DEAR DR. FOX: Would you please elaborate on your stance that dogs should not be left in crates seven or eight hours a day? Most of my friends think this is fine. I don't. -- J.P., Pevely, Missouri

DEAR J.P.: This is an all-too-common practice, and it is one deplorable aspect of the dystopia of this age of animal exploitation and selfish affections. These people should have to sit in a cage all day alone.

This common practice of all-day confinement in a cage or crate means dogs suffer in many ways, including separation anxiety; excessive self-grooming, chewing and licking to the point of self-mutilation; worn and broken teeth and zinc poisoning from chewing metal cages; extreme boredom leading to depression and hyperactivity when let out; excessive barking and yowling; multiple health issues related to retention of urine and feces; and lack of exercise. In extreme cases resulting from being caged from puppyhood, dogs can have limb deformities and become permanently crippled.

People who claim to love their dogs and cage or crate them all day may not fully understand the nature of love or the love of dogs. Perhaps they should not have gotten a dog in the first place or should have sought professional help to eliminate all reasons for justifying routine caging or crating of their canine companions.

However, I should point out that many dogs enjoy their cages and crates when left open, serving as their "dens" where they feel secure and comfortable.

DEAR DR. FOX: About three years ago, we had a beautiful feral cat come into our lives who we started feeding.

I built a "cat house" to keep the food dry and give her a place to rest. We placed a 55-gallon drum on its side with rugs inside and a Plexiglas front to keep the cat dry in winter.

I noticed the cat started doing its business in my organic garden. I have been organic gardening for about 40 years. I built a separate structure full of kitty litter surrounded by Plexiglas in the back of the garden where she climbs over the fence into the yard. She uses it as a spa instead of an outhouse.

Many years ago, I saw an article in a newspaper about feral cats causing a disease, but I cannot remember what it is.

I recently came down with prostate cancer, and my wife got colon cancer within the year. I wonder if this cat's feces could be causing our troubles. My wife is the only one who can get near the cat. She eats only the dry cat food we buy. -- E.J.T., Middletown, New Jersey

DEAR E.J.T.: First, let me say that I am sorry that both of you developed cancer. While genetics play some role, it is our collective desecration and pollution of the environment that makes many cancers a "disease of civilization," some of which also afflict our canine and feline companions.

Your cat had no direct role to play in your and your wife's cancer. The disease you read about is toxoplasmosis. Another disease you may have read about is toxocariasis -- a roundworm larva that causes blindness and neurological problems in humans.

I wish that all well-intended people like you would not feed free-roaming cats unless they plan to rescue them and take them to the animal shelter. Most feral cats are not neutered, and you are only contributing to the breeding success of cats in your community. They are a public health concern and an ecological concern for indigenous wild birds and mammals, which they kill by the millions.

DEAR DR. FOX: I am writing in response to a letter recently published in your column. You noted, "Cats can transmit a score of diseases to humans, so this is a significant public health problem."

My dog was sent to "dog heaven" with many tears from many people. He was very sick. Before his departure, he bit my forearm, leaving four tooth punctures. (I had been trying to bring him back into my apartment, and he became frightened and defensive by neighbors coming into the hallway and loudly asking what was going on.)

When my arm would not stop bleeding after one day, I went to my general practitioner, who determined I needed an infectious disease intervention. After taking a swab of the bitten area and having it evaluated, it was determined that I had cat-scratch fever. Thankfully, it healed within one week of the intravenous antibiotic.

How did my poor dog get that into his mouth? And did it affect his own health? Is it possible for other dog owners to avoid this? -- G.P.T., Poughkeepsie, New York

DEAR G.P.T.: I sympathize with the ordeal you went through with the medical emergency of blood poisoning, or bacterial septicemia.

Dogs can harbor the same Bordetella species of bacteria in their mouths as cats and other animals. These bacteria are transmitted in animals' saliva to the paws and claws of cats in the process of self-grooming. This is why cat scratches (as well as bites) can cause bordetellosis, commonly called cat-scratch fever.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 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 DrFoxVet.net.)

DEAR DR. FOX: I have a question regarding the nature and characteristics of cats. Over the years, I have noticed that cats will lie down by a dangerous snake and seem to be tantalized by the reptile. I assume this behavior has something to do with the cat's survival, but I'm not certain. -- J.W., Norman, Oklahoma

DEAR J.W.: I know firsthand how wolves will instinctively avoid getting close to a snake when they see, hear or sense it. Domesticated animals, lacking such instinctual avoidance, can get into difficulties.

Your interpretation of the cat's behavior may be close to the mark. Your naive cat was probably fascinated and attracted by the movement of the reptile. The truism "curiosity killed the cat" probably has its origin in such behavioral reactions.

DEAR DR. FOX: As a retired volunteer coordinator for an animal rescue group, I know that many animals are dying for foster homes. Often, the rescue groups will provide the needed vaccinations, blood tests and neutering and find temporary housing -- just until they can get the animal to an adoption fair, he recovers from surgery, etc. If you don't want to give up the animal, opt for an older or special-needs kitty. A cat who is FIV positive needs a place where that is OK.

As for the vet bills, usually the rescue group will pay the bill if the foster parents will take the pet to the vet and care for it.

I am getting ready to approach senior citizens and lower-income families in my area. Many cannot afford a pet, but have children who really want one. I always supplied training and backup telephone support for our foster parents. This type of cooperation lets folks feel useful and needed. It supplies pets in need of someone to take care of them a little more time to find a forever home. Please keep up the good work! -- D.P., Culpepper, Virginia

DEAR D.P.: Thanks for your words of encouragement and practical suggestions regarding community outreach and engaging volunteers to help the millions of animals still being killed every year in animal shelters (a national tragedy).

All power to you and those of like mind and spirit!

DEAR DR. FOX: We have two brother cats who are 11 years old and indoor only. In about the last six months, one of them has started "marking" the carpet in various places in the living room and downstairs family room. He's not doing a full urination, just spotting. We took him to the vet, and he had very fast thyroid activity, for which we are giving him a pill twice a day. All other tests the vet did came up negative -- no bladder or urinary tract infections. I clean the litter box regularly, and we recently added a second box. I don't know if this is relevant, but I've seen him urinate in the litter box, and he doesn't cover up his urine. Do you have any suggestions on how we can get him to stop? -- L.J., Gaithersburg, Maryland

DEAR L.J.: Spotting is indeed different from spray-marking, and it could mean a weakened bladder or sphincter muscle control. This is not uncommon in older cats, dogs and people, and it may be associated with neutering in companion animals and lower sex hormones in humans. Your veterinarian may want to try a hormone supplement treatment. Another possibility is chronic lower urinary tract irritation or inflammation, which might improve with a change in diet, notably less or no dry foods and no corn and soy in the cat food.

As a routine, the cat's anal glands should be checked; if they're impacted, straining may lead to some urinary incontinence.

Older cats can suffer from arthritis, which can make it difficult and painful for them to get in and out of the litter box and to arch their backs in the usual posture for evacuation. This possibility is worth veterinary evaluation. Massage therapy and fish oil supplements also help many cats with this common affliction. Let me know the outcome.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 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 DrFoxVet.net.)

DEAR DR. FOX: I have a 7-year-old Chihuahua who I saved from the local pound. Is it necessary for him to get all of the shots they provide? Please tell me what medicines we need to continue with, as he will be going in for a rabies shot unless you advise differently.

This little one is strictly a house dog. Any suggestions? -- M.N., De Soto, Missouri

Dear M.N.: It is the law in all municipalities for dogs to be given an anti-rabies vaccination every year. More enlightened veterinarians favor the available 3-year interval vaccine. This lowers the risks of adverse reactions associated with annual vaccinations, including autoimmune diseases.

The next step is to evaluate the duration of your dog's immunity from a single vaccination by blood titer testing. Many dogs may need to be revaccinated less often than recommended. I encourage more public support for the Rabies Challenge Fund, which is doing research to determine the amount of time vaccinations last. Trials for the Fund are now approaching the seventh year. Visit rabieschallengefund.org for more information.

Your dog may or may not need other vaccinations, and your veterinarian can take blood samples to evaluate the need for booster shots. One other preventive treatment is antiheartworm medication, which calls for a different blood test prior to medicating. I also advise an annual wellness examination for all of your animal companions.

DEAR DR. FOX: I appreciate your recent article urging readers to stop the torment of animals.

If one wished to give some money to a charitable organization working to end this treatment, whom would you recommend?

I do not buy meat. But how much can one person do to alleviate these processes of pain? -- K.W., Takoma Park, Maryland

DEAR K.W.: I would advise you to go online and visit GuideStar Charity Check for assurance that any animal-protection organization you might consider supporting is putting most of the funds raised into direct action, which is often legislative. The charities all have websites detailing what issues they are addressing. In particular, check out the Humane Farming Association, the Animal Welfare Institute and the Humane Society of the United States. Millions of people, for health and environmental as well as farmed animal welfare reasons, are changing their diets. You are not alone. Check my book "Animals and Nature First" for more details and "sound science" reasons for going vegetarian, as well as bioethical reasoning.

DEAR DR. FOX: In an earlier column, you asked for reader input regarding animal affection. I'd like to share Black Jack's story:

Black Jack (B.J.) is a 5-year-old male cat. I am a charge nurse at a local nursing home and work second shift, getting home between midnight and 12:30 a.m. daily. B.J. comes running to the door and will jump up on the banister, meowing "hello" as he does so. Then, he puts his paws up to be held. Once in my arms, he licks my nose and climbs on my shoulders. He stays there until I get my stuff put away, and then he jumps down to be fed. Once he's done eating and I'm done with the rest of the crew (three other cats and a dog), B.J. jumps up into my lap for some snuggle time.

B.J. is the best masseuse I've ever had (yes, better than some humans). He starts by massaging my stomach, then works his way up to my shoulders, neck and upper back. He'll then snuggle for the rest of the time, unless I tell him I still need his paws. He waits for me on the bed and will massage my lower back as well. He'll do this sometimes for up to an hour.

There are times I think he must get cramps himself. He's knocked out several painful knotted muscles over the years and does it all for the minimal fee of food and lodging. He can sense how stressed I am, and the more stressed I am, the longer and deeper the massages get.

He's one of the best cats I've ever had.

This is all the more remarkable considering he was born feral to a feral mother under my neighbor's abandoned shed! -- T.C., Jefferson City, Missouri

DEAR T.C.: Your letter confirms what other people with certain cats have shared with me: They seem to be able to sense where we hurt and become more attentive, lying against the painful area; or, as in your case, using their paws and body weight to help relax tense areas.

In this realm of empathic somatic sensitivity, many cats are quite remarkable and, as I point out in my book "The Healing Touch for Cats," they themselves enjoy deep massages and can become quite addicted and demanding.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 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 DrFoxVet.net.)