News for You and Your Cat

September 1, 2014

Dear ,

Ingrid and Amber

It's hard to believe that it's Labor Day weekend - where did this summer go? For me, this weekend always brings a mix of emotions ranging from sadness that summer is almost over to that "back to school" feeling of getting excited about new projects. We have a lot of exciting things planned for The Conscious Cat, and we can't wait to share them with you.

Purchasing pet medications online can be convenient as well as less expensive if you know what to watch out for. While there are reputable online pharmacies, there are, unfortunately, others who may be selling counterfeit or incorrectly labelled medications. My article gives you tips on what to look for so you can be sure the medication you buy for your cats is safe.

Cat allergies are one of the top five reasons why cats are returned to shelters, but being allergic to cats does not mean you have to give up your cat. In addition to numerous things you can do to alleviate your symptoms, there are also some cat breeds that produce fewer allergens. Find out whether one of these "hypoallergenic" breeds might be right for you.

Wishing you health, happiness and purrs,

Ingrid.

Website: www.ConsciousCat.com
E-Mail: ConsciousCat@cox.net

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In This Issue

Should You Buy Your Cat's Medication Online?

Hypoallergenic Cats: Do They Really Exist?

Highlights from The Conscious Cat

Upcoming Events

Marketplace

Should You Buy Your Cat's Medication Online?

I'm sure you've seen the claims: "Discounted pet drugs! No prescription necessary! Convenient home delivery!" There's no question that prescription drugs are expensive, but is it really such a good idea to buy your cat's medications online?

There are reputable internet pharmacies that sell pet drugs at a discounted price, but there are others that violate federal, state, and sometimes international pharmacy laws. Additionally, illegal online pharmacies may sell medications that are counterfeit, labelled or formulated incorrectly, improperly stored, or expired. And getting the incorrect medication for your cat can not only waste you money, it can have potentially deadly consequences.

Buy from your veterinarian

Before you order from an online pharmacy, always ask your veterinarian whether he/she will consider matching the lower price. Many veterinarians will do this, and you will have the peace of mind that you will have received the correct medication. Your veterinarian will also be able to answer any questions you may have about the medication. If you still want to buy from an online pharmacy, ask your veterinarian before you order whether they trust this particular pharmacy. Your vet will know which online pharmacies are reputable.

Order from an online prescription management service

Prescription management services are state-licensed Internet pharmacy services that work directly with your veterinarian. They don't undermine the veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and you get all the convenience of an online pharmacy with the trust you have for your veterinarian.

Watch for red flags when buying online

If you are going to buy from an online pharmacy, be careful if

the company does not require a written prescription for prescription drugs. Under federal law, a pharmacy cannot sell prescription drugs without a valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian.
the company has no licensed pharmacist available to answer questions
the company does not have a physical address listed on the website
the company is not based in the US (for our international readers: pharmacy laws vary by country, so check with your local veterinarian)
prices are significantly lower than prices at your veterinary clinic (if it seems too good to be true, it probably is)
the medicine you receive looks different than what you previously gave your cat

Always check for site-accreditation

Vet-VIPPS-the Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites-is a voluntary accreditation program of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). NABP gives the Vet-VIPPS seal to online pharmacies that dispense prescription animal drugs and comply with NABP's strict criteria, including federal and state licensing and inspection requirements, protecting patient confidentiality, quality assurance, and validity of prescription orders.

Report problems with online pharmacies

If your cat has a problem with a medication you ordered online, contact your veterinarian immediately. Some drug reactions can be life-threatening, so this is no time to be embarrassed about not having purchased the medication directly from your vet. Problems should also be reported to the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine. Have you purchased medications for your cats online? What has your experience been?

ŠIngrid King, 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Hypoallergenic Cats: Do They Really Exist?

Cat allergies are one of the top five reasons why cats are returned to shelters. However, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, nearly 10 million people choose to share their homes with cats and dogs despite being allergic.

Being allergic to cats does not have to mean that you can't share your life with cats. In addition to numerous things you can do to manage your cat allergies and still have all the benefits of sharing your life with cats, there are several breeds that produce fewer allergens. No cat breed is completely "hypoallergenic."

In a recent article for Answers.com, I explored the topic of cat allergies and introduced some of these hypoallergenic breeds. Click here to read the full article.

And keep in mind that you don't have to necessarily purchase your hypoallergenic cat from a breeder. Shelters often have purebred cats who were abandoned by their guardians. There are also breed-specific rescue groups that may be able to help you find the right cat for you.

Image: Dreamstime

Highlights from The Conscious Cat

Review and Giveaway: Neko Napper Sleeping Bag

We're big fans of Nekochan Enterprises here at The Conscious Cat. Allegra and Ruby love the Neko Flies interactive toys (and wait until you see the new one they'll be be coming out with soon!), and they also adore their Neko Napper Pet House. We were absolutely delighted when the folks at Nekochan not only [...] The post Review and Giveaway: Neko Napper Sleeping Bag appeared first on The Conscious Cat. ...ť

Disaster Preparedness for Cats

How many times have you watched an unfolding disaster on the news and wondered how you would cope if it were to happen to you? Would you be ready to evacuate your home with your cats on short notice if you had to? Make a plan It is absolutely imperative to have an emergency plan [...] The post Disaster Preparedness for Cats appeared first on The Conscious Cat. ...ť

Mews and Nips: British Airways Introduces "Paws and Relax"

Flying is going to get a little less stressful for British Airways passengers. The airline figured that since watching adorable videos of cats (and puppies) on the internet is relaxing, why not introduce an entire channel dedicated to light-hearted footage of cats and dogs. British Airways will launch its new "Paws and Relax channel" on [...] The post Mews and Nips: British Airways Introduces "Paws and Relax" appeared first on The Conscious Cat. ...ť

Animal Planet Casting Couch: Casting Now Open for My Cat From Hell

You've watched Cat Daddy Jackson Galaxy come to the rescue of behaviorally challenged cats and their humans for four seasons. Armed with his signature guitar case filled with cat toys, Spirit Essences and other training aids, Jackson trains the humans as much as he trains the cats, since the majority of feline behavior problems are [...] The post Animal Planet Casting Couch: Casting Now Open for My Cat From Hell appeared first on The Conscious Cat. ...ť

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Upcoming Events

September 6 and 7, 2014
National Capital Cat Show
Chantilly, VA

October 14, 2014
Better with Pets Summit
New York, NY

Please visit the Events Page on my website
for more information and directions.

Marketplace

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