Holistic Cat Care

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Comment by Jeffrey Robinson on August 12, 2008 at 3:58am

Whiskers Holistic Petcare at 235 East 9th Street. Whiskers specializes in all-natural toys and pet food for pet owners looking for a healthy alternative to conventional products for their pet.

Peter Pullman says his cat, Pym, is still neurotic, but at least she's not vomiting as much since introducing some holistic remedies into her diet.

"She likes to eat leaves and is an erratic eater. I'm giving her something that will help settle her stomach and help her digestive system," he said, as he picked up a digestive supplement -- a natural liquid formula containing juices and acidophilus -- at Whiskers Holistic Pet Care in the East Village.

Owned by Phillip and Randy Klein, who are married, Whiskers has sold natural pet food, herbs and vitamins since 1988, and in early July the Kleins opened a second branch in Astoria.

When Whiskers first opened, no other holistic, natural pet stores existed in the city.


Inside holistic pet store Whiskers Photos "We were the only one," said Randy. Eight years ago, the Kleins expanded Whiskers from a 300-square-foot space to 1,100 square feet. At around the same time the couple started selling products online to customers around the world. The store has thousands of customers a week and 10 to 15 employees, Randy estimated.

Carol Chesler, 65, first started shopping at Whiskers when her cat was diagnosed with cancer.

"I feel she lived longer," from the tonic and high protein cat food. The cat took Rene Caisse's Herbal Formula, aimed to aid the immune system, and ended up living more than a year longer than the veterinarian had predicted, Chesler said.

Rebecca, who wouldn't share her last name but lives down the block from Whiskers in the East Village, shops there for her cat with allergies, but she doesn't eat organic or go for holistic remedies herself.

"Either I get rid of my cat or I buy this food," she said, because it needs the specialized frozen victuals.

The frozen organic food made by Whiskers contains meat, vegetables, spices and supplements like omega 3 fish oil, flax seed, sea meal, slippery elm powder, blue/green algae, dried cranberry, taurine, zinc, vitamin E, scorbate C, bee pollen and grapefruit seed extract. It costs $8.50 per pound.

"The fresh foods we carry are all designed to bring an animals' food back to its natural state which is raw meat and veggies," Randy said.

The staff at Whiskers take the time to discuss holistic pet care with customers, but "we are not vets and do not profess to be vets," Phillip said. He and his wife have learned from personal experience, in addition to countless workshops, seminars and books on the subject.

"We just educated ourselves and that's what we try to do with our customers," Randy said.

Comment by James The Healthy Coffee Guy on July 30, 2008 at 2:24pm

On my post there is a book that can be accessed that explains why my nephew who is a hard nosed your rapper type goes that extra mile for his tabby by purchasing the tea that I market and he doen't even drink /use my other products that also have the herb.That is one of the reasons that I posted the info that I posted--he cares more for his cat than he does for himself. According to him the cat loves him without question so he returns the favor by doing preventive things that cause him not worry about his cat's health. I adore my nephew and his cat.

Comment by Bobbie on July 29, 2008 at 5:28pm

Very good informative thread. I have 1 feral whom I give 500 mg crushed in wet food daily L- LYSINE. must B mixed well as has bitter taste cats don't like. This has cleared up eye matting as well as boosts the immune system. I saw the male mate with her 1 hr before I trapped him for Neuter, but when he tested positive for FEVL-AIDES, they put him down. She is at least 10 yrs old and she had a litter of 2 by him.They also tested positive. Her other litters were negative, but she is the only feral I have never caught. Too street smart. Tried all Humane ways including the drop traps. . After speaking with several Vets in my network and locally, I was told I was doing the best I can 2 keep her alive,and comfortable . Her weight gain has vastly improved, I crushed 1 Drontal plus for all internal parasites which includes tape worm in her food. As I cannot pet her, I cannot apply Revolution which takes care of ear mites, cat heartworm , fleas etc. I would like to research the Herb you are speaking of and I will. L-Lysine can B bought at any drug store even walmart as it is a people immune booster. Has 2 B L-Lysine not just Lysine. Bobbie

Comment by Goldie on July 22, 2008 at 7:54am

Hi Dean! Just joined your group here..
Interesting holistic stuff, both for cats and everyone.
Take care..

Comment by Nancy Troske on July 11, 2008 at 7:55pm

Hi, I am wondering if anyone knows of a holistic vet in the Princeton, NJ area?

Comment by Debbie Ferrari on May 13, 2008 at 3:28pm

Hi Dean!

Always interested in learning more holistic ways of taking care of our kitties! Would much prefer to do that first.

Comment by Nuria on May 12, 2008 at 12:50pm

Hi Dean! I thought I'd stop over. This looks like something that I'd like to learn more about.