Question:
My mother, an ornithologist, made war on every feline who dared set foot in the yard, whereas I have learned to adore cats. We are particularly fond of the annoyed "chirp" when our cat is not allowed to lick the butter dish. Please give equal print to "cat speak." Also, having been saddled with an unruly young-adult donkey, I was surprised to learn that a donkey goes "haw hee" instead of "hee haw." So much for the song "Sweetly Sings the Donkey at the Break of Day." -- P.R., Virginia Beach, Va.DEAR P.R.: Cats do indeed "speak!" Here is a brief synopsis of felinese -- the sounds that cats make to express feelings and intentions. (Note: Some cats are real talkers, like the Siamese, but others rarely make any sounds.)Basically, low-frequency rhythmic sounds are soothing, friendly and contact-seeking, while high-frequency sounds of varying duration can range from greeting and attention-seeking to threatening and expressing pain and fear.In various contexts, cats will make pure (meow) and mixed (meow-purr or hiss
E.C., Miami, FL Dec 10, 2006
Answer:
You are doing a good job taking a more holistic approach to your health and to your dog's health. My report on organic agriculture playing a vital role in holistic health and preventive medicine on my Web site (www.doctormwfox.org) will confirm the wisdom of your going "as organic as possible."You should also check there for additional steps to help control fleas and other potentially harmful insects. Sprinkling borax once a week into cracks and crevices throughout the house the last thing at night, then vacuuming up thoroughly the next morning, will also keep fleas at bay.For more information on the serious public and environmental health problems and looming economic problems of conventional industrial agriculture, see my book "Eating With Conscience: The Bioethics of Food" (NewSage Press, 1997).
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