Question:

I feed my 2-year-old flame-point Siamese canned food (Fancy Feast) and dry food. She also loves tuna fish ("people" tuna), for which she developed an appetite when I once ran out of regular cat food. Is there any danger to her health from giving her regular tuna about once a week?.

C.L.J., Fort Worth, TX Jun 27, 2004

Answer:

There are several problems with feeding tuna fish to cats. It is highly "addictive," leading some cats to refuse all other food. This in turn can result in nutritional deficiency disease because "people" tuna is not a balanced diet suitable for daily consumption by cats. Also, because of the high levels of mercury found in tuna, neither cats nor humans should consume it on a regular basis -- no more than a small serving once a week, if that. When pregnant, neither humans nor animals should consume tuna at all. There are also ethical reasons for not eating tuna: dolphins, turtles and other sea creatures are frequently needlessly killed by the tuna fishing industry.

Question:

I''m responding to a recent letter in your column regarding the expensive cost of canine arthritis medications. I have been using MSM as an anti-inflammatory for myself as well as for my older dogs, cats and horses for a considerable length of time, with wonderful results. I can feel the inflammation leave my own joints within an hour of taking it, so I know that it helps my animals, too. I sprinkle 1 teaspoon over my large dog''s food each morning and mix 1 teaspoon into each cat''s canned food. For myself, I mix 1 teaspoon into a glass of orange juice. A 1-pound container purchased at an equine feed store (or through an equine supply catalog) is around $15 and will last for months for the average pet owner.Fed in conjunction with glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate, MSM gives immediate relief, while the first two slowly restore the cushioning fluids of the joints. Only in severe or advanced cases of arthritis have I had to supplement with buffered aspirin or prescription medications.I hope this information

L.G., Palm Beach Gardens, FL Jun 27, 2004

Answer:

As you know from my column, I am in principle opposed to people treating their own animals with over-the-counter products without veterinary approval and monitoring. But clinical experience, such as yours, is of great value and can inform other animal caretakers and veterinarians of the benefits of "nutraceuticals" like methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This is important, since arthritis is such a common problem in companion animals. However, animals who are diabetic or borderline diabetic may be at risk when given glucosamine, and need careful monitoring. Likewise, the use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be harmful to dogs and, especially, cats, and should never be given without veterinary consultation.

Question:

I took my 12-year-old cat to the ASPCA for a rabies vaccination. They insisted that I apply flea preventive for dogs on my cat. I did, and I''ve never seen such a bad reaction in an animal: He lost most of his fur, cried for weeks, and was in pain and could hardly eat.I ended up taking him to a veterinary hospital, where I was made to buy a case of food I knew he wouldn''t eat. They did all kinds of tests and (over $300 later) they told me he had thyroid trouble. They prescribed medication, but it costs about $50 a week. After the first month I couldn''t afford it anymore.It took three months for my cat to get his fur back. He''s thin, but he eats well. I''m told he still needs his rabies shot, but he''s strictly an indoor cat. Should I take him in for his shot?.

R.O.R., Virginia Beach, Va Jun 27, 2004

Answer:

First, your indoor cat does not need a rabies vaccination unless one is mandated by local law. People whose pets have had adverse reactions to a rabies vaccine should be given a note by the attending veterinarian stating that the required vaccination was not given for health reasons. Otherwise, the canarypox-vectored Purevax by Merial, a 1-year rabies vaccine for cats, is considered the safest by feline specialists.Second, the veterinarian who allegedly advised putting a flea-preventive medication for dogs on your cat in conjunction with a rabies vaccination should be held responsible for all your subsequent veterinary costs. Such mistreatment caused your poor cat unnecessary suffering and may have triggered the hyperthyroidism disease.You should also switch your cat to a diet of natural, whole foods (ideally organically certified). You''ll find a basic recipe for such a diet on my Web site at http://www.DrFoxVet.com/info/Dr-Fox-Cat-Food-Recipe. Good nutrition means a good immune system and a healthier, happier

Question:

My small, 8-year-old spayed, mixed-breed cat, Chrissie, has a thick coat of fine, semi-long fur that she keeps meticulously clean. Consequently, every two or three days she vomits a 2-inch fur ball (along with her other stomach contents) on the living room carpet or whatever piece of furniture she is sitting or sleeping on at the time. I have seen her suddenly wake up and vomit a large fur ball right then and there. Combing and brushing are no help, as her fur is too fine. Our vet proposed giving her phenobarbital, but I didn''t agree to that. Can you suggest a solution?.

J.K.S., Cheverly, Md Jun 27, 2004

Answer:

Vomiting up "sausages" or "cigars" of swallowed, compacted fur is so common in cats that it has led some cat food manufacturers to produce special diets to ostensibly prevent this problem.Regular grooming on a daily basis is called for; using a moist sponge over your cat''s fur may make it easier to collect loose fur in a fine comb or brush. The less loose fur, the less your cat will swallow.Adding more roughage or fiber to her diet may help, too, such as a tablespoonful of chopped wheatgrass, sprouted greens or cooked rolled oats. A few drops of fish oil or a half-teaspoon of flaxseed oil in her food every day will also help improve her coat.I would never give your cat a drug like phenobarbital, which could knock her out so much that she wouldn''t groom herself. Besides, prolonged use can cause liver damage.

Question:

I am writing in response to your article addressing the use of spot-on and drop-on flea and tick insecticides on a routine basis. Many years ago, our veterinarian recommended that we add powdered brewer's yeast to our cats' food for the additional protein it provides. Much to our amazement, it also rid them of fleas. Furthermore, we found that the yeast stimulates the cats' appetites. Unfortunately, it doesn't have any effect on ticks -- it's still necessary to seek those out and use the Vaseline-and-tweezers removal method. Nevertheless, the yeast gives the animals relief from the itching of fleas and keeps our home free of these pests. We highly recommend the brewer's yeast treatment for its threefold benefits.

E.L.R., Bridgeport, CT Jun 20, 2004

Answer:

Thank you for sharing your experience with a widely acknowledged nutritional supplement that helps deter fleas. Healthy pets get fewer fleas, and good nutrition makes for healthy pets. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of brewer's yeast at mealtime for a cat or small dog, and 1 full teaspoon per 30 pounds for larger dogs. This treatment is especially important during the hot, muggy summer flea season (and year round in states like Florida and Arizona). Chopped garlic may also benefit dogs, but it is not safe for cats. Give 1 clove of fresh, chopped garlic per 30 pounds of your dog's weight. Flaxseed oil (1/4 teaspoon per 15 pounds) also benefits both cats and dogs.Other nontoxic methods of flea control include clearing the brush from your backyard; combing your pet daily with a fine-toothed flea comb; and vacuuming your living area thoroughly every week.

Question:

I have a sweet, loving, 2-year-old Lhasa apso. While walking her, she will bite and growl at my feet and ankles. This is the only time she displays this aggressive behavior. Why does she do this, and how can I correct it?.

W.L., Harrisburg, Pa Jun 20, 2004

Answer:

Your feisty young dog wants to play -- to chase, wrestle and engage in fun "fights" with you and others of her own kind. She''s not being aggressive, but her behavior may be too intense because she never gets to really "cut loose"; your feet and ankles are thus irresistible to her.I''ll bet she never gets much real playtime or a good off-leash romp, which, sadly, is the fate of too many dogs today. Without ample opportunity for play, such animals become obese, depressed and prematurely old. So learn how to play with your dog and find her a playgroup, just as you would for a child.

Question:

My 4-year-old cat, Arthur, has recently begun mounting my leg anytime I''m lying down. He doesn''t rub the way a dog would, but kneads with his front and back paws for up to five minutes if I let him. Although his bottom doesn''t touch my leg, he is as obsessive about it as a dog in heat. Should I be worried?.

G.H., Washington, DC Jun 20, 2004

Answer:

What he''s doing is a combination of nursing/kneading with his front paws, which is a self-comforting behavior, followed by sexual mounting of your leg. These behaviors are not uncommon in cats and are no cause for concern.Try diverting him with a fluffy toy on a string that you pull for him to catch and "kill," and a sock or pouch filled with catnip to nuzzle and carry around. Keep the catnip in a plastic bag in the refrigerator between playtimes, which are best in the evening and last thing at night.Finally, your cat needs the company of his own kind, and he''s young enough to accept another cat into the home.

Question:

I have a couple of questions I''d like your opinion on. I have two cats who will both be 8 years old in August. They love to eat plastic (mainly plastic bags). We have to be very careful about leaving anything like that sitting around. Have you ever seen anything like this?Also, one kitty has been taking phenobarbital for two years now to control seizures. We have not seen her have one since she started taking the medication. Do you feel this medication should be taken for life? I have tried to read up on this subject, but find it confusing. We have her blood levels checked often and she is doing well.

A.R., Ozark, Mo Jun 20, 2004

Answer:

Cats often like to lick and chew on plastic and photographic prints, which I believe is because there are animal byproducts like fat (stearates) and gelatin mixed in with other potentially toxic chemical compounds in these man-made materials. So it is best to keep cats away from these materials.Cats rarely develop seizures, so it is advisable to have your veterinarian check for thyroid disease and other underlying health problems that could result in periodic spells.You may want to try your cat on a home-prepared diet containing fresh, raw meat or poultry, and do not feed her any dry cat food that is high in cereals. Then, after six to eight weeks on the new diet, take her off the phenobarbital (which can cause liver damage) and see how she does.Some spayed cats also seem to improve, in terms of hyperirritability and aggressive behavior, when given a long-acting progesterone injection; ask your vet about this as well. Such an injection may also help your cat become less seizure-prone, as progesterone has a m

Question:

We have a dog named Amy and a cat named Betty. I have a great deal of pain in one of my eyes. If I lay the sore side of my face on Amy or Betty the pain goes away. And it stays away for quite awhile. Why? What do my girls have that medication doesn''t have?.

J.B., Delanson, NY Jun 13, 2004

Answer:

First, let me urge you to have an ophthalmologist check your eye, as you may have glaucoma or some other serious condition.That said, I would like to hear from other readers who have had experiences like yours. As I describe in my recently revised books "The Healing Touch for Dogs" and "The Healing Touch for Cats" (New Market Press, 2004), there is a sympathetic resonance between humans and animals such that we may feel their pain and help it go away. The animals may well do the same for us, as your experience suggests. Alternatively, close contact with your animal makes you relax, and that can help reduce pain and associated tension.

Question:

I''ve taken various herbal medicines over the years and found them very effective and inexpensive. Do veterinarians prescribe herbs for animals? What are some of the good ones for dogs and cats?.

R.E., Poolesville, Md Jun 13, 2004

Answer:

The good news for animals (but not for the pharmaceutical industry) is that many veterinarians are using various herbal preparations as alternative, supportive and complementary treatments for a number of ailments. Much of the rationale is that these treatements are generally less costly, no less effective (and often more effective), and have fewer harmful side effects than conventional synthetic drugs.The same holds true for nutraceuticals, or nutrient supplements like carnitine, glucosamine, flaxseed oil and brewer''s yeast. For more information on such supplements, see Dr. Susan G. Wynn''s book "Emerging Therapies: Using Herbs and Nutraceutical Supplements for Small Animals" (American Animal Hospital Association Press, 1999). You can also learn more from the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association Web site at www.vbma.org.Herbal and homeopathic medicines and nutraceuticals break down in the body and cause no documented harm to the environment when excreted, unlike many synthetic pharmaceutical products. T