Cheryl (Highland Park, NJ) on 07/08/2023
If you already have a name for your cat, you can skip to the next section. But there are a couple of things to keep in mind when you're trying to come up with a name for your furry feline.
First, try to 'tune in' to your cat and get a sense of what his or her personality really is like. I remember this one sassy cat a friend had years ago who was named "Princess." The name did not fit the cat's personality at all. When I tuned in to her fresh face, I soon felt that a more suitable name for her would be Toots, as in the roaring '20s, "Hey, Toots, whatcha doin' tonight?"
My friend really loved the new name (being a New Yorker), and so the cat finally had a name that fit her and her sassy attitude. So, be fair to your cat - they have really sensitive feelings - and try to resist naming it things like Xanax or Harddrive. Funny though they may be, names like this are just not likely to suit an individual cat's personality. No wonder so many of them seem 'aloof' or unresponsive - the owners have never taken the time to get to know who they really are!
Second, try to come up with a name that has long vowel sounds in it, especially "ee", as this is a sound that is very easy for an animal's ears to hear, like Chi Chi. Even a name like Lulu has long vowels that are easy to hear, as opposed to Princess, which has short vowel sounds that are not distinctive.
Training Your Cat to Come to Its Name
Now we're getting down to the fun part. I came across this information years ago when I was on my own after college and acquired three throw-away kittens. My family had always had pets, but I never had sole responsibility for them until now.
I discovered this old book, The Fabulous Feline, or Dogs Are Passe`, which was very thorough and comprehensive on everything from feeding and grooming to training and cat psychology. The most trainable period for a cat is from 3 to 9 months, very similar to dogs.
The author pointed out that, while dogs are often trained with treats and verbal commands, the key to a cat's heart is pleasure. Yes, pleasure! Most cats - unless they have been abused or abandoned - love to have their spines stroked. It's just like mama cat washing her babies to stimulate the pituitary gland so the kitten grows and thrives. And remember, for 4-legged creatures, the spine goes all the way out to the tip of the tail.
When you're petting your cat - stroking its spine and neck, around the cheekbones and ears - it should begin to purr. Once it purrs, this is when you start to implant the association with its name.
So, over and over, as you stroke and it purrs, you say the cat's name, lovingly. Every time you have the cat in one of these pleasure sessions, repeat the cat's name fondly. Something in their psychology responds well to being adored. (A carry-over from Egypt when they were revered as gods? It might be genetic! )
After a couple of weeks of this, try testing out whether the name has "taken" yet, whether the cat has associated the name and the pleasure response. You see the cat across the room and it's looking at something else or washing itself, whatever, it's preoccupied. Then you call its name and see if it looks at you, or at least cocks an ear in your direction. This is a good sign.
You'll know that the cat really recognizes its name when it comes over to you when you call it. So keep up the association of pleasure and saying its name until you get this result.
When I lived in the country, my cats would roam out into the woods and fields. When I called them for dinner, I'd see them appear from far away, running to the house, just like dogs. People would be amazed that they came to their names but, once you know their secret, responding to their names is as natural for them as it is for us!
Cat Sinus Infection Remedies Real jbarker (Maui, HI) on 02/17/2023
I have a 10 year old cat with a sinus infection that has been antibiotic resistant. Over 2 years and vet visits, no help but the antibiotics are toxic to her.
For 7 days skipping some days, I have used a nasal spray I bought through Amazon, its 2% potassium iodine & fulvic acid. It's working well! She's the best I've ever seen her except after giving a round of antibiotics, and I can't keep giving those since it takes the life out of her because antibiotics given so frequently are toxic, literally.
So everyone, try the 2% potassium iodine/ fulvic acid nasal spray, made in the USA.brand name is Triquetra, Nasomin, blu& white box.
I have for 7 days
Re: Cat's Ear Mites Robert Arias (Silver City NM) on 12/19/2021
I just started using colloidal silver to stave of herpes rhino virus and I searched if that was also good for ear mites. A spray or several drops massaged a little twice a day but I just started today so results to follow but it certainly worked to keep them rhino free as they are indoor outdoor.
Colloidal Silver + Colloidal Gold Helped Herpes Rhinovirus in Rescued Cats! Robert (Silver City NM) on 12/19/2021
I had a family of cats that showed up at my door all infested with the herpes rhinovirus. I kept two of the five (sorry I love animals but I'm poor) and gave the other three to the Humane Society. They are indoor-outdoor cats and of course I went to the vet to get treatment for the two that I kept and named them Magnus and Theodore. The vets only know medicine and gave me amoxicillin and eye ointment to administer. Of course it worked but my dilemma was that I don't deny them their freedom so they go out in the neighborhood where they hang out with their friends some of which probably have rhinovirus and Theodore loves to go out more than Magnus and would come back sniffling and sneezing so I'd have to re-adminiter a dose of the left over amoxicillin that I boosted with DMSO to make it more potent so I wouldn't have to give it to him all the time except for once a week
. Antibiotics kill the gut biome in cats just like they do in humans and if you're not paying attention it will slowly deteriorate your cat's health. I also converted a cat carrier into a psuedo hyperbarik chamber that I use to put them in for 15 minutes and gave them nebulized hydrogen peroxide and normal saline with a dissolved vitamin C and Magnesium to help stave off the herpes virus.
Well, it kind of sort of worked UNTIL I bought colloidal silver copper and gold for myself and then researched it for cats. EXCELLENT results. They don't need the nebulizing treatments anymore nor the booster amoxicillin and I don't stress about letting them roam free anymore. I just give them both a 3cc syringe full of half colloidal silver and gold via mouth. They drink it right down and go on their merry way. I LOVE my cats and they make my insides happy. Cheers!
Need Help for Rescue Cat with Scratching and Dandruff Issues Gertjr (Madison) on 09/28/2020
I just rescued a cat. the elderly owner passed in July and this cat has been alone except for someone stopping in to feed and scoop every other day since then. She has been pulling hair out, but that's not the issue because it should get better now she's with me. She was perfect from noon until 9 last night, then started scratching.
As I brushed her, I saw black specks but didn't see any actual fleas (so I need to treat all her soft toys and scratching post, can you tell me the best way?). She also is very dandruffy. I had put out the food that she came with, but she did get some treats that my cat was getting. Allergies? She's on Iams food, as is my cat. Also, I had put out that fresh step crystal litter, so could that do it? She came with a nasty cat box and a new box of arm and hammer litter, so I've cleaned the box and put that litter out for her. I"m going to see if I can get her in to my vet asap, since they had no clue about shots or any other health checkups and she's very overweight (30 lbs?).
Please advise. I don't have tons of money for special food or treatments and really don't want to give her back (terrible life! ), but will do what I can for her. I've had cats all my adult life and never had one that scratched like this. I do keep my cats on flea/tick monthly treatments because I get eaten up by fleas, and I know this isn't the best for the cat but either they get treatment or I don't have cats. And my cat goes outside and brings in ticks all spring and summer.
Thanks.
Seeking Feline Pododermatitis Remedies Christina (Or) on 08/05/2020
Feline Pododermatitis - any natural treatments to boost the immune system and get my cats over this bothersome disease? I did find that raw honey helped with bleeding sores.
Spirulina for Cats Anon (Anon) on 07/07/2020
The first time I gave my cat spirulina he gobbled it up and then sat there with his eyes bugged out looking around like he just took his first hit of acid and was seeing the world for the first time.
Dosing: 1/2 teaspoon of powder in a pile on the linoleum kitchen floor
Now I mix a dash in his wet food when he looks like he needs some excitement.
He also loves brewer's yeast and the diatomaceous earth (+ - 1/4 tsp/day) seems to be reducing the cyst in his ear. I'll get back to you about that if it goes away entirely.
Rosemary (Virginia) on 02/21/2020
My cat disappeared in the house for 8 hours. I finally found her, foaming at the mouth, with a dirty bottom, dilated pupils, cold and panting late at night. Totally lethargic and not eating or drinking. In the morning I went to the vet and they said the tests of all kinds came back negative and that all they could do is a saline drip and antibiotics. I said yes to that. By evening she was a bit more alive, but still eyes dilated and panting, just warmer and more hydrated. They sent her home with me to die. This is when I went on a search for natural remedies, as the vet had no diagnosis or any ideas. The saline drip gave me time to think about it. So the first thing is I used CBD oil to get the cat to have its first nap in two days, and she woke up so thirsty and even had a bite of food. Still panting lethargic and eyes dilated, but hungry and thirsty! Then I read that panting or shortness of breath was caused by a lack of iron. I asked the vet and they had already checked iron levels and hers were fine. Either way, I made a cup of blackstrap molasses water, and readministered CBD. When she woke up thirsty again I offered both water and molasses water...and she wanted molasses water. She laid in the same place all night. I woke up in the middle of the night and she was missing...I got scared and called for her... And she jumped on the bed and let me pet her and wanted out of my room. The next morning I woke up and there she was with regular eyes, and regular breathing, and wanted to go down to see all her animal friends and had already cleaned her fur. It was a miracle and the vets had no idea how that happened. Thanks earthclinic!
Natural Remedies for Mega Colon in Cats Joyce (Jacksonville, Florida) on 01/26/2020
Anyone have any ideas on what to give a middle age cat with something called mega colon? I have spent thousands at the vet but nothing seems to help her. She has a hard time going to the bathroom and when she does it seems to hurt and is bloody sometimes. Hard as a rock mostly but sometimes very soft. The only thing we do is put Metamucil in her food. Any other ideas?
Blackstrap Molasses for Cats Kim (Colorado) on 04/04/2019
Hi everyone, My cat is 14 years old and in the past two years the arthritis in his back legs has gotten really bad. I feed him non-grain organic hard food (chicken soup for the soul) as well as organic soft food (taste of the wild), and also give him two cosequin supplements a day. I also have heating pads (on the lowest heat) on his special pillow in my room, and other places around the house. I try to get him to play, and am doing everything I can to help. My question is: Would a little bit of blackstrap molasses be helpful? I know it is for dogs, but is it for cats? I mean like putting some on your finger and putting it in his mouth. I did that once a day for a few days and saw improvement but then read it may be bad for cats so stopped. Also - does anyone recommend a non-grain hard food for their cat that is also tasty and organic? Thank you so much!
Goat Milk Kitten Formula for Cat Refusing to Feed Kittens Mira (La) on 01/28/2018
Kitten Formula from powdered goat's milk
2 scoops meyenburg powdered goats milk + 1 egg yolk
Run just enough boiling water over yolk to sterilize. Blend or shake in a jar according to ratios listed on can. Don't make it too watery and let it warm up to room temperature before serving. Kittens are temperature sensitive. Refrigerate.
My ex didn't get his beautiful queen spayed after the first litter. She had been a great momma to her first litter and let them suckle up until 4 months! At which point, couldn't stand the sight of them any longer and spent all of her time away from the house.
She gave birth to her 2nd litter somewhere outside and finally brought them to the house after a few weeks, starving and flea infested. Her nipples were dry. She wasn't as interested
I tried A LOT of things until I stumbled on to the goat's milk recipe. They say not to feed kittens cow's milk, but then why is the kitten formula cow milk based? Anyway, the powdered goats milk has folic acid added. That's a good thing.
If they don't like the egg, try it without.
I also fed my kitten probiotic plain yogurt and little bits of butter. I splurge on milk products and get the best I can afford, grassfed, organic, and raw if possible.
She was the sickliest, the runt of the litter (I wasn't even sure she would make it) and at five months is doing great!
Multiple Remedies Helping Sick Elderly Cat, But Still Need Help Tory (Las Vegas, Nv 89166) on 01/10/2018
I have spent at least $1000. on Vets, with Bloodwork, antibionic Tresaderm, my cat of 15 yrs. he was dying, The Vet had tried to talk me into putting him to sleep, but I went to Earth Clinic Pets and after ACV rinses, coconut oil, Activated charcoal, colloidal silver, sea buckhorn berry oil, wheat grass, caster oil, flax seed oil, blackstrap molasses, Blue Buffulo, fresh Tuna, spring water in a fountain, trips to the park in his stroller. He is 50% better (Earth Clinic, Thank you so much) Still there is something wrong with his one ear, I think there is a connection to the cataract in his eye on that same side of his face and he still breaths very heavy, PLEASE HELP???
Pumpkin for Nausea in Cat Kitty Parent (Vancouver, Bc) on 12/23/2017
Hello so my cat is quite nauseous I gave him some canned organic pumpkin and Cat milk he was able to keep it down
Re: Oregano for Ear Mites Theresa
(Mpls., Mn) on 06/05/2017
Theresa
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
http://www.piperslegacy.org/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Bobo-home/1409993732632080?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal
http://ted.earthclinic.com
Warning
Hey Jennifer,
Oregano taken orally or applied topically is not toxic to cats. That said, if you apply oregano oil on an open wound where it can enter the bloodstream it will cause problems with the liver, and thus injecting oregano oil into the bloodstream IS toxic to cats, and likely most any other critter.
Caution in DIY Cat Remedies Ann (P.s. Ca) on 11/05/2016
Hi to all,
I just want to give a fresh reminder of how different a cats liver/kidneys is from ours or a dogs, etc. They lack an important liver detoxification enzyme called glucuronosyltransferase (yes a mouth full). That is why so many things cause much toxicities in our cats. Their livers can not clear so many substances safely & there for a toxic build up happens, this can be over time of many years or shorter time depending on what toxins are taken in. Taken in can be either oral or through the skin, or breath. This is very much so when it comes to Essential oils as the EO's are 500 - 2000 time stronger then the plant. However what ever is being used oral, eyes, skin, etc., please remember that there are other things in most products not just one thing. It may be safe for a human but not for cats. Always do research, over & over to make sure of safety. You could find illness or disease many, many years down the road. We have toxins in & around us all the time, from cleaning items to smoking, outside environment, paint, carpets & so on, this is adding to the cat as well as good intentions. Mind you I am not saying that DIY help is not a good thing, just be sure to do your home work of researching very well. I work at a animal shelter and have seen first hand what good intentions or even the lack there of can do to our furry babies, of all kinds. We sometimes get tunnel vision when it comes to our babies, we need to keep that tunnel open with research and knowledge.
This is a wonderful site and I for one hope it is always here. The best to all of you.
P.S. I forgot to mention that cats are "lactose intolerant" they may love the milk but it is not, again, it is not good for them.
Coconut Water Helped Cat Recover Laamalia (Honolulu, Hi) on 08/16/2016
My cat, who is male about 4 yrs old, will not eat wet food or fresh food of any kind. I have always given him really good grain free dry food which he tolerates. The vet recommended he eat the urinary food that they sell which I thought would be good. I mixed some with his regular food and he ate it quickly but soon after threw up all his food several times. In addition he threw up yellow stuff a few times which was not good. I was almost ready to take him to a vet but I decided to wait.
Not wanting him to get dehydrated, I made some peppermint tea and also had a commercial aloe/coconut water (not milk! ) which has a little sugar. I slowly fed him from the side of his cheek with a large medicine dropper (the kind they use to administer liquid medicine to babies). I fed him only 2 dropper fulls of each to see how he would react. He took it well and did not regurgitate. I did this about 2-3 times in about 2-3 hr. increments and then when I returned home in the evening.
In the meanwhile, the next day I did administer 1/8 of a pill the vet had given me another time to increase his appetite because I knew it was important for him to eat. When I came home he did eat the controlled amount of food I had left for him of his usual dry food. No messes but I was concerned because the litter pan was dry. He is an indoor'/outdoor cat but I didn't want him out because of the problem. I fed him some more of above water as I described and took him for a short walk outdoors on a leash. He didn't go and I was still concerned.
I came back and gently massaged his belly and area around the kidneys. Shortly after he finally did urinate in his litter box. I'm not concerned (yet) that he hasn't pooped because he really did not eat until today but he definitely looks better.
I definitely recommend pure coconut water for hydration-- best unsweetened but a little sugar shouldn't hurt unless diabetic. Give in small quantities as I described in order to prevent dehydration. Coconut water has minerals and acts like "pedialyte" but is much better for you. It worked well for me.
Myway's Advice for Aging Cats Myway (Usa) on 04/11/2016
For those of you out there with aging cats - they need better nutrition as they age. Here is my suggestion....I love my fur kitties - and because I am a very busy person, I have a system that keeps them healthy - my eldest is 18 years old.
- Organic ACV/Filtered water 50/50 mix. 2cc in am and pm. I use a syringe. 4 days on, 3 days off.
- Organic wet pet food. Different varieties.
- Limited vaccinations.
- Filtered drinking water only
- Morning dab of organic, virgin, unrefined coconut oil on their paws. Just a dab on each paw. They lick it.
So far, so good.
:D
Colloidal Silver for Older Kitten with Cold Mama To Many ( Tennessee, US) on 04/20/2015
We have an outdoor kitten that is about 9 months old. She was sneezing a lot, low on energy and appetite. I put colloidal silver in her water for a couple of days and now she is back to normal! ~Mama to Many~
DMSO and Cats Heather (Georgetown, Ontario Canada) on 04/13/2015
Hi There,
I have an 18 yr old Tabby. He isn't eating much and has arthritis in his back legs. We just had him to the Vet and his blood tests were largely inconclusive. The Vet advised that he was slightly anemic which according to the Vet is not uncommon in senior cats. I am a big fan of DMSO. Is it possible to give DMSO to cats? And if the answer is "yes" could you recommend a dosage.
Many Thank, Heather
Using Aloe and Laser Treatments for Cat's Gastritis, Arthritis and Asthma Michelle (Bc, CA) on 12/09/2014
What an amazing site! Thank you all so much!
My cat Martin is turning 17 in January, 2015 and has struggled with gastritis, arthritis and asthma for years. Thanks to this forum, I've added aloe to his diet - he is a different cat! I also use Cold Laser treatments twice p/month to address the arthritis, also very, very effective with pain control (so much so that he is now off Metacam! ).
NOTE: Please be CAREFUL with the Aloe. ONLY Inner Leaf is actually recommended for pets - NOT whole leaf. I personally use Organic Aloe Vera Gel from inner leaf only, 1/2 tsp per wet meal x twice p/day.
