What affects us affects cats
I am revisiting feline hyperthyroidism (FH) which affects at least 10 percent of feline patients over 10 years of age. FH was unheard of until the 1970s. At that time veterinarians had no idea about it. There was a surge in FH cases which mirrored the use of PBDE (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers) fire retardants. …
Because people know domestic cats as being obligate carnivores (specialist flesh eaters) many don’t believe that they want to eat plant material. But they do like occasionally to eat vegetation. This is inherited from their wild cat ancestor. It’s perfectly normal behaviour. The scientists are not quite sure, today, why a wide range of …
I am referring to feline diabetes insipidus which is a rare variation of diabetes. It is not related to insulin production as is the case for diabetes mellitus. I have mentioned the hazardous nature of fire-retardants before but not in relation to causing diabetes. The connection was mentioned in a television program, Trust Me, …
Cat owners should (must) be concerned about fire retardants in household products. They are incredibly toxic. We can’t see them and we can’t feel any difference to our lifestyle and our health until it is too late. As important is the health of our cats. Humans have a bad habit of ignoring danger if …
Flame retardants are extremely persistent. Years after they have been banned they are still leaching out of old products. Both children and cats are particularly vulnerable to flame retardants. Cats sit and spend time lying on furniture and other household items which have been treated with flame retardants. Kids are more likely than adults …
As I follow cat news fairly assiduously I know how many fires occur in the USA and elsewhere which end up killing cats. The cat owners almost invariably escape the burning home but the cats don’t. When push to come shove – and I totally understand why – the cats are left behind in …
Are chemicals added to new carpets poisoning cats or causing allergies or dermatitis or breathing problems and cancer? I don’t know and neither does anyone else. However, there is often a cocktail of nasty chemicals added to new carpets for commercial reasons and cats frequently spend a lot of time on carpets. They sleep …
Fire retardants are potentially a big problem in modern furniture that contains foam. It is a hidden problem unrecognised by many people to which cats are particularly vulnerable because they spend lots of time on chairs and sofas and also on the floor. The chemicals used as fire retardants are volatile and end up …
