This morning I noticed a single flea on one of my three Himalayan cats - this is the first time I've EVER had a flea on a pet. Unfortunately I couldn't catch it but I'll keep looking and working her long fur with a steel comb.

The three cats are indoor-only pets so I surmise the flea must have been picked up at an open window or at the back door, where they spend a lot of their time lazing during the Summer months. There are a lot of squirrels and other critters around all the time outside. Or could one of us have picked up the flea outside and brought it indoors on our clothing?

What should I do - are flea collars effective? Comments & tips would be appreciated. What a way to start my day off. 

At the very beginning of the recall I switched my three Himalayan cats from Science Diet kibble to Eagle Pack kibble. They're free-fed the Indoor Multi-Cat kibble formula in one bowl, and in another I alternate the three Holistic Select flavours. They like this food very much, and are doing well on it. I'm looking for Wellness Core to try it out, but I haven't been able to find any yet (I'm north of Montreal).

At suppertime I treat them to a bit of canned - Eagle Pack, Wellness, or Natural Balance (they love all of these, especially the Wellness grain-free Beef & Chicken). In a pinch I'll feed them a spoonful of Friskies, but only the loaf-style varieties.

[New Dog Breeds Recognized by the American Kennel Club]

New Dog Breeds Recognized by the American Kennel Club

Collie + Lhasa Apso: Collapso, a dog that folds up for easy transport.

Spitz + Chow Chow: Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up a lot.

Pointer + Setter: Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet.

Malamute + Pointer: Moot Point, owned by....oh, well, it doesn't matter anyway.

Great Pyrenees + Dachshund: Pyradachs, a puzzling breed.

Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso: Pekasso, an abstract dog.

Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel: Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle.

Labrador Retriever + Curly Coated Retriever: Lab Coat Retriever, the choice of research scientists everywhere.

Newfoundland + Basset Hound: Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors.

Terrier + Bulldog: Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes.

Bloodhound + Labrador: Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly.

Collie + Malamute: Commute, a dog that travels to work.

Deerhound + Terrier: Derriere, a dog that's true to the end.

Bull Terrier + Shih-tzu: Bull..... Oh, never mind.

[gdaner]

I switched my three Himalayan cats over to Eagle Pack kibble in the first day or two of the recall a while back - the recall spooked me so much I started looking into (ostensibly better) alternatives I never even knew of before. I also give them Eagle Pack canned food as a treat once a day. My cats made the switch (from Science Diet kibble) without any problems at all, and they haven't had any finicky episodes with it. They love the food and I'll be happy to keep them on it, and I don't hesitate to recommend it.

A friend of mine has been feeding her two boxers and one pug on Eagle Pack kibble for a few years now. They're thriving on it. In fact the Eagle Pack Holistic Select Duck & Oatmeal is the first food in many years that my friend's female boxer hasn't had allergic issues with.

Like gdaner, I'm keeping my eyes peeled for any Eagle Pack involvement in the recall, but yes - so far so good!

[thank you]

I'd also like to say thank you to Therese for this forum - I'd been following the non-recall list for weeks, and also checking out the comments blog a couple of times a day. Great work all around - very much appreciated!

I decided to join this forum this morning, and hope to begin participating in discussion threads here & there soon.