don't count out the old guys: adopting an adult cat

The littles and I have been volunteering for several months at our local PetSmart Cat Room as representatives of Lost Our Home Pet Foundation. Though we love getting to know the cats and look forward to seeing our feline friends every week, we hope we don't see them, because that means they've been adopted. That's the goal, after all.

When we first started, we were sad when we'd come in and see that the adorable kittens we'd enjoyed the previous week had been adopted. We missed them! Time and time again, it would happen. 

But then there were our old friends. We could always count on the fact that the older cats would still be there. And they were. It seems that no one wants to adopt an adult cat. Perhaps they aren't as cute, or perhaps they are a bit pudgy. Maybe they don't play enough. Or maybe potential adopters feel that an adult cat might have too many health issues.

This past weekend, we were thrilled to hear the news that one of our older feline friends, Hercules, was finally adopted! We've been visiting Hercules since June, and we started to lose hope for him. Even he seemed to lose hope, becoming less social, accepting his favorite thorough brushing, but remaining in the confines of his enclosure. He didn't want to play with the other cats. Though we loved seeing him every week, it was breaking our hearts, just the same. 

But all of that is over. Hercules found his forever family!

Hercules has finally found a home. 

I can't argue that kittens aren't teensy and cute, but we all have to remember that they don't stay that way, and we have to commend this family for seeing the good in Hercules and giving him the home he so very much deserves.

So what is great about adopting an adult cat?

• What you see is what you get. You know how big the cat is. He's full grown.

• You know the cat's personality. When you adopt an adult cat, you get to choose a cat that fits your family well because his personality is pretty much established (though most adult cats will shine even brighter when they are settled with their adoptive family).

• You know if it will be a good fit with other pets and/or children. Most adult adoptable cats will come with a "resume" of sorts, letting you know if the animal gets along with other types of animals or plays well with children.

• Potty training–check. Unless there is an underlying medical issue, adult cats know where to "go." Just show the adult cat the litter box, and he gets it.

• Clawing and chewing are mostly a thing of the past. Adult cats don't chew on hazardous things or claw the furniture as much as kittens do. Save the sofas!

What's the most important reason to adopt an adult cat?

You might be their last chance. Kittens go like hot cakes, but adult cats are a tougher sell. If you're considering welcoming a new feline into your home, please open your mind and your heart to an adult cat. It will be life changing for you and your new family member. You'll save a life. 

Read Hercules' full adoption story here.

Click here to see Lost Our Home Pet Foundation's Adoptable Animals.

we're partnering with #SomaPet to bring you health and deals

This past summer, we were introduced to a natural pet supplement called SomaPet. I couldn't believe the results we saw in N.A.S.H.A. I mean, I usually really love the products we review, but SomaPet was over-the-top can't-live-without-it awesome. I knew we'd continue N.A.S.H.A. on it. You can read our full review here.

In a nutshell, it's everything good with nothing bad. It comes in powder form and contains only natural, 100% organic ingredients. It is sugar free, gluten free, and fat free, and contains no preservatives, additives, fillers, or artificial coloring. And it's vegan. It's recommended for dogs and cats over three years of age.

So what does it do, you ask?

SomaPet describes it:

SomaPet is a proprietary combination of organic, pure free-form crystalline amino acids that help jumpstart your pet's natural processes of cell repair and regeneration.

The ultimate dietary supplement, SomaPet consists of a synergistic combination of free form L-amino acids designed to assist:

• strengthens collagen and bones

• improves immune system

• renews vitality

• helps reduce body fat

• healthier skin and coat

• promotes cellular energy

• increases healing

When we first reviewed SomaPet, N.A.S.H.A. had been taking it for just two weeks, and I already noticed a remarkable improvement in her coat and energy level. Now that she's been taking it for three months, we see a consistent improvement in her energy level. She's jumping and playing more, and she's more spry. It used to take her a few attempts to hop onto our high bed, but now she makes it on the first try, every time. She runs around the back yard more, and she asks the kids to play more often. (Yes, she asks them by tossing them one of her toys.) And her coat? Let's just say José Eber would swoon. 

It makes me feel great to give my pooch something that helps her so much. I would highly recommend SomaPet to anyone with an adult dog or cat. No joke. 

As you can imagine, I was thrilled when SomaPet contacted me about partnering to bring this fantastic supplement to Well Minded readers at a discount. SomaLife, the company that makes SomaPet, began by offering supplements for humans. After I've seen what their product has done for my dog, I'm anxious to try the human variety, and I'll be sure to let you know what I think. 

So check it out and get to saving!

15% off any order at ShopSomaLife. Use coupon code NASHA15 during checkout.

Connect with SomaPet and SomaLife on Facebook and Twitter.

Well Minded is an affiliate partner of SomaLife and SomaPet. SomaLife and SomaPet are not responsible for the content of this article, and all opinions expressed are our own. We only share information we feel would benefit our readers.

awesome 50% off #couponcode for you from our friends at #Petbrosia

We've been loving Petbrosia's custom pet food for quite some time, now. Their high-quality ingredients and options for grain-free diets are impressive, but the fact that they customize the food blend based your your pet's individual needs is truly unique. With the added convenience factor of having food delivered straight to your door and auto-ship options, we can't say enough about Petbrosia. 

Petbrosia is offering Well Minded readers 50% off a box of Petbrosia! So if you've been curious to try it, now is the time, my friends. I haven't seen a better offer. 

FOR 50% OFF YOUR BOX OF PETBROSIA, GO TO THE PETBROSIA WEB SITE BY CLICKING HERE AND USE PROMO CODE AUGL1D.

This promotion will EXPIRE on September 1st, so go now!

If you'd like to hear what we've had to say about Petbrosia in the past, here are links to our reviews:

giving petbrosia a try

petbrosia's new grain-free option

This offer applies to U.S. customers only. Well Minded is an affiliate of Petbrosia, but was not compensated for this post. Well Minded only shares information with our readers that we feel is relevant. Product image photo courtesy of Petbrosia.

using apple cider vinegar for natural flea prevention and control

Fleas can be a big problem for dogs and cats, especially during summer months, but there is a bigger problem: the commercial chemical-laden treatments that–in my opinion–do more harm than good. Flea collars, sprays, powders, shampoos and the like may be mildly effective, but the dangers outweigh the benefits.

As your skin does, your pet's skin absorbs everything you put on it, so topical treatments make their way into the bloodstream. If the products are filled with chemicals (most of them are), those chemicals also enter the bloodstream. Over time, they pose serious health risks. These products can also cause respiratory issues.

I've talked before about how adding Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) to your pet's diet can help the overall health of your pet in so many different ways. Flea control is one of these ways. Regularly giving your pet ACV can help with long-term flea control. ACV can also be used topically in the form of a rinse or spray if your pet is already flea-infested.

Before treating your pet with ACV, do your best to remove as many of the buggers as you can. You can pick them out or use a flea comb, which will also help remove some of the eggs. 

As a rinse, shampoo your dog as you normally would, and rinse thoroughly. Then rinse your pet's coat thoroughly with ACV and massage. Fleas do not like the odor or taste of the vinegar, so they should bail out or rinse off when you next rinse off the ACV. As an added bonus, the ACV will likely improve your dog's skin and coat. It can help with dry skin and increase the shine in your pet's coat. It can also help with odor.

As a spray, you can use an ACV mixture for flea prevention and control. You can make a simple mixture with one part ACV to two parts water. Another commonly used recipe is as follows:

• 8 oz of Apple Cider Vinegar

• 4 oz of warm water

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

Mix the salt and baking soda together, then add the mixture to the water and ACV mix in a spray bottle. Shake gently, as the mixture will foam. Apply to your pet and comb or massage through fur. Be careful not to spray in your pet's eyes (or your own) because it will sting, and do not use on open cuts our wounds. Again, ouchie. 

There are many brands of ACV, but we use Bragg. It can be found in health food stores and nearly any grocery store, typically where the salad dressings or health foods are kept. You'll want to make sure that whichever type of ACV you choose, it has "the mother," strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules.

The greatest part of this natural flea remedy is how safe it is for your pet and for your family. Don't forget, while we're cuddling our creatures, whatever they have on their fur gets transferred to us. Natural flea treatments keep the whole family safe and happy.

If you have tried ACV for flea control, please share your story!

This article, written by me, was originally posted on Hybrid Rasta Mama, for whom I create original content. It appears here with permission, with minor changes.

the pet vaccine controversy: what's the scoop?

To vaccinate or not? And, if so, what is the best schedule?

We're damned if we do, and we're damned if we don't these days. I often feel trapped with no good option, and the more I read and research, the more I realize I have to learn. It's a frustrating place to be. The subject of pet vaccines has been a controversy for the past few years and has recently become quite a hot topic, thought to stem from questions regarding the human vaccine schedule. There seems to be compelling arguments on both sides of the human and pet vaccine controversy, which can often leave us paralyzed, afraid to move in either direction. I don't advocate a particular vaccine schedule for your pet, but I encourage you to keep yourself informed and working with your veterinarian to tailor the vaccination schedule of your individual pet. Let's look at this controversy and our options a bit closer.

Why do we vaccinate our pets?

As with humans, we vaccinate our pets to protect them from life-threatening and serious debilitating diseases. 

How are canine and feline vaccine schedules determined?

Vaccines fall into two categories: core vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are thought to be vitally important to the health of a pet and are considered "required," while non-core vaccines are suggested as more of an option. 

Vaccine schedules can vary and are typically created by the vaccine manufacturers. Most vaccines are required during the first few weeks of life for puppies and kittens and often annual boosters are required/recommended. 

What is the controversy surrounding pet vaccines?

The controversy is more about vaccine frequency and dosage than it is about whether vaccines should be administered. Most veterinarians and pet parents agree that the benefit of initial puppy and kitten vaccinations far outweighs the risks. Some vaccines are required by law in some states, and most kennels or boarding facilities will require proof of vaccination. 

The main question is: Are we over-vaccinating our pets?

It has long been accepted that vaccines should be administered annually for the duration of a dog or cat's life. An annual checkup is usually accompanied by "annual vaccines." More recent studies suggest that this vaccination schedule is overkill, and that the pet is actually immune from some diseases for three years or more. 

The suspicious part? The vaccine manufacturers determine the vaccine schedules. They benefit financially from more frequent vaccines. Vets also benefit, as it's more likely you'll bring your pet in for a check-up if he's due for his vaccine. An annual check-up is important, but it may be that the vaccine aspect is not vital.

Dosage is also in question. Vaccine dosage is often universal, meaning that the same dose given to a 100-pound Great Dane is also given to an eight-pound Pomeranian. It is thought that this dosage issue may be contributing to the increased cancer rate in animals under twenty pounds. Some vets have begun to reduce the dosage for smaller animals, but this opens them up to a whole host of legal ramifications. It seems vaccine dosage needs to be looked at more closely.

Can harm come from over-vaccination?

Most recent studies say yes. The vaccinations and the preservatives in them may be cancer-causing when taken in larger-than-necessary doses. At that point, the risk becomes higher than the benefit. Cats are especially susceptible, it seems, as they have developed tumors at the vaccination site. Veterinarians were seeing large tumors between the shoulder blades of cats right at the injection location so often that they began vaccinating closer to the arm of the cat so amputation would be an option should a cancerous tumor develop. 

Over-vaccination is thought to lead to cancer, allergies, and other ailments in some pets. But we're still not sure, and there is division among veterinarians. Most of the studies done are sponsored by the vaccine manufacturers, so they are considered biased. More independent testing is needed.

How do I know if my pet needs a particular vaccine or not?

Vaccines protect our pets longer than previously thought. Blood tests can be done to determine your pet's immunity status regarding a particular disease such as rabies or distemper. If the blood test shows that your pet is still immune, then a vaccination is not necessary. Annual blood tests are a good option to help you make the decision as to whether or not to vaccinate. 

Your geographic area and lifestyle are also something to consider. If your pet is not boarded and is not around other dogs, you may determine that a vaccine for kennel cough isn't necessary. The same goes for lyme disease, which is most commonly transmitted through ticks. The lyme disease vaccine may be very important to a country dog who roams fields, but perhaps not for a city dweller who takes walks on the sidewalks each day. Talk with your vet about the risk for particular diseases in your region and for your particular pet.

In summary...

The most important thing to do is to educate yourself and find a vet that will work with you to determine the best vaccination schedule for your pet. Consider all factors, and weigh benefit vs. risk. 

Resources and further reading:

Vaccination: The Pet Controversy 

Pet Vaccinations: Understanding Vaccinations for Your Cat or Dog

Controversy Over Vaccines

The Vaccine Controversy

Tails a Waggin' Online: The Vaccine Controversy

This article by me appeared in it's original form in June 2014 on Hybrid Rasta Mama, a blog to which I contribute original content regularly, and has been reprinted with minor changes with permission.

Hop on over to Hybrid Rasta Mama to read my most recent contribution, Natural Flea Prevention and Control with Apple Cider Vinegar.

pet photo source: peggyadams.org