Tag Archives: cats

We talk about ‘complementary’ rather than ‘alternative,’ treatments because each type has something that contributes to the whole treatment. Holistic veterinarians believe in what they do, despite a lack of scientific evidence that the tools of their trade – acupuncture, herbal medicines, homeopathy and other complementary therapies – prevent or cure illness in pets. A lot of people like the way their arthritic dog behaves after a round of acupuncture, or how a dog’s infection clears up completely with homeopathic treatment. But holistic veterinarians also understand the limits of such therapies and prefer to use them alongside more conventional ones. So what are the most commonly used therapies? Acupuncture is probably the most well-known complementary therapy. People have found both needle and laser acupuncture beneficial for thousands of years, so why not for our pets. Horses also benefit from treatments and as the equipment is mobile, treatments can be done in the stable or field. Acupuncture is one of the safest …

RHONA Lucas laughs when she is asked to describe herself. She lives with 147 cats, five dogs, three donkeys and a posse of nine visiting foxes in Cloonlaheen East, not far from Mullagh. With the odd exception, she knows the name of most of her cats, who reside in the An Cat Dubh Sanctuary in the tranquil surrounds of her relatively new abode. [doptg id=”33″]“My view is that eccentricity is interesting,” Rhona replied, when asked was she perhaps slightly odd. “If we were all the same, it would be very boring. If you met me I clearly am not mad. I just believe that animals deserve to be treated with respect,” she explained. Intriguingly, Rhona also gets on with people, as her former Galway-based vet attests. “They always said that they loved working with me because I clearly liked people as well. A lot of people in the welfare business sadly don’t like people. They’re much better with animals and …

DOES your cat scratch the furniture or wood outside? Scratching is a complex behaviour which has multiple uses. Many people believe that the cats are sharpening their claws but they are actually getting rid of the outer nails to reveal the new sharp nail underneath. Cats ‘shed’ rather than sharpen their nails. This is also the cat’s way of exercising and strengthening the paws and sheaths that keep the nails covered and in prime condition. They are marking territory, too, using both the chemical signals from scent and sweat glands on the paws and also a visual signal displaying the scratch marks. Unfortunately, this can also happen indoors on the furniture and some walls. Does your cat spray urine? This is a deliberate attempt by the cat to mark territory by standing against a vertical surface and raising its tail to spray urine at nose height as a clear signal to other cats. Cats may do this indoors, as a …

SPAYING a female cat or dog and neutering a male cat or dog is a veterinary procedure to ensure the animal can no longer breed. Some people think that this is cruel and that, perhaps, the female should have one litter first. Studies over many years have, however, proven that there are no beneficial effects on the female to have a litter. We all like to see puppies and kittens but some litters in dogs can be as large as 12, and it’s up to the owner to find loving, forever homes for all the offspring. Welfare and rescue centres all over Ireland are overflowing with unwanted cats, dogs and rabbits. Many of them are pure-bred and cross-bred and would have cost a few hundred euro to buy as a pup. One female cat can have between 60 and 100 kittens in her life. A male and one female and their offspring can be responsible for 11,606,077 cats in just …

Our pets need to be companion animals, well socialised with people and our homes to be of benefit to us. Dogs and cats kept outside don’t offer us the same companionship and quite often they themselves suffer by not being invited to live indoors with us. Being part of the family has beneficial effects on humans and animals alike. Spending quality time with a dog, cat or other animal can have a positive impact on your mood and your health. Pet owners, on average, are better off than non-pet owners, especially when they have a higher-quality relationship with their pets. For some active people, that includes playing games, walking and exercising with your dog. For others, who can’t get outside, just petting your dog or cat can help you feel connected. Even talking to a budgie can help. Pets can help you in other ways, too. A healthier heart: Your dog may make you less likely to get heart disease …