,

Would you please tell me how the vet diagnosed it? Did he use a woods lamp or do a DTM culture? The woods lamp has 40% accuracy and glows for things other than ringworm. The DTM culture takes up to two weeks. and is the only definitive diagnosis. Are you using a topical? Just avoid touching the area where she has it.

Please dont panic, many kittens get upper respiratory infection and due to not having a very strong immune system also ringworm. It is a self limiting fungus that is highly contagious. I have treated it with apple cider vinegar applications applies directly to avoid further break down of the kitty's immune system. It's not that big of a deal, the only thing is its contagious. Some people get it, some don't.
Some are immune to ringworm. There are ringworm spores that become ambient so a good cleaning is required. Toni's Kitty Rescue ran a ringworm ward in San Francisco and there were many volunteers. We wore gloves and protective gear. Wash with soap and water thoroughly after handling and out clothes in hot wash cycle. You can wear latex gloves when handling her as well,if you like as well. But try not to panic.
If you decide to keep her in bathroom, you are going to have to try to be strong and leave her in there. She will of course cry and meow if she is lonely. Every time she cries and you open the door she is getting the understanding that crying opens the door and you appear. It is only for a short time.
Try keeping an outer layer of protective clothes/gown/robe in there so that every time you enter you put them over the clothes you have and remove afterward. Keep lots of toys to entertain her and fluffy stuffed animals in there for her that you can discard or put in hot laundry cycle later.
Ringworm has spores and is ambient but all that would happen would be a circular fungal rash.
I would add collostrum found at your health food store to her diet to help build her immune system. You can open capsules and put powder over the food. I would also do the same with Probiotics because I imagine the vet has given you antibiotics.
What did he give you to treat the ringworm? There are very liver toxic drugs that vets use. She has a cold so I would not recommend the lime sulphur dips at this point.
Again, i was able to get rid of it with one cat with topical apple cider vinegar compresses applied directly to areas affected, I also gave immune building food and supplements.
Apple cider vinegar is an ANTI-FUNGAL and contrary to what some think it is ALKALINE. It will not burn kitty's skin.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello,

Thanks for the quick reply. Vet checked her with UV light and detected 3 areas where she has ringworm. Vet gave us following medicines for her.

For ringworm
-itrafungol (oral 0.25 twice a day)
-Miconaz cream (apply twice a day)
-Medicated shampoo (use every 3rd day)

For URI
- Alfasan Eye Ointment (twice a day for her eyes)
- Antiboitic oral
Also I am cleaning the area around her everday and washing the clothes she is using everyday in hot water and Dettol.
For my protection, I am holding her with the cloth only and talking bath with dettol once daily. Currently, I am feeding her Royal Canin's Babycat Instictive 10 and Lara fitness's biscuits (soften in hot water).
Please advise if I have to do anything extra to protect her.

Thanks,
Hemali

Answer: Hi Hemali!

Thank you for all the details! You are a very caring person and your kitty is very lucky!
One thing i would recommend is ask for a DTM culture to confirm if it is indeed ringworm. That lamp only has a 40% accuracy rate. The ears are a pretty common place for it though.

I also do not like itrafungol, I am not a vet but it is so extremely TOXIC and potentially damaging to the kitty's liver. I wouldn't use it ever. Ringworm is not life threatening, why treat it with life endangering drugs? It also may NOT work on the ringworm. It is way too risky. Consider stopping or finding a holistic vet.

Are you washing every third day? Be careful as she is sick already, you dont want her to get pneumonia. Every three days is a lot. Keep her warm and dry immediately after shampoo. If you are comfortable with washing and drying quickly, i recommend a lime/sulpur dip, its stinky but not toxic. It will also temporarily yellow her fur. But I would be extremely careful with a sick cat or a cold climate or drafty home.
Use probiotics on her foods, add collostrum, brewer's yeast, lecithin and cod liver oil and if you are interested in cooking for her to help her immune system I would suggest reading
Dr Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.
There are great recipes in there and proper dosages for all the supplements I suggested.
I am not a huge fan of Royal Canin I think there are much better formulas. If you need to feed commercial brands then here are a few names: Avoderm, Wellness, BFF, Petguard, Wysong, Instinct. I am not sure who supplies to your country, but they are not loaded with byproducts and fillers. I would also look online for these names. Some cats thrive on raw and each cat is specific. If we were to determine with Chinese medicine principles that she is excellent for raw food, then Primal is a good brand, but I cannot determine this without complete intake.

If it were me I would use alkaline apple cider vinegar (its an antifungal) topical 2-3x's daily compresses with q-tips or cotton pads. I would use lime/sulphur dip once every 5-7days. And give her the supplements I mentioned. Again, I am not a vet, but i would never compromise a cat's already stressed growing immune system with toxic potentially lethal, liver damaging drugs.
If she is excessive with green or yellow mucous then antibiotics will help. if it is a virus they are useless. Antibiotics are so overused and i do not agree with how often they are administered, however, kittens can decline very rapidly with upper respiratory infection. Please make sure she is eating. Make sure to keep an eye on her activity level as well. Please monitor her very closely especially if you continue Itrafungol - if lethargy starts, or she stops eating, or she starts to develop yellow skin noticeable around her ears, she needs urgent care. I would highly recommend you stop Itrafungol immediately.
Please feel free to keep me updated on her progress.


Best of luck,
Shanti

It Takes a Community of Unsung Heroes to get a Stray Cat Home....

I pulled my car into Potrero Hill Center in San Francisco, to make a bank deposit and noticed a man and a woman sitting in the baking sun, eating lunch with an Animal Care and Control (ACC) cardboard adoption crate on the sidewalk next to them.

Unable to peek into the concealed box, I immediately, pondered approaching the couple. I wanted to inquire if there was a cat or rabbit in the concealed take home crate. My concern being -it was an awfully warm April for an animal to be placed in direct sunlight for an unknown time.

I decided to make my deposit and if the individuals were still present after of my errand, I’d softly inquire.

Several minutes later I did investigate, the box was vacant, and a very friendly, attractive brunette, Dana and her Latino neighbor Jose, both self proclaimed good Samaritans, were on their way to ACC to redeem a cat for their neighbor. They asked me if I knew of the charges and asked if they thought they could be waived, as it wasn’t their cat and they were attempting to be outstanding citizens and neighbors, but both were painfully broke to pay any redemption fees.

I asked what was happening with the cat's guardian. I was told - Esmerelda, a Mexican born native, who did not speak a lick of English was unfortunately preparing for her husband’s impending demise as his life was seized by a brain tumor. His survival was uncertain, but prognosis was not good.

I mentioned the kitty would be in room 208, the "holding zone" for felines. Cats enter the system as stray or abandoned and are held until their fate is determined. Formerly, this legal period of time was 5 days under the Hayden bill, which was then shortened to 3, only to become obsolete in the past few weeks.
However, even with debilitating budget cuts and the escalating, superfluous amount of animals callously discarded by the public, the shelter still valiantly upholds a five day policy. Animals are also 'discarded' by the public due to the economy’s downfall and numerous foreclosures, death of a guardian, individuals trapping feral cats or trapping the poor gallivanting indoor/outdoor cat, there is also the well-intentioned (but ill advised) individual that takes a kitty that appeared in his yard to the pound, (common sense says the cat would of jumped the fence to go back home), or in one horrendous case two cats seized by PD due to arrest of a child pornographer. Recently, the SFPD made an unforgivable idiotic mistake, they brought unspayed and unneutered cats to their warehouse storage site near the Naval Shipyard of SF, building 606, to control the mice population only to have them breed and subsequently seized by ACC to be evaluated and put on the "unadoptable list" all except for one black kitten. I think employing felines for their natural instincts as a green method to keep the mice at bay is a wonderful idea but DO NOT DISCARD THEM AFTER YOU HAVE NO USE FOR THEM, and ABSOLUTELY HAVE THEM ALTERED BEFORE THEIR EMPLOYMENT.

The numbers of lives that come through ACC are endless. ACC has a large pool of misunderstood animal loving folks needing to follow a very paranoid bureaucratic structure very concerned with liability. There are bleeding hearts and not so bleeding hearts that make up this shelter world.

About 40 minutes after meeting Dana, I proceeded to 'Orange Card' the “owner surrendered animals” in 208 for a unique group of volunteers to socialize. The 'orange volunteer program helps socialize felines, alleviate kitty anxieties, and get them ready for their behavior test that will deem them “adoptable” or not adoptable.

Shortly thereafter, Dana entered 208 escorted by animal care attendant, Joy. She pointed out Tito, - a big, proud, slightly boisterous looking black and white tom that meowed to us. He teemed with anticipation as she told me the front desk would not allow her to take the kitty home because she was not the registered guardian. Fees to redeem him were at a whopping $180 at the three day mark.

Dana departed mentioning that this was Tito's second impound which escalated the redemption fees. It’s $25 daily, plus vaccinations, plus who knows what.Each day, the fee gets higher.

Apparently, another neighbor ignorantly assumed they were accomplishing a good deed by scooping up Tito and driving him to the pound I could only conclude had an ongoing spat or probably witnessed a neglected cat. My opinion is this person’s efforts is frankly impulsively ‘dumb’ and clearly has not addressed ramifications. Risk a cat’s life to prove a point? Take the cat and feed him yourself or give them the affection they crave. I thought how awful and self centered as a man lay dying to take away the cat to to an unknown future. Ok, I understand if the concern is for the welfare of the cat as I would put my life on the line for a feline any day and maybe not for a human, but truth be told, Tito is not any better off a cat for his dismal days in confinement.

I followed Dana out and gave her my number and told if by chance he couldn’t be redeemed I would see if I could help.

Brainstorming with Toni from Toni’s kitty Rescue and speaking to orange volunteer and cat advocate Karen, who agreed to split the bill if we had to, Toni suggested consulting Mary Ann from Feral/Fix to see if she could be of assistance.

Days past, and little Tito was a bit grumpy, an occasional hiss, an attempt to swat, he desperately wanted out. Surrounded by so many other cats made him edgy, and he was showing a propensity for overstimulation.

I thought due to this being Tito’s second impound perhaps this indicated irresponsibility of the owners, and due to my overwhelming schedule questioned how deeply would I want to get involved. I had a client schedule, new living arrangements in the mix, and a host of life’s duties waiting to be tackled. There were literally scores of other cases I was following and concerned with at the shelter in the last month alone, hundreds in the last two months, how much time and energy can be allotted to each cat is never a matter of choice but I try to be smart with my time... I had a room of custody cats of which I was still the only volunteer approved to actively spend time with. These animals are lonely beasts. For 9 years, the custody cats and I have been allotted less than a handful of months from another volunteer to help keep the animals from deteriorating as their confinement days are two lonely weeks of longer.

Anecdotes of the lives of felines and small and exotic animals from the "custody cases room" to come later... castro lovers' bloody murder and suicide with four surviving pets, PG&E workers fornicating with chickens on Van Ness ave, drug dealers being evicted, disenfranchised serving lock down time, to the death of lonely elderly persons living in SRO's (single residence occupancy) in the seedy Tenderloin, to the current child pornographer to name a handful of cases end up in the custody room....

I speculated Tito's behavior exam, and imagine him being declined as "adoptable" by both ACC and SPCA. As a gentle, cat savvy person not trying to provoke him, what behavior would he indeed exhibit for his aggression-provoking-behavior test? For sure, I anticipated him on the euthanasia list. I thought does Give Me Shelter, the local cat rescue really need another cat to save? ummm.. No.

I phoned Dana and told her of my concerns, and said I will try to help.

Karen, a very beautiful and skilled cat handler (I never use the word “cat handler” as most people I feel do not have very good feline skills but Karen is a cat handler) elected to talk to the deputy director, Kat, about Titos’ plight. I remained in the background, as I am familiar with the endless pitfalls of getting involved with public cases. I know of enough failed cases. Sometimes it does not work to an animal’s benefit to return them home, and I decided to linger in the background until I was summoned.

Toni from Toni's Kitty Rescue, Karen, an "orange program volunteer," Kat , the deputy director of ACC, Deb, the volunteer coordinator, and Vicky all consulted.They graciously agreed to waive fees and send poor Tito home to this grieving woman, and family that was about to lose one of their most treasured members. Jose was consulted and agreed to pick Tito up that afternoon... But … he didn’t. All of the neighbors agreed to help Tito, which was a glorious thing and I wondered about the unintentional malicious neighbor who surrendered Tito as a stray to an uncertain future and the subsequent remorse, as Tito’s human dad awaited the visit of the Grim Reaper.

We waited... and waited. Gregarious Tito’s behavior seemed to be showing more frustration as he was used to roaming the outdoors, visiting neighbors. The little guy attempted to reign in a very big personality inside a 2x3 stainless steel cage, but that was proving too difficult a task.

Several days later, Tito still remained at ACC. Later that afternoon, I received a text message from neighbor Dana, stating Esmerelda and her daughter attempted to redeem him, but the front desk staff would not release frustrated Tito. Upon many, subsequent phone calls and further investigation, we learned grieving, Spanish-tongued, Esmerelda did not have his identification number to redeem him. What I gather is- she went to the municipal shelter assuming everyone knew her plight and were ready to return her long awaited feline. Esmerelda patiently sat in the waiting room for two hours awaiting an employee that was not even scheduled to work that day. Noone knew why she was there.

Kat did not believe the story as there were no documentations which must be done by staff concerning an animal. I further inquired. Bottom line is Esmerelda is not from this country, she has never been informed of the bureaucratic happenings and protocols that are strictly adhered to. It was a failed attempt but she did attempt.

I consulted with Toni, emailed Deb and Vicky, phoned Karen, and left message for Kat. I wondered with all the 3^rd party communication and language barrier how much information was Esmerelda really getting? Dana and I texted. Karen offered to drive Tito home.

The next morning I turned my sometimes dreaded, but modern day necessity cellphone on to find a text message from Dana

saying Esmerelda and her daughter are attempting yet again to redeem Tito.

Attempt #3 sigh...

Shelter doors were closed, public hours start at 11am for animal redemption. Christ, I thought, I completely understand how it would be overlooked as most government run facilities are open 9am.

Again, massive calls, texts, communications to Karen, Toni, front desk staff,Deb Vicky and Kat. I text messaged Dana saying please have her call acc , as kennels opened 11am. My heart sank, as this is the story of one stray kitty trying to find his way home and the endless mistakes, pitfalls, attempts, failed attempts, of humans and human behavior, protocols, fees, and despite dedicated commitment of several people circumstance was prohibiting returning an animal to his home.

Perhaps, at this point as it was sure that the husband lay on his deathbed I wondered, would the preoccupied family throw in the towel? Would Tito be one the endless statistics of another cat to be placed in a rescue if he was lucky, and/or sent to kitty heaven to control the overpopulation issue??

How frustrating for all of us, yet so gracious of the Animal Control employees to make an exception in a very specific case when a family was really in a time of need left me with mixed and conflicting emotions.

How much time does one spend correcting the mistakes and carelessness of others? The good intentioned folks that ignorantly do painful acts that cause many others harm. Currently, we were all suffering for these people and racked with anguish for Tito .

I was never sure if he came from a good home, but what kind of person impounds an animal to a potential euthanasia from a neighbor’s home if there is serious illness in the family? Difficult to comment, because I also had some reservations not knowing the full circumstances of his home environment.

I felt my common disillusionment for humanity, yet also witnessed the very loving spirits of some dedicated people including myself who never met a woman, or her family, yet went to bat for her and were making it possible to get a kitty back home. My frustration was monumental. It is amazing how many factors and variables can effect and bear weight on a situation that in reality should be so simple.

I ruminated... does it take more than a community of people to correct a mishap? to get a cat home?...This is one story and there are millions of others, millions in the US alone annually.

Two hours later, my cellphone chimed, it was a text message from Dana,“You will be happy to know Tito is home, Thank you for all of your help!”

I phoned Karen, we were both relieved, one more cat saved, the rest to go….

Kitty Gets "aggressive" with Company

I have a very dominant male cat. It is so bad that anytime I have people over he is aggressive with them. For example I had my dad over recently. While my dad was seated, the cat was fine. But when my dad stood up, the cat ran at him and hissed. How can I help my cat behave better?

Answer:

Hi Anna, I am not seeing this as dominant but rather the kitty is uncomfortable and fearful. What is he doing other than hissing? Did he come to you as an undersocialized cat? or kitten? did he have exposure to people when he was growing or when he first came to your home? This could all effect how he behaves in unfamiliar territory. Generally, I see the kitty take off if not acclimated so this raises many questions for me as to his behavior, some of which i will ask... How long have you had him? Is this a new behavior? Was he exposed to people coming over when he was a younger cat? Do you know his history? Is he ordinarily a good cat outside of this issue? Has he been checked for any medical issues? I would have a good kind holistic vet do a home visit and rule this out. If it is not medical i would begin a ginger process of desensitizing and acclimating him to unfamiliar stimuli. DO NOT punish him because you will make his behavior worse. Keep him separate from company but in a place where he can safely observe. (behind a glass door or window or something) Do you notice if this is just directed towards males or both males and females? Only adults? kids? Have you diverted/discouraged the behavior and nipped the stalking posture the moment you saw it ORIGINATE? Until he is assured keep him in his "safe place" where he can witness but not be with company. When after many times he is settled and comfortable while watching company from another safe area ...and when company is occupied and if he is relaxed enough (which will be shown by if he does indeed play) you can wave a wand toy or string to keep him focused on something else and to build positive association with company. Good things happen when company comes, he gets treats and gets played with by you. Eventually, you build the understanding, that company is safe to be around and he relaxes. The next two paragraphs are cut and paste from vet.cornell edu on fear aggression in felines: ******My ordinarily nice cat gets very agitated whenever anyone new comes into the house; she has even attacked some visitors. These are signs of fear aggression a defensive behavior toward unfamiliar stimuli, like people, animals, and noises. Unpleasant experiences, like a trip to the veterinarian's office, may also trigger fear aggression. A cat displaying this sort of aggression hisses, bares her teeth, and crouches low with her tail and legs tucked under her body. Her ears are flat against her head, her pupils are dilated, and her fur stands on end. The management of this problem involves identification and, if possible, avoidance of fear-eliciting stimuli. You can attempt a gradual desensitization program, in which your cat is exposed to such stimuli a safe distance away for short periods of time, then rewarded with food treats for non-aggressive behavior. For example, if your cat has a fear of men, a man might stand at a distance that does not trigger aggressive behavior in your cat. Your cat gets a treat for her calm demeanor. With each session, the man moves closer, and gradually, the cat learns to associate the man's presence with a tasty treat*********** Back to my words.... I would recommend trying this and be gentle with him it is fearful behavior, not dominant behavior. On a side note with a cat that was aggressive: I once had a client that couldn't understand why her cat would growl when anyone got close, but I quickly learned he was pretty awfully treated by her very young brother as a young cat who would corner the cat and hit him continually on the head with a wand toy and newspaper and not let the cat escape. If the cat did escape the teenager would chase him and pull him out of his hiding place. It was really disturbing among other things he did. This would be a different reason as to why he later became "aggressive." I hope this information helps you and good luck with the process. Shanti

Doberman Skin Issues

Doberman skin issues
Question:	My female is 6 years old and has always been a bit nervous. I have gone through a divorce and we (the dogs and I) are staying with a friend while I look for a house. I know that stress is a big factor for my female... when I was married I wasn't working and was home most of the time with the dogs. I have had to go to work full time and they spend a lot of time alone in the house. I don't have children, and the dogs are my life and my babies. Unfortunately my financial situation has changed and stress has increased. She has a lick granuloma that is a new thing since my divorce. I have been putting wet green tea bags on it in the morning with a wrap and again in the eve. She is really good with that and it seems to have reduced in size. I also give them the drops of Rescue Remedy in their water and I massage it into their ears in the morning and at night. My mom gave me some liquid Bentonite and I alternate putting that on a cotton ball (and make a poltice) with the green tea bags. I feel like it looks better and is less inflamed. She seems to be leaving it alone more....although I don't know what she does during the day. I feel guilty because I feel like the stress of a new place and a new situation is causing them stress. Thank you, Stacy
Answer:	Hi Stacy! Thank you for caring for you dobermans so much. You are clearly very astute and tuned into your dogs. And i am sorry to hear for you loss :( I understand the female is nervous. Has it been established that there is no arthritis, or fungus, demodex, nerve issue under the granuloma site? Great job on using green tea bags. It could absolutely be of psychogenic origins and the change in her pack status and new home. My question for you is how much is she/are they getting cardiovascular exercise? I dont mean in the yard or walks. I mean open field, off leash beach or park where they RUN RUN RUN and play and chase each other or a ball daily? I dont know the leash laws in your area but it will help her dramatically it will drain all the nervous energy, rain, or shine. Even in snow, just protect their paws and give them a sweater. A beach is great that allows dogs or a park provided your male isnt allergic to grass. The neurosis that goes into chewing will have an outlet to drain, this should be every day for at least 1 full hour on top of her little nightly dog walk. Great using the green tea bags, I might also split open vitamin e capsules to help assist with healing. Is it infected? then a daily wash with a betadyne solution. How long is she alone? and is she crated when you are not home? This can all contribute to lick granulomas. But if it is either of these, and/or the grieving of the loss of your spouse and absolutely not a medical issue then fresh air sunshine, play socialization with other dogs, ocean breezes or trees and earth (if you arent near an ocean) with cardio, heart pumping, blood pumping exercise will help. If for some reason leash laws are tough take up running with them it will help clear your mind and might help heal some of your anxieties as well! Can you get a responsible dog walker that will take them out with a well behaved pack to the beach or park daily if you have a 10 hour day? Its worth the expense, and the person must make sure they are getting cardiovascular exercise, always under supervision and have complete command of the packp. So get someone who has training in dog behavior if you can. Shanti

Introduction: Agent ProvaCATeur's DOGged Determination, What this Blog is About

I think the public is grossly misinformed on pet care from "no kill" shelters, to the corporate monopoly of disease causing, unhealthy petfood industry, to the archaic principles of veterinary medicine. This is not a criticism of the many caring, loving veterinarians that adore animals and do their best, but rather the
aspect of the blog is rather a commentary on the medical paradigm that is so unbelievably frustrating and futile for overall health care.
Our traditional veterinary model is based on this allopathic model mimicking our Cartesian health care system which is a monopoly giant of corporate greed and seeks its validation from torturing innocent lives in laboratory research. Hmmm, go figure...
"Clearly a medicine based on the torture of innocent lives is clearly a medicine that does not heal." my quote...
The United States medical model ranks #1 in emergency care, and a lousy #37 for chronic disease. ABYSMAL! Good news if your animal is in an accident, (not really) dreadful news if you are dealing with the common ailments of canines and felines of which I truly believe is brought on my another gross monopoly of greed - the commercial pet food business. This blogspot will address the commercial pet food industry as well. PARADIGMS OF NEGLECT, CORPORATE GREED AND DOMINION.
I have had the pleasure of working for/with/under or in affiliation with some GIANTS in the vet field. Pioneers of medicine with the traditional training but with the brilliance to fit the whole picture of each individual case and treat on a case by case basis with an arsenal of skills from homeopathy, natural diet to Chinese Medicine.
Not the classic steroid and antibiotic route for 'diseases of the epidermis' approach (yawn and outlandish!) Let's just suppress the immune system (yes makes sense to a certain degree if allergic response) to subject your animal to greater health risks to alleviate some bumps for six weeks. Blasphemy!
I have spent two decades in animal employment from private business to working vet hospitals to internships in holistic medicine for animals to animal rights to graduate studies in holistic medicine and psychology. I trained in Shamanic studies, monastic and ashram studies. I have traveled to the Himalayas on pilgrimage to seek advice from Tibetan refugees and Lamas on how to console animals inevitably slated for euthansia that I cannot save (although i never stop trying) to tattooing Tibetan and Sanskrit scripts resurrected and reorganized as prayers to LIBERATE ALL ANIMALS FROM SUFFERING. I have lived a life of endless self cultivation and this helps me communicate with the animals ever more succinctly and to tune into their deeper inner selves often missed by the untrained eye.
I volunteered 10 years of my life at the local San Francisco Animal Care and Control of which many of these stories will come.
There are thousands of unique, heartwrenching, unforgettable stories that come from there. Some have a happy ending, others not so happy. There is a pool of UNSUNG HEROES of which you will hear about, both volunteers and employees.
The volunteers are many of the Unsung Heroes. Without the efforts of the dedicated volunteers many animals would be put to death. I am an unsung hero, i always have been, i have always been anti-establishment but I learn my facts, i empathize with all parties, mindsets and truly seek to understand all sides, and then I continue my vision and sole purpose for being on this planet of joys and sorrows.

I dedicate countless hours seven days a week, via at home with email and calls to three days weekly at the animal with no compensation, no acknowledgment, not much gratitude, but with the deep seated satisfaction that comes from knowing I saved the life of a feline or I comforted them in their tremendous anxiety and in their final hours, I was one of the last persons to cuddle them, kiss them, cry in their fur and offer them a
tasty meal.
I will share stories such as :
After busting my ass on a little neurological, behavior dog with raging itching and miliary dermatitis I conclude after countless hours, and hundreds if not thousands of dollars saved from veterinary bills, I solve the problem. I have the overall vision of a hawk, the aggressive determination of a badger and the gentleness of a deer when I work with a client's pet. I assess medical history, current environment, constitution, vaccine history, diet, capabilities of guardian, propensities of the breed, exercise allowance, and every single clue of minutia in that animal's life to come up with a health plan specifically tailored to all the idiosyncratic issues of that animal's life.
And yes, I will solve that skin problem or that behavior issue. I am tactful to a point, but also blatantly and sometimes brutally honest enough to alert owner to their part in exacerbating, if not creating the problem.

The suffering at the animal shelters endured by sensitive souls feels such as myself does feel inconsolable at times, but I know that is self centered to be absorbed in what the Buddha would say is my own "mind stuff," because the suffering of these animals is greater than mine. So I push through, because every waking breath is to help them as best as I can. I weep for the sorrows of the world, get overwhelmed, fall down then pick myself up to live to help another day.
At times, I feel like Sisyphus, with each step fighting bureaucracy, ignorance and endless obstacles, and I do lose hope yet I must push through with DOGged determination so not one life has been forgotten or lived in vain.

The purpose of this blogpsot is to :
1)educate you on your options about pet care
2) inform you of the monumental, unceasing efforts to save the lives of many animals callously discarded by society and how this must be navigated in a world of bureaucracy.
3) educate on the evils of monopoly from pet food to medicine and how it seeks to become the downfall of our beloved pets

My website is: www.thenatureofthebeast.org
I consult for www.allexperts.com for feline behavior and holistic medicine for animals

Cat Leaves Poop Trails...

	Male cat leaving trails of poop all over house
Question:	QUESTION: My 8 month old male cat has been leaving little trails of poop all over my house for the last month. I have to clean up after him at least 6-7 times a day. He does it on the carpet, vynol floor, on the counter, and right outside the litter box. But he does poop in the box. It's almost like he's having "wet farts". I've spend lots of money on carpet cleaner and 409. I bought special cleaner that said it would help him from pooping in the same spot twice, but so far that hasn't worked. I've taken him to the vet and they gave him medicine. he was fine the week he was on the medicine and the week after but then went back to leaving the trails. the stool is really loose. I've tried changing his food and I'm constantly cleaning his box out. I'm at my wits end! Do you have any advice? I really don't know what to do! Thanks! ANSWER: Hi Erica, First and foremost i must ask in a situation like this is did your vet do a fecal? Was it checked for coccidia? Did your vet do a giardia snap? What was the diagnosis? If not, find a more astute vet that will do fecal and giardia snap. Perhaps one dose did not get rid of the oocycsts and did not eliminate the problem. So further treatment would be required. Is this an indoor/outdoor kitten? Is it multiple animal home? What were the meds he was on? From the preliminary sounds of your email this does not sound behavioral but health related esp with the loose stool. Intestinal parasites are very common and nothing to be alarmed about. It could be easily solved but i need more information. Please let me know diagnoses and meds administered? Shanti ---------- FOLLOW-UP ---------- QUESTION: Hi Shanti, Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! Here are the answers to your questions: First and foremost i must ask in a situation like this is did your vet do a fecal? Yes he did. Was it checked for coccidia? Yes he was. And they did find that my cat had coccidia. Did your vet do a giardia snap? I looked at the vet records and this was not on there. So I'm going to say no. What was the diagnosis? My vet said that Brutus did have coccidia and they put him on 2 medicines plus a special food for his G.I. Track. Is this an indoor/outdoor kitten? Brutus is a strictly indoor cat. And very spoiled might I add. :-) Is it multiple animal home? Yes. We had a female kitten before we got him. We got him so our first cat would have someone to play with and keep her company when we were at work. What were the meds he was on? He was on Albon Oral Susp. 250 MG/5 ML, Carafate Suspension LG/10 ML, and Forti Flora packets for his food as well. I gave him 1 CC of the Carafate an hour before I gave him his other medicine (Albon-once daily 1 1/2 cc) and his food, which had the Forti Flora on it. (He ate twice a day. I had always let him eat whenever he wanted to before he was on the medicine and I went back to doing that when he was out of the medicine) I hope I gave you the information you needed. I hope it helps!
Answer:	Hi Erica, Being that there are two cats, they might both need to be treated. They could be passing the coccidia between themselves. It sounds as if it was not gotten rid of completely. Check her stool too. Both stool samples less than two hours old if possible should be checked again. It is also possible that perhaps due to stress or not having an immune system that is super strong it could be isolated to just Brutus. Did you mention to your vet that there is another kitty? also, ask vet to do a giardia snap as well. Has there been any stresses for him? Stress is thought to play a big role with coccidia. Keep up with probiotics, add collostrum and nutritionally superior food to his diet. Dr Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs and Cats have nice immune building formula recipes. I always say if you dont want to cook specifically designed feline natural diet add good alaskan salmon, organic chicken, beef if they like it and if they eat greens (some cats do) pumpkin, squash to their food. You can sprinkle with nutritional yeast sprinkles to his food and add a nice quality organic yogurt with plenty of healthful bacteria. Many holistic people like to use garlic and black walnut for parasites but there are potential toxicity issues and too much can cause things like Heinz anemia. But you can boil some organic chicken and add a crushed garlic clove to water and a pinch of salt. To that you can add some olive oil. This can be supplemental to his diet and added to his food. Some cats take up to 3 weeks to get rid of coccidia and while he is on albon, add the probiotics, collostrum, natural organic food to build immunity (always keep good quality food in their diet), consult vet about if you need to treat both cats. Always monitor for dehydration and your vet can show you how to tell by his skin turgor. Keep stress to a minimum for them as stress seems to make coccidia worse. Make sure they don't keep reinfecting themselves by if necessary treating both and sanitizing litterboxes, and lots of love for the little guy, for both. He wouldn't be pooping out of the box if it wasnt for this, thank you for asking and confirming. I really do wish vets were diligent enough to follow up with their clients but i assume their thinking is if the problem wasn't resolved you would phone them. So please take fecal sample for both of them (stool as fresh as possible)and ask is it also possible to check for giardia. Good luck and your carpets and floors will certainly be clean again as soon as this is resolved!! Shanti