Kawartha Cat Sanctuary

07/11/2025

'To be clear, we are not pulling owned pets from the shelters. The pets that we transport are those that have been abandoned in shelters prior to the disaster, to make room for those displaced by the flooding. This allows the families time to locate their pets. We are flying these pets that otherwise may have been euthanized for space to shelters with open kennel space and the capacity to care for them until they are quickly adopted into loving homes.'

07/10/2025

07/10/2025

True! LoL...

07/10/2025

When some have no funds for a vet, in these trying times...May this help some

Parvo is a very serious virus common among puppies that is quite contagious. Natural remedies are very effective for the parvovirus, but they must be used faithfully and often. Activated charcoal, electrolyte solution and colloidal silver are all excellent home treatments.

06/29/2025

Noted a HUGE improvement in the Gang! ❤
Great to add to foodies for HEALTH and WELLNESS 🙂
Cat's, Dog's and Hoomans too ...
Imagine what this could do for YOU!
https://blog.adoredbeast.com/the-benefits-of-chlorella-for-dogs-and-cats/
Thanks to the wide variety of healthful nutrients, Spirulina can boost your cat’s/dog's health in many ways. The algae are packed with antioxidants, boast anti-inflammatory properties, and can further enhance your cat’s immune system by giving the production of white blood cells and antibodies a boost. In addition, spirulina can help reduce cholesterol absorption, which is great for heart health, and the zeaxanthin contained in the blue-green goodness is said to be beneficial for your pets vision.
https://www.catit.com/spotlight/cat-superfoods-spirulina-algae-as-a-healthful-ingredient-in-cat-food/
For Dogs, Cats and Hoomans!
Spirulina and its extracts have been shown to have anticancer activity in animal studies. Spirulina stimulates natural killer cells and similar anti-immune components of the immune system that can help fight cancer cells. Laboratory studies also show that spirulina polysaccharides can work to repair genetic material that has been damaged from toxins or from radiation....
Usually around $32. a Pound online! Organic....

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/benefits-of-spirulina/

Chlorella for dogs and cats is a simple ingredient with complex benefits. It’s easy to add to the diet to really support the entire body.

06/14/2025

Acute moist dermatitis- it sounds BAD, but it is actually a very common skin condition affecting our dogs that can be easy to treat at home. (Unless of course you want to spend $500 at your vet :-) )

The KEY to preventing these from happening in the 1st place is by managing the underlying causes of Skin Inflammation.

Hot Spots in Dogs: 5 Steps to Treating and Preventing At Home

A hot spot is a very painful and sudden localized skin infection that needs immediate care. In this article you will learn exactly what you need to do to treat hot spots at home. You will learn exactly what a dog hot spot is, and the causes of these localized skin infections. Then you will find the exact steps to take to treating these at home, and preventing hot spots in dogs from reoccurring.

The veterinary name for dog hot spot is called acute moist dermatitis. This is a surface skin infection that is very itchy, smelly, and often appears wet or moist. They are a local area of bacterial infected hair follicles. Dog hot spots often form on the face and at the base of the ears.

Hot spots form most often during the warm summer months, but can happen at any time. Often they will start with a scratch or wound and then this causes the skin to become infected and develop into a hot spot. Allergic dogs will often scratch at their skin, allowing the bacteria to flourish locally and turn into an infection.

Hot spots develop very quickly, and catching them early is the key to preventing them from turning into a bigger problem. The first stages show up as moist, red, itchy skin. The infected skin will ooze pus, and this will dry up forming a crust over the infected area. The sooner you catch the hot spot, the easier it is to treat, and more likely to respond to home remedies

Step 1: Hair Removal

Removing the hair around the hot spot is the first thing you want to do. You can use a pair of blunt nosed scissors to trim as much hair as possible on and around the spot. If you have clippers use them for trimming. These can be very painful and some dogs will not let you trim much hair.

Step 2: Antiseptic Clean

The next step is to clean the area well with some type of local antiseptic. One option is to use a mild, non-perfumed antiseptic soap such as chlorhexidine to clean the skin. Gently dab it on the spot, lather up and rinse well. Another option is to use antibacterial soaps, and then clean the area well after with a clean damp cloth.

Step 3: Treatment- The key to curing hot spots is to get them to dry out.

TEA and ASPIRIN
A very effective antiseptic drying solution is tea and aspirin. Brew up a strong cup of black tea and dissolve an regular strength uncoated aspirin tablet in it. Soak a cloth/gauze in this brew and apply it to the area for 5 minutes four times daily. They tannins in the tea help dry out the Hot Spot (which is key), as well as deal with the underlying skin infection.

SOOTHING HERBS
Two soothing herbs that I frequently use for any type of skin irritation are Calendula and Aloe Vera. If you have one of these on hand, then use them after applying the treatment for drying out the hot spot (the tea and aspirin).

BEE GLUE
PROPOLIS, also known as Bee Glue is anti-inflammatory, and has antibacterial properties. It is a great option as it can also treat the underlying skin infection. Spray it on topically 4 times/day for 5 days. You can also give oral propolis capsules: 100mg/10lbs daily for 5-7 days, which can help treat the skin infection.

PAIN RELIEF
Hot Spots can be very painful, so giving something to deal with the inflammation and pain can be very helpful. CBD (Cannabidiol) is a great option at doses of 3mg/10lbs twice daily.

NATURAL STEROID.
In veterinary practice, one of the key treatments for Hot Spots ( and most other skin diseases), is Steroids ( ie Prednisone, topical betamethasone). You can use a 'natural' steroid in the form of LICORICE ROOT EXTRACT. Doses of 1/2ml per 20lbs twice daily can help.

ANTIHISTAMINES.
A 'natural' antihistamine which also can decrease the inflammation, and has anti-bacterial properties is the flavonoid found in apple peel: QUERCETIN. It is very safe for dogs, and many respond especially well to it. Quercetin doses of 50mg/15 lbs twice daily for 7-10 days.

PREVENTION
Lastly the big key to preventing dog hot spots from recurring is by lowering the chance of your dog having an allergic reaction, and then subsequently scratching himself, triggering the problem again. This is best accomplished with adequate doses of omega 3 fatty acids, which can best be given in the form of fish or krill oil. Doses of our Krill oil of 500mg/50lbs twice daily.

Hot spots in dogs are serious localized skin infections that can be both treated, and prevented at home. They are usually caused by an allergic dog which scratches himself, allowing the normal skin bacteria to flourish, and form a wet, painful, red area of skin. Treatment involves removing the hair, applying topical remedies to decrease the inflammation, treat the infection and dry up the wound. Prevention is geared toward stopping the allergic response, and best accomplished with the proper dosage of essential fatty acids.

Heal Your Pet At Home!

Best Wishes,

Dr. Andrew

P.S. I saw HUNDREDS of Hot Spots in Veterinary Practice, and I can say that the Tea and Aspirin Home Remedy works great!

06/14/2025

A random act of Kindness ❤ so thankful he was helped

It was late, and I saw a dead cat in the road. I went to get it out of the road and take it to the vet's the next morning so the owner could have closure.
As I went to pick him up, he moved his head slightly and gave out one of the weakest meows I've ever heard. I rushed him home as soon as I could, put him on my bed, and called every vet in the area to find one that was open. I found one and carried him to the car.
He was feather light and had no microchip. The vet determined he was most likely a stray, and an x-ray showed he had two broken legs and a broken rib. Through all of this, he could not stop purring; it was very weak but it was there. The vet said as the bill would be very high and there was no owner, the best thing to do would be to put him to sleep and to leave the room.
I couldn't leave. I decided he needed someone at the end, but then I realized I just couldn't let that happen. I was determined he had an owner who would have been devastated to have seen him like this, and I'd find them. So, with my term's fees for school, I had him fixed. No owner ever answered my ads.
While he was in casts, he was determined to try and follow me, but his legs flung around like paddles on a boat, so he got the nickname Paddlefoot, Pad for short. It stuck. My best friend of nine years now.
If I could say anything, it would be that not all cats die on impact with a car, so please stop if you hit one.

credit to respective owner😇

06/12/2025

Here's another one from Dr. Andrew ❤ For the DOGGIES :)
"There are a number of human foods that have been shown to prevent serious diseases in our dogs, including cancer.
In fact one study found that a dogs who ate carrots 3 times/week, had a marked decrease risk of cancer, primarily from the carotenoids and antioxidants in this healthy vegetable.
My own dog isn't to keen on veggies, so I do give her one supplement in particular that also has cancer, and other common dog disease preventive properties.
It's the anti-inflammatory Essential Fatty Acids found in Krill- they have extensive studies, and proven benefits for our pets.
Meal toppers: A quick fix to boost the quality of your dog’s food
Antioxidants
Epidemiological studies show that a high intake of anti-oxidant-rich foods is inversely related to cancer risk. Fruits and veggies are chemo-preventive with naturally occurring phytochemicals, flavonoids, and vitamins (high in antioxidants)!
These include kale, fruits like apple, berries, and even carrots. A 2005 study of Scottish Terriers with bladder cancer, those that got veggies three times a week or more had a decreased risk of cancer, and carrots were the most common vegetable given.
Carrots
They contain several anti-cancer compounds including beta-carotene, falcarinol and luteolin; also a good source of fiber for GI health and natural teeth cleaner. Give your dog 1/3 carrot per 20lbs 3-4 times/week.
Kale
These are considered the most nutrient dense vegetable around rich in vitamins/minerals and many other nutrients to help prevent dog disease. Sulphur containing glucosinolates for cancer, Flavonoids quercetin, Kaempferol for inflammation, Carotenoids (Lutein, Beta-Carotene, Zeaxanthin) for eye health and potent anti-oxidant properties. Give 1/4 of a lightly steamed leaf for 20 lbs 3 times per week- Tula is not a Kale fan 🙁
Apples
Apples are high in vitamin C, quercetin, and polyphenols, which:
Combat oxidative stress, slowing aging and supporting immune function. The peel is a high source of quercetin for allergies. They are great prebiotics helping the good bacteria grow, and they help keep your dog's teeth clean! Give 1/4-1/2 an apple per 20lbs 3 times/week.
Sardine Fillets
Sardine fillets sardines are extremely high in protein and they are a fantastic source of the omega-3 fatty acids and they're cost effective. 1 sardine/ cup of food 3- 4 times/ week.
Chicken liver
Chicken liver is extremely high in protein, iron, zinc, copper and it tastes pretty good (according to Tula!)
Some nutrients do concentrate in the liver such as Vitamin A the big point is ensuring that the liver makes up less than 10% of your dog's diet. Safely feed this liver to your dog two or three times a week.. a half a chicken liver per cup of kibble.
Eggs
Eggs are a great inexpensive source of animal protein and a great way to improve the quality of your dog's kibble. Egg white is considered the most complete balance protein they're a good source of vitamin D a good source of B12. 1 egg 2-3 times/week is a great addition to your dog's diet.
Flax
Flax seeds specifically ground flax ground flax is one of my favorite additional supplements to add to my dog’s kibble: a great source of fiber so it can really help our dogs for constipation and inexpensive source of the omega-3 fatty acids. Ground flax contains ligands and they've been shown to be beneficial against cancer specifically mammary carcinoma. Standard amount is one teaspoon per cup of kibble.
Olive Oil
A safe inexpensive healthy oil. olive oil has a great balance of the omega-6 and the omega-3 fatty acids: great anti-inflammatories super important for skin Health. Dose ½ teaspoon of olive oil per cup of her kibble.
Pumpkin
100%pure canned pumpkin is a great source of fiber- really important if we have animals that are constipated. It is rich in antioxidant vitamin A vitamin C vitamin E so it can really improve the quality of your dog's kibble. Dose of one teaspoon per cup of kibble and this can be given daily for dogs prone to constipation.
Yogurt
The good bacteria, the probiotics found in yogurt. Probiotics they're linked to so many different health benefits for our dogs: for intestinal Health, immune support, cognitive function Give one heaping teaspoon of plain, unsweetened, 3% fat yoghurt per cup of kibble.
Heal Your Pet At Home!
Best Wishes,
Dr. Andrew
P.S. I used to say in veterinary practice..'Only feed Dog Food...NEVER feed Human Food.' And I suspect that you may have heard this from your vet... Turns out that statement is NOT true, and in fact sometimes not listening to your veterinarian could be healthier for your pet.
P.P.S. I do hope that you do listen somewhat to me though 🙂
The essential fatty acids offer a range of proven health benefits to your dog or cat, including helping with allergies, arthritis, eye disease, organ dysfunction, cognitive impairment and even cancer.
Populations that consume higher levels of EFA's have much lower cancer incidence with certain cancer types.

06/09/2025

PLEASE SHARE!

💔 An Urgent Plea to Our Southern Ontario Partners: We Need Your Help Now 💔
To our fellow rescues and shelters in Southern Ontario – we are reaching out with a heavy heart and an urgent plea for assistance.

The wildfire crisis impacting Northern Ontario communities is escalating, and we here in Thunder Bay are being inundated with requests for animal intake. We are working tirelessly to provide safe haven for displaced and surrendered animals, but our capacity is stretched to its absolute limit. Our foster homes are full. Our resources are strained. The sheer volume of animals needing help is overwhelming.

We are receiving animals from communities that are in the process of fully evacuated, animals that have lost everything, and pets whose families desperately need respite care during this devastating time. We are talking about vulnerable strays, frightened family pets, and animals with immediate medical needs.

We desperately need your help to alleviate this crisis.

We are appealing to you, our compassionate colleagues in Southern Ontario, to open your doors and consider taking in some of these animals. Every spot you can offer, every animal you can accept, creates a life-saving ripple effect and allows us to continue our critical work on the ground here in Thunder Bay.

We (the hub of the north)are prepared to facilitate transport.

What we need are safe landing spots – dedicated rescues and shelters who have the capacity to take in animals, provide them with care, and help them find their forever homes once they arrive or provide help us provide ‘respite’ to those returning home.

Please, if your facility has any space, any capacity, or any way to assist, contact us immediately. These animals have nowhere else to go.

Our animals need you. Their families need you.

Please reach out to us at [email protected] or send us a direct message. Let's work together to save these lives.

06/07/2025

HONEY for PETS

Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSmxWfvW7XE7lX7YeJ5LBZw/join📘 Dr. Jones' Free Book: Unlock veterinary secrets with...

06/05/2025

Happy National Adopt a Cat Month :-)
There are a few simple things that you can do NOW to keep your cat healthy and PREVENT disease.

Specific cat supplements that contain Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM can help for joint pain, as well as potentially prevent recurring Urinary Tract Disease.

Dr. Jones' Top 5 Cat Care Tips to Keep Your Cat Healthy and PREVENT Disease

Keeping your cat healthy and happy is every pet parent’s goal, but many common health issues can be prevented with simple, proactive care. From diet to stress reduction, the right approach can help your feline friend thrive. Here are my top five expert-backed tips to ensure your cat stays in peak health!

1. Upgrade Their Diet
Your cat’s diet plays a crucial role in their long-term health. Many commercial dry cat foods are high in carbohydrates and low in moisture, contributing to issues like diabetes, kidney disease, and urinary tract infections.

Better Nutrition for Your Cat:
Opt for a high-protein, moisture-rich diet with quality canned food or a home-prepared diet.
Avoid fish-based foods, which are often high in phosphorus and can stress your cat’s kidneys.
Provide easy access to fresh water—a cat water fountain can encourage better hydration!
2. Be Smart About Vaccines
While vaccines can help prevent disease, and generally a good idea for young cats, excessive or unnecessary vaccinations in adult cats can do more harm than good.
Over-vaccination has been linked to kidney disease and even cancer in some cases.
Dr. Jones’ Advice:
If your cat is over 1 year old, in my opinion NO further vaccines are needed indoor-only Cat, NO VACCINES needed!
Instead of annual boosters, focus on supporting your cat’s immune health with a nutritious diet and supplements like colostrum.
3. Choose Natural Remedies Over Harsh Medications
Many conventional medications, especially NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and flea/tick insecticides, come with serious side effects, including kidney and liver damage.

Safer Alternatives:
For pain relief, CBD oil is a natural option that supports joint health without the risks of traditional painkillers like Metacam.
For flea prevention, try diatomaceous earth—a safe, natural powder that dehydrates fleas without exposing your cat to toxic chemicals. Diluted Apple cider Vinegar.
4. Reduce Stress and Enrich Their Environment
STRESS can weaken your cat’s immune system and contribute to urinary tract disease, digestive issues, and behavioral problems. A stimulating and comfortable home environment is key to keeping them happy.

Simple Ways to Reduce Stress:
Provide engaging toys and regular playtime.
Offer scratching posts and climbing areas.
Create a calm retreat with cozy bedding in a quiet part of your home.
5. Prevent Disease Before It Starts
The best way to keep your cat healthy is to prevent disease before it happens. Kidney disease, for example, affects 30% of cats over the age of 15, and diet plays a huge role in its development.

Proactive Tips:
Avoid fish-based foods, which are high in phosphorus and can harm the kidneys.
Add calcium carbonate (ground eggshell) to bind phosphorus and support kidney health.
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula is designed to support overall feline health, including kidney function, with no added phosphorus and beneficial calcium

Heal Your Pet At Home!

Best Wishes,

Dr. Andrew

P.S. If you are thinking of getting a cat (which in my opinion is a good idea!), then consider starting with an animal shelter/rescue society. There are many wonderful cats out there, and often once they are in the right home they flourish. Cassian was actually returned to the shelter as the 1st adoption didn't work out ( apparently fighting with their existing cat, but I can't imagine this as all he wants to do is be loved/eat...)

P.P.S. By following these simple but powerful tips, you can help your cat stay vibrant, healthy, and full of energy for years to come, and AVOID the vet!

Additional antioxidants
Lower kidney damaging phosphorus
Glucosamine/Chondroitin and MSM for Joint/Urinary Health

06/01/2025

Natural Remedy for Allergies, Skin Infections and Hair Balls

Castor Oil for Pets (Make sure its COLD-PRESS HEXANE-FREE)

Castor oil is a multi-purpose vegetable oil that people have used for thousands of years. It’s made by extracting oil from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant.

These seeds, which are known as castor beans, contain a toxic enzyme called ricin. However, the heating process that castor oil undergoes deactivates it, allowing the oil to be used safely.
Castor oil has a number of medicinal uses.

1. Hairball Remedy, and a Natural Laxative

Perhaps one of the best-known medicinal uses for castor oil is as a natural laxative. It’s classified as a stimulant laxative, meaning that it increases the movement of the muscles that push material through the intestines, helping clear the bowels.

Stimulant laxatives act rapidly and are commonly used to relieve temporary constipation. In fact, several studies have shown that castor oil can relieve constipation. While castor oil is considered safe in small doses, larger amounts can cause abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Although it can be used to relieve occasional constipation, castor oil is not recommended as a treatment for long-term issues.

It is also an effective intermittent remedy for Hair Balls in Cats
Dog and Cat Dose: ½ teaspoon/ 20lbs twice daily
Human Dose: 1 tablespoon

2. Skin Disease/Allergy Help

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid.
These types of fats act as humectants and can be used to moisturize the skin. Humectants retain moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin

Castor oil is thick, so it’s frequently mixed with other skin-friendly oils like almond, olive and coconut oil to make an ultra-hydrating moisturizer.

Though applying castor oil to the skin is considered safe for most, it very occasionally can cause an allergic reactions.

SUMMARY: Castor oil can help lock moisture in the skin. IF your dog or cat is itching with especially DRY SKIN, consider applying a castor/coconut oil combination

3. Promotes Wound Healing

Applying castor oil to wounds creates a moist environment that promotes healing and prevents sores from drying out.

Venelex, a popular ointment used in clinical settings to treat wounds, contains a mixture of castor oil and Peru balsam, a balm derived from the Myroxylon tree from Peru!

Castor oil stimulates tissue growth so that a barrier can be formed between the wound and the environment, decreasing the risk of infection. It also reduces dryness and cornification, the buildup of dead skin cells that can delay wound healing.

Studies have found that ointments containing castor oil may be especially helpful in healing pressure ulcers, a type wound that develops from prolonged pressure on the skin.

One study looked at the wound-healing effects of an ointment containing castor oil in 861 nursing home residents with pressure ulcers.

Those whose wounds were treated with castor oil experienced higher healing rates and shorter healing times than those treated with other methods.

SUMMARY: Castor oil helps heal wounds by stimulating the growth of new tissue, reducing dryness and preventing the buildup of dead skin cells. CONSIDER for your dogs/cats with speeding up wound healing, and for dogs with PRESSURE ULCERS on the elbows.

4. Impressive Anti-Inflammatory Effects – Natural Arthritis Treatment

Ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid found in castor oil, has impressive anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies have shown that when castor oil is applied topically, it reduces inflammation and relieves pain.

The pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory qualities of castor oil may be particularly helpful to those with an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.

Animal and test-tube studies have found that ricinoleic acid reduces pain and swelling.

One study demonstrated that treatment with a gel containing ricinoleic acid led to a significant reduction in pain and inflammation when applied to the skin, compared to other treatment methods.

A test-tube component of the same study showed that ricinoleic acid helped reduce inflammation caused by human rheumatoid arthritis cells more than another treatment.

Aside from castor oil’s potential to reduce inflammation, it may help relieve dry, irritated skin in those with psoriasis, thanks to its moisturizing properties.

SUMMARY: Castor oil is high in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that has been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation in test-tube and animal studies. IF you have a pet with localized ARTHRITIS, consider Castor Oil topically.

5. Reduces Dandruff, Skin Infections/Yeast..

Castor oil has several qualities that may help reduce acne symptoms. (feline acne is very common, dog’s get similar skin infections)

Inflammation is thought to be a factor in the development and severity of acne, so applying castor oil to the skin may help reduce inflammation-related symptoms

Castor oil has antimicrobial properties that may help fight bacterial overgrowth when applied to the skin.

One test-tube study found that castor oil extract showed considerable antibacterial power, inhibiting the growth of several bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus

Castor oil is also a natural moisturizer, so it may help soothe the inflamed and irritated skin typical in those with acne.

Yeast
Castor oil is used for oral yeast infections in people, and may be beneficial for our dogs that have yeast infections on their skin/paws secondary to allergy.

Dandruff
This can be a big problem for MANY dogs...The moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil make it an excellent option to keep hair soft and hydrated and help reduce dandruff symptoms.

THE BOTTOM LINE

People/Pets have used castor oil for thousands of years as a powerful natural treatment for a variety of health issues.

It has been shown to help relieve constipation and moisturize dry skin, among many other uses.

If you are searching for an affordable, multi-purpose oil to keep in your medicine cabinet, castor oil may be a good choice.

Heal Your Pet At Home!
Best Wishes,
Dr. Andrew