The independent and seemingly self-sufficient nature that many people admire in cats is really a facade masking an animal especially sensitive to illness and vulnerable to tragedy.

Cats need our help to live a healthy, long life, although they wouldn't deign to admit it to us. Some dangers are obvious, such as ignoring routine vaccinations if your cat gets around enough to risk exposure to disease. Other risks are not so obvious, and at least one gets me a flurry of letters and phone calls every time I write about it.

Keeping your cat inside is controversial, and for many it's a difficult decision to make. But consider the number of free-roaming cats killed by cars, as compared to the number of indoor cats who'll meet their end that way. The first number: unknown, but huge. The second is easy: zero.

A danger your cat isn't exposed to at all ceases to be a danger. If you want your cat to have the best chance at a long and healthy life, keep him in.

Even indoor kitties face danger, however, which is why you'll see some of their risks on the following list of "don'ts."

-- Don't make dangerous sleeping nooks available. Cats seek out warmth, as any cat-lover knows. They bask in the sun; they sleep on our chests and in our laps. One friend of mine had a cat who, when he got old, took to sleeping on the heating register (she got him a heated bed instead).

This heat-seeking behavior is dangerous when the warmth a cat seeks is under the hood of a car or in a dryer full of soft, warm clothes.

If your car isn't kept in a securely cat-proof area, such as a garage, get in the habit of pounding on the hood before starting the engine, especially on cold mornings, but even on cool summer ones. This action will skedaddle any cat -- yours or your neighbor's -- who cozied up to the warmth of the engine the night before.

The dryer is a hazard few people recognize before it's too late. And yet it's a more common danger than you think: In my circle of acquaintances alone, three people had cats who died in the dryer.

How does it happen? The cat crawls into the appliance to sleep on the warm clothes and isn't noticed when a family member adds a few more clothes or decides the ones already in there aren't dry enough. The door closes, the dryer turns on. Like a dog in a hot car, this is a horrible way to die.

Prevention is easy: Keep the dryer door closed, and make sure you check inside before turning it on.

-- Don't ignore early signs of illness. Cats can be very good at masking signs of disease until they're so sick their lives are at risk. When you notice a change in behavior, call your vet right away.

Probably the most common of these signs is a change in litter-box habits. I often get calls from people who are frustrated because their pet is suddenly using carpets or the bathtub for a litter box. While environmental changes -- a move, a new pet -- can trigger these problems, they're also caused by urinary tract problems, some of which can be fatal if not addressed.

A veterinary visit that catches a problem early is easier on both your bank account and your pet. So call.

-- Don't give your cat health products not meant for him. Aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are toxic to cats in amounts as small as one tablet. Flea-control preparations meant for dogs can likewise put a cat's life at risk, as can products that contain distilled coal tars, such as certain shampoos and disinfectants such as Lysol.

When in doubt about using medications, pesticides or disinfectants, talk to your veterinarian.

It's a short list, perhaps, but every caution is capable of saving countless lives. Look out for your cat. He may seem able to care for himself, but really, he's counting on your help.

PETS ON THE WEB

What do most iguanas do after coming home from the pet shop? The answer, tragically, is die, usually in a very short time. Few buyers leave pet stores with the equipment and information they need to properly house, feed and care for their pets. Some fans of the iguana have named Sept. 11 as National Iguana Awareness Day, with a Web site (www.niad.org) to mark the occasion. But you don't have to wait until then to learn about the proper care of iguanas. The NIAD site has the basics of care covered, along with pages on misinformation and horror stories (some with happy endings) of iguanas who didn't get the care they needed.

THE SCOOP

One of best things to happen in the dog world in recent years is the growth of the AKC Canine Good Citizen program, which gives formal recognition to dogs of all ages, sizes and backgrounds who prove themselves to be ambassadors of goodwill to those among us who wish dogs would stay home or simply go away.

The certification program was designed to test the dog with everyday challenges a well-mannered dog should handle in good grace. In order to be granted the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title, the dog must accept the attention and handling of a friendly stranger, sit politely for petting, walk on a loose leash, walk through a crowd, demonstrate an understanding of the commands "sit," "down," "stay" and "come," and behave politely around other dogs, distractions, and when separated briefly from his owner.

Some owners have used this program to prepare their dogs for therapy work in hospitals and nursing homes, and the program is one more tool in helping to keep lodgings, parks and other areas open to canine travelers.

For a free information kit on the Canine Good Citizen program, write to The American Kennel Club, Attention: CGC, 5580 Centerview Drive, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27606. Or call (919) 233-9780, or send e-mail to info(at)akc.org.

Q: We just adopted a dog from the pound, and she has started coughing and sneezing. It seems that it is also affecting our other dog. Could this be caused by kennel cough? If so, what is kennel cough and what do we do about it? --C.D., via e-mail

Q: We boarded our dog recently, and he came back with "kennel cough." Is it contagious? My son has asthma and I'm worried. - N.M., via e-mail.

A: Boarding kennels take some heat over kennel cough, an upper-respiratory infection that's as contagious as sniffles in a day-care center. In fact, some kennel operators even find the name a little pejorative, insisting that the ailment be called by its proper name, canine infectious tracheobronchitis, or even bordetella, after its most common causative agent.

And maybe that's fair, because dogs can pick up kennel cough any place they come into contact with a dog who has it -- and that means anywhere. Parks, shelters, boarding kennels, dog shows, the waiting room of your veterinarian's office or the fund-raising dog walk thrown by your local humane society -- these are all possibilities for infection.

Fortunately, the ailment is not usually serious, even though the dry, bellowing cough can sound simply awful. For most dogs, the disease runs its course in a couple of weeks. Others, especially yappy dogs who keep the airways irritated, may develop an infection that requires antibiotics. See your veterinarian for advice. He may recommend nothing more than a cough suppressant and rest.

While it's not completely effective against the disease, a vaccine is available. A boarding kennel should demand proof of it. The rub: It requires two doses a couple of weeks apart, which means you need to call your veterinarian at least three weeks before a kennel stay or trip to a dog-dense area.

Kennel cough cannot be transmitted to humans.

Q: My cockatiel has just laid a pair of eggs. How can I best care for them? -- B.F., via e-mail

A: Unless your bird has a mate, the eggs are infertile and will not hatch. The best thing is to let your bird finish her laying, and then take the eggs away and discard them.

Some birds won't stop laying, and if yours is one of them, see your veterinarian for hormonal help for her. Endless egg-laying can seriously weaken a bird.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to WriteToGina(at)YourPetPlace.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

The quality of pet health books just took a grand leap upward with the publication of two pairs of references that coincidentally manage to complement each other beautifully.

"The Purina Encyclopedia of Cat Care" (Ballantine hardcover; $25) was the first of the foursome to appear, coming out to good reviews last year. The companion book, "The Purina Encyclopedia of Dog Care" (same publisher, same

price) is just out, and even better than its companion volume. Both are written by Amy D. Shojai, a former veterinary technician who now has a handful of well-respected pet books to her credit.

Despite the commercial link to a pet-food maker, the books are thankfully free of marketing pitches, handling even the area of nutrition in an objective, evenhanded way. Shojai uses the alphabet to organize her material, with plenty of cross-referencing and a detailed index to make finding information a breeze.

The Purina pair are packed with more information than you'd think would fit even in nearly 450 pages, with solid entries on illness, behavior, breed characteristics, and even the day-to-day challenges of living with a pet, such as proper supplies and traveling with pets. The references end with quick guides to symptoms of illness and a decent list of additional resources -- various animal-related companies and groups.

My only quibble: The type on some of the charts is awfully small, but then maybe it won't bother someone who hasn't just been told she needs bifocals!

Another experienced writer on pet topics, Elizabeth Randolph, has enlisted the help of a handful of top veterinarians in producing her just-published pair of health books, "The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms" and "The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Cat's Symptoms" (both from Villard in softcover; $17.95).

The veterinarians' guide books work from the symptoms backward, with outstanding tables and illustrations to help identify what may be bothering your pet. The text is clear and likewise easy to follow, with excellent advice on choosing and working with a veterinarian, what's "normal" for a healthy dog or cat, and even help with behavior problems. Another strength: The sections in both books on emergencies -- what is, what isn't, and what to do. These books are also well-indexed, and feature a much-needed glossary of veterinary terms.

The two sets of books work perfectly together, with the veterinarians' guides more focused on symptoms and the Purina encyclopedias dedicated to lengthier explanations of the diseases behind the signs of illness. Along with one other new book, "The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog or Cat" (Bantam paperback; $6.95), you can create a reference library you'll be thumbing through for years to come.

PETS ON THE WEB

Theodore Leopold Pusskin is one cool cat, an Abyssinian living in Ottawa, Canada, who has time for plenty of important napping and his own Web site, too. Theo's Abyssinian Cat Club (www.xander.com/jana/cats/abby_club/index-text.html) is a lighthearted site with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Fortunately for the personable puss, his human companion is a Web designer, so the page is well-done and easy to navigate. There are lots of links to the home pages of other cats, including one of his Siamese friend Tasha. Her site is worth a side trip, if for no other reason than the clever slide show of her "on safari."

THE SCOOP

Pet-food bags have been the same forever. The string you cut your finger on pulling to open (if it doesn't break), the top that refuses to fold down to keep food fresh -- it seems as though someone ought to be able to invent something that works better. Keep an eye out, for just such a product will be turning up in the stores soon. A new pet-food package is being marketed by the Cryovac company of Duncan, S.C., with some definite improvements over what's being used now. The heavy-gauge plastic keeps food fresh and bugs and other pests out. It's easier to open and can be tightly resealed. It's about time!

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: My little Maltese was sprayed by a skunk. I have washed him several times and cannot get the smell off him. Is there any secret you can share with me to get us out of our stinky situation? -- C.S, Artesia, Calif.

A: Indeed there is! Take 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution (available at any drugstore), one-quarter cup of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap. Mix and apply to the dog, let sit a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with plain tap water.

The story behind this concoction is fascinating. According to the Chicago Tribune, the inventor is a Lisle, Ill., chemist by the name of Paul Krebaum. His discovery will never make him rich, however, because of a quirk of the formula: It cannot be bottled. The chemical reaction produced when the ingredients are introduced is short-term, and will burst any closed container (which is why the remedy must be mixed fresh, used promptly and disposed of after.)

Krebaum may never become rich from his invention, but he ought to at least become famous. The word is that the mix really works.

Q: In a recent column you discussed ways to keep loose, vicious dogs away while we walk our leashed pooches. May I add a suggestion?

I run almost daily with my two beautiful dogs -- Kelly, a male 15-month-old black Labrador, and Henna, a 2-year-old female weimaraner. I run not only with a leash and collapsible water dish in hand, but also with pepper spray for an attacking dog. I haven't had to use it yet, but would not hesitate to do so if necessary.

I'm sure the other owner, if he or she were around, wouldn't like it, but too bad. Beats the heck out of a huge vet bill for stitches, etc.-- P.G., Sacramento, Calif.

A: Yours was not the only note I received on pepper spray, and after a recent experience, I'm carrying it, too. My big retriever, Benjamin, was jumped at our park by a dog who came charging with hackles up and itching for a fight. Bennie is so sweet-natured he was surprised to be attacked and just stood there, as if in shock. No harm to either dog, thank heavens, but lots of angry words between owners, especially after the person finally collared his dog and admitted the animal was too aggressive to be let off-leash!

I'm not in favor of stitches, either, and I certainly intend to use the spray if I'm faced with an attacking dog again.

Q:. Gina, you made a mistake! You said that chows were the only dogs with blue-black (purple) tongues, but Chinese shar-peis have them, too. I hope you will correct your error. Our shar-pei club is waiting. -- P.A, via the Internet

A: You're absolutely right. The Chinese shar-pei is also a member of the Purple Tongue Club. The odd thing about my oversight is that I was smooched by a shar-pei at a dog event not even a couple weeks before I put my mistake in print. Mea culpa.

Q: I am 13 years old and going to get a Lab soon. It actually is a family decision, but I am going to be the one to train and walk her every day. I am fully prepared for all the work she is going to require. My question: I have heard that Labs need to have a choke chain used to control them. When does this apply? -- J.L., via e-mail

A: Congratulations! The Labrador is the No. 1 dog in the country with good reason. They're great family dogs, smart, loving and highly trainable.

As for the choke collar, forget about it! No puppy should have one, and if you train your pup well, you may never need one at all. I have two large retrievers and haven't had anything but ordinary flat collars on them. My Sheltie, Andy, hasn't had a choke collar on in more than 11 years. And they go with me everywhere they're allowed (and a few places maybe they're not).

A choke collar is a training tool, one of many available today, and you cannot generalize by saying "this breed" or "that breed" has to have one. What your dog will definitely need is the training you'll be doing, and that starts with puppy classes at about 12 weeks of age. A well-trained dog will walk politely on leash no matter what collar you use. When you take your puppy to see the veterinarian, ask about training classes in your area.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to WriteToGina(at)YourPetPlace.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

Reading and cats go together as naturally as vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup, or corn dogs and county fairs. What could be more perfect than reading an engaging book with a purring cat on your lap? A cat understands and appreciates the need for quiet contemplation and enjoys just being close. No throw-the-ball, no can-Heather-come-over-and-play, no honey-I-can't-find-clean-socks. Nothing except peace, quiet and warm companionship.

It's a pleasure known even to people in a few libraries -- those with cats, of course.

Documentary-maker Gary Roma understands the nature of cats -- he has two of his own -- and thinks there's something special about libraries. So he set out to create a work on library cats, starting with a list and ending up with a clever documentary called "Puss in Books," celebrating those fine felines who serve in the stacks.

"I came across a listing for the Library Cat Association," he said, in explaining his choice of subject. "I decided to take a road trip, working by myself, doing the videotaping.

"I found that librarians were eager and happy to talk about the cats. It was wonderful to hear the stories."

Roma found more than 100 library cats, although only a fraction of them made it into his documentary. Those who did make a strong case for an increase in their numbers. Roma's favorite is a handsome marmalade tabby in the Spencer, Iowa, public library with the wonderful name of Dewey Readmore Books.

"Dewey is a warm, loving cat," said Roma, which may explain why the fluffy cat gets more than his fair share of air time, along with a pair of cats named Baker and Taylor who are probably the most famous of all library cats.

Although both are gone now, Baker and Taylor were the pride of their Reno, Nev., library. Named after a book distributor, the pair were immortalized on posters, tote bags and other merchandise. They had a fan club and a song, and the library saw a constant parade of people who dropped by from quite a distance just to see the cats.

In "Puss in Books," librarian Jan Louch, who postponed her retirement until both the cats had passed on, says many patrons asked if they could check out one of the cats. "He's for reference only," she'd explain.

While Baker and Taylor were planned acquisitions, other cats were more of a surprise, as cats often are. Dewey, the Iowa cat, was found as a tiny kitten under a load of books in the return chute. His title now: director of marketing and public relations. Kinky, a Wisconsin tuxedo cat, is another library cat with a formal title: librarian in charge of rodent control. His colleagues say that since they haven't seen any mice he must be doing a good job.

Not everyone is in favor of library cats, though, and Roma talks to some who aren't, including a woman who's afraid of cats. Allergies are a problem, too. Librarians say compromises can sometimes be worked out, such as putting the cat in the back when patrons with cat problems visit. Surprisingly, one of the biggest challenges to keeping cats in libraries isn't people at all, says Roma. It's motion-detector security systems.

Despite the problems, Roma thinks there will always be library cats. The Library Cat Association will be pushing for them, that's for sure.

"Considering that there are 15,000 public libraries (and only about 100 with cats), there seems to be much work to be done," Phyllis Lahti, the LCA's director, says on the documentary.

Roma's documentary is available on videotape for $19.95, plus $3 shipping and handling from Iron Frog Productions, 9 Townsend St., Waltham, MA 02453-6026. For more information on the Library Cat Association, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to P.O. Box 274, Moorhead, MN 56560. Subscriptions to The Library Cat Newsletter are $6 per year, with a sample issue available for $1.

PETS ON THE WEB

Is there a library cat in your town? Gary Roma's Web site (www.ironfrog.com) is arguably the best resource around for tracking down feline library dwellers. While he's a little generous in his definition of "library cat" -- six sculptures, including Patience and Fortitude, the New York Public Library lions, make the cut -- most of the cats listed are the genuine article, felis catus (domestic cat). The page allows you to click on a state and come up with a list of library cats, with related Web sites, e-mail addresses and pictures, if available. You can also read excepts of his library cat interviews, see cartoons from the video and read the words to the song "Baker and Taylor."

THE SCOOP

A dog-show trick for keeping dogs cool while walking on warm days is to drape a towel over them and keep the towel dripping wet by adding water at regular intervals. Some folks have even gone so far as to make terry-cloth jackets, which you can sometimes find for sale at dog shows. The jackets have a smarter look and better fit, but a towel works just fine. For the stay-at-home dog on a hot day, make sure plenty of water and shade is available. Better yet, keep your dog inside with the air conditioning. To keep water cool, freeze water in margarine containers and add the ice blocks to fresh dishes of water every morning. The melting ice will keep the water perfectly chilled.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: I have a question about my dog Pepper, a Dalmatian. I walk him daily on a path near our home. He is a real food scavenger and often tries to eat things he sees on the path that have been dropped. He has been obedience-trained, but he didn't catch on to the "leave it" command and he'll obey when he feels like it.

Also, he wants to mark every bush we pass, so I can't seem to get a pace going for exercise. Any suggestions? S.W., via e-mail

A: The "leave it" command is exactly what you need your dog to know for handling both problems. If he didn't catch on, you need to work on his understanding of this command.

Teach "leave it" with a physical correction. With your dog in a sit-stay and your hand in a fist, flat surface up, offer your dog a biscuit with the other. As he reaches for the biscuit, say "leave it," and bop him under the chin, enough to close his jaw but not lift him off his feet. Offer the biscuit again, repeating the "leave it" command, and if he hesitates or turns away, praise him. Few dogs need this demonstrated more than twice.

Once your dog understands, keep practicing and praising. With my toy-crazy retrievers, I show them a toy they'd love to wrap their chops around, telling them to "leave it." When they avert their noses and eyes for a few seconds, I praise them, then tell them "OK" and let them take the toy with more praise. I practice this with treats, too. They're asked to sit, and then every so often I practice "leave it" before giving them the "OK" and allowing them their goodie.

On leash, "leave it" works to avoid marking because a dog always sniffs, however briefly, before the leg-lift. Don't stop for leg-lifters. Use the "leave it" command, correct your dog for slowing down the way your obedience instructor showed you and keep walking. If you're consistent, he'll soon understand the rules and quit trying to hit every bush on the way.

Q: Why do cats wag their tails? -- L.K., via e-mail

A: You can tell a great deal of what your cat's thinking by watching his tail. Tail up and flipped forward over the back is the cat's way of saying, "Hi, how are you? Nice to see you. Isn't it time to get my dinner?" -- a relaxed and friendly greeting of affection and trust. A cat who's uncertain puffs out his tail, holds it low (perhaps even tucked under), and moves it from side to side. If a cat is stalking, his tail is held low and stiff, except for twitching at the end as if the force required to hold its body still is too much for the cat, who must release nervous energy from the end of his tail. (This "hunting twitch" may also be seen in play.)

The tail is one of the best physical indications of a cat's impending aggression. A cat who's becoming agitated whips his tail from side to side; often the tail is puffed out as well. A tail wag is not the friendly gesture in cats that it is in dogs, for sure. Give this kitty some space and time to cool down.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to WriteToGina(at)YourPetPlace.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600