Today I realized that it was high time that I allocated equal time to our other furry friends. At All Fur Love Pet Care, we make many visits to our client’s home in order to keep your ‘baby’ in their natural environment. It is a well -known fact that cats thrive in their owner’s home and adjust poorly to facilities which cage our feline friends. Recently, it has come to my attention that there appears to be an alarming number of cancers occurring with my client’s cats. I decided to do some research to find holistic ways to combat this occurrence at the beginning to ensure a long, healthy life. That being said, I consulted the Only Natural Pet which offers preventative strategies to help guard your pet against cancer.
Provide only pure water
Tap water is often polluted with toxic chemicals such as lead, arsenic, and nitrates. Holistic vets strongly advise using a good-quality water purifier. By getting fresh water (bottled or distilled), you can rejuvenate your pet because it flushes toxins from the body and contributes to the feeling of well-being, says Dr. Goldstein.
If you decide to buy a water purifier, keep in mind that although initially costlier than bottled water, it is much cheaper in the long run, costing only pennies a gallon, says Dr. Pitcairn.
If your pet already has cancer, avoid all vaccinations
Vaccinations can stress your pets immune system. Recently, one cat owner found this out. Her 9-year-old cat, Sam, contracted a disease called vaccine-induced fibrosarcoma. This is a fatal cancer for cats that develops at the site of repeated vaccine injections, say holistic vets.
Sam was one of the lucky ones. Two thousand dollars later, the tumor on his shoulder was gone. Today, Sam is in remission and looks 100 percent better.
For cancer patients, at the very least, avoid vaccinations during treatment because they will counteract any positive and immune-enhancing effects of your home-support program, says Dr. Goldstein. Ask your vet about the homeopathic remedy Thuja occidentalis 30C, which removes the immune-suppressing effects of vaccinations.
Avoid indoor pollution
Keep your pet away from cigarette smoke. Studies show that secondhand smoke contains hundreds of toxic chemicals that can cause lung cancer in humans. It hasn’t been shown to be as much of a problem for animals, yet vets still recommend that you avoid exposing your pet to it.
Ventilate your house well to reduce indoor air pollution. Grow houseplants that filter the air such as philodendrons, spider plants, aloe vera, chrysanthe-mums and gerbera daisies, and keep the plants out of your pets reach. Don’t use chemicals such as pesticides and household cleaners around the house. Seek out natural products.
Avoid contaminated water
Keep your pet away from street puddles, which can contain cancer-causing toxins such as hydrocarbons and asbestos dust from brakes.
You should change your pets water daily. Keep the bowl clean and in a place protected from dust and debris. Most of all, says Dr. Pitcairn, make it available so that your pet will not be tempted to drink from a contaminated puddle, creek, or pond.
Keep your pet away from electromagnetic radiation
Be careful that your pet is not exposed to many environmental sources of electromagnetic radiation such as power lines close to the house and areas with a lot of electrical outlets.
Remember to keep your pet from resting on or near a color TV set, as many holistic vets believe that all radiation effects are cumulative in the body. Keep Fluffy away from radios, microwaves, and computer terminals, too.
Don’t use unnatural flea products on your pet
Did you know that flea collars, sprays, and shampoos are full of poisons? Instead of chemical insecticides, use natural and less-toxic methods of flea control such as
natural flea shampoos, vacuuming frequently, and combing your pet with a flea comb. Pyrethins are a natural means of flea control. D-limonen and other citrus-based methods can be used in dogs (there is evidence of toxicity in cats). Putting borates, salt, or diatomaceous earth into carpet is effective for indoor flea control.
Do not allow your pet to ride in the back of a moving vehicle
Along with the danger of being thrown out, your pet will be susceptible to inhaling toxic car fumes and smog. For indoor cats, open up a screened window and let your feline get a breath of fresh outdoor air.
Keep your pet away from pesticides and herbicides on lawns and plants
Stay clear of house and garden pesticides, and get rid of pesky insects naturally; or seek out the least-toxic products. There are also nontoxic, organic products available.
Keep your pet stress-free
Stress is emotional imbalance caused by anger, frustration, or anxiety. These emotions overwork the liver, where they can stagnate and create tumors, according to Dr. Schwartz.
High anxiety in pets happens for a variety of reasons: neglect, a multiple animal household, an owner going away on vacation, or an owner going through a divorce. Whatever triggers stress in your cat, tune in and help your pet chill out.
Try some de-stressing methods such as: maintaining a regular pet routine (including feeding times and playtimes); massaging your pet; being in tune to your pets needs; looking for stress signals (from appetite changes to excessive meowing); keeping peace in a multi-pet household; and providing tender loving care.
Exercise your cat on a regular basis
Research shows that feline fitness not only strengthens immunity to chronic disease such as cancer but is also essential for optimal health and well-being.
Sustained, vigorous use of the muscles stimulates all tissues and increases blood circulation. Blood vessels dilate and blood pressure rises. As a result, tissues become oxygenated, which helps to clean the cells of toxins. Digestive glands secrete their fluids better, and the bowels move more easily, says Dr. Pitcairn.
Some fun feline workouts are hiding games (with a bed sheet, tented paper, or paper bag), playing with interactive cat toys or windup toys, scratching a pad or post, and walking your cat on a harness and leash.
I would welcome any comment or experiences any of our readers have.
Until next time, Maureen
All Fur Love Pet Care