Many French aromathispists, including Nelly Grosjean, have researched and published their findings about how to safely use essential oils with animals. I have personally experienced great healing results using essential oils for my own cat, as well as with other animals.

Essential oils are not harmful for anyone as long as you know how and which ones to use. When using aromatherapy for your dog, cat or other animals, only use a minute amount of recommended oils and do not use them directly on skin.

For further information on using aromatherapy blends safely with your animals, please read: "Nelly Grosjean - Veterinarian Aromatherapy," available at both Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com. -----------------------

Cats are inherintly instinctive, independent and agile creatures. They are notorius for chasing almost anything and eating mice, birds and other small animals. Cats also love roaming and playing, and often fight to protect their territory.

Urban cats and country cats are quite different. Country cats are generally tough while city kitties tend to show more weakness in their immune, pulmonary and digestive systems. Appropriate food choices according to their environment plays a major role in well-being of diverse cats.

A third category, indoor cats, has specific needs as well. Indoor cats often live comfortably and don't have opportunity to experience fun and frolic of outdoors. Owners of indoor cats should pay close attention to providing a healthy diet and playing with their feline friend as often as possible to help him get in touch with his natural state.

Here are few tips veterinarians often suggest to keep your dear friend healthy:

* Do not overfeed your cat with "people" food, such as milk, cheese, etc. Invest in a quality brand and pay close attention to ingredients. Preferably go to a pet store to find highest quality food.

* Do not feed your cat only canned food. Canned food alone causes fatigue and does not provide a sufficient amount of nutrients. Most vets will recommend a diet of both canned and dry food.

* If you own an outdoor cat, allow him or her to hunt. Cats truly enjoy this experience and it is an excellent source for exercise as well.

* Always provide your cat with lots of attention and love. Set aside time to play and cuddle with special kitty in your life.

* Brush your cat once a week with a brush designed specially for your cat's size and fur type. This disperses furs natural oil and creates shine.

* If your cat has dandruff be sure to shampoo him every few months with an unscented baby shampoo and/or visit a professional.

RESPECT YOUR MOUTH AND BODY: GET INTO THE HABIT OF ONLY EATING THINGS YOU LIKE AND NEED

Before you put anything in your mouth, ask yourself three questions: Do I want it/ Do I like it/ Do I need it?

If you want it and like it then go ahead and enjoy it, if you don’t why bother wasting eating experience? Throw all boring, unnecessary eating out of your life.

The worst thing you can do with food is to feel guilty about eating it. If you have eaten something that you know is not healthier but you really fancied it or were in a situation where you didn’t have any choice, enjoy it an forget about it. Don’t beat yourself up with guilt. Guilt is a negative emotion, which is likely to lead you to bingeing on comfort foods. This can then get you into a negative sugar or salt cycle in which you eat more of these foods, which in turn makes you feel even more guilty. You might then decide it’s not worth continuing with you healthy eating lifestyle. It is always worth persevering. Remember that life is for living and food is there to help us, not hinder us.

AIM TO EAT FIVE PORTIONS OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EVERY DAY

This provides your body with a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, to maintain your body in peak condition to fight diseases. Fiber helps your food to move effectively through body, keeps you feeling pleasantly full and satisfied and in control of your eating habits, and your energy levels steady.

EAT THREE MEALS A DAY

This is usually made up of one main meal, a smaller snack or lunch-type meal and breakfast. You may, however, feel that you need two smaller snacks, such as a piece of fruit, a small sandwich or a piece of cake, in between two smaller meals. It all depends on your body rhythms. Meals should be based on carbohydrates, such as pasta, whole-meal bread, wholegrain cereals, rice or potatoes, along with fruits and/or vegetables. The main meal should include a source of lean protein, along with carbohydrate and plenty of vegetables and fruits.

CHOOSE LEAN SOURCES OF PROTEIN

Fish, shellfish, lean red meat, game, poultry, eggs or pulses meet your body’s protein requirements without overloading on fats.

TRY TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF USING JUST A SMALL AMOUNT OF FAT

You can use butter, olive oil, sesame oil or walnut oil to enhance flavor of your food or for cooking, but do try to keep quantity low.

KEEP YOUR INTAKE OF REFINED SUGAR FOODS LOW

Too much sugar disrupts your natural energy balance, and can cause headaches; mood swings and – if eaten in large quantities – sugar sensitivity problems such as hypoglycemia and diabetes mellitus. It is much better to get into habit of using natural sugars in fruits to provide sweetness.