PETA: Cloris Leachman Says, 'Let Vegetarianism Grow on You

Cloris Leachman has never looked better.

Cloris Leachman is a remarkable human being. Not only has this talented actor won eight primetime Emmy Awards (more than any other female performer), a Daytime Emmy, and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, she has also appeared in three Mel Brooks films, including Young Frankenstein, which may just qualify her as a comedic genius.

What do you do as an encore to an acting career like that? You hit the road with your one-woman show, write your soon-to-be-released autobiography, and then, at 82 years of age, you trip the light fantastic on the wildly popular Dancing With the Stars, where competitors half your age fall by the wayside. How does she do it? Easy: She chooses to eat vegetarian. Now Cloris is sharing the secret behind her vitality with her fans by posing in a dress made of cabbage for PETA's newest "Let Vegetarianism Grow on You" ad.

Cloris knows that choosing a vegetarian diet is the best thing that you can do for your health, because meat-eaters are 50 percent more likely to develop heart disease than vegetarians, and vegetarians have 40 percent of the cancer rate of meat-eaters. That's not all. Studies have shown that vegetarians have stronger immune systems, making them less susceptible to everyday illnesses like the flu. Still not convinced? Vegetarians and vegans live, on average, six to 10 years longer than meat eaters do—active, exciting, busy years, if Cloris is any indication!

Take a minute to watch Cloris behind-the-scenes at the photo shoot. She sang and joked her way through the entire day, taking just a few moments to get serious with the story behind her choice to give up meat more than 40 years ago. Cloris wants you to know that it's easy to choose vegetarian alternatives. "Start learning about it. It doesn't have to be all of a sudden or a great huge education, but it's sort of a little journey that you make all your life." This is a journey that will lead you in one direction: to better health, a cleaner environment, and happier animals everywhere.

Join Cloris by taking the Pledge to Be Veg today. See how good you can feel in just 30 days! CLICK HERE

...

Read full story

ASPCA: CAT Emergency Care

How Do I Find 24-Hour Emergency Care for My Cat?
Talk to your veterinarian about an emergency protocol. Does your vet provide 24-hour service or does he or she work with an emergency clinic in the area? Some practices have multiple veterinarians on staff who rotate on-call services after hours. Check to see if your primary care vet has partners who might answer an emergency call.

It’s also a smart idea to keep the name, number and address of your local emergency clinic tacked to the refrigerator or stored in your cell phone for easy access.

When Does My Cat Need Emergency Care?
Your cat may need emergency care because of severe trauma—caused by an accident or fall—choking, heatstroke, an insect sting, household poisoning or other life-threatening situation.

What Are Some Signs That My Cat Needs Emergency Care?

• Pale gums
• Rapid breathing
• Weak or rapid pulse
• Change in body temperature
• Difficulty standing
• Apparent paralysis
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Excessive bleeding

What Should I Do if My Cat Needs Emergency Care?
Cats who are severely injured may act aggressively toward their pet parents, so it’s important to protect yourself first from injury. Gently place a blanket or towel over the cat’s head to prevent biting; then slowly lift the cat and place her in an open-topped carrier or box. Take care to support the cat’s head and avoid twisting her neck in case she’s suffered a spinal injury.

Once you feel confident and safe transporting your cat, immediately bring him to an emergency care facility. It’s also a smart idea to ask someone—a friend or family member—to call the clinic, so the staff expects you and your cat.

What Are Some First Aid Treatments I Can Perform on My Cat?
Most emergencies require immediate veterinary care, but first aid methods may help you stabilize your pet for transportation.

• If your cat is suffering from external bleeding due to trauma, try elevating and applying pressure to the wound.
• If your cat is choking, place your fingers in his mouth to see if you can remove the blockage.
• If you’re unable to remove the foreign object, perform a modified Heimlich maneuver by giving a sharp rap, which should dislodge the object, to his chest.

Should I Perform CPR on My Cat?
CPR may be necessary if you successfully remove the choking source, but your cat is still unconscious. First check to see if he’s breathing. If not, place him on his side and perform artificial respiration by extending his head and neck, holding his mouth closed and blowing gently into his nostrils once every three seconds. If you don’t feel a heartbeat, incorporate cardiac massage while administering artificial respiration—five chest compressions for every respiration—until your cat resumes breathing on his own.

What Should I Do If My Cat Eats Something Poisonous?
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. Trained toxicologists will consider the age and health of your pet, what and how much he ate, and make a recommendation—such as whether to induce vomiting—based on their assessment.

...

Read full story