Should I have my cat declawed?

Declawing is a very controversial issue among veterinarians these days. It is an illegal procedure in many European countries including Germany. I just want to set the record straight as to exactly what declawing is.
Simply put, declawing is a painful and permanently crippling procedure requiring serious surgery. Under general anesthesia, the cat's last joint of each toe is amputated including the bone, not just the claw.
After surgery, complications may arise - reaction to anesthesia, hemorrhage, infections, nerve damage and nails regrowing inside paw and needing x-rays periodically to check for this painful condition. Declawing causes gradual weakening of leg, shoulder and back muscles, affecting the cat's ability to walk.
Declawing also affects the cat's personality, often making them morose, reclusive and withdrawn since their main mode of defense has been removed. Without their claws some cats may bite to defend themselves.
There are more humane alternatives to this procedure including regular nail trimming to clip off the sharp end of the claws which hook into furniture; setting up several scratching posts and teaching the cat how to use them with toys and catnip; or using soft nail claw caps. These are soft vinyl nail caps applied to the newly trimmed nails by a groomer or vet and lasts 4-6 weeks.
Many vets refuse to do the declawing procedure and will be more than happy to help you work out a suitable alternative method. Please explore all possible solutions before you declaw. Your cat will thank you!

How to Grow Wheat Grass

Does your indoor dog nibble on grass when he is outdoors? Or does your indoor cat eat your house plants?
why not grow some wheat grass for them to graze on? This eating grass is part of a natural cleansing instinct so don't discourage it, just give them a healthy alternative.
Here's how to grow wheat grass.
Soak one to two tablespoons of wheat berries (available at natural food stores) overnight.
Drain the water.
Almost fill a plant pot or tray with potting soil and sprinkle seeds on top.
Cover with 1/4" of potting soil.
Water daily, just enough to keep the soil moist.
When the shoots are about 4" high, offer them to your pet to eat as is from the pot.
You can also trim the shoots with scissors and sprinkle small pieces in their food. Try growing barley, alfalfa or rye as alternatives.

Second Hand Smoke Bad for Pets!

Researchers at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, MA have discovered that cats who live with cigarette smokers are twice as likely to develop feline lymphoma, a deadly cancer of the blood and immune system. This seven year study also showed in households where cats were exposed to second hand smoke for 5 years or more their health risks tripled. So...if you smoke, stop for the health of both you and your pets!

Book Review: Cats: Homeopathic Remedies by George Macleod

This book is a must have and also comes in a dog version - Dogs:Homeopathic Remedies.
It explains this branch of natural medicine, how to prepare and administer the remedies. Sections cover descriptions of the remedies as well as what remedies work for different symptoms.
For readers who have little knowledge of homeopathic medicine, let me explain. This branch of medicine, using all natural remedies from the plant, animal and mineral kingdoms, treats like with like. It involves using tiny amounts of natural substances that may cause symptoms to treat symptoms.
I know this may sound like a lot of nonsense, but I have used them with my feral cats with great results! The trick is to get the right remedy. If you goof, nothing happens - that's it. No side effects or anything. Just try another remedy! This is a very harmless, inexpensive way to treat minor illnesses and some remedies even aid in treating more serious symptoms along with western medicine.
My only fault with this book is the terms may be a bit more medical than for the average lay person. Get yourself a medical dictionary of sorts and you will be fine.

Reiki for Animals

Reiki, pronounced ray key, is a unique touch system of energy healing that dates back to ancient Tibet.
Reiki supplies the body with additional life force energy to help heal. It was rediscovered int he 19th century by a Japanese monk named Dr. Mikao Usui. It has been passed down since then by Reiki Masters and is used worldwide on people in hospitals, private practice and by individuals for self care.
Reiki is also used on animals with great success. Since animals absorb energy far more quickly that we do, the Reiki session can be quite short but still have far reaching effects. It is gentle and non-invasive - ideal for using with animals. When a pet is feeling well, they may reject Reiki and walk away. If they need it, they will sit quietly accepting the energy.
What is Reiki like? The Reiki practitioner will hold her hands just above the body or lightly touching it. Her hands will feel warm at the spot on the body. The person or pet getting the treatment may feel a warm tingling sensation or nothing at all. Most pets fall asleep during the session.
Reiki can aid in reducing pain and stress, cleanse the body of toxins, balance the flow of energy, and accelerate the healing process. For healthy animals, Reiki helps to maintain their health, enhances relaxation and provides an emotional sense of peace and contentment. For dying animals, Reiki is a powerful yet gentle way to provide comfort, relief from pain, fear and anxiety and to ease the transition to death.
Reiki can also treat from a distance so that the patient does not have to be in the Reiki practitioner's presence. A free healing network is available online - go to www.the-dhn.com. Request a healing for you or your animal friends.

Book Review: Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets? How you Can Protect and Treat Your Animal Companion by Deborah Straw

With cancer the number one killer of pets in the US, this is a much needed book to assist us in understanding a serious disease.
After losing four pets to cancer, and frustrated from the lack of information available, journalist Straw decided to research everything from surgery to holistic remedies.
Readers will discover the many environmental, dietetic and vaccine related culprits that may cause cancer and learn how to prevent it. All areas of treatment for cancer are covered including herbal, conventional acupuncture and Reiki. An excellent source of general information.

Comfrey for Skin Issues

The herb comfrey is a good blood cleanser, nutrient, detoxifier and infection/inflammation fighter.
As a pure slave comfrey helps heal skin wounds, bites and itching. I know a shelter owner who used the salve one of her cats with skin cancer on its ears and the cancer healed.
As a tea taken internally it heals ulcers, urinary tract infections, kills streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria, heals lungs and respiratory problems. It is known to speed the healing of bruises, torn ligaments and broken bones.
Make sure this herb is in your pet medicine cabinet!