DEAR READERS: Please see the following release from Project Coyote (the organization founded by my daughter, Camilla Fox).

"Project Coyote is thrilled to announce the full public release of our documentary 'Killing Games: Wildlife in the Crosshairs,' directed and produced by Project Coyote Founder and Executive Director Camilla Fox. The film made waves across the country in recent years, winning numerous awards, reaching thousands of people at film festivals and public screenings, and helping to galvanize grassroots support for ending the barbaric practice of wildlife killing contests in targeted states.

"This groundbreaking expose examines the egregious events known as wildlife killing contests that massacre some of North America’s most iconic wild animals on any given weekend for prizes and 'recreation.' Wildlife killing contests award prizes (belt buckles, cash and assault weapons) to contestants who kill the largest or the most of a targeted species -- typically coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and even prairie dogs and crows. 'Killing Games' brings together a wide diversity of voices from conservationists, ranchers, public officials and Native Americans to shed light on these shadowy contests and speak out against this hidden war on wildlife. ...

"The film is now publicly available on Project Coyote’s YouTube channel (the full documentary and a 10-minute version) to continue raising public awareness about wildlife killing contests and the reform desperately needed to protect wild lives from this ethically indefensible bloodsport. We encourage compassionate wildlife advocates to share this film widely and consider hosting a film screening event -- especially in states with active campaigns to ban killing contests (Illinois, Nevada and New Jersey)."

DEAR DR. FOX: One day last September, my cat came down to the bottom landing of my stairs and meowed, telling me she had a problem and wasn’t going to eat. Sure enough, she didn’t eat, and she hid most of the day. She did eat some frozen raw food two days later, but that’s it.

I figured she had a serious physical problem. I took her to the vet and she had “good numbers,” which surprised me, but she also had fleas. I think her behavior was because she was scared of the fleas! I was given Nexgard, but I only used it for two months (I think you don’t like it and would advise a flea comb instead).

The day after the vet visit, she went down in the basement and stayed there, even though she doesn’t like being in the basement. She would not come up to eat, so I fed her there. The vet told me to wait it out, but after a few days, I encouraged her to come up to the landing, then the top of the stairs, and later to the edge of the kitchen. This went on until mid-November, when she would stay in the kitchen, confident that she wouldn’t get fleas.

Finally, in late November, she came out to the living room and jumped up on the CRT TV -- her favorite place. Her fear of fleas seemed to be over at last.

Have you heard of this? If so, how common is it? -- D.L., Maryland Heights, Missouri

DEAR D.L.: I have never heard of flea-phobia in cats before. But I can imagine the feeling: no escape from the jumping, sucking biters, which often trigger an allergic skin reaction with their saliva.

It is well known that cats with some ailment, such as a urinary tract blockage, will squat right at their owners’ feet and try to pee, obviously communicating their plight. Others just stop eating, and without food, cats can develop fatty liver disease -- a crisis calling for an immediate visit to the vet. Very often, the issue is tooth pain.

I always advise feeding cats on a strict schedule, so you know when their appetite is off, which could be an early warning of many problems.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR DR. FOX: We have two cats who run our house. We like to use essential oils and perfumes within the house, but are concerned that they may be harmful to the cats. We have Air Wicks and steaming oils, as well as oils and perfumes that we used to drop in the vacuum bag to spread the aromas while cleaning the house. We currently do not use them due to this concern.

Previously, two of our (completely indoor) cats died of lung cancer. Is our concern a legitimate one? -- S.D., Mantoloking, New Jersey

DEAR S.D.: I am saddened to hear about the demise of your two cats, and I think your concerns are warranted. I am concerned about the TV advertisements I see for all kinds of scented products and upholstery sprays containing volatile chemicals.

Some essential oils, under strict veterinary supervision, can be beneficial for cats. For example, a few drops of essential oil of lavender can be calming when placed under a towel where a cat likes to lie down.

But like the canaries in the mine shaft, warning humans of carbon monoxide, our animal companions are in a comparable situation as environmental monitors in our homes. Their paws and bodies can pick up various chemicals in floor cleaners, carpets and carpet padding; they inhale toxins from fresh household wall paint; and they rub up against, inhale and lick off their fur “forever chemicals” -- various volatile organic compounds in carpeting and upholstery. Synthetic fibers may turn into irritating and potentially toxic microfiber “dust,” which our pets inhale.

One review details these and other health risks to us and our animal companions: See "Ten questions concerning the implications of carpet on indoor chemistry and microbiology" by Sarah Haines et al., published in Building and Environment in December 2019.

According to the Environmental Working Group, carpets can contain over 100 known toxins, including benzene, formaldehyde, styrene and flame retardants. Added features like stain resistance can further increase the range of toxins. Fortunately, there are nontoxic rugs and carpeting available that use natural fibers with natural backing (or no backing) and are not chemically treated. For more details, go to ewg.org/healthyhomeguide/carpet.

My advice is to use cotton, hemp, grass or wool carpeting that is untreated and removable. Some carpets and rugs will even withstand laundering. Placing cotton sheets over upholstery can protect both cats and furniture.

RISK OF EATING VENISON FROM CWD-INFECTED DEER

According to a study in Neurology, two men who died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in 2022 both regularly hunted deer, ate venison and lived in an area where chronic wasting disease (CWD) was/is present in local deer. The findings raise the possibility that people may be susceptible to the prion that causes CWD, but the researchers cautioned that a causal relationship was not demonstrated. Further investigation is needed.

From the study's abstract: "CWD, a prion disease prevalent in North American deer, has raised concerns due to its possible link to CJD. Although no conclusive evidence of cross-species prion transmission exists, vigilance for such cases is crucial for public health." (Full story: Neurology.org, April 9)

GUARD DOGS HELP DETER GRIZZLY BEARS FROM RANCHES

Guard dogs may keep grizzly bears away from farms and ranches, according to a study in Biological Conservation. Bears are attracted to spilled grain, which draws them close to homesteads and work areas on these farms. Although it was a small, preliminary sample, GPS tracker data from grizzlies and guard dogs revealed that 88% fewer bears venture within 300 meters of farms with dogs than those without.

See the study "Can an old dog learn a new trick? Efficacy of livestock guardian dogs at keeping an apex predator away from people" by Julie Young and Wesley Sarmento, published in Biological Conservation, April 2024.

MINNESOTA SEEKS TO ESTABLISH ANIMAL PROTECTION OFFICE

Animal cruelty affects not just the victimized animals, but the entire family of the abuser. Witnessing animal abuse harms children and can be indicative of in-family, especially spousal, violence.

The investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty, along with seizing and caring for abused and neglected animals, takes time, money and expertise, including forensic veterinary input. That's why I am heartened that the state of Minnesota currently has Senate and House bills under consideration -- with rising public support -- for establishing an Office of Animal Protection to oversee these efforts. I wish all states would follow this initiative.

The proposed Minnesota OAP would be housed under the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, itself part of the Department of Public Safety. For details, go to MNOAP.org.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR DR. FOX: Thank you for your always-educational newspaper articles. I especially enjoy the ones on animal adoption/rescue and your environmental teachings. I am a vegetarian, nature lover and dog rescuer. Please never stop writing about these extremely important topics.

There is so little coverage on TV about such matters. I find it all very depressing and feel hopeless. What can one really do to make a difference? -- K.K., Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

DEAR K.K.: I understand many people feel despair and hopelessness about what we have done to the planet -- and continue to do, regardless of the evidence that change is called for. Prohibitions on various chemical products must be mandated under international law, along with a phasing-out of the use of fossil fuels. We now face some relatively new issues because the precautionary principle is being ignored -- notably, atmospheric geoengineering seeding the upper atmosphere with various materials to shade the planet and counter global warming, and the electropollution of harmful nonionizing radiation created by telecommunications systems.

There are media reports about the global pollution of plastics that are manufactured from petrochemicals, especially from fracking. Various plastics break down into microplastics that can carry toxic chemicals such as the “forever” PFAS. Then they can break down into microscopic nanoparticles that can cross our gut, blood-brain and placental barriers. They are also in the food chain, and especially because of ocean pollution, in many seafoods, which are best avoided. They are in foods and water, alcohol and other beverages packaged in plastic. The term "plasticosis" was coined when plastics were found to cause fatal inflammation of the guts of seabirds.

People of all ages are suffering from what the American Psychological Association calls eco-anxiety. But take heart. Visit CharityNavigator.org and search for environmental protection organizations; conservation; animal rescue; animal rights. You will find some excellent and highly rated organizations doing something to make a difference around the world.

Those who care are not alone. That is one reason why I suggest donating to a nonprofit animal or environmental protection organization rather than indulging in another cruise or jetting to some exotic vacation spot. For those who think I am just some “woke” alarmist, I am simply a realist, neither an optimist nor a pessimist, who looks to sound science for evidence and solutions.

Even so, I regret being a harbinger of bad tidings. References such as this should assuage any doubters and deniers: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37527590/ (Enyoh C.E., et al Examining the impact of nanoplastics and PFAS exposure on immune functions through inhibition of secretory immunoglobin A in human breast milk).

Micro- and nanoplastics have been reported in adult human blood, with polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene and polymers of styrene at the highest concentrations. Most concerning for pregnancy and fetal development, microplastics have been found in human placental tissue and in fetal meconium (feces). At last, the EPA has taken action, mandating municipal water testing and setting new limits on the levels of some PFAS.

ANIMAL FACTORY FARMS CONTINUE EXPANDING

In 2022, the most recent year with available data, the number of chickens, cows, pigs and turkeys in the U.S. food system exceeded 10 billion for the first time in the census’s history -- up from 5.2 billion animals in 1987. (For details, see vox.com/future-perfect/24079424/factory-farming-facts-meat-usda-agriculture-census.)

These megafarms have decimated smaller family farming systems and rural communities, polluting the environment, posing a public health risk from influenza from poultry and pigs and from antibiotic-resistant bacteria contaminating animal products.

STUDY: POPULAR DRUG SPARKS SEVERE REACTION IN SOME CATS

Eprinomectin, the active ingredient in some top-selling brands of feline parasite prevention drugs, could put more than 500,000 U.S. cats at risk of potentially fatal neurological reactions, although it is safe for 99% of the animals, according to research led by Washington State University veterinarian Dr. Katrina Mealey. The MDR1 genetic mutation allows drugs, including eprinomectin, to enter cats' brains and trigger neurological toxicity. (Full story: PhysOrg, March 28.)

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)