Those of you who have had feline roommates know that cats only do a few things, and those things usually aren’t for your benefit.  Sometimes they bring you grisly surprises – some poor mouse’s delicately furred pants, or a rat sized squirrel mask – but they are never the type of surprises that can be put to good use.  Well, all of that is about to change.  Now, you can view your cat as a great investment, sure to eventually earn back his worth in benefits to your health.

What am I talking about?  The cat’s purr.  Once an enigma, the purr is now thought to be a natural healing mechanism that is probably responsible for the many tales surrounding the cat’s amazing ability to survive.

Research into the purpose of the purr was driven by the idea that, given the fact that cats purr even when in pain and near death, the purr cannot be explained away as a simple expression of contentment.  All cats purr, and the theory is that they wouldn’t expend energy purring in a weakened or pained state if it didn’t in some way increase their likelihood of survival.

Stories about cats’ ability to mend bones and documentation of their quick healing after surgeries and other types of injuries (like falling from high rises) give credence to the idea that the felids must have some extraordinary healing mechanism that other animals do not.  But wait, there’s more.  Like some kind of a real life, magic-healing video game sidekick, your cat may be able to heal you as well.

THIS JUST IN: Your Cat May Be Good For Something!

Through a series of studies researchers have found that “vibrations between 20-140 Hz are therapeutic for bone growth/fracture healing, pain relief/swelling reduction, wound healing, muscle growth and repair/tendon repair, mobility of joints and the relief of dyspnea.”  In its paper entitled The Felid Purr: A Bio-Mechanical Healing Mechanism (from which the foregoing quote was taken), Fauna Communications summarized its research recording and analyzing the purrs of forty seven members of the cat family.  They determined that all of the cats they sampled purred at a dominant frequency well within the theraputic range, and specifically within the ranges known to treat the aforementioned afflictions.

Although there is as yet no proof that the feline purr is a healing mechanism, many believe that there is more than enough evidence to support the conclusion that the healing benefits of purr exposure affects not only cats but also other living things within the range of their vibrations.  After all, what cat owner has not experienced even the unfriendliest cats’ pushy affection when his person is sick, injured, or sad?  My cat takes my slightest discomfort as an opportunity to bully his way into the crook of my arm and hunker down for a long, heavy purr.  I am fortunate enough to have one full-coverage cat, but if you can’t find one like mine you can always invest in several smaller ones to get the job done.

So, next time your cat attempts to trip you going down the stairs or tries to steal your chicken wing, remember what an amazing, important investment he is and think of how much his therapy would cost if you could purchase it in pill form.

Sources:

www.vetinfo.com

http://animalvoice.com/home.htm

1.  Choose your least frequented bathroom, and move the cat box next to the toilet.

2.  Order a Litter Kwitter.  This step is not required – there is information out there about how to do this using mixing bowls and other household items.  There are also other brands of these toilet training devices, but this one is by far the best.  It is sturdy enough for the burliest of cats, a quality product, and easy to use.  I wouldn’t toilet train my cat without one.

3.  Use the Litter Kwitter (or whatever method you choose) to create a cat box (with litter) in your toilet bowl.  As the cat gets more comfortable using the cat box toilet you can graduate to either the next size ring with a hole in the center or you can begin the process of reducing the litter and eventually replacing it with water.  You have to use flushable litter for this process so that you don’t clog your toilet.

TIP:  If your cat is especially attracted to the smell of traditional kitty litter (like mine was), it may be worth sprinkling a tiny amount in with the new litter to trigger your cat’s association with the cat box.

4.  Give your cat treats to reinforce good behavior.  Try not to strangle the cat when he misses the hole or makes a mess – as long as he’s on the toilet, you’re on the right track.

5.  Don’t train the cat to flush!  He’ll learn, but you’ll regret it when you are in the shower.

If you do order a Litter Kwitter, it comes with very clear, easy directions including amusing commentary by the Australian lady who invented it.  Please feel free to share your own tips or advice on this strange but rewarding process in the comments section below.

Anti Cat Boxes?  Us Too

Is Your Cat a Good Candidate For Toilet Training?

Some cats adjust very quickly to using the toilet.  Other cats, not so much.  I researched this topic while deciding whether to train my cat.  I found that the general sentiment (among those who don’t consider cat training to be an oxymoron) is that it’s individual to each cat and you just have to try it and see.  While I agree that each cat is different, my own experience has led me to the conclusion that there a few major factors that can be taken into account when determining whether your cat is likely to take to the process.

Good sign: Your cat is loyal to the cat box.  If you have a moody cat who sometimes goes to the bathroom in locations other than her cat box (like your down comforter), do not attempt this training unless you have some reason to think that she will like the toilet better.  You can’t make a cat do something it doesn’t want to do – it will just pee on everything you own.  If, on the other hand, your cat only uses the cat box and continues to use it if you move it, you have a good sign that training can be successful without sacrificing all of your linens, carpets, and dignity.

Bad sign: Your cat is too big or clumsy to balance on the toilet seat.  Most cats don’t have a problem with this because hey are naturally agile.  Still, some cats just can’t get the hang of this.  They have to be able to stand on the seat with all four feet and hang their backside over the bowl.  If your cat is bottom heavy, clumsy, or only has three legs, toilet training is not for him.

Good sign: You have more than one toilet.  This process takes from one to six months.  If you have to share a toilet with your cat during this time, your misery will know no bounds.  In order to train your cat you’ll need some sort of apparatus in your toilet which will have to be removed every time you want to use it.  Also, there is kitty litter involved in the training process and your cat is likely to make a mess.  So, it’s possible but a major inconvenience to do this with only one toilet, especially if you ever plan to have guests.  If you have more than one toilet your cat can have his own space, you can keep your sanity, and you will still have friends.

Anti Cat Boxes?  Us Too

How To Toilet Train Your Cat

Who doesn’t hate cat boxes?  No one.  I dare anyone who enjoys the daily kitty roca delivery to come forward now.

“But we shouldn’t worry about things we can’t control!” your sensible side says, “we can’t let our profound hatred of cat boxes control us.”  In fact, you can control the loathsome cat box situation.  You can train your cat to use the toilet.

I know, it sounds weird and impossible, and for some cats it is.  Fortunately, I have experience in this area.  If you are interested in becoming a member of the International Anti-Cat Box League, read this important information on how to tell if your cat is a good candidate for toilet training and how to toilet train your cat.

Is Your Cat A Good Candidate For Toilet Training?

How To Toilet Train Your Cat

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Humans, Guinea Pigs, Primates, and Fruit Bats are the only mammals unable to produce vitamin C naturally, and must therefore get it through diet. In fact, since a vitamin is defined as something that is required by the body but not produced within it, vitamin C is a rather inaccurate (perhaps even offensive?) term for the majority of mammals on Earth.

The real question is, what does Dr. Dolittle call it when he talks to his patients?

Next: 2 of 3: Medical Lies: “St. John’s What?!” | OR 3 of 3: “Vitamin C Causes Cancer…“

Remember: You now have JBNI’s Team of Scientists and Physicians to discuss any of your critical medical questions 24/7. Critical Issues Only So Ask J.

ref: http://www.vitaminc.co.nz/introduction-to-vitamin-c.htm

Do you have a stiff dog?  I do.  Or at least, I recently had a stiff dog roommate.  By all accounts the best dog in the west, Toobis – a pitador – has become slightly old the last couple of years.  While sometimes it is difficult to tell whether his reluctance to leap into the car or onto the bed stems from his stubborn streak or his painful joints, he has an official diagnosis of osteoarthritis, so he is excused from most strenuous activity.

Still, no matter how often we advise him to relax he insists on retrieving every stick he can find and – when there are apples to be had – nimbly plucking snacks from not-so-low hanging branches.

After exerting himself like the puppy he once was, we are always reminded of his slightly arthritic condition by his reluctance to ascend the stairs or jump onto the couch.  “But he is still so young!” we protest, knowing that the statement is at least partially true because Toobie is only nine years old.  But as any long-term dog owner knows, nine years is old enough for arthritis.

How do you know if your dog has arthritis?  You take him to the vet.  Some arthritis indicators are:

1. Laziness
2. Painful legs & irritability
3. Disinterest in food
4. Fever (in advanced stages)
5. Diminished muscle tone

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in dogs.  If your vet diagnoses your dog with osteoarthritis she will let you know what course of treatment is best suited for your dog.  There are several approaches to choose from, including NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Rimadyl, Etogesic, Deramaxx, Metacam, Zubrin, Previcox, Novox (generic Rimadyl), and Etagesic.

lab owners should be aware that labs may be more at risk for liver damage when taking Rimadyl

NSAIDs have been found to be effective in the treatment of canine arthritis, however there are known side effects ranging from mild to serious associated with them.  Common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, change in appetite, perforation or bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract, lethargy, and liver and kidney damage.  In particular, labrador retriever owners should be aware that labs may be more at risk for liver damage when taking Rimadyl.  Follow this link for more information on Rimadyl and your lab.

Of course, NSAIDs aren’t the only treatment for your dog’s arthritis.  Other options include glucosamine supplements which stimulate cartilage and joint regeneration, chondroitin sulfate for pain, and omega fatty acids which reduce inflammation.  Many dog owners give their pets natural supplements and herbal remedies and have found them to be quite effective.  In fact, Toobis is about to begin his own herbal supplement regimen of Arthurin (made by JBNI, the company that produces this website) to reinforce his body’s ability to mend damage located around the joint areas and help relieve his pain by preventing any unintentional nerve misfiring.  Check back later for updates on Toobie’s personal friskiness.

http://www.dogarthritiscare.com/dog-arthritis-symptoms.php
http://www.vetinfo.com/canine-arthritis-medication-treatments.html

Posted via web from Biodrux – Do NOT FOLLOW.

WOW. Just Wow.

I’ve been tweeting for years now. And I’ve never go to so many replies so quickly. I simply asked the above question in the title about what your pets are: http://twitter.com/journik/statuses/5807389169

You are one passionate lot!

I was going to do a blog post on the joys and challenges of owning a pet FOR KIDS

I asked the question originally because I was going to do a blog post on the joys and challenges of owning a pet FOR KIDS. I remember as a kid, I wanted a pet bird. I never fed him. I still feel guilty.

So… in the comments below… will you pass on the good word about

A) The joys of pet ownership

B) The challenges

C) Your advice to kids about the overall responsibility???

Thanks! I’ll take your answers and create a blog post about it…

PS… LINK ME TO PICTURES OF YOUR PETS WILLYA>!??! I K.N.O.W. You got em! =)

Signed,

Bob Wan-QI Kim.. aka http://twitter.com/journik

Posted via web from Biodrux – Do NOT FOLLOW.

Do you cause your dog anxiety?  Probably.  Let’s face it – human beings can be an anxious bunch.  We are unruly, inconsistent, and sometimes extremely unaware.  And who has to deal with it without a word of complaint?  Pets.  Now, if you have an issue free pet feel free to skip straight to posting pet photos in the comments section.  But if you have a dog who just can’t contain her excitement (read: urine) or barks all day while you’re at work then this post is for you.

Of course, your pet’s anxiety may not be your fault. Some breeds of dog are prone to anxiety

Of course, your pet’s anxiety may not be your fault.  Some breeds of dog are prone to anxiety.  Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety in dogs include excessive licking, pacing, barking, frequent urination, and urinating or defecating in the house.  One of the most common forms of pet anxiety is separation, but some dogs also develop anxiety related to specific fears like fireworks or Woody Allen flicks.  If it’s the latter, he may just be concerned about your taste in movies.

Anxiety prone breeds: Great Danes, German short-haired pointers, German shepherd dogs, bull terriers, Jack Russell terriers, Dalmatians, Bouvier de Flanders, salukis, Cairn terriers, basset hounds, and soft-coated Wheaton terriers.

So, what do you do if your dog has separation anxiety?  You could buy a baby bjorn and pack him around with you everywhere you go.  For some, that may be the answer (please, please, please post a pic if this is you) but for those of you who want to maintain a sane facade I’ll briefly summarize the options.

Usually the first step in any kind of anxiety treatment for a dog is to make sure she is getting lots of exercise and that there is a daily routine which incorporates feeding, walking, and playtime.  If your dog suffers from separation anxiety specifically, you should learn about behavior modification for dogs and use some desensitization techniques to get her used to your absence.  These techniques typically start with brief periods of separation (like walking to the next room and then returning), gradually increasing the time of separation as your dog becomes more comfortable.  Also, eliminating triggers like your I’m-about-to-leave routine (you know… coat, keys, phone, wallet, door) and not fussing over your pet when you come home are good ways to avoid reinforcing your dog’s anxious behavior.  For a great overview on separation anxiety in pets, visit this link.

who has to deal with it without a word of complaint?

If your pet just isn’t responding to behavioral techniques or is reacting well to the training but still needs more help, some vets recommend medication.  According to www.vetinfo.com, there are four main categories of medications used for treating anxiety in dogs.

• Acemaprozine:  Acemaprozine is a dog tranquilizer most commonly used during surgery to prevent vomiting but it is also used to relax excitable dogs.
• Tricyclic antidepressants:  The main drugs used from this category are Amitriptyline (Elavil) and Clomipramine (Clomicalm).  These drugs shouldn’t be used if your dog has been on MAOIs within the previous two weeks.  Side effects include constipation, dry eyes, dizziness, dry mouth, lethargy, appetite loss, nausea, and urinary retention.
• Flouxetine:  Prozac or Reconcile are SSRIs and suppress Seratonin.  These drugs shouldn’t be used if your dog is pregnant, nursing, or taking MAO inhibitors.  Side effects include cold-like symptoms, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, and weight loss.
• Vistaril:  Vistaril is an allergy medication that is generally used to treat allergies but sometimes used as a sedative for dogs with anxiety.  Side effects include dizziness, lethargy, blurred vision, confusion, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting.  http://www.vetinfo.com/dog-anxiety-medication.html

If you’re not too keen on the idea of giving your special fur person medications with so many potential side effects, you may want to investigate natural remedies.  Popular natural remedies include homeopathy, aromatherapy, flower essences, natural diets, and ancient Chinese herbal medicine.  Many pet owners have chosen alternative treatment options with great success.  Follow this link for an interesting article about Dr. Kathy King, a Kansas vet who specializes in holistic medicine.

“[Dr. King] put together this whole regimen of homeopathic and herbal medicines and acupuncture, and my dog is just doing well,” the Topeka resident says. “It’s been a year and a half (since the diagnosis) and, as far as we know, she’s cancer-free.”  – One of Dr. King’s veterinary clients quoted in Natural pet care: Acupuncture, herbs alternative treatments for animals, by Sarah Henning.

So, if your dog pees on your bed every day while you’re at work, he may be trying to tell you something.  If your spouse pees on your bed… well, that’s another topic altogether.  Please be aware that there is more than one approach to treatment if your dog is suffering from anxiety and be sure to investigate all of your options.  If you have experience with this topic (the dog, not the spouse) please share your wisdom by commenting on this post.  In fact, even if you have no wisdom at all feel free to share stories and pics of your anxious pets, or just ask questions.Sources:
http://www.dog-health-guide.org/anxietysymptomindog.html
http://www.thepawblog.com/severe-pet-anxiety
http://www.vetinfo.com/dog-anxiety-medication.html
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/aug/31/natural-pet-care-acupuncture-herbs-alternative-tre

FCC Disclosure: http://JBNI.us produces this blog and produces 100% Powerful and All-Natural Bioprin for Your Pets When they Are Suffering. … “and there was no way I was going to put her in an E-collar for the duration of the treatment. I called Marina and asked if she could help. She said she could. She suggested 3 products: One was a product called Bioprin” – http://www.yorkietalk.com