The Pet Health Trap

At one stage in everyone's life, someone, be it a doctor, a friend, or a family member - has told them that they are doing something wrong, or not doing anything at all in regards to their health, or the health of someone in their care.

Who hasn't been there? Don't eat that, stay away from fat, sugar is evil. Then the story turns - some fat IS needed, and glucose levels DO need to be maintained.

With out pets being such a large part of our lives it's not strange that this human insecurity has transferred on to their situations.

The latest development in animal health care, is holistic health.

Now, caring for pets as we do, it is certain that at some point in time we have come across an article, or a book, or even a TV show about the natural approach to our beloved pets care. I certainly have.

Holistic care removes the packaged cat food, discourages vaccinations and antibiotics and suggests herbs and supplements to ensure your darlings safety. That is all fine and well and if it works, why not? But where is the scientific proof? (I am a scientific sort of person), and where is the consideration for the cats wishes in all of this?

One thing is for certain, if I took my cats precious salmon away (and I have tried) there would be war. The holistic health books for cats I have read also say to cut out as much fish as possible. Now, that is never going to happen. My cat won't even smell anything with chicken, beef, or god forbid, vegetables in it. The only thing she ever eats raw is fresh Atlantic salmon, and that costs nearly the same amount as a tank of petrol (bit of an exaggeration, I know).

And there is another thing with fresh, home cooked foods. Can you really be certain that your pet is getting the right amount of the necessary nutrients? All I can say is that I do not see anything wrong with the organic Vet Science endorsed food that I feed my cat (Although these holistic books can, of course).

Antibiotics and Vaccinations? Well, it is a common known fact that too much of antibiotics does more bad than good - but too much of any good thing is a bad thing. Not many people pump their pets with antibiotics unless it really is necessary, and when it is necessary, sometimes time concerning recovery is the most important thing. Antibiotics are renowned for working quickly, I can't quite say the same thing for herbal supplements. As with vaccinations, they protect the furry monsters from some pretty nasty, life-threatening diseases. And since there are no proven side effects of vaccinating, why take the chance?

I don't know about you, but I am not willing to experiment with my cats life.

The Epic That is Dinner

Now, I don't know about all the other cats out there in the world, but mine sure likes to put drama into being hungry.

Just because she gets starved of course, even though she eats about 10 times a day. How evil a person I am.

Once she has decided that she has been starved for way too long, the drama will begin.

Now, this is when I start to think that my darling little cat deserves an oscar.

Once her tummy is 'grumbling', and the kitchen is in sight, she will collapse on the floor, too starved to go on.

Ow how horrible the little cat's life is, have pity; it is awful hard work feeding the entire family with decapitated lizards, and have you ever tried to be adorable for that long?

Once she is collapsed on the floor, she will not move, just look at you with those big, gold, pleading eyes. Then one has to fill her bowl with her staple food (atlantic salmon) and carry her to the bowl. Talk about spoilt.

Now what happens if she doesn't like the food you have given her? Now that is a crime of sorts. She will look at you like you are cruel, 'How dare you expect me to eat this?? This?? This is unfit for a cat of my status" She will also wiggle her bum away and refuse to look at you.

Demanding enough? No, of course not. There is also a time limit on all of this, if the feeding ritual is not completed in a decent (by her terms) time, she will walk of and be angry for the next few hours.

Despite all of this, she is the apple of my eye, my baby. And despite what most think, I love doing all these things for her, for it is things like this that put constant enjoyment into my everyday life.

Yes, she is spoilt rotten, but I would not have it any other way.