Pets are companions, friends, and confidantes. They bring great joy into our lives without asking for much in return. In additional to other benefits, several studies have linked having a pet with good physical and mental health. Research has indicated that having a pet can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. The following quiz is taken from Dr. Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Cat Care, by Randy Kidd, D.V.M., Ph.D. Find more information on healthy hearts at the American Heart Association.

National Cat Health Month

February is also National Heart Health Month

1. Cats can have trouble assimilating the __________ in tinctures because of an enzyme deficiency.

a. glycerin
b. alcohol
c. binding agents
d. fillers


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2. Which of the following may be signs of feline cardiovascular disease?

a. Difficulty breathing; coughing
b. Intolerance of exercise; general weakness
c. Skin eruptions; fainting
d. Fainting; intolerance of exercise


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3. What is the most common ear problem in cats?

a. Yeast infections
b. Internal ear infections
c. Ear mites
d. Middle ear infections


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4. __________ in olive oil is one of Kidd’s favorite herbs for soothing inflamed ear tissues.

a. Chamomile
b. St. John’s wort
c. Calendula
d. Mullein


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5. __________ is helpful for infections involving the mucous membrane tissues and can be used in an eyewash for cats.

a. Calendula
b. Goldenseal
c. Elder
d. Chamomile


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6. Allergic reactions have been seen in some pets given:

a. aloe.
b. bladderwrack.
c. burdock.
d. calendula.


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7. The herb __________ can help keep your pet’s breath smelling fresh.

a. bugleweed
b. artichoke
c. walnut
d. parsley


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8. By decreasing inflammation and swelling in the infected ear canal, __________ increases a cat’s comfort level.

a. chamomile
b. calendula
c. witch hazel
d. echinacea


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9. __________ is an useful sedative herb for the anxious, yowling, crying and pacing cat.

a. Catnip
b. Valerian
c. Chamomile
d. Lavender


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10. Dr. Kidd recommends keeping light-skinned cats out of the bright sunlight when using:

a. St. John’s wort.
b. turmeric.
c. valerian.
d. yarrow.


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