Liz's Loving Pet Care

12/14/2024

Feline Nutrition - Feed Cats Like Cats is an excellent group and resource for cat nutrition! I hope they don't mind me sharing this screenshot of a very important post they made. I run across this issue very frequently. It's mainly the fault of the Pet Food companies having the labeling in such tiny print and presenting misleading information such as Applaws does by having kitten formulas OF A SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD ONLY - NOT COMPLETE and BALANCED. One would think that it was balanced for kittens but it's just a different texture.

Regular feeding of primarily incomplete foods can cause many deficits and illnesses. As Tina wrote, they shouldn't comprise more than 10% of a cat's diet. Some sources say up to 20% may be OK.

12/10/2024

You may already know that most orange cats are male, and torties and calicos female, but now we know why!

https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/stanford-scientists-crack-mystery-orange-cats-19962652.php?

A team led by Stanford University geneticist Greg Barsh has uncovered the genetic mutation responsible for orange fur in cats.

11/27/2024

Rodenticides kill more than rodents. Please don't use them. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, your cat is at risk of being poisoned from neighbors who use it. Luckily, this bobcat recovered with veterinary treatment. Press through to the original post to see a video of her on their first comment!

11/27/2024

Here's a Dog-friendly Thanksgiving Foods list of can safely haves and can't haves.

Dangers elaborated (off the top of my head):
⚠️ Onions, leeks and garlic can cause Heinz body anemia—either a large amount at once or small amount over time.

⚠️ Grapes can cause liver failure and death.

⚠️ Ham is way too salty.

⚠️ Turkey bones can cause choking or an obstruction in their G.I. Tract. Dogs should never be given cooked bones.

⚠️ Casseroles and stuffing usually contain onions and garlic and other ingredients that are dangerous for dogs and cats.

Dogs can safely have: carrots 🥕, celery, turkey without skin, corn removed from the cob, sweet potatoes 🍠, green beans 🫛, apples 🍎, and pumpkin.

I don't know the original source of the graphic.

11/27/2024

Rest in peace Seuk Kim, hero of so many animals💖🪽

Seuk Kim was transporting three rescue dogs from Maryland to Albany, N.Y., when his plane crashed in the Catskill Mountains. Two of the dogs managed to survive.

11/15/2024

Two of my greatest loves: cats and art! Dogs are another great love of mine but are not featured in these paintings. On the below, you will find at least one cat in each of the paintings.

When I was 4 years old, my mother had my bedroom redecorated and she bought these art prints where there was a cat hidden in each painting. They were all by the same artist. Neither she nor I can recall who the artist was, so I periodically search for him. I'm pretty sure it was a male artist.

I still have not found him, but I thought this article and paintings included in it very much worth sharing!

Artists often put symbolic meanings in their paintings with cats hidden on the canvas, can you spot a cat in the famous paintings?

11/09/2024

Please beware of the risks of adverse events associated with isoxazoline flea and tick products.
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"Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs and cats."

The FDA-approved drugs in this class are:
⛔️Bravecto (fluralaner) tablets for dogs
⛔️Bravecto (fluralaner) topical solution for cats and dogs
⛔️Bravecto Plus (fluralaner and moxidectin) topical solution for cats
⛔️Bravecto 1-month (fluralaner) tablets for dogs
⛔️Credelio (lotilaner) tablets for dogs and cats
⛔️Nexgard (afoxolaner) tablets for dogs
⛔️Nexgard Plus (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel) chewable tablets for dogs
⛔️Nexgard Combo (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel) topical solution for cats
⛔️Simparica (sarolaner) tablets for dogs
⛔️Simparica Trio (sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel) tablets for dogs
⛔️Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner) topical solution for cats

The above were excerpted from the attached FDA issued warning. There have also been instances of death from these products.
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There are safer options for flea and tick control. For example, the original Revolution that contains only the selamectin works just as well for flea treatment and prevention but does not protect from as many species of ticks. Advantage II for cats does not contain any drugs of the isoxazoline class. There are others as well.

Note that even if your pet tolerated a flea or tick product without side effects on one application, they still can become sensitized to it upon repeat applications.

I recommend avoiding any products that are meant to last for more than a single month. That drug will not be able to be removed from them for the duration. Always weigh risks and benefits.

* Extra / 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏼‍♂️❓
See the comments for a link to tips for safe use of flea and tick products. Also, feel free to ask me questions. I'll do my best to answer. I have learned a lot from the different consultations I've had on these products and I will answer honestly when I don't know an answer.

FDA fact sheet about potential neurologic adverse events in dogs and cats when treated with the flea and tick drugs Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard, or Simparica.

11/02/2024

Pure breeding is animal cruelty. The Kitten Lady had a post about caring for French Bull Dogs puppies some time ago and IIRC, the majority of each litter doesn't survive. They struggle with so many diseases and dysfunctional issues. You can search her page for that example. Adam Ruins Everything gives an overview below.

Pure breeding is a form of genetic manipulation humans made up just to amuse ourselves.Subscribe: http://bit.ly/truTVSubscribeWatch Full Episodes for FREE: h...

10/26/2024

Use your cat's natural hunting skills to clean his or her teeth through play! What a brilliant idea!

https://catvetlife.com/the-inventor-cat-dental-wand/?

Join board-certified feline veterinarian Dr. Carter as she introduces you to the Inventor Cat Dental Wand! She and her cat Bacon tested it out!

10/25/2024

10/11/2024

Just as with humans, cats have preferences and react to both positive and negative experiences. Although they’re very tolerant of the mistakes humans make, certain behaviors family members do can cause stress and damage the bond. I’ve written many articles about the ways to strengthen the bond, ...

10/01/2024

Please read if you have a cat.

Taking advantage of proper preventive care can help your cat live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Annual exams are a vital part of your cat's health and allow your veterinarian to check over your pet and allow you to have an open dialogue about possible health concerns.

10/01/2024

I just came across this website by 1 of 72 board-certified feline veterinarians in the USA. Her physical practice is located in Florida, but this website has a wealth of information for everyone!

She's also on Instagram, Pinterest and facebook— all accessible through the website, but since we're on Facebook now, here is that link:
https://www.facebook.com/catvetlife

I’m Dr. Amber Carter. Board-certified feline-veterinarian. Business owner. Homeschooling mom. Cancer survivor. Hot chocolate connoisseur.

09/30/2024