TO THE PERSON WHO REPLIED TO AN EARLIER THREAD RE: AMETHYST FOR FLEA CONTROL:

"That is a myth :) besides if it did work, which it doesn't, all it would do is attract fleas located around the bowl area to jump in the bowl, wouldn't rid cat of fleas..."

THIS IS MY REPLY:

The fleas are not attracted to the water. Amethyst, being a mineral, slowly releases mineral properties into the drinking water. When the cat drinks it, this enters their bloodstream and fleas are repelled to it. If you don't understand how this works, please review your physiology.

I am going to try it myself. I have four indoor cats and flea control is very expensive. I'm also quite against using chemicals on my pets. I find it amazing that if you get it on your hands the package warns you to wash it off right away, yet it's okay to put on your pets' skin. When I was younger and my cats received it on a monthly basis like clockwork, it seemed no one made it past 7-8 years old; ultimately succumbing to some type of disease or another; renal failure or liver disease. When I've used chemicals on my pets before, three of my cats immediately began to salivate profusely, literally dropping beads of drool from their mouth. As an R.N. I recognize this as a sign of drug toxicity. I do know of a few veterinarians who will not promote these chemical products for these reasons. So, don't knock the holistic approach. I only read one comment where someone stated it didn't work, while others, although sounding pretty surprised, stated this did work. I do wonder what type of bowl people have used; stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic? - for those who have found this method successful and for the one person for whom it was not. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Also, concerning the issue of drug toxicity, I've had patients come in with strange behavior and/or symptoms and when I complete a medication history, I find some people have been on the same med for many, many years. I requested a drug screen for such a patient that had been on one particular med for a long time and sure enough, their blood exhibited a toxicity level for that drug. The physician immediately discontinued the patient's prescription for that drug. So, after years and years of putting a PESTICIDE directly on an animals skin, it makes sense to me that in time a toxicity level can begin to build up.

The use of these chemicals are pushed on young and eager to do well veterinary students no differently than the pharmaceutical reps who go to hospitals trying to promote their drug de Jour; which is usually purchased based on what is the most cost effective; not the most health effective.

Enough of my ranting on the topic of chemicals. I'm really interested to know if anyone has success with the amethyst method; what kind of bowl is being used. I guess I've decided to take my own survey on the issue.

Thanks for reading, and please...only serious minded replies.