How To Own A Cat If I Have Allergies
By Charley Hwang

Although pet cats are becoming more and more common, and those who do not own one do not usually resist to pet or stroke them when one approaches them, there are people out there who keep their distance from these felines, and not because they dislike them, but they have allergies!!

For true cat lovers, it is very hard to overcome this issue, for they cannot enjoy the perks of owning a pet cat due to allergy reactions and the complications that come with it, especially if the cat itself is the allergy trigger.

As strange as it is, there are more people allergic to cats than there are to dogs. Cat allergies are not to be taken lightly, especially with children with breathing problems such as asthma, or other related issues for exposing them to cats may worsen the situation. For some people, having a cat nearby without actual contact may even cause serious reactions and other problems.

The biggest misconception is that the cat's fur causes the allergy reaction. The truth is, this substance called Fel D1 that is found in a cat's saliva is the culprit that causes the allergy. It gets onto the cat's fur when it licks itself clean. From there, it may get blown or carried by air or other medium into the surroundings, and any unfortunate person with cat allergies would react when breathing nearby a cat. As the substance is airborne, one do not have to be too near the cat to get a reaction. Therefore, when a cat comes within distance, one would start to sneeze or cough and so on.

Hairless cats prove to be just as hazardous as furry cats. Even if your cat's hair is shaved, or has naturally short fur, it does not mean that it won't cause allergy attacks, as aforementioned, the substance that causes allergy reactions are contained in the cat's saliva, not the fur, and it is natural for a cat to lick itself clean.

There are determined cat lovers who do own pet cats despite their allergy issues. If you are a true cat lover and would really want to own a cat, check with your doctor or find an allergist nearby who can help you control your allergies. This way, you can enjoy having an adorable pet cat around the house, with less allergy reactions. See below for more information on allergies to cats.

There were these two cows, chatting over the fence between their fields.
The first cow said, "I tell you, this mad-cow-disease is really pretty scary. They say it is spreading fast; I heard it hit some cows down on the Johnson Farm."
The other cow replies, "I ain't worried, it don't affect us ducks."

*DOG TIP*

Did you know that there is now a drug available that allows surgery-free neutering of male puppies? Neutersol is a compound which, when injected into a puppy's testicles, causes permanent sterilization. It will, however, not completely halt testosterone production and thus do nothing to halt behavioral issues such as mounting, marking, roaming or territoriality.

*CAT TIP*

Do you live within walking distance to your veterinarian? Would you like to take your cat for a stroll? Consider using a pet stroller. Most models offer a separate removable cat carrier, durable nylon netting for maximum viewing pleasure and a collapsible frame for easy storage at your home or destination.

ASPCA ER: Puppy Ingests Toxic Pennies and Survives

Only one circulating U.S. coin poses a toxic hazard to pets, and this munchy 5-month-old Cockapoo swallowed a handful. Suffering from life-threatening anemia, he was brought to the ASPCA animal hospital. Find out how vets got the pennies out!

>> Read the rest

Cat Survives 2-Mile Ride in Car Engine: Points to Winter Danger

Last week’s adventure of a stray cat trapped in the engine of an SUV captured the country’s attention—his 2-mile ride through the Bronx, NY, however, points to a winter danger many felines do not survive. ASPCA experts offer solutions to cats sleeping under car hoods and other cold weather threats.

Read more...

Dog Shot By Memphis Officer—ASPCA Speaks Out!

When two Memphis police officers responding to a burglar alarm were surprised by a pair of pet Labrador Retrievers, they broke protocol by shooting first and asking questions later.

>> Read more

A Chihuahua, a Doberman and a Bulldog

A cHihuahua, a Doberman and a Bulldog are in a doggie bar having a drink when a good-looking female Collie comes up to them and says, "Whoever can say liver and cheese in a sentence can have me.

So the Doberman says, "I love liver and cheese."
The Collie says, "That's not good enough."
The Bulldog says, "I hate liver and cheese."

The Colie says, "That's not creative."
Finally the Chihuahua says, "Liver alone. Cheese mine."

*DOG TIP*

Have you ever wondered how often you should feed your puppy? Unless instructed otherwise by your veterinarian, after he is weaned, feed three times daily. At six months of age you can decrease the feedings to twice daily. At one year of age, you can feed once daily. Remember to feed your puppy to an ideal body condition as recommended by your veterinarian.

*CAT TIP*

If you decide to use a professional pet sitter for your cat while you are away be sure to verify that she or he is licensed and bonded. The pet sitter should also carry liability insurance and preferably also be associated with a professional pet sitting organization such as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. Ask for references and follow up on them.

Halloween is just around the corner, and keeping your pets safe, happy and healthy should be on your list of to-do items. Here are some things you can do to make Halloween a fun experience for the entire family:

Pet costumes are very popular this year. Don?t dress up your dog or cat unless you know he or she loves it. If you decide to do so, make sure the costume isn?t annoying or unsafe, and doesn?t restrict her movement, vision, hearing or ability to breathe or bark. Avoid costumes with small or dangling accessories that she could chew off and possibly choke on. Make sure an adult supervises pets in costume at all times.

It is wise to keep your pets in a separate area of the house. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers in unusual garb can be scary and stressful for pets.
Many animals become agitated at all of the "goblins" roaming the streets. Make sure all your pets are wearing current identification and take care when opening the door for trick-or-treaters that your dog or cat doesn?t dart outside.

It is IMPORTANT to keep all Halloween candy out of your pet?s reach. Chocolate can be poisonous to animals, and tinfoil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.

Jack-o-lanterns and other decorations are fun, but can be dangerous. Be sure to keep lit pumpkins away from your pets. Better yet, use a battery powered light instead of a candle as pets can knock them over, and curious kittens especially run the risk of being burned by fire.

Don?t leave your pet in the yard on Halloween. Besides the scarey noise and activity that can upset your pets, sometimes animals become targets of "tricks", especially black cats. Keep your pets inside and keep them safe.

Black cats are considered very unlucky in the European and European-American traditions. Among Anglo-Saxons and Scandinavian people, it is said that if one sets out on a trip and a black cat crosses the road ahead, The only safe course of action is to turn back and return home. Tales of shape-shifting black cats and black cats who are in communication with the Devil are also a feature of European folk-belief. Concommitant with these negative feelings about black cats is the notion that they are particularly favoured as witches'-- hence they are always used on Halloween decorations throughout the world.

*DOG TIP*

All puppies go through a phase in which they sink their teeth into everything. While puppies play bite amongst themselves, it is important that they are discouraged from nibbling or chewing on human skin. What seems like a cute and affectionate behavior can escalate out of control later in life. Make sure you redirect the behavior by providing appropriate chew toys.

*CAT TIP*

If you are considering placing a heating pad in your cat's bed for warmth, be sure to exercise caution. Cover it with a towel and check it periodically to make sure it does not get too hot. An alternative is a warm water-heating pad  
through which warm water is circulated at a constant temperature.

*BONUS TIP*

Save money on litter for small fuzzy pets (guinea pig, hamster, etc.) bedding by shredding my old bills etc. and then mixing several handfuls of the shredded paper in with the expensive litter. This basically doubles the life of the litter and recycles the old paper.

1. Toxic Toys—Are Your Pets Safe?
Many common household products—including pet toys—may contain trace amounts of lead and other toxins. ASPCA Poison Control experts set the record straight on what to watch out for when gifting your pet with toys and treats. Read what our experts say about pet toy toxins... 

2. ASPCA Happy Tails: We Are Family!
Devoted canine Niya had no problem moving from NYC to the wilds of Michigan, where she became mother of a human and animal brood.

3. Cruelty to Animals Is Not Free Speech, ASPCA Argues!
Should the sale of dog fighting videos be protected by the First Amendment? The U.S. Supreme Court will soon decide as a notorious dog fighting propagandist tries to keep his conviction overturned.

4. ASPCA Forensic Vet Awarded for Work on Vick Investigation
Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics, was honored for collecting irrefutable evidence that led to guilty pleas in the Michael Vick case.

Tough Guys With Heart

When a pet's biggest enemies are abusive owners, its best friends are the tattooed, muscle-bound crew of Rescue Ink.

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Cats According To Dave Barry

Cats are less loyal than dogs, but more independent. (This is code. It means: "Cats are smarter than dogs, but they hate people.") Many people love cats. From time to time, newspapers print stories about some elderly widow who died and left her entire estate, valued at $320,00, to her cat, Fluffkins. Cats read these stories, too, and are always plotting to get named as beneficiaries in their owners' wills. Did you ever wonder where your cat goes when it wanders off for several hours? It meets with other cats in estate-planning seminars. I just thought you should know."

*DOG TIP*

If you take your dog hunting consider providing him with a bright florescent vest to help avoid having other hunters mistake him for prey.

*CAT TIP*

Do you suspect that your middle-aged cat is hard of hearing? Are you able to sneak up on her without being heard? Gradual onset of hearing loss is very common and is associated with the aging of your cat. Consult your vet to make sure no other health issues are responsible for your cat's diminished response to the environment.

 1. U.S. Marines Enlist ASPCA in Dog Evaluations
In response to a U.S. Marine Corps’ breed ban that would attempt to keep aggressive dogs off military bases, ASPCA behaviorists assessed more than 100 canines this week in an effort to keep military families and their dogs together. Read more... 
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-09-09.html

 2. ASPCA Happy Tails: A Home of One’s Own
This five-pound survivor of a poodle hoarding situation has left her crowded quarters for nightly cuddles and a place to call her own. Read more...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-09-09.html#2

3. Herd of Emaciated Arabian Horses Seized from Texas Ranch
The ASPCA awarded $10,000 to the Humane Society of North Texas to help care for 77 purebred Arabian horses found starving in their stalls. Read more...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-09-09.html#3

4. Hiking Safely with Your Dog
A hiking trail isn’t your average walk around the block—these simple tips will help keep you and your pet safe on outdoor adventures. Read more...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-09-09.html#4

1. Is Swine Flu Dangerous to Dogs and Cats?
Influenza viruses such as H1N1 are notoriously unpredictable, say ASPCA vets. It is important that pet parents keep watch over their animal companion’s health. Read what ASPCA veterinarians have to say about pets catching swine flu and how to keep them healthy during flu season. Read more... 
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-02-09.html#1

 2. ASPCA Happy Tails: Living the High Life
From the mean streets of NYC to a leafy Connecticut town, this ex-pauper left loneliness and hunger behind to become the king of tummy rubs.  Read more...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-02-09.html#2

3. Severely Neglected Kittens Rescued from Brooklyn Home
After receiving life-saving blood transfusions at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, three emaciated kittens rescued by our Humane Law Enforcement Agents are recovering and getting ready for adoption. Read more...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-02-09.html#3

4. Fall in Love! ASPCA Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Photo Contest
October’s your chance to show us who stole your pooch’s heart—besides you, that is. Be it cat, bird, guinea pig or horse, send us a photo of your pooch hanging with his best pal. Deadline is October 31. Read more...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/10-02-09.html#4

*DOG TIP*

Yeast Infections in Dog's Ears

I spent hundreds of dollars at the vet's office and couldn't find the source of my dog's ear problems. Someone suggested it might be a yeast infection and to try a cream for vaginal yeast infection. Used one of the over-the-counter creams for one day treatment and put it in every day till almost gone. Problem has not come back. (Note: Always check with your veterinarian before trying or administering any procedure not prescribed by a qualified veterinarian. We make no representation that this or any other tip is advisable for your animal.)

*CAT TIP*

Kittens are cute, but consider adopting an adult cat whi is more likely to be calm and may have already lived in a household with other animals or children.