By Niall Kennedy
For some of us, a common-or-garden Tom cat is not enough. We want quality feline company with a pedigree and the only way to guarantee that a cat is a purebreed is to contact one of the national cat associations or similar organisations in other countries.
To find a purebred cat, you may start with the Cat Fancier
Author: R Kusuma
Dog yeast infection is very common for dogs, especially the older ones. Also, the organism called Malasezia is found normally on the dog skin, this is not developed into an yeast infection without certain conditions. Dog ear yeast infection develops in pets with long anf furry ears. Hoever, you should not mistaken it with ears infection. That is why a visit at your veterinarian will tell exactly what your dog has.
The main areas of wherecanine yeast infection appears are the ears and the skin, notably the belly, neck and feet. Usually is very easy to notice if your pet gets yeast due to its foul smell from the ears and sometimes leaking. If the infection is present on the skin, than usually the hair is lost and you can notice some patches on the skin.
Yeast infection in dogs can be prevent it very easily if you maintain a good hygiene of your pet. Yeast fungus is developing in wet, moist areas, so keeping your pet dry all the time and clean helps your pet not to get the infection.
Food is a major cause of developing canine yeast infection as it influence its immune system and also the level of yeast in its body, the same like humans. Vaccine is also known for getting yeast infection in dogs.
To be sure that your dog have really yeast infection, a trip to your vet should clarify this. Sometimes, a test on microscope from your dog skin can tell if it has the Malasezzia, but is not always clear.
Steroids are a major cause for getting candidiasis in dogs, so you should avoid them as much as possible. Also, having treatments with antibiotics is bad for the immune system of your pet. Try to give them only when it is really necessary. Also, nowadays it is more difficult to know when we actually eat antibiotics, as many animals are given antibiotics in their food and we end up eating meat with antibiotics. The same thing with the food for your dog. If your puppy gets chronic yeast infection, you may take a look at his diet and origin of its food.
QUESTION:
How can I get rid of my cat's fleas?
My cat has a lot of fleas, so I took him to the vet and I used what they gave me, the fleas went a way for a few months but then came back as strong as it started. How can I get rid of the fleas?
ANSWER:
QUESTION:
How to naturally rid feral cats of fleas?
HELP!
I have 2 feral female cats that have taken up residence in my yard almost 2 yrs now and they are infested with fleas which in turn infest my yard. I can not go outdoor without spraying "off" on myself. I know that the feral cats would be more healthier and deserve that if I could find a natural flea remedy that can be placed in the food as they will not allow me to get near them close enough to touch let alone treat. PLEASE HELP!!
Thank You
ANSWER:
I used the beneficial nematodes in my garden when I moved in 14 years ago and have never had to worry about fleas on my cats since. I do have cat fence-in so my cats stay on my property and don't have a dog to walk who might bring fleas home.
The nemetodes are something you use in the fall and then the fleas are gone for the next year. So it's not an instantaneous response.
There is a flea medication (Program, I think) that you can put in food and cats are notorious for avoiding food with any human "additive".
QUESTION:
How can I get rid of Fleas without getting rid of the Cats?
Okay, so I have two cats, they both caught fleas in the spring. We found out over a month ago and did a lot of stuff for them such as having an exterminator spray the house, clean everything and vaccum daily, give the cats medicine, give the cats a special spray made by Hartz, and used a special spray on the carpets. We've seen some change, but little, and my family is getting bitten by the fleas. My mom wants to get rid of the cats but I want them to stay, any suggestions?
ANSWER:
Hartz is one of the worst things you can give a cat. Revolution is one of the best, it covers the fleas, ticks and a variety of mites. I've used Frontline spots for years but it doesn't nearly do as good of a job as the Revolution. You do have to get this from your vet. As far as the carpets, there is a product called Cedarcide and it is all natural, it was originally designed for the government for use in the desert to protect against sand fleas. You can spray the Cedarcide on your carpet, on yourself, on your pets even, but not if you're using the Revolution. If you use it exclusively on your cats you will have to use it at least once a day because it is a kill on contact spray, it smells like Cedar and it's quite pleasant. It kills a host of other parasites as well including spiders, roaches, scabies, and mites of all kinds. You can even use it for bedbugs. It's a wonder, we have used it to rid ourselves of infestations that exterminators can't control. http://www.cedarcidestore.com The product we used is called 'Best Yet'
QUESTION:
Has anyone used brewers yeast on their cats to get rid of fleas?
My cats have fleas and I just want to see if anyone knows how well brewers yeast works?
ANSWER:
I have heard of adding brewers yeast to pets diets to eliminate fleas. So far, from my experience as a veterinary technician I have not seen it work yet. I have not read any studies, journals, or articles published in veterinary medicine claiming it works either.
It shouldn't hurt to try a small amount in supplementing in food. Supposedly the thought behind the supplementing is to alter the taste or smell of the skin to deter fleas. How well this works? Well, as I stated before... no one has a clue.
*IF you run across people telling you that onion powder or garlic powder will work on fleas do not take them up on this advice.
Garlic and Onions have compounds that trigger a disease process called Heinz-body anemia in cats and dogs. This disease causes the destruction of red-blood cells in their body and can be fatal.
Just an FYI 
QUESTION:
How to get rid of fleas on cats?
My cats have fleas, I can't seem to get rid of them after shampooing. Would shaving them be drastic? I have no money for treatments...
ANSWER:
Purchase some Sevin Dust in the garden department of Kmart, Walmart or a home and garden shop. Sprinkle it all over your cats and on your carpets as you would carpet fresh, leave overnight then vacuum up. Repeat again in a week.
Sevin Dust is made of dried chrysanthemum flowers and won't hurt your pet. It is by far cheaper than flea powder which is made of the same thing!
It kills the fleas but not the eggs. I remember when I was a kid my mom and dad would dust our Tom Cat then he'd come running out of the garage in a cloud of dust!
Author: Albert Wessel
Do you have a pet at home? If yes then taking care of them is really a hectic job. Nowadays pets are kept at most of the houses and they need to be given good attention and kept away from different kinds of insects. One of the most common one that pets get infected are fleas. Fleas are the most common kind of diseases in the pets that are produced due to the very small insect. These insects do not have wings and are dark in color. Usually these fleas are found in the skin of pet animals like, dogs, cats and chicken, etc. there are around 2000 types of fleas. Hence you have to get rid of these fleas well before they worsen your pets' condition.
Generally fleas live in warm, moist areas, and they suck the blood of the place where they live in. Thus they cause severe distress and pain to the pets. And the major issue being that they even spread to humankind and harm other family members as well. Consequently, it is important that you understand the need for flea control. There are ways to keep the fleas away from your pets. Here are a few things that you need to do by cleaning your house thoroughly. Having a clean environment, you can keep away the fleas and also use flea control detergent keeps away them. There are some kinds of fleas that shift from one place to another. It can shift from animal to human and vice versa. Most of the fleas have a stronger shell on their body and one would find difficult killing it.
Fleas get easily adapted to a particular environment and their outer hard shell makes them difficult to kill by squashing or swatting alone. They move very fast and their anatomical formation of their legs means they can jump particularly high in order to reach a gullible place or to move around 'obstacles' on their place such as hairs or feathers. A flea bite can cause itching, irritation and allergic reactions. Some of the most common hosts for fleas is ankles, ears and in between legs. The bites are usually felt at the same time and there would be small red spots or weals. Flea can also lay eggs and look dormant. So you have to take care of your pet by cleaning or brushing them with comb very often. By combing you can remove the fleas and eggs from your pets. Also consult a doctor to get the medication on preventing your pets from the deadly fleas. When treating your dog with flea controlling substances, then you have to treat both pet and environment. However adult fleas are killed with strong bath soaps.
However when you buy the drug for flea control, keep in mind to check the pesticide's label and trail every directions and precautions and do not defy the dose guidelines. Fleas are giant pests to your pet and follow flea prevention and flea control methods.
QUESTION:
Can you use flea killing dog shampoo on rats?
My daughter has these two giant rats (that is what they called them in the pet store) and I've seen fleas on them. I have 3 cats and a dog that all got pills/drops to prevent fleas from the vet but it did not work and my dog still has fleas and I believe the rats are getting them from him. I live in a very small town and the two vets we have here say they do not treat rats. My daughter bathes her rats and uses a mild baby shampoo but we are wondering how safe the flea killing dog shampoo would be on them or what else could be used.
ANSWER:
My vet has told me that it is not safe. Can you call a vet in another town and ask them what to use? I got something from the vet when my rats had mites. But that's been so long ago I can't remember what it was, sorry.
Or call the pet store. Maybe someone will know there.
QUESTION:
Do flea collars really work on killing the fleas?
I was wondering if flea collars really kill fleas because my kitten has a flea collar and I think a flea bit me
ANSWER:
They don't kill fleas but actually repel them. The flea collars help keep fleas away from the animal's head and neck but there's nothing to stop them from living on other areas of the body. Personally, I think they're a waste of money and might actually be toxic to the animal.
QUESTION:
Which type of flea killing/protecting produce should I use?
My husband and I have noticed we have fleas. We are treating our cat with flea baths, and medicine from the vet. We living on the first floor in a three story apartment. Our air ducks are connected to the ones upstairs. We also don't have any place to go or money for a hotel so flea booms are out of the question. What are some products or things we can do to treat inside the apartment without us having to leave and is safe for everyone and everything? We would like to treat the live fleas and the eggs that are yet to hatch.
ANSWER:
you can get a spray from the vet ... i am not sure what it is called but it is safe to spray around your home for you and your pets ... spray cracks and crevices and baseboards, and any place the cat spends a lot of time ... this spray i used had a residual effect for several months ... if you have carpet you could get a couple inexpensive flea collars and put them in your vacuum cleaner bag so any you vacuum up will die and not reproduce ... you can also use regular soothing shampoo for your cat as any shampoo with kill fleas if left on the animal all sudsy for at least five minutes ... flea shampoo it harsh on the skin and really not needed ... with the treatment for the cat from the vet along with a good flea spray (get from vet not petsmart), you should be flea free in no time
QUESTION:
What does one do about fleas in the house when flea killing poisions do not work?
We took care of a stray kitten, and now we can't get rid of the fleas in our house. I don't want to poison us.
ANSWER:
Fire.
QUESTION:
Does anyone know of a good flea poison for the yard and a good poison to keep killing fleas on dogs?
We had a pest control service spray our home and yard about a month ago, but now we're getting fleas again.
Can't permanently get rid of the fleas on our two dogs which stay outside always.Have tried those drops you put on their backs. We bought that at HEB.
Please recommend some good products for flea removal.
I'm tired of getting bit!
ANSWER:
Ugh - fleas are tough little buggers!
Before you deal with your dog, the most important part is going to be treating your house, since you're obviously dealing with a serious infestation. The problem with fleas as that they can stay in the pupae life stage for 50 days, in which case nothing short of radiation can kill them. However, heat and vibration causes them to hatch, where they CAN be killed. That is best done with a vaccuum cleaner. Vaccuuming your house every other day (including furniture, under furniture, carpeting and wood, drapes, etc) with flea powder in the vaccuum bag will help hatch and kill the flea pupae, as well as the adults and eggs.
NOW lets talk about the boys and flea products.
1. flea collars are great for the neck area, but not much else.
2. Dips are great until your pet hits the floor, where it will be reinfested.
3. Try eating garlic and see if the fleas stay off you... then you'll know it won't work on your dog. Plus, garlic causes kidney failure in dogs.
4. Grocery store brands are not regulated, and have been known to kill the flea, tick, and the pet. www.hartzvictims.org can tell you all about it.
5. Veterinary brands NOT from your veterinarian can be subject to either compromised product (exposed to extreme temperature, etc) or just straight-up fakes. Frontline Plus has a serious problem with this. This includes Petmeds, PetRX, etc. You need a veterinary license to purchase the real thing from the destributor.
Now the good stuff:
1. Frontline Plus - 30 days of flea/tick control, safe, and includes "flea birth-control" to kill the flea eggs as well as adults and larvae.
2. Vectra 3D is almost identicle to Frontline Plus, but is newer to the market.
3. Promeris - Very strong, great on ticks. Kills fleas fast, but is known to cause reactions including 24-hr long lethargy/vomiting. Not common, but it happens, esp with smaller dogs.
4. Advantage - Has a flea repellant (unlike the rest). Great, unless they are repelling in to your house. Given no other option, the flea will take a blood meal on a human rather than dying. Causes similiar reactions as Promeris.
5. Sentinel - Oral, rather than topical. Is not generally known for success in eliminating infestations, but works well for control, and is paired with a heartworm preventative.
In any event, any product you use will need to be used for 3 months without lapsing in order to properly remove all lifestages from the enviroment.
![Sources: 6, 7, 27, 35]](http://web.mac.com/lionelnebeker/nebgen/Bearce_1_files/shapeimage_1.png)
Author: Kathrynn Kelley
If you are someone who loves and wants to figure out what your cat is trying to communicate, you'll find that you can learn a great deal simply by observing how your cat interacts with you. Through their body language and through their vocalizations, you'll find that cats are always trying to get their point across, whether they are looking for attention or are feeling scared and nervous and need to be left alone.
The first thing that you will notice is that there is a lot to say when it come comes to your cat's voice. If your cat lives with humans and no other cats, you'll find that they can be quite vocal, and that this is something that can increase over time.
Everyone knows that a purr is a happy thing, but you'll find that other vocalizations mean different things as well. A high, kittenish mew can mean that your cat needs some attention and petting, while a hiss or a spit means that it's time to give your cat its space. Sometimes, you'll find that cats can imitate human tones or even sounds that you hear around the house.
If you are looking at your cat's tail, you'll find that it has a story of its own. For instance, when your cat is occupied or hunting, you'll find that only the tip of the tail is twitching. The more the tail is waving or lashing through the air, the more upset your cat is. You might also find that that a long sweep of the tail is a sign that your cat is getting fed up or getting ready to leave the room.
Have you ever noticed that your cat is pushing on you with his forepaws? A cat who is doing this is often feeling content or sleepy and they might do it on their favorite people or even on their bed or their favorite toy.
This is a motion that is strongly associated with milk and comfort for your cat. Sometimes cats will knead to show that they are uncomfortable, but for the most part, they are doing this because they are feeling good. Another sign that your cat is comfortable is that they might sprawl over on their backs or roll around.
Another good sign to watch for is heading butting. Head butting you on your head or face is a form of hello. They would do this to another cat in their pack if there was one. Rubbing their lips on you or anything else means it's a safe zone, or a marking of their territory.
If you are approaching them and they fall to their side that means they have a great sense of trust in you. This could turn into a sign of affection by them rolling around on their backs.
Take some time to learn to read your cat; you'll find that the more you know them, the better off you will be when it comes to figuring out what your cat needs and wants.
QUESTION:
Is is mean to want to get rid of your cat because it has fleas?
I found out my kitty had fleas on Monday, I flea bathed him, took him to the groomer, had a lion cut and they flea bathed him and put front line on...i also bombed my whole entire house (while he was at the groomer) too. So last night I saw 2 fleas on him ALIVE! & today he keeps itching like crazy! I don't understand why after all i did spending 170$ to fix the problem!! I have a phobia for fleas to like as soon as I sen one I bugged out and started crying like freaking out! My boyfriend calmed me down, but when I seen them again last night they just gross me out so much and freaks me out!!
So now I don't know what to do, I love my kitty so much both my flea phobia is getting the best of me, on top of how much $ this is running me....So my question is WOULD IT BE MESSED UP IF I GOT RID OF MY CAT???
and he is an indoor cat he never stepped foot outside of my house and I've had him for a year
of course I'm not just gonna throw it away i would find a new home for it...duh..
ANSWER:
Hells no! Kick that flea bag out the door.
QUESTION:
How can I rid my cat of fleas if I've already used Hartz?
My cat is between 3 and 4 months old. I got her a few days ago from some strangers (found them on Craigslist), and they told me that they had just given her a flea bath. I guess it didn't occur to me that they wouldn't have done that if the cat didn't have fleas; the next day, we noticed her scratching herself, took a flea comb to her, and found a few fleas on her belly. We picked up a flea medication at the store (Hartz brand.. I know it's really bad, you don't have to tell me, I'll research medications next time I buy over-the-counter) and used it on her. It's been 2 days since then, and the fleas don't seem to have gotten any better (I've heard that Hartz is like spraying Raid on your cats, but about as effective as water).. I periodically take the flea comb to her belly and always find 3 or 4 fleas, but am never able to get more than one out, because they just go out of sight in her fur, even though she's a shorthair.
Today I took the cat to the vet, who scolded me for using Hartz, and who told me not to use any other medications on her for at least 3 weeks, since she is young and can't handle much pesticides. She also told me that cats should not get baths (including flea baths) more often than every 3 weeks or so, since it dries out their natural oils.. Much as I have my doubts about whether the cat's previous owners actually gave her a flea bath, I'm somewhat unwilling to risk overdoing it on my cat. My fiancee (with whom I live) tells me that she can't stand the fleas for 3 more weeks, and that basically the fleas go (along with the cat, if we can't cure her fast) or she does.
My question is: What do I do? My first instinct is to turn to natural remedies.. I'm pessimistic about these, but somewhat desperate. I've thoroughly vacuumed the house, and I am considering doing so every day until the cat is cured. Right now we are letting her roam the house whenever we're at home, and locking her in the bathroom when we're not home (along with everything she needs). This care might help the apartment but won't help the cat, so does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks for your time.
ANSWER:
Here's what I found from cat-world.com:
"The best & safest method to manually remove fleas from your cat with a flea comb. Kittens can lose body heat very easily, so if you do bathe your kitten, make sure he is kept in a warm room & towel dried.
Have a bowl of water with a couple of drops of Dawn detergent nearby. As you comb the fleas off the kitten, place the flea in the water & swish it around so that it drowns.
Dilute 5 parts water to 1 part Avon's Skin So Soft bath oil & gently sponge or spray onto the kitten's coat. Once dampened, manually remove fleas with a flea comb. Once again, ensure the kitten is in a warm room so he doesn't become chilled, which can be life threatening in young kittens.
Another method is to remove the fleas with a flea comb & then stick them to some tape.
Do not use flea medications (including topical/spot on products, flea collars, dips or shampoos) on young kittens unless you have been told to do so from your veterinarian.
Keep a very close eye for fleas on kittens, as a heavy infestation can kill. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Fleas can also transmit tapeworm, so once the kitten is an appropriate age, he will need to be wormed. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you which is the best product to use."
QUESTION:
what will a vet do if you drop off your cat and when its time to pick them up you don't have all the money?
I am not trying to stiff my vet on the bill! but my housecat (used to be house cat)got outside and was gone for almost a week.. she devolped some skin issues,, because of fleas... which ive treated... the fleas... but her skin is so bad from scratchining... id like to take her to the vet sooner than later.. (since i have an other cat in the house) but i might be a lil short on funds.. since you really dont know how much the bill is until the vet is done... concerned for my cat in los angeles :<
ANSWER:
call your vet and ask. They MAY bill you for it, but I know most vets don't do that anymore.
QUESTION:
my cat has a tapeworm. what should i do!?
i just found out today that my cat has a tapeworm.
It is very obvious since i found some around her butt..
SO, should i take her to the vet as soon as i can, or should i buy those tablets that they sell at petstore that you can get without vetenarian's prescription..?
i want a treat my cat from the tape worm affectably and with the lowest cost.
and when i was researching about tapeworm, i found out that most of cat's get tapeworm from eating
tapeworm infected fleas. so should i treat my cat with flea medication too..?
and also, can fleas be seen..? because i haven't seen one yet but my cats been scratching and biting her skin quite often..
did YOUR cat ever had a tapeworm? if so, please give me a information about how you got ur cat treated, and how much it cost.
Thank you verymuch!
ANSWER:
First - somone said that tapeworms can not be seen - Yes they can. Tapeworms shed segments and you can see them around the cat's anus or in their feces.
I advise you to have her checked by a vet or to, at least, take in one of the "things" so a vet can make sure it is a tapeworm segment and not another type of worm.
Different worms require different substances to kill them and the vet will be able to provide you with the correct thing to handle whatever worms hour cat has.
As to the over the counter products, we never use them because we don't trust them. We always get the appropriate worming production from our vet.
As to fleas, get a flea comb and run it from the cat's neck, down to the base of their tale a few times. Then rub the the comb on a paper towel to get whatever it picked up on to the towel.
If look carefully you should be able to see any fleas, if you can't see any try wetting the paper towel and rubbing the stuff that came off the comb a bit and see if it changes color. If it turns red, that is flea feces and your cat does have fleas.
Here is how I tell people to deal with fleas -
First get Frontline, Advantage, or Revolution from the vet to treat the cats. These products are intended to be used once a month to keep fleas off the cat.
Then, if you need to treat the house - which is often the case - use a product which not only kills adult fleas but also prevents eggs from hatching.
When we have bad flea years (haven't had one in along time - knock on wood 
we use Raid products for the house.
They make a fogger called Raid ® : Flea Killer Plus Fogger
http://www.killsbugsdead.com/fop_fkpf.asp
They also make an area spray called Raid ® : Flea Killer Plus Carpet & Room Spray
http://www.killsbugsdead.com/fop_fk_pc_rs.asp
We have had very good results with those products.
Remember, you want a product that not only kills adult fleas but also prevents eggs from hatching. If you use something that does not prevent the eggs from hatching, when they hatch you are back where you started.
There is a product, Capstar, which is a pill you give the cat. It kills all of the fleas on the cat within about 5 hours.
http://www.capstar.novartis.us/
It does not provide long lasting protection - it merely kills all the fleas on the cat.
You can use it to kill all the fleas on the cat and then treat the cat with Frontline, Advantage, or Revolution, and then treat the cat.
Ask your vet about Capstar and using it in combination with other products.
Capstar is available only by prescription.
We have used it to kill all the fleas on feral cats who we could not handle to apply something else. We transfer them to another cage or carrier, move them out of the room, fog the room, give them the Capstar in food, and then put them back in the main cage.
Capstar is like magic - it really will kill all of the fleas on a cat very quickly and it is safe enough that you could use it every day, if need be - though that would be an expensive way to control fleas, day to day.
Indoor cats can get fleas that people carry in on their clothes. If you think that might be happening, get an insecticide you can spray on the yard to kill fleas.
You will probably need to get a sprayer. The ones that attach to the end of a hose might be the type you could use.
Ask the people at a garden store, Lowes, or Home Depot, or similar store for help picking an insecticide and a sprayer.
QUESTION:
Did you know Hartz brand flea medication can kill your cat or dog?!?!?
Since 2000 there have been over 33,000 complaints made by consumers across the nation about Hartz flea products. Twenty-four different TV news stations have done reports about the effects of Hartz flea products. There has been one class action filed against Hartz, which was settled out of court.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- A nationally sold pet product may be harming or even killing your pet. And now, an NBC 6 investigation has found that a warning label that the maker said could fix the problem is not working.
Flea and tick products are found in millions of homes in South Florida and across America. One of them is generating thousands of complaints and horror stories.
Consumers are reporting that their cats are going into convulsions, seizures, are unable to walk or control their muscles.
An Arkansas veterinarian videotaped several cases of severe reactions. When pet owners like Karen West, of West Palm Beach, saw the videotape, they said it's exactly what they witnessed
I just wanted to get the word out after finding out about this.....
http://www.animalhelp.com/hometown/articledetail.cfm?artid=353
http://www.lapr.org/consumer_alerts.htm#hartz_flea
http://www.lacetoleather.com/HartzProductsWarning.html
http://www.petitiononline.com/hartz/petition.html
www.hartzvictims.org
http://www.geocities.com/againsthartz/LetterCamp1.html
http://www.komo1000news.com/consumertip/story.asp?ID=37470
http://www.mail-archive.com/pnews-news@inyourface.info/msg00343.html
http://www.cathelp-online.com/health/justsayno.php
http://www.wqad.com/Global/story.asp?S=3129158
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/avictimhartz.htm
ANSWER:
Ask anyone that works in a Vet clinic and they will tell you that they knew that Hartz killed animals. In 3 years at this clinic, we have seen about 8 animals die from it. All kittens. We warn people all the time but they think it is ok b/c Walmart sells it and it is cheap.
Author: A Nutt
Animals, like humans, can suffer from a plethora of common ailments that can make their lives miserable. This is why loving pet parents need to not only protect their pets from the discomforts that can besiege them; they should also find a way to do so without the use of harsh chemicals.
The solution of course is via the use or of organic, holistic an herbal remedies that are gentle and safe for not only animals but their human caretakers.
There are a large variety of natural treatments for conditions that often assail dogs', cats, or other domesticated animals on a regular basis. The top treatments can be found below, and are a few in a long list of things that can be done to give your pet comfort from distress.
A Homeopathic Solution for Fleas
If your dog or cat is biting at their skin or scratching this can be an indication of flea infestation. Brewer's yeast is often recommended largely because the smell that your pet gives off acts as a deterrent to the pests. Fresh garlic works for this very same reason and can be used in conjunction with the yeast. Do note that garlic is toxic for cats. Also toxic to cats are onions, shallots and chives.
Use about a teaspoon of brewer's (or nutritional) yeast daily for cats and small dogs, and a tablespoon for a 50-pound dog. Some animals are yeast intolerant and will react with a skin allergy. Discontinue use if this occurs. Combine the yeast with the garlic in your animal's food, and consider doubling the dosage during peak flea season (August and September).
Treating Infections Without Chemicals
Garlic oil alongside echinacea and goldenseal in your pet's food can raise immunity and help eradicate low grade infections. During the therapies, carefully observe your pet and make sure they are responding the treatment you are giving them. Again, note that garlic is toxic to cats.
If the infection persists, and you are not able to find a Holistic Vet in your area, you may have to take your animal to a a local Vet for a shot of antibiotics.
Also be aware that essential oils are NOT good for cats either. Cats lack the ability to metabolize the various compounds in essential oils.
Natural Ways to Treat Diarrhea, Vomiting and Dehydration
People use slippery elm to clam their own stomachs and the powdered version of the bark can help alleviate nausea, vomiting and excessive diarrhea in animals. If your animal experiences dehydration from their stomach troubles, powdered or liquid electrolyte solutions will work. If you opt for Gatorade or an equivalent, cut the solution with water as the sugar is not good for domesticated animals to ingest for long periods of time.
Healthy Skin and Coats
Fish based oils, like cod liver oil, can keep your pet's skin and hair shiny and thick. Place it in your pet's food a couple of times a day for best results.
Cod lover oil can also keep the skin from itching, as dryness is usually the reason for this symptom in the absence of fleas. It is also an excellent source of Omega 3 and Vitamin D, both known to support the immune system.
If for any reason your pet has itchy skin while using cod liver oil, try licorice or dandelion root. This will help boost the immune system which aids the skin and coat automatically.
Calming Anxiety Naturally
Pets can get skittish for any number of reasons. Animals who have been rescued from shelters or suffered previous abuse may routinely exhibit anxiousness. Calm their nerves as well as their fears with herbs like Valerian, which is used in humans for the same reason. Chamomile brews or a gentle rub of lavender oil on your pet's snout or nose will also help keep your animal happy and stress free.
Be sure to adjust the doses to coincide with your pet's weight. Small cats and dogs will not need as much herbal medicine as a bigger animal would. Also, begin the regimen slowly, a few days on and a few days off, so that you can observe any potential reactions.
Before starting therapy, take your pet to the vet for a full exam before beginning ant type of vigorous health program, holistic or not. Some herbs, while innocuous for some pets, can cause allergies in others.
Once your pet is cleared to receive herbal remedies for their conditions, you should be able to help them feel their best at all times without the use of damaging chemicals. If you are unsure, contact a Holistic Vet, or your local vet.
In addition to the fact that your pet will not have unnatural toxins fed to them in the form of medicine, holistically treating your pet can often times be significantly cheaper than traditional veterinary medicine.
QUESTION:
Natural Fleas Remedies for Cats?
I've read on the internet about using a lemon & water spray to kill fleas in combination with sprinkling garlic powder on their food. Anyone who has tried these, please let me know the results because Frontline and Advantage have both failed me and I'm tired of putting pesticides on my cats.
ANSWER:
spraying your cats with water and vinegar mixed together is supposed to repel fleas.
QUESTION:
Does anyone know of a natural flea remedy for cats and my carpet?
Hi, I have searched and am now totally overwhelmed and confused. Has anyone heard/know of a natural remedy or control for fleas on my cats, and now in my carpet? Oh yeah I am not rich.
ANSWER:
Yes! There is an ingredient that is called diatomaceous earth which is used in some natural insecticides.
It works by cutting the shells/skins of the insect. I have used it on carpet, hardwood floors and just about everywhere. It works. It's not immediate, but it works. Plus, when you vacuum, it gets the one in the bad too. Its available at several places on-line, as well as your local garden center I'm sure. Buy local and support your economy if you can.
QUESTION:
Natural worm/flea remedies for cats?
Hi everyone, I've been reading up about the chemical commercial flea/worm treatments on the market for pets and found out they can have serious side effects. Can anyone suggest some good natural remedies to help get rid of fleas and worms?
Thanks!
ANSWER:
Most of the reading you have been doing involve the over the counter products generally manufactured by Hartz. These can have serious health issues for cats - they contain dangerous ingredients. The products from your vet are much safer (and actually work). Don't equate "natural" with "safe" as many all-natural ingredients that are fine to use on dogs are lethal to cats. An example is pyrethrin - and all-natural extract of the a chrysanthemum flower. Fine for dogs, but can cause seizures and death in cats. Tea tree oil is another example - it's lethal to cats yet is a great flea repellent for dogs.
Many of the "all natural" web sites that are selling their products don't give you information about the safety of the product (other than their good word) or any information about it's safety (again, other than their good word). many of them make these incredible claims that can't be backed up with any kinds of scientific studies. I read about one that was on Yahoo Answers a couple of weeks ago that made startling claims about their product, and said horrible things about what chemicals can do to our pets. Eventually I got to the page that listed the ingredients (not easy to do) and one of the main ingredients was tea tree oil, which as I said is *not* for use on cats.
The products that your vet sells are very safe, and this is backed up by studies and real data, not the desire to make a buck. Fleas and worms can have serious side effects for our pets, and need to be dealt with in a safe and effective manner - and that means safe products from the vet.
QUESTION:
Any natural remedies for killing fleas? (on cats & dogs)?
Just untill my medicine comes in?
ANSWER:
If you have an indoor cat try this, I did it for about 10 years when I had indoor outdoor kitties, now only indoor, so no need any more but it was a life savor!!
How I got rid of fleas and bugs from my home
You will need to purchase a simple bug/fly zapper; the type you use on a patio to kill flying insects. You can buy a small one that will cover a large area of your house at most home improvement stores for as little as 20.00-30.00 dollars. For faster results you can use one bug zapper for each room. However the fleas do gravitate to the bug zapper’s light once night sets in and all the lights in your house are out. So one should work for a small home, just make sure to place it in the room where the most fleas are seen or felt. Place the zapper on the floor in a corner behind a piece of furniture so kids and pets won’t play with or bother it. Set it on a plate or pie tin for easy cleaning up of the zapped bugs, you will be killing all bugs in your home as well, and then plug it in. Remember, it is a piece of electrical equipment. You have to use caution in where you put it. At night the fleas automatically want to go to a light, when they hop in to the bug zapper light they get fried! You can actually hear little, zits, zits when the fleas are getting zapped! All GONE! Keep the carpet vacuumed daily until your flea problem is under control, this will help tremendously in getting the fleas eggs out of your home and carpet faster!! I am not responsible for misuse of the above item. Use full caution in placing your bug zapper to the safest place. It will work for months, even years; it will continue to kill bugs in your home as long as the light is on. The bulb can be replaced once it burns out. The light bulb can be purchased at most home improvement stores. http://www.samstores.com/_images/products/FLOWTRON_BK15.jpg
QUESTION:
Natural remedies for fleas on my cat?
I have a cat that is about 17 years old. She has been an indoor cat for the last 7 years since I have had her. All of a sudden she has been escaping to the out doors, now she has fleas!
I want to try and keep her indoors--but she sits by the door and meows so loud you'd think she is going to die!!! LOL
Anyway--I would like to use a natural flea solutions on her--does any one have any good suggestions? Anything which is around the house that I can use or must I purchase something from a pet store/ on line service?
Thank-you.
Thanks every one---I can not choose the best answer--so I will put this one to a vote
ANSWER:
Avoid any and all commercial flea remedies sold over-the-counter as "natural". The reason is that these products are based on essential oils which are toxic to cats. For that matter, avoid ANY flea product not sold by your vet. All of these products have been linked to poisoning and death in cats and kittens.
The only natural product you can use that is definitely safe is diatomaceous earth.
I have not tried it because my cats do not have fleas. I have also never ordered anything from this company that sells it http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/diatomaceous_earth_fleas.html . I'm giving the link only because there is information about it on the site.
I suggest you do a little research on it, then order some online and try it out.
Just avoid, avoid, avoid any non-vet flea products including ones that say "natural" on the label.
