• About
  • Articles
    • Animals
      • Bees
        • Bees Used for Landmine Detection
        • Honeybee Facts
        • How to Help Endangered Bees
        • Loss of Bees Threatens Global Food System
        • Plants That Attract Bees
      • Birds
        • Bird Expressions Gallery
        • How to Attract Birds to Your Garden
        • Hummingbird Feeders
        • Hummingbird Gardening
        • Plants That Attract Birds
          • Plants That Attract Bluebirds
          • Plants That Attract Buntings
          • Plants That Attract Bush Tits
          • Plants That Attract Cardinals
          • Plants That Attract Catbirds
          • Plants That Attract Chickadees
          • Plants That Attract Doves
          • Plants That Attract European Robins
          • Plants That Attract Finches
          • Plants That Attract Grosbeaks
          • Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
          • Plants That Attract Jays
          • Plants That Attract Juncos
          • Plants That Attract Mockingbirds
          • Plants That Attract North American Robins
          • Plants That Attract Nuthatches
          • Plants That Attract Orioles
          • Plants That Attract Pine Siskins
          • Plants That Attract Sparrows
          • Plants That Attract Tanagers
          • Plants That Attract Thrashers
          • Plants That Attract Thrushes
          • Plants That Attract Titmice
          • Plants That Attract Towhees
          • Plants That Attract Warblers
          • Plants That Attract Waxwings
          • Plants That Attract Woodpeckers
          • Plants That Attract Wrens
        • What to Put in Bird Feeders
      • Butterflies
        • Butterfly Gardening
        • Butterfly Plants
        • How to Make a Butterfly Feeder
      • Cats
        • Big Cats and Small Wild Cats
          • Chinese Public Supports Tiger Trade Ban: 2008 Poll Shows Majority in China Against Legalizing Tiger Products
          • How to Help Endangered Wild Cats
          • How to Reduce the Risk of Cougar Attacks
          • Rare White Lion Cubs Born
          • Social Structure of Feral Cat Colonies
          • The African Black-Footed Cat: Felis Nigripes, One of the Smallest Wild Felines in the World
          • The Endangered Florida Panther
          • The Endangered Scottish Wildcat: Efforts to Save the Tiger of the Highlands
          • The Rarest Wild Cats in the World
          • White Tiger Facts
          • Why Lions Have Manes
          • Why Tigers Are Endangered
          • Wild Cats of Canada: the Bobcat, the Lynx, and the Cougar
        • Cat Breeds
          • 10 Unusual Cat Breeds
          • Abyssinian Cat Breed Profile
          • American Bobtail Cat Breed Profile
          • American Curl Cat Breed Profile
          • American Shorthair Cat Breed Profile
          • American Wirehair Cat Breed Profile
          • Balinese Cat Breed Profile
          • Bengal Cat Breed Profile
          • Birman Cat Breed Profile
          • Bombay Cat Breed Profile
          • British Shorthair Cat Breed Profile
          • Burmese Cat Breed Profile
          • California Spangled Cat Breed Profile
          • Cat Breeds That Get Along Well with Dogs
          • Chartreux Cat Breed Profile
          • Chausie Cat Breed Profile
          • Colourpoint Shorthair Cat Breed Profile
          • Cornish Rex Cat Breed Profile
          • Donskoy Cat Breed Profile
          • Egyptian Mau Breed Profile
          • Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed Profile
          • Guide to Cat Breed Personality Traits
          • Guide to Cat Breeder Terminology
          • Guide to Cat Coat Colours, Patterns, and Markings
          • Guide to Cat Fur, Face, and Body Types
          • Himalayan Cat Breed Profile
          • How Many Cat Breeds Are There?
          • Javanese Cat Breed Profile
          • Korat Cat Breed Profile
          • Kurilian Bobtail Breed Profile
          • LaPerm Cat Breed Profile
          • Maine Coon Cat Breed
          • Manx Cat Breed Profile
          • Mythical Cat Breeds, Frauds, and Hoaxes
          • Nebelung Cat Breed Profile
          • Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Profile
          • Ocicat Breed Profile
          • Oriental Shorthair Cat Breed Profile
          • Persian Cats: What Prospective Adopters Need to Know
          • Peterbald Cat Breed Profile
          • Pixie-Bob Cat Breed Profile
          • Ragamuffin Cat Breed Profile
          • Ragdoll Cat Breed
          • Russian Blue Cat Breed Profile
          • Savannah Cat Breed Profile
          • Scottish Fold Cat Breed Profile
          • Siamese Cat Breed
          • Siberian Cat Breed Profile
          • Singapura Cat Breed Profile
          • Snowshoe Cat Breed Profile
          • Sphynx Cat Breed Profile
          • Tonkinese Cat Breed Profile
          • Toyger Cat Breed Profile
          • Turkish Angora Cat Breed Profile
          • Turkish Van Cat Breed Profile
        • Cat Care
          • Adopting a Cat
          • Alternatives to Declawing
          • Are Poinsettias Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
          • Bad Breath in Cats and Dogs
          • Best Cat Toys
          • Can I Give My Cat or Dog Aspirin or Tylenol?
          • Cat Aggression Treatments
          • Cat Boarding Kennels: How to Choose the Best
          • Cat Fences and Enclosures
          • Cat or Dog Sprayed by a Skunk: How to Remove Skunk Odour
          • Cat Urine: How to Clean It and Get Rid of the Odour
          • Children and Cats
          • Clingy Cats: How to Reduce Separation Anxiety
          • Common Cat Allergies: Substances That Cause Allergic Reactions in Cats
          • Disaster Preparedness for Cats and Dogs
          • Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?
          • Feliway for Cats
          • Foods That Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs
          • Free and Low-Cost Spay-Neuter Clinics
          • Halloween Cat Sacrifices: Real Danger or Urban Legend?
          • How to Brush a Cat’s Teeth
          • How to Cat-Proof a Home
          • How to Encourage a Cat to Be More Affectionate
          • How to Give a Cat a Bath
          • How to Groom a Cat
          • How to Help Fat Cats Lose Weight
          • How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat
          • How to Introduce a New Cat to a Resident Cat
          • How to Keep Cats and Dogs Safe During Winter
          • How to Play with a Cat
          • How to Prevent Cat Conflicts in Multicat Households
          • How to Prevent Hairballs in Cats
          • How to Protect Your Pets from Pet Thieves
          • How to Remove Glue, Paint, Oil, Varnish, Gasoline, Tar, or Grease from Cat Fur
          • How to Start an Animal Shelter
          • How to Stop a Dog from Attacking a Cat
          • How to Stop Cats from Catching Birds
          • Hypoallergenic Diets for Cats and Dogs
          • Indoor Cats: Can They Be Happy?
          • Living with Cat Allergies
          • Microchipping, Tattooing, GPS, and Collar ID for Cats and Dogs
          • Moving with Cats
          • Myths About Spaying and Neutering
          • Natural Anxiety Remedies for Cats and Dogs
          • Natural Flea Control for Cats and Dogs
          • Onions Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs
          • Pet-Friendly Cleaning Solutions
          • Pet-Safe Plants
          • Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs
          • Propylene Glycol Antifreeze Safer for Pets
          • Reasons to Keep Cats Indoors
          • Retirement Homes for Cats and Dogs
          • Spaying and Neutering Facts: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
          • The Benefits of Play Therapy for Cats
          • The Declawing Information Page
          • Tips for Finding Lost Pets
          • Travelling with a Cat
          • Your Life Can Improve With the Right Pet
        • Cat Charities
        • Cat Expressions Gallery 2
        • Cat Facts
          • Ailurophobia: Fear of Cats
          • Are All White Cats with Blue Eyes Deaf?
          • Are Cats and Dogs Colour-Blind?
          • Black and White Cat Facts and Photos
          • Black Cat Facts and Photos
          • Black Cats Less Likely to Be Adopted
          • Calico and Tortoiseshell Cat Facts and Photos
          • Can Cats See in the Dark?
          • Careers with Dogs and Cats
          • Cat and Dog Adoption and Euthanasia Statistics
          • Cat Coat Colour Linked to Temperament
          • Cat Colour Gallery
          • Cat Myths Debunked
          • Cat Statistics
          • Cat Statistics: How Many Cats Are There?
          • Cat Years and People Years
          • Cats and Dogs Hurt by Recession
          • Debunking Anti-Cat Arguments
          • Declawed Cats More Likely to Be Surrendered to Shelters
          • Descriptive Terms for Cats
          • Do Cat People and Dog People Have Different Personalities?
          • Do Cats Dream?
          • Glossary of Cat Words
          • Health Benefits of Cat Ownership
          • How Do a Cat’s Senses of Smell and Taste Compare to Those of a Human?
          • How Fast Can a Cat Run?
          • How Long Cats Live
          • How Many Hours Do Cats Sleep Each Day?
          • How Powerful Is a Cat’s Hearing?
          • Hypoallergenic Cats
          • Impacts of Cats and Dogs on the Environment and Wildlife
          • Naturally Occurring Cat Breeds, Cross-Breeds, and Recent Mutations
          • Negative Cat Stereotypes Debunked
          • Neoteny – Why Adult Cats Retain Kitten Qualities
          • Polls Show Large Majority Against Declawing Cats; Majority Also Favours Anti-Declaw Laws
          • Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat
          • Reasons Why Cats and Dogs Are Surrendered to Shelters
          • Study: Owning a Cat Cuts Heart Attack Risk by 30%
          • Tabby Cat Facts and Photos
          • The Social World of Feral Cats
          • Tortoiseshell Cats Are Nearly Always Female
          • Which Animals Hunt Cats?
          • Which Are More Intelligent – Cats or Dogs?
          • Which Are More Popular, Cats or Dogs?
          • Which Cat Breeds Are the Most Intelligent?
          • Which Make Better Pets – Cats or Dogs?
          • White Cat Facts and Photos
          • Why Are Female Cats Called Queens?
          • Why Are Male Cats Called Toms?
          • Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?
          • Why Do Cats’ Eyes Glow in the Dark?
        • Cat Food and Nutrition
          • Can You Feed a Cat Dog Food? Can You Feed a Dog Cat Food?
          • Can You Feed Cats Tuna Made for Humans?
          • Cat Food Overview: Wet Food, Semi-Moist Food, Dry Food, and Raw Diets
          • Health Risks Associated with Vegan Diets for Cats
          • High-Carbohydrate Diets Are Bad for Cats
          • Homemade Cat Treat Recipes
          • How Much Food Does a Cat Need? How Much Should You Feed a Kitten?
          • How Often Should You Feed Kittens and Adult Cats?
          • Is It Safe to Feed Cats Milk?
          • Is It Safe to Feed Cats Raw Eggs?
          • Natural Diets for Cats, Home-Made Cat Food
          • Should You Feed a Cat Wet Food or Dry Food?
          • Vegan and Vegetarian Dogs and Cats
          • Veterinarian Statements on Vegan and Vegetarian Diets for Cats
          • What to Feed a Kitten
          • What to Feed a Pregnant Cat
          • Why Cats Are Natural Carnivores
          • Why Cats Need a High-Protein Cat Food
          • Why Won’t My Cat Eat?
        • Cat Health
          • Abdominal Swelling/Bulging Stomach in Cats
          • Aggression as a Sign of Illness in Cats
          • Arthritis in Cats
          • Bobcat Fever (Cytauxzoonosis)
          • Can I Get Toxoplasmosis From My Cat? Do I Need to Give up My Cat if I Get Pregnant? Do Cat Parasites Really Affect Personality?
          • Cat and Dog Symptoms: Third Eyelid Showing
          • Cat Coughing, Dog Coughing: Causes and Treatments
          • Cat Drooling: Causes and Treatments
          • Cat Having Accidents Outside the Litter Box: Medical Causes
          • Cat Howling: Why Do Some Cats Howl, Especially at Night?
          • Cat Limping, Dog Limping
          • Cat Not Grooming/Dull Coat/Dry Skin in Cats
          • Cat Symptoms Overview
          • Cat with Blood in Stool: Causes and Treatments
          • Cat with Blood in the Urine: Causes and Treatments
          • Cat with Red Eye or Eyes
          • Cat with Sores and Bald Patches/Hair Loss in Cats, Dog with Sores and Bald Patches/Hair Loss in Dogs
          • Cat-Related Health and Safety Myths
          • Cats Reduce Risk of Kids Developing Asthma
          • Causes of Breathing Problems in Cats
          • Causes of Increased Appetite in Cats
          • Causes of Itching in Cats and Dogs
          • Causes of Weight Loss in Cats
          • Charities That Help with Vet Bills
          • Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) – Kidney Disease in Cats
          • Constipation in Cats
          • Dental Diets for Cats
          • Depression in Cats
          • Diarrhea in Cats and Dogs
          • Endocrine Diseases in Cats: Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, and Others
          • Essential Fatty Acid Supplements for Dogs and Cats
          • Eye Discharge/Runny Eyes in Cats and Dogs
          • Feline Calicivirus (FCV) in Cats
          • Feline Epilepsy: Cat Seizures/Convulsions
          • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
          • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Cat Herpes or Cat Flu)
          • Fever in Cats and Dogs: Causes and Treatments
          • FLUTD in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
          • Fundraising Ideas to Pay Large Vet Bills
          • Glucosamine-Chondroitin Supplements for Dogs and Cats with Arthritis
          • Heart Disease in Cats: Cardiomyopathy, Endocarditis, Myocarditis
          • Heartworm Infection in Cats and Dogs
          • Holistic Cat and Dog Care
          • Hookworms in Cats and Dogs
          • Human Pregnancy and Toxoplasmosis
          • Illnesses That People Can Catch from Cats
          • Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats
          • Intestinal Worms in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
          • Is Catnip Addictive or Dangerous?
          • Loss of Appetite in Cats
          • Lungworm Infection in Cats and Dogs
          • Poisoned Cat: Symptoms and Treatment
          • Required Vaccinations for Cats and Kittens
          • Ringworm in Dogs and Cats
          • Roundworms in Cats and Dogs
          • Signs of Pain in Cats
          • Skin Lumps and Bumps in Cats and Dogs
          • Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Cats and Dogs
          • Tapeworms in Cats and Dogs
          • Using Pumpkin to Treat Constipation and Diarrhea in Cats and Dogs
          • Whipworms in Cats and Dogs
          • Why Cats Pull Out Their Fur: Psychogenic Alopecia in Cats
          • Why Cats Vomit
          • Why Does My Cat Drink So Much and Pee So Often? Causes of Increased Thirst and Urination in Cats
        • Cat History
          • Cat History: Cats in Ancient Egypt
          • Cat History: Cats in Warfare
          • Cat History: Famous Ship Cats
          • Cat History: From Wild Cats to Domestic Pets
          • Cat History: The Black Plague
          • Cat Superstitions, Myths, and Proverbs
          • Famous Cat Lovers
        • Cat Psychology, Behaviour, and Communication
          • Can Cats and Dogs Be Friends?
          • Do Cats Feel Love and Other “Human” Emotions?
          • Do Cats Have Psychic Abilities?
          • Do Cats Like Music?
          • Guide to Cat Communication: Vocalizations and Body Language
          • How Smart Are Cats?
          • The Flehmen Response: Why Cats “Grimace” with Their Mouths Open
          • What Causes Cats or Kittens to Eat Dirt, Kitty Litter, or Plastic, or Lick Photographs?
          • Why are cats afraid of cucumbers?
          • Why Cats Fight
          • Why Cats Purr: How Purring Speeds the Healing Process
          • Why Do Cats “Sulk”?
          • Why Do Cats and Dogs Eat Grass or Houseplants?
          • Why Do Cats Go Crazy for Catnip, Valerian, and Mint?
          • Why Do Cats Gravitate to People Who Fear or Dislike Them?
          • Why Do Cats Have Accidents Outside the Litter Box?
          • Why Do Cats Hiss?
          • Why Do Cats Knead or Paddle with Their Paws?
          • Why do cats love boxes?
          • Why Do Cats Make Chattering Sounds When They See Birds Through a Window?
          • Why Do Cats Play with Their Prey?
          • Why Do Cats Play with Water?
          • Why Do Cats Roll on Their Backs to Greet People?
          • Why Do Cats Rub Against Things?
          • Why Do Cats Scratch Things?
          • Why Do Cats Suddenly Make Mad Dashes Around the House?
          • Why Do Some Cats and Dogs Eat Soap?
          • Why Do Some Cats Attack When Being Petted?
          • Why Do Some Cats Become Anxious or Phobic?
          • Why Do Some Cats Like Shoes, Socks, Feet, Bleach, or Chlorine?
          • Why Do Some Cats Prefer Dirty Water to Fresh Tap Water?
          • Why Does My Cat Pee on the Bed or My Clothing?
          • Why Some Cats Suck on Fabric, Wool, or Hair
        • Cat Training
          • Can You Train a Cat Not to Hunt?
          • How to Encourage a Cat to Use a Scratch Post
          • How to Keep Cats off Counters and Furniture
          • How to Keep Cats out of Plants
          • How to Leash-Train a Cat
          • How to Litter Train a Kitten
          • How to Stop a Cat from Attacking a Dog
          • How to Stop Cats from Fighting
          • How to Train a Cat or Kitten
        • Famous Cats
          • Cat Called to Jury Duty
          • Cat Placed Under House Arrest
          • Cat Record Breakers
          • Cats That Have Adopted Animals of Other Species
          • Christopher the Guardian Angel Cat
          • Cloned Cats
          • Colby Nolan – The Cat with an MBA Degree
          • Famous Cats: Cats with Jobs
          • Famous Cats: Feline Entertainers
          • Famous Cats: Great Feline Achievements
          • Giant Cat Prince Chunk Finds Loving Home
          • Hero Cats
        • Foster Kitten Photo Diary
          • Adult Cats Acting as Foster Parents
          • Bif and Buddies
          • Casper and Cadence
          • Chilly and Lilly
          • Five New Furballs: Serenity, Quest, Sherpa, Coda, and Cayoosh
          • Foster Kittens: Farley and Friends
          • Foster Kittens: Jenga, Eclipse, Valhalla, and Callahan
          • Foster Kittens: Max, Zack, and Roxie
          • Foster Kittens: Sage Bounces Back
          • Foster Kittens: The Dynamic Duo
          • Foster Kittens: The Fab Five
          • Foster Kittens: The Fantastic Five
          • Foster Kittens: The Fluffasaurus Rex and Friends
          • Foster Kittens: The Great Kitten Storm of 2012
          • Foster Kittens: The Saga of the Little Savages
          • Foster Kittens: The Space Crew
          • Foster Kittens: The Tumultous Triad
          • Gizmo’s Gang
          • Sir Shady, the Earl of Grey, Princess Fluffington and the Countess Hissyfit
          • Tesla and Tyax
          • The Checkerboard Kittens: Picatso, Pablo, Catisse, and Catson
          • The Comeback Kittens
          • The Foster Fosters
          • The Friendly Five
          • The Greatcoat Kittens
          • The Hoarder House Kittens: Rowdy, Scrappy, Ally, and Cory
          • The Lake Kittens: Duffey, Alta, and Skaha
          • The Mini-Me Kittens
          • The Star Wars Kittens
          • The Sunshine Kittens
          • The Sunshine Kittens: Golden, Raya, and Sola
        • Kitten Fight Club Gallery
        • Pet Product Reviews
          • 10 Pet Insurance Providers Ranked: Complete 2018 Comparison Guide
          • Reviews of Corn-Based Cat Litters
          • Reviews of Paper-Based Cat Litters
          • Reviews of Pine-Based Cat Litter
          • Reviews of Silica Crystal Cat Litters
          • Reviews of Wheat-Based Swheat Scoop Cat Litter
          • Save Money on Pet Supplies with Groupon Coupons
        • Pet Therapy
          • Animal-Assisted Therapy Providers
          • Pet Therapy Resources
          • Prison Cats
        • Pregnant Cats and Kittens
          • Answers to Frequently Asked Kitten Questions
          • At What Age Can Cats Start Having Kittens?
          • Can a Litter of Kittens Have More Than One Father?
          • How Can You Tell if a Cat Is in Heat?
          • How Long Does a Cat’s Pregnancy Last?
          • How Many Kittens Can Cats Have?
          • How Old Should Kittens Be When They’re Adopted Out?
          • How to Care for Cats During Pregnancy, Labour, and Birth
          • How to Care for Orphaned Kittens
          • How to Safely Remove Fleas from Kittens
          • How to Socialize a Kitten
          • Kitten Development and Care: Birth to 2 Weeks
          • Kitten Development and Care: Week 13 and Up
          • Kitten Development and Care: Weeks 3 and 4
          • Kitten Development and Care: Weeks 5 and 6
          • Kitten Development and Care: Weeks 7-12
          • What Are the Signs of Pregnancy in Cats?
          • When Do Kittens’ Eyes Change Colour?
          • When Do Kittens’ Eyes Open?
          • Where to Adopt Kittens
          • Why Are Kittens Born with Blue Eyes?
          • Why Do Mother Cats Move Kittens?
          • Why Does a Male Cat Bite a Female’s Neck While Mating?
          • Will Handling Newborn Kittens Cause the Mother to Reject Them?
          • Will Tom Cats Kill Kittens?
        • The Cat Expressions Gallery
      • Dogs
        • 7 Great Ways to Care for Your Pet Dog
        • Amazing Dogs
          • Dogs Detect Cancer in People
          • Ginny – the Dog Who Rescued Cats
          • Seizure-Alert Dogs
          • Specially Trained Dogs Assist People with Parkinson’s Disease
        • Dog Care Articles
          • It Might Look Cute, But Being Overweight Is Hurting Your Dog
        • Dog Facts
          • Are Pit Bulls More Likely to Attack Than Dogs of Other Breeds?
          • Canine Aggression: What Causes Dogs to Attack?
          • Dog Breeds That Get Along with Cats
          • How Long Do Dogs Live?
          • How Old Is My Dog in Human Years?
          • The Effects of Pit Bull Bans: Does Breed-Specific Legislation Reduce Dog Attacks?
          • Which Dog Breeds Are Most Likely to Attack?
        • Dog Health Articles
        • Dogs and Cats
        • Miscellaneous Dog Articles
      • Nutritional Health for Your Rabbit Friends
      • Predators of the Heart
      • Sharks
        • How to Reduce the Risk of Shark Attacks
        • Shark Finning Endangers Marine Ecosystems
        • Sharks Rarely Attack
    • Fitness
      • Can I do cardio and strength training on the same day? Should I do cardio or weights first?
      • Exercise Enhances Learning Ability
      • Fitness Resources
      • How Much Exercise Do People Need?
      • How Often Should I Change My Workout Routine?
      • How to Get Motivated to Start Running
      • Strength Training
        • Does Strength Training Cause Women to Bulk Up?
        • How Do I Get an Abdominal ‘Six-Pack’?
        • How Long Should a Strength Training Workout Be? And How Can You Tell if You’re Overtraining?
        • How to Start Strength Training
        • Sports and Bodybuilding Supplements
        • Strength Training for Weight Loss
        • Strength Training Health Benefits
        • Strength Training: Can I train successfully on a vegetarian or vegan diet?
        • Strength Training: Do I need to go to the gym, or can I get good results working out at home?
        • Strength Training: How can I get really big (without steroids)?
        • Strength Training: How Long Should I Rest Between Sets?
        • Strength Training: How Many Days a Week?
        • Strength Training: How Many Repetitions?
        • Strength Training: How Many Sets?
        • Strength Training: How should I warm up and cool down? And should I stretch before and after workouts?
        • Strength Training: Should I Do a Full-Body Workout or a Split Routine?
        • Strength Training: Should I Use Free Weights or Machines?
        • Strength Training: What should I eat before and after my workout?
      • Stretching Techniques
        • Basic Stretching Techniques
        • PNF Stretching
        • Risky Stretches That May Cause Injuries
        • Stretching for Sports and Flexibility
      • Weight Loss
        • How to Reduce Fat in Your Diet
        • Probiotics for Weight Loss
        • Why Most Dieters Fail
    • Food and Nutrition
      • Antibiotics in Food and Farming
      • Coffee
        • Is Coffee Harmful to Your Health?
        • The Health Benefits of Coffee
      • Cooking Tips
        • 10 Tips for Healthier Baking with Whole Foods
        • Cooking and Baking Ingredient Substitutions
          • Baking Substitutes: Dairy Products
          • Baking Substitutes: Eggs and Mayonnaise
          • Broths, Juices, Alcoholic Beverages, Sauces, and Condiments
          • Cooking and Baking Substitutions: Herbs and Spices (Including Onion and Garlic)
          • Fat Substitutions: Low-Fat and Vegan Options
          • Raising Agent Substitutions
          • Substitutes for Flours, Other Grains, and Bread Products (Including Gluten-Free Options)
          • Substitutions for Chocolate, Raisins, and Peanut Butter
          • Types of Sugar, Liquid Sweeteners, Natural Sugar Substitutes, and Low-Calorie Sugar Alternatives
            • Liquid Sweeteners / Sugar Substitutes
            • Low-Calorie and Calorie-Free Sugar Substitutes
            • Types of Sugar and Sugar Substitutions
        • How to Choose, Store, and Prepare Garlic
        • How to Choose, Store, and Prepare Onions
        • Low-Fat and Fat-Free Baking Substitutes
        • Meat Safety
        • Slow Cooker Cooking Tips
        • Slow Cooker Safety Tips
        • Tips for Baking Bread with Whole Wheat Flour and Other Whole Grains
      • Food Facts
        • An Apple a Day: The Health Benefits of Apples
        • Anti-inflammatory Foods
        • Aphrodisiac Foods
        • Artificial Sweeteners Cause Weight Gain and Health Problems
        • Battery Cage Chickens
        • Best Natural Sources of Calcium
        • Chocolate’s Health Benefits
        • Egg Labels: Free-Range, Organic, and Omega-3
        • Food and Beverage Caffeine Contents
        • Health Benefits of Tomatoes and Other Lycopene-Rich Foods
        • How Long Baked Goods, Dry Ingredients, Canned Goods, Condiments, Fruits, Vegetables, Meats, Eggs, and Dairy Products Keep
        • How much protein do I need? Will eating too much protein make me fat?
        • How to Store Fruits and Vegetables
        • How to Tell if an Egg Is Bad (Do Bad Eggs Really Float?)
        • Leafy Green Vegetables Protect Against Osteoporosis
        • Natural Food Sources of Probiotics
        • Nutrition Guidelines for Fitness: Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats
        • Nutrition: Free Range vs. Battery Cage Eggs
        • The Best Antioxidant Foods
        • Whole Grains for Health
      • Herbs and Spices
        • Basil Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Black Pepper Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Cardamom Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Chili Pepper Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Cinnamon Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Cloves: Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Cumin Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Dill Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Fenugreek Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Ginger Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Mustard Seed Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Nutmeg Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Oregano Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Parsley Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Peppermint Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Rosemary Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Sage Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Tarragon Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Thyme Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Turmeric Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
      • Recipes
        • Cheddar and Chive Cornbread
        • Fast, Easy, Delicious Custard Pie
        • Free Gingerbread House Templates and Recipes
        • Healthy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
        • Herb Bread (Bread Maker Recipe)
        • Honey-Sweetened Berry Pie Recipe
        • Honey-Sweetened Challah Bread (Bread Maker Recipe)
        • Pumpkin Muffin Recipes
        • Slow Cooker Swiss Steak
      • Supplements
        • How Much Vitamin C Should You Take?
        • Should You Take a Probiotic Supplement? Probiotic Health Benefits
        • Vitamin D Facts and Natural Sources
        • Vitamin E Facts
        • Zinc Facts
      • Tea and Health
        • Green Tea Aids Weight Loss
        • Health Benefits of Caffeinated Tea
        • How to Increase Tea’s Health Benefits
    • Gardening
      • 10 Ways to Create a More Environmentally Friendly Garden
      • All About Basil: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing, Storing, and Cooking with Basil
      • All About Chives: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Chives, Storing Chives, and Cooking with Chives
      • All About Mint: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing, Storing, and Cooking with Mint
      • All About Sage: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Sage, Storing Sage, and Cooking with Sage
      • Beets: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Beets, Storing Beets, and Cooking with Beets
      • Carrots: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing, Storing, and Cooking
      • Causes of Cracking in Tomatoes
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Depression, Anxiety, and Panic Disorder

sadness

Sadness, Image Courtesy of worradmu, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Depression is common among those with panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. Like anxiety disorders, depression often runs in families (though it’s possible to suffer from depression without a family history of mood disorders).

Both panic disorder and depression arise due to a complicated interplay of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. In other words, a genetically inherited predisposition, stress or emotional issues, and past experiences come together to trigger depression.

Types of Depression

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (2012), there are three types of depression:

  • Major depression: At least five depression symptoms (sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of helplessness or worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, low energy, irritability, appetite changes, sleep changes, persistent physical complaints such as headaches not caused by a specific illness, etc.) lasting for two weeks or more
  • Dysthymia: A long-term, chronic, less severe form of depression
  • Bipolar disorder (manic depression): A mood cycle alternating between severe depressive lows and episodes of mania (extreme highs)

Depression Treatment

There are a number of treatments available for depression, ranging from medications to psychotherapy. If you experience depression, you should consult a doctor to determine the best primary therapy for you.

There are also plenty of complementary therapies you can do on your own to reduce or eliminate depression. The Depression Cure by Stephen S. Ilardi, PhD, a highly rated six-step program for conquering depression, includes the following excellent recommendations:

  • Take omega-3 fatty acid supplements
  • Engage in meaningful activities
  • Get more exercise
  • Increase social interaction and support
  • Get more sunshine
  • Improve your sleep

Below I examine the research supporting each of these recommendations and provide sources, in addition to Ilardi’s book, where you can find more in-depth information.

Natural Depression Treatment 1: Take omega-3 fatty acid supplements

Many studies have found that depressed people are lower in omega-3 fatty acids (Peet et al., 1998; Su, 2008), and that supplementation brings anti-depressive benefits (Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, 2010; Nemets et al., 2006; Rondanelli, 2011; Stoll et al., 1999, Su, 2009; Su et al., 2003; Su et al., 2008). However, it should be noted that some studies have found no effect (Lin & Su, 2007).

How might omega-3s work to reduce depression symptoms? The short (and highly simplified) answer is that maintaining an appropriate balance of essential fatty acids is important for healthy brain and nervous system functioning, but our modern diet tends to skew the balance, with a heavier focus on omega-6 fatty acids and not enough omega-3s. Supplementing with omega-3s can correct this imbalance.

For those who want to dig deeper into this topic, here are some articles that explain the connection in depth:

  • Logan, A.C. (2004). “Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Major Depression: A Primer for the Mental Health Professional.” Lipids in Health and Disease, 3, 25.
  • Su, K.P. (2008). “Mind-Body Interface: The Role of N-3 Fatty Acids in Psychoneuroimmunology, Somatic Presentation, and Medical Illness Comorbidity of Depression.” Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition,17(S1), 147-153.
  • Su, K.P.; Huang, S.Y.; Chiu, C.C.; & Shen, W.W. (2003). “Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Major Depressive Disorder. A Preliminary Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” European Neuropsychopharmacology 2003; 13(4): 267-271.

Supplements aren’t the only way to increase omega-3 intake. Fish are a great dietary source of omega-3s, particularly salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, canned white tuna, and shellfish. Eggs, olive oil, and walnuts also contain omega-3s.

Some experts have expressed concerns that those suffering from severe depression, after reading about omega-3 research, will take supplements but do nothing else to treat their depression. Depression is a serious disorder that requires a multifaceted approach. Check with a doctor before taking omega-3 supplements, discuss additional treatment options with your doctor or psychiatrist, and incorporate other complementary depression therapies into your day-to-day life.

If you also suffer from anxiety, see Omega-3 Supplements for Anxiety and Panic Disorder.

Natural Depression Treatment 2: Engage in meaningful activities

What is a meaningful, engaging activity? The definition is subjective, which means that it will vary from one person to the next, but there are activities that regularly appear on lists of meaningful pastimes. These include:

  • Volunteer work (helping people, caring for animals, improving the local community, protecting or restoring the natural environment, etc.)
  • Creating something (art, music, crafts, cooking, writing, building, etc.)
  • Gardening or other outdoor work (for example, helping to clean up a beach or park)
  • Fitness activities (cardio exercise, pilates, dance, strength training, etc.)
  • Connecting with others (spending time with friends and family, participating in clubs and other group activities, taking classes, team sports)
  • Activities that challenge the brain (taking classes, reading, learning new skills, solving puzzles, playing scrabble, etc.)
  • Traveling (learning about other cultures, seeing new things)
  • Teaching (helping others learn new skills, sharing important information)
  • Getting out into nature (hiking, walking in the woods, swimming in a lake or in the ocean, kayaking, etc.)
  • Mind-and-spirit activities (meditation, yoga, tai chi, healing rituals, prayer, cultivating forgiveness and mindfulness, compassionate service to help others)

There is plenty of evidence that meaningful activity is a potent weapon against depressive despair. The following are just a few of the many studies supporting the antidepressant effects of meaningful, engaging activity:

  • Musick and Wilson (2003): Doing volunteer work reduces depression in the elderly.
  • Maton (1990): Meaningful, instrumental activity is positively correlated with self-esteem and life satisfaction among at-risk urban teens.
  • Waters and Moore (2010): Engaging in meaningful leisure activities improves the psychological health of unemployed people (who are at heightened risk for depression).
  • Eakman et al. (2010): Participation in meaningful activities is associated with better psychological well-being.

How does engaged, meaningful activity reduce depression? The effects are fourfold. First, it helps to turn your focus outward so that you don’t ruminate and exacerbate your depressive symptoms. Second, many of these activities bring value, meaning, and hope into a life that is otherwise perceived as meaningless and hopeless. Third, engaged activity tends to keep the mind and body active, which is critical for emotional and physical health. Fourth, meaningful activities usually increase interaction with other people, animals, and the natural world, which all tend to reduce depression.

Natural Depression Treatment 3: Do regular cardio exercise

Nearly everyone knows that regular cardio exercise improves health and fitness, but many people aren’t aware of the incredible mood enhancing effects of exercise. Studies indicate that exercise is as effective as antidepressants in treating depression (Harvard Medical School, n.d.). Also, while medications can have negative side effects, the side effects of exercise (increased confidence, improved health, better physical appearance) are overwhelmingly positive.

For information on how exercise works to help prevent depression, as well as studies of the effects of regular exercise on depression, see:

  • Copley, J. (2012). “Exercise Boosts Mood, Enhances Learning Ability, Improves Academic Performance“
  • Ratey, J.J. (2008). Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.
  • Harvard Medical School. (n.d.). “Exercise and Depression.” Health.Harvard.edu.

Natural Depression Treatment 4: Get more sunlight

Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, but in recent years, people have been avoiding the sun due to fear of skin cancer. Working indoors all day also prevents people from getting enough sun exposure. As a result, rates of vitamin D deficiency have increased.

Many studies have found that depressed people are more likely to be deficient in vitamin D, and those who are deficient in vitamin D are at heightened risk for other health problems as well.

To obtain vitamin D from sunshine, you need to go outdoors on sunny days between 10 and 3 pm (peak sun hours) for 5 to 30 minutes several days a week with your skin exposed (wearing shorts or a short-sleeved shirt and not using sun screen). Most people won’t burn in this amount of time, though people with pale skin, moles, or a history of sunburns or skin cancer should check with a doctor first. For those who can’t or won’t go out into the sun during peak hours (and for the wintertime in cooler nations), there are vitamin D supplements available. For information on recommended daily amounts of vitamin D and good natural food sources, see the Vitamin D information page.

In addition to vitamin D, the bright light of the sun may influence depression, particularly among those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that arises or worsens during the darker months. Some SAD sufferers benefit from light box therapy.

Natural Depression Treatment 5: Increase social contact and support

Social interaction can help to reduce depression in a number of ways:

  • Socializing stops you from isolating yourself and becoming trapped in a chronic state of miserable rumination.
  • You’re more likely to get out, engage in enjoyable activities, and get more physical exercise when you do things with others.
  • The advice and insights of others can provide a reality check for unrealistically negative thoughts, beliefs, and expectations.
  • Other people can provide direct support and impart their own best coping strategies, giving you more tools for combating depression.

Unsurprisingly, many studies have shown that people who socialize more are less likely to become depressed or stay depressed if they experience hardship (Nordic School of Public Health, 2010; Peirce et al., 2000; Tiwari & Ruhela, 2012; Wiley-Blackwell, 2009).

If it’s difficult to get out and meet people in your area, there are plenty of online forums and support groups for people who suffer from depression. Or, if you don’t want to talk about your depression, you could join an online group based on your interests and make friends that way.

This recommendation overlaps with the suggestion to seek engaged, meaningful activity in that many activities undertaken with others are meaningful, and many meaningful activities increase social contact. If you can combine socializing with meaningful activity and/or physical exercise, the anti-depressive benefits should rise significantly.

Natural Depression Treatment 6: Improve your sleep

People who suffer from insomnia are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than those who have no trouble sleeping (National Sleep Foundation, 2011; Taylor et al., 2005). See How to Improve Sleep for tips that can help you conquer insomnia.

More on Anxiety and Related Problems

This article is part of a series on conditions that often accompany anxiety disorders. If you suffer from anxiety in addition to depression, see the main Anxiety and Panic Disorder Remedies page (many natural anxiety treatments are also beneficial for depression).

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical or psychiatric advice. Medical concerns should be referred to a qualified doctor.

References:

  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2012). “Symptoms” and “Depression.” ADAA.org.
  • Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal. (2010, June 21). “Treating Depression with Omega-3: Encouraging Results from Largest Clinical Study.” ScienceDaily.com.
  • Eakman, A.M.; Carlson, M.E.; & Clark, F.A. (2010). “The Meaningful Activity Participation Assessment: A Measure of Engagement in Personally Valued Activities.” International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 70(4), 299-317.
  • Hall-Flavin, D., MD. (2010, July 23). “Fish Oil Supplements: Can They Treat Depression?” MayoClinic.com.
  • Harvard Medical School. (n.d.). “Exercise and Depression.” Health.Harvard.edu.
  • Ilardi, S.S., PhD. (2009). The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression without Drugs. Da Capo Press.
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  • Logan, A.C. (2004). “Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Major Depression: A Primer for the Mental Health Professional.” Lipids in Health and Disease, 3, 25.
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  • Musick, M.A., & Wilson, J. (2003). “Volunteering and Depression: The Role of Psychological and Social Resources in Different Age Groups.” Social Science & Medicine, 56(2), 259-269.
  • National Institute of Mental Health. (2012, March 2). “Depression.” NIMH.NIH.gov.
  • National Sleep Foundation. (2011). “Depression and Sleep.” SleepFoundation.org.
  • Nemets, H.; Nemets, B.; Apter, Z.; Bracha, Z.; & Belmaker, R.H. (2006), “Omega-3 Treatment of Childhood Depression: A Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study.” American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(6), 1,098-1,100.
  • Nordic School of Public Health (2010, December 10). “Social Activities Effective in Preventing Depression Among Older Adults.” ScienceDaily.com.
  • Peet, M.; Murphy, B.; Shay, J.; & Horrobin, D. (1998). “Depletion of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels in Red Blood Cell Membranes of Depressive Patients.” Biological Psychiatry, 43(5), 315-319.
  • Peirce, R.S.; Frone, M.R.; Russell, M.; Cooper, M.L.; & Mudar, P. (2000). “A Longitudinal Model of Social Contact, Social Support, Depression, and Alcohol Use.” Health Psychology, 19(1), 28-38.
  • Ratey, J.J. (2008). Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.
  • Rondanelli, M.; Giacosa, A.; Opizzi, A.; Pelucchi, C.; La Vecchia, C.; Montorfano, G.; Negroni, M.; Berra, B.; Politi, P.; & Rizzo, A.M. (2011). “Long Chain Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation in the Treatment of Elderly Depression: Effects on Depressive Symptoms, on Phospholipids Fatty Acids Profile and on Health-Related Quality of Life.” Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging, 15(1), 37-44.
  • Stoll, A.L.; Severus, W.E.; Freeman, M.P.; Rueter, S.; Zboyan, H.A.; Diamond, E.; Cress, K.K.; & Marangell, L.B. (1999), “Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Bipolar Disorder: A Preliminary Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Archives of General Psychiatry, 56(5), 407-12.
  • Su, K.; Huang, S.; Chiu, C.; & Shen, W. (2003). “Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Major Depressive Disorder.” European Neuropsychopharmacology, 13(4), 267-271.
  • Su, K.; Huang, S.; Chiu, T.; Huang, K.; Huang, C.; Chang, H.; & Pariante, C. (2008). “Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Major Depressive Disorder During Pregnancy: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69(4), 644-651.
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  • Tiwari, P., & Ruhela, S. (2012). “Social Isolation and Depression Among Adolescents: A Comparative Perspective.” 2012 2nd International Conference on Social Science and Humanity, IPEDR Vol. 31. IPEDR.com.
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  • Waters, L.E., & Moore, K.A. (2010). “Reducing Latent Deprivation During Unemployment: The Role of Meaningful Leisure Activity.” Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 75(1), 15-32.
  • Wiley-Blackwell (2009, September 28). “Lack Of Social Support Tied To Parental Depression.” ScienceDaily.com.

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