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7 common plants that are dangerous for cats

7 common plants that are dangerous for cats

Cats are naturally curious and tend to grab and play with things they find in their environment. So, they can end up grabbing or even chewing on dangerous plants, which can cause multiple complications and health-related issues. Cat parents should exercise caution when exposing their feline companions to outdoor environments or their own home and garden that can house poisonous plants. Some of the common plants that are toxic to cats are:

Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a popular indoor and outdoor plant that is grown in pots and containers, making it a popular gift during the holiday season. Cats can be drawn to its vibrant flowers, however, the plant contains toxins like lycorine and phenanthridine alkaloids. While the bulbs have the highest concentration of toxins, the stalks are also poisonous to cats. If ingested, cats can experience symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. They may even seem lazy, lethargic, and show no willingness to eat. Other severe effects include a drop in their blood pressure and seizures.

Autumn crocus
The autumn crocus contains colchicine and other alkaloids, which can be toxic to many animals, including cats. If cats chew on the flower or seeds of this ornamental plant, they can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. Ingesting it can also lead to gastrointestinal issues, breathing problems, fever, loss of appetite, and even bloody stool. Symptoms may begin to appear shortly after ingesting the plant or days after.

Rhododendrons or azaleas
Rhododendron is a common shrub with many subspecies, including azaleas. Its beautiful bell-shaped flowers make it a popular choice among gardeners. However, all parts of this shrub are extremely poisonous to cats. The toxicity is caused by grayanotoxins, a component that contains diterpenoid compounds. On ingestion, these toxins attach themselves to the cat’s cells and wreak havoc on their tiny bodies. It impacts the normal functioning of the feline’s internal organs and central nervous system. The damage can extend to the cat’s GI tract and can cause hemorrhage or internal bleeding, pneumonia, and kidney and liver failure. Initial symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal discharge, and drooling. Other severe complications of rhododendron poisoning in cats are blindness and limb paralysis.

Castor beans
Castor beans are used to produce oil as a natural remedy for constipation, however, these beans can be highly dangerous for pets. The toxin at play here is ricin, present in high amounts in castor beans. This plant can be deadlier than cobra venom to cats. Even a small amount of the toxin can be fatal or can induce symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, weakness, and tremors. More serious consequences of castor bean poisoning are kidney failure, seizures, and coma.

Chrysanthemum
This plant is easy to grow, requires minimum maintenance, and comes with beautiful, bright-colored flowers. However, chrysanthemum is off-limits to cats as it contains toxins like lactones, pyrethrins, and sesquiterpene and can cause severe gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested. Initial symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, itching, loss of appetite, skin lesions, or swelling.

Cyclamen
Cats are drawn to the bright butterfly-shaped flowers of cyclamen (or sowbread plant). It contains toxins known as terpenoid saponins, which get absorbed into the cat’s bloodstream when ingested. Cyclamen poisoning can be fatal and cause irregular heartbeat and seizures. Other complications include gastritis, pain, paralysis, terminal convulsions, and respiratory failure. Initial symptoms include drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, and roughening of the cat’s coat.

Paperwhite
Paperwhite, along with other plants of the Narcissus genus such as daffodil and jonquil, contains toxic components like galantamine, calcium oxalate crystals, and narciclasine along with a primary toxin lycorine. Paperwhite plants are poisonous to most animals, and cats may be attracted to the bright flowers or bulbs that are the most toxic part of the plant. Ingestion of this plat can lead to convulsions, increased heart rate, breathing and respiratory problems, and kidney damage in cats. Common initial symptoms include drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach aches.

Not just poisonous plants, pets are susceptible to a variety of infections, diseases, and infestations which can lead to serious health complications. Here are a few popular treatment options that can keep them safe:

Bravecto for cats
This topical solution for cats can provide 2-month protection from fleas, ticks, and also heartworm, which is an infection carried by mosquitoes. Bravecto Plus can also treat other infections such as intestinal roundworm and hookworm. A single dose every two months can protect your cat from a host of deadly infections caused by parasites.

Simparica
This is a fast-acting chewable treatment option for dogs and is effective in treating flea and tick infestation in dogs over six months. Simparica is approved for use in dogs, and a veterinarian doctor should be consulted before using this for cats.

Advantix
This is a flea and tick treatment suitable for dogs. Advantix or K9 Advantix II can also repel mosquitos, protecting dogs from infections like heartworm. Cats can be sensitive to the product’s active ingredients, so a vet should be consulted before opting for this product. In fact, pet parents that have both cats and dogs in the house should consult a vet before using it for their dogs. The same company offers another product called Advantage, which is considered to be safe for cats.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Top 3 types of mattresses to relieve back pain

An extremely soft or firm mattress or one that is worn out can affect sleep quality and make one feel tired the next day. Further, if used for a long period, it can lead to issues with spine alignment and even strain the back muscles. If suffering from back pain, it is important to pick a mattress that helps relieve the ache and provides adequate support to the spine. So here are the best options: Latex Latex is a natural rubber that can be combined with other natural and even synthetic products to create a comfortable and durable mattress. Latex is naturally elastic and buoyant, and in mattresses, it can help support the sleeper’s lower back, weight, shape, and different sleeping positions. It facilitates adequate spine alignment and helps take the pressure off the heavier parts of the body. Latex mattresses bounce back to their original shape pretty quickly, and this factor ensures good support for all sleeping positions, making it ideal for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers. What makes this one of the top mattresses for back pain is that its springy nature enables smoother movement, and sleepers can change their positions without difficulty. The mattress can retain its shape for many years. It is also designed to reduce surface pressure, making it less likely for people to toss and turn from discomfort. This facilitates a good night’s sleep and reduces back pain in the long run.  Memory foam Memory foam or visco-elastic foam is made from polyurethane, which was originally designed for airplane seats to cushion astronauts from extreme pressure when entering or exiting the earth’s atmosphere. It is now used to make mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows. Along with memory foam, such a mattress may also use support foam and springs to give it shape and structure. Memory foam uses heat from the body to soften the foam and allow it to contour to the body shape. Since it molds to the body, it offers better spine alignment, reducing back pain. The mattress evenly distributes the body weight and provides relief to pressure points. It promotes better blood circulation, alleviating aches and pains as one sleeps. On waking up, the mattress does not sag but bounces back to its original shape. It conforms to the curves and body shape, allowing the spine to relax. For back sleepers especially, memory foam offers excellent lumbar support, making it one of the top mattresses for back pain. Side sleepers can choose this mattress as it distributes body weight away from the shoulders and hips and supports the waist. Memory foam can also support the natural curvature of the spine and reduces pressure on the lower back, making it ideal for stomach sleepers. Hybrid These are made using a combination of different materials and construction techniques to provide maximum comfort. Hybrid mattresses typically contain at least a single layer of foam and a coil-based foundation (or springs). Memory foam usually does not last long and begins to sag over time, so integrating coils into the bed’s core extends the life of a foam mattress and provides additional support for the neck and spine. This makes it one of the top mattresses for back pain. Besides memory foam, hybrid mattresses can also have a layer of polyfoams and latex. The combination of layers of foam, coils, and spring provides adequate contouring to the body in different sleeping positions and offers pressure point relief for the hips, back, neck and shoulders, alleviating back pain. Firmness and back pain Some people prefer a firm mattress to help with back pain as it holds the spine in a neutral position. However, it can worsen back pain and induce muscle soreness. On the other hand, a soft mattress may be cozy and offer comfort from joint pain, but it does not take the pressure off the back. So, a medium-firm mattress can be considered the top mattress for back pain. How to pick the right one? Most orthopedists suggest a medium-firm mattress to relieve back pain. However, the ideal kind of comfort may vary from one person to another. One can get acquainted with the components of the mattresses, the number of layers, and the coil and spring arrangements. Mattress stores offer options that specifically advertise back pain relief. If feasible, consider lying in bed for 10–15 minutes in the normal sleeping position to see how the mattress aligns with the spine. People also ask the salesperson to assist them by sitting on the opposite side of the bed or moving to see if it disturbs the sleeper. Check for replacement warranty and free trial options before buying, as most brands offer one or both options. One can try sleeping on the mattress for a few nights, as some materials take longer to get used to, and can return the mattress if it does not meet the requirements.  Top mattresses for back pain Based on the factors mentioned above, some of the best mattresses to relieve back pain are DreamCloud Mattress, Nectar Mattress, Saatva Classic, WinkBed, Helix Midnight Luxe, Plank Luxe Hybrid, Nolah Evolution 15, Bear Elite Hybrid, GhostBed Classic, and Level Sleep Mattress.

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Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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