Anderson County PAWS is an open-intake shelter that provided help to approximately 7,000 animals last year. Kim Sanders, their director and veterinarian, says the goal of PAWS is to find loving and wonderful homes for all of the animals that come into their care. Upstate Natural Awakenings would like to introduce you to a couple of their star residents.
Simple Home Solutions that Help by Karen Shaw Becker An estimated 10 percent of Americans are allergic to household pets, with sensitivities to cats twice as common as to dogs, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Most people with cat allergies react to Fel d 1, a protein found on cat skin, although other cat allergens are found on the fur, in saliva and even in their urine, reports a study in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The tiny Fel d 1 protein attached to a piece of airborne cat hair or skin can linger in the air for hours—much longer than a similarly released dog allergen. It’s also sticky, readily attaching to human skin and clothing, and can even easily transfer to cat-free public locations such as a classroom. Male cats tend to produce more of this allergenic protein than females, especially if they’re not neutered. However, all cats produce the Fel d 1 protein, and it’s unrelated to the amount of feline dander or shedding. Thus, no truly hypoallergenic cat breed exists, yet some breeds may be better for allergic pet lovers, say Austrian researchers in a study published in the journal Clinical and Translational Allergy. Many people are able to build up tolerance to their kitty over time. Before starting a relationship, first ensure the allergy is not severe. If allergy symptoms are more of a nuisance than a serious health threat, some options can help minimize the problem at home: • Consider making the bedroom of any affected family member a cat-free zone. • Purchase a high-quality air purifier to clean the air of allergens and other pollutants. • To prevent a buildup of allergens indoors, replace carpeting with hard flooring and drapes and curtains with non-fabric window coverings and… read more →
3-D Printers Help Rehabilitate Animals Pete, a 34-year-old Amazon parrot, received a boot-like prosthesis made by a 3-D printer from a customized mold after his leg was ripped off by a fox. A day later, he was not only already starting to accept it, but also realized he could place his weight on it.
GMO Toxins Permeate Pet Foods In the late 1990s, the nationally syndicated newspaper columnist, “animal doctor” Michael Fox received many letters about dogs and cats with diarrhea, itchy skin and other persistent disorders. He advised all inquirers to immediately remove foods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMO). Dozens of follow-up thank-you notes verified that his recommendation worked.
Laboratory Food to Hit Pet Food Market As we race toward a future full of high-tech, lab-grown meats in place of the environmentally unsound animal protein industry, a new startup wants to extend this offering to our furry friends, too. Aiming to make the most sustainable,
Anderson County PAWS is an open-intake shelter that provided help to approximately 7,400 animals last year. Kim Sanders, their director and veterinarian, says the goal of PAWS is to find loving and wonderful homes for each of the 175 dogs and 15 cats that are presently available for adoption. There is no adoption fee for cats and the fee for dogs is $35, with reduced fees offered often. This includes
Happy Places to Live and Travel Together by Sandra Murphy As of last year, 90 million dogs lived in American homes. Including cats, birds, fish, small animals and reptiles, the grand total is 393 million, reports the American Pet Products Association. Pets are considered family members by 95 percent of their people. Accordingly, pets are a key consideration in choosing a friendly place to live or visit.
by Roberta Bolduc If you’re a cat lover and haven’t yet visited Greenville’s Organic Cat Café, you are in for a treat. Located at 123 College Street, right next door to the iconic Café and Then Some, the Organic Cat Café is currently home to 26 resident cats of all colors and stripes. This brand new business, which opened its doors in November of 2017, is the brainchild of Jennifer Bronzel. She grew up in Germany and talks of the popularity of cat cafés in Europe and Asia,
Crunchy Nutrition Animals Will Love by Sandra Murphy Despite their small size, sprouts pack a nutritional wallop with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants and protein. Dogs, birds, horses and even cats enjoy the crunch, as well as the health benefits. Cats Notorious for being picky eaters, cats might balk at sprouts being added to their regular diet.
Plus Other Tips to Keep a Dog Cancer-Free by Karen Becker Cancer is the leading cause of canine fatalities in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Often diagnosed too late, the risks, heartache and expense of aggressive traditional treatments have many people searching for healthy alternatives. Although the causes are not well understood, we can give our companion the best possible chance of prevention.
