You can learn a lot about your cat by learning more about the tiger.

Find a documentary on the gorgeous wild cat. You're certain to be astonished at how much the cat purring in your lap reminds you of a tiger. The way the tiger walks, with understated elegance and always the promise of power. The way the tiger hunts, still and focused except for the tiniest twitch at the end of the tail.

Now, pay attention to how tigers let each other know where one animal's hunting turf ends and another begins.

They rub against things, they spray and they claw.

Admittedly, seeing a tiger do these things is a lot more dramatic than watching an 8-pound domesticated cat do them. A scent-marking head bump from a tiger may knock a person over. And as for the other two behaviors, you wouldn't even want to be around. If a tiger wants to leave a message, he stands up on his hind legs and digs his claws into a tree, putting deep slashes along with his scent on the hapless plant. And then, just to make the point a little more emphatic, he turns, facing away from the tree, raises his tail, and squirts a great blast of urine at it.

With no one to yell at him for doing these things to the corner of a couch or a pile of dirty laundry, he ambles off. His world smells the way he thinks it ought to, and he's content.

Now maybe you're beginning to see the problem. The very same things the tiger does to mark territory are natural behaviors for your cat, too. And yet you want your pet to abandon them entirely? We have news for you: It's just not possible. Nor is it fair.

Fixing feline behavior problems is like taming a tiger: You must work slowly to reshape your pet's natural behaviors in ways that you both can live with. Never hit your cat, and never let her think that any discipline is coming from you. Physical discipline is worse than meaningless to cats -- and it can make a situation even worse by making your cat stressed out and afraid of you. What works in cats is to make them believe that whatever they're doing wrong triggers an automatic response they don't like -- and that you have nothing to do with it as far as they can tell. The couch they used to enjoy clawing is now covered with something they don't like to touch. Every time they get on the counter a stream of water hits them in the fanny.

Reward your cat for good behavior with praise, with treats, with petting and with games. If your cat uses the scratching post instead of the couch, make sure that she knows you approve by playing with her, with a cat fishing pole or a toy on a string. Tell her that she's good for using the litter box, for eating her plants instead of yours, and for attacking her toys instead of your slippers. Your cat isn't born knowing the rules of living among humans, and if you make following the rules pleasant and reasonable, you have much better luck getting her to follow them.

Tigers don't have to learn how to live with people, but house cats do. A consistent, understanding and humane approach to behavior problems will go far in taming the tiger in your cat.

PETS ON THE WEB

When I first bought my house a decade ago, I was surprised and delighted to find out that my neighborhood was also home to a pair of wild parrots. Since conures are not native to Northern California -- or North America, for that matter -- it's a pretty good guess the birds were on the lam, either escaped or turned loose and finding the moderate climate to their liking. Feral parrots are not uncommon, and the birds are even considered a nuisance in some places.

One wild flock, though, has plenty of fans and its own Web site. The Wild Parrots of San Francisco's Telegraph Hill (www.wildparrots.com) documents the lives of a number of birds, mostly cherry-headed conures, who live free in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the country. A nice, clean site, with lots to read and see. Be sure to check out the link to caretaker Mark Bittner's site (http://sites.netscape.net/markbittner/index.htm), which documents the making of a film on the flock.

THE SCOOP

Teething is a difficult time for puppies and people both. For the little ones, chewing is a way to relieve the discomfort caused by the eruption of adult teeth. This is understandable, but still difficult to tolerate if that chewing is directed toward something like an expensive pair of shoes. Don't punish puppies for chewing. Instead, distract them with a noise (such as slapping your palm on a counter), and then offer them something acceptable to chew on. And don't forget to praise them for the switch!

Giving your puppy frozen marrow bones can soothe the discomfort, as can a Kong toy, stuffed with peanut butter and chilled. By teaching a puppy acceptable chewing, you're instilling important lessons for life. Adult dogs chew out of boredom and because it feels good. It's unfair to expect a dog not to chew, so giving your dog chew toys he knows are acceptable is a good compromise.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: Our dog will not shut up! We yell at her, and it doesn't help. She barks all day in the yard when we're gone, and the neighbors are complaining. What can we do? -- N.P., via e-mail

A: Dogs bark to express a variety of emotions: anxiety, boredom, territoriality, aggression, playfulness and hunger, to name a few.

Barking sessions can be triggered by certain conditions in the dog's environment. For example, a dog who barks a warning when strangers are near will bark constantly if one side of the fence in his yard separates his area from a well-traveled, public sidewalk. Likewise, an intelligent, high-energy dog, neglected and bored in a lonely back yard, often rids himself of that excess energy by indulging in barking sessions that can last for hours, day or night.

Breed characteristics factor in, as well. Anyone who dreams of the quiet life probably ought to avoid owning most terriers, poodles or shelties. You can train them to stop barking, but you can't train them not to start -- they'll yap at the slightest provocation.

Figure out the kind of barking your dog indulges in. Is he a fence-runner, trading insults with the dog on the other side of the back fence? Consider reworking the yard to deny him access to that activity. Is he a bored outside dog? Make him a part of your life, bring him in to the house, and make sure that the needs for physical and mental stimulation are being met. Another advantage of having him in the house: Many of the sounds that trigger barking are masked inside. (You can help this masking even further by leaving a radio on when you leave.)

Train him not to bark by teaching him the "quiet" or "enough" command. Allow him a bark or two -- let him get his point across -- and then say (don't yell) "enough" and put your hand over his muzzle. Praise him for stopping. If he's loose, you can also get the point across with a shot from a spray bottle: Allow him a bark or two, say "enough," squirt, and then praise him for stopping.

It's not a quick fix -- you still have to address the underlying problems of boredom, stress and inactivity -- but one kind of training collar offers real promise in fighting the battle of the bark. Citronella collars, which release a mist of harmless yet annoying spray when the dog barks, are widely available now and considered more humane than a "shock collar."

Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a trainer or behaviorist in your area who can work with you on training your dog and changing his environment to calm the noise.

Q: Our cockatiel Henry has laid an egg, which was a big surprise because we thought she was a he (guess we'll have to call her Henrietta). Will it hatch? -- P.E., via e-mail

A: I'm guessing Henry/Henrietta isn't of the more common varieties of cockatiels, which are usually pretty easy to figure out when it comes to males and females. In the most common variety, the gray cockatiel, males have yellow faces and females have gray. The more unusual mutations can be difficult or impossible to sex on the basis of looks alone.

If your bird is an only bird, you shouldn't be making plans for hatching that egg. Without a male around, the egg is infertile, and you can just throw it away. Some birds won't stop laying, though, and can eventually make themselves ill. If your bird becomes one of these, you'll need to take her to an avian veterinarian for hormonal or even surgical intervention.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also 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)spadafori.com.

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

Andy marked his 14th birthday in what has become traditional in recent years: with a basket of cherry tomatoes and a prostate exam. The first part is what Andy would choose for himself -- the old sheltie is crazy for tomatoes -- but the latter was clearly my idea.

The look Andy gave me when our veterinarian snapped on the rubber glove would have taken out half the cats in the county, but I ignored it. His head-to-tail examination is exactly what I wanted for his birthday, a reassurance that the dog who has ruled my household for so long will be around for a few more years.

And besides, I do take just the smallest amount of glee in putting him through it. Seems only fair considering the dog usually gets more cards on his birthday than I do on mine.

Blood work, X-rays and more -- I walked out of the hospital a couple of hundred dollars lighter, but with a feeling that I've never seen money better spent. Andy came up normal, incredibly, aggressively normal for a dog of his age. The only glitch: Last year our veterinarian discovered a small heart murmur; this year it's slightly worse. But it hasn't diminished the quality of Andy's life, and hasn't done anything to alter the graceful path into old age for the handsome dog I long ago nicknamed "The Brat."

Andy is still a brat, bless his silver head. He no longer does battles with lawn sprinklers, and he and his longtime nemesis, the neighbor's ginger tabby, George, have long ago settled their differences. They just became too darn old to spend their days tormenting each other. With mail carriers, though, Andy remains vigilant, to a point. The dog barks if the mail carrier comes in the morning. In the afternoon, when Andy's napping, the man could step right over him and Andy wouldn't care.

Not that I'd ever take such a chance. Andy still has all of his teeth, after all.

He uses those teeth, too, on my socks and underwear. I frequently find both in the yard. The socks are salvageable; the underwear not. You'd think after all these years I'd learn to use a hamper. I never punish him, by the way. At his age, he gets away with everything.

Andy is such a presence that the retrievers, Benjamin and Heather, move to let him pass. Although nearly twice his size, they never try to steal food or toys from him, and they take care not to bump him. With each other they are very physical, playing in ways that have left me astonished that they've never broken skin or bones. With the old dog they are respectful.

I'd like to take credit for Andy's health and longevity, and I suppose I can for some of it. The dog has always had good nutrition, regular grooming, plenty of exercise, and an aggressive regimen of preventive health at my oh-so-patient veterinarian's, including regular dental cleanings (you should see the dog's teeth!). No doubt all this attention has had an impact, but I think Andy himself has had a larger one.

Andy has always done what he wanted, and pretty much had what he wanted, since the day he moved in with me. His interest in underwear aside, he has been the kind of dog who makes a trainer look brilliant, because Andy's so naturally well-mannered and trustworthy.

But in the end, I'm just the servant here. Filler of bowls, holder of leashes, brushes, plastic bags and dog treats, buyer of tomatoes and, sometimes, the driver who takes His Majesty to the veterinarian against his will.

Andy rules. The dog will go when he's good and ready. And I pray that time isn't soon.

THE SCOOP

Who'd have thought a shredder could almost take a dog's life? But it has happened, and it should make those of us who use these now-common appliances much more careful. Not just any dog was nearly killed, either: Recce, a border collie belonging to Stuart Mah of Florida, is one of the world's best in the sport of canine agility. The dog found something interesting about the shredder and lost nearly his entire tongue.

I'll admit to leaving my own shredder on "standby." But after hearing about Recce, I put it far under the table next to the desk, and now I unplug it when I'm not using it. As for Recce, he is now able to eat and drink again with his healed stump of a tongue (to the surprise of nearly everyone involved).

PETS ON THE WEB

Jane Hallander says she can communicate with animals. Not the way we do -- "Sit! Get off the couch" and so on -- but telepathically. With the help of her African grey parrot, Jing, Hallander claims to have found lost pets with a 65 percent rate of success, which in part she attributes to her ability to enlist wild crows and ravens in the search.

By now you are likely intrigued, or you're laughing and wondering if Hallander by any chance lives in California (she does). Either way, a visit to her modest Web site (http://home.netcom.com/(tilde)jing/index.html) is worthwhile. In addition to her writing on communicating with animals, Hallander has some good information on parrot behavior (she's also an avian behavior consultant), and some decent links add to the appeal.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: We're looking to buy a yellow-naped Amazon parrot. We found a breeder who'll sell us one at a discount if we take it just after it has been hatched and hand-feed it ourselves. We've never done this, and we've never even had a parrot before. She says it's easy, though. What do you think? - H.J., via e-mail

A: I think you should pass, and find a breeder who wouldn't think of selling a baby bird that hasn't been fully weaned to a healthy adult diet.

While an experienced hand-feeder may find the task easy (rote, even), taking care of a baby bird is definitely not for beginners. Can I stress this further? How about this: My friend Dr. Brian Speer, a top avian specialist, once told me he is always dealing with frantic people who are losing their bird babies -- or who have killed them through improper hand-feeding. It's frighteningly easy to bungle the job, with tragic results.

Hand-feeding involves using a spoon or syringe to give formula to a baby bird at what starts out as two-hour intervals. The basics are the same as with human babies: Keep them warm, keep them clean, and feed them when they're hungry. Socialization is an essential part of the package, too, for young birds should be exposed to gentle handling and the sounds of a human household to make good pets.

When you factor in the risks, the trouble, and all those sleepless nights, hand-feeding your own bird isn't the bargain it may first appear to be. If you're thinking it's important for bonding, rest easy on that point as well. A healthy, well-socialized and fully weaned young bird will have no trouble at all bonding to you.

Q: I agree with you that most dogs don't get enough exercise and that the lack of exercise is at the root of many behavior problems. And yet I wish you would warn people that sometimes exercise can be dangerous. I cannot believe how often I see people running or biking with their dogs in the heat of the day. The dogs are in trouble, and their owners don't even know it! -- D.H., via e-mail

A: I'm happy to spread the word. I once was spending time at an emergency veterinary clinic when a young woman rushed in with a seriously ill Labrador. The dog was her grandmother's, and the young woman decided to take him Rollerblading while she was visiting -- not a good idea under any circumstances for an aging, sedentary and obese dog, but an even worse plan on a warm day.

The dog tried his best to keep up, and the young woman didn't recognize his glassy eyes and frantic panting for the danger signs they were. The dog was unconscious by the time the veterinarian started working on him, and the animal died shortly after, as I looked on in horror. I remember that poor Lab every time I see someone running a dog on a warm day.

Dogs don't function as efficiently as we do in heat, and while exercise is important, it's best left to cool mornings and evenings in the summer. If your dog isn't in shape, work up to long sessions gradually, and watch carefully for any sign your dog is in trouble. Carry water, and offer it often. And if your dog should get overheated, put cool, but not cold, water on him and find a veterinarian quickly.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also 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)spadafori.com.

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

Rare are the trips when I leave my dogs behind, and I'm certainly not alone in my enjoyment of traveling with my pets. You can find dozens of books on pet travel, many complete with information on the best places to stay and things to do in any given area. Some travel businesses even cater to people with pets, offering special rooming packages and activities. Where people go, pets go too, and in ever-increasing numbers.

But should every dog travel? I faced a sad decision recently when I went away with the two younger dogs and left my dear Andy, who's now 14, behind. The place we were going had too many big dogs and goings-on for an animal who prefers the quiet life now, so Andy stayed with a retired friend who pampers him nonstop.

An aging pet may be best left at home, but there are others who also fall into that category. A pet who's not in good health or is nervous or untrustworthy in new situations is probably best left behind with a friend, a sitter, in a kennel or at your veterinarian's.

The best canine travelers are reasonably well-mannered -- more than can be said for many human tourists -- and in good health. That said, don't count your pet out without a little consideration and a trip to your veterinarian's. Your pet may be in better shape than you think, after all, and any behavior problems she has may be fixable.

If your dog's last checkup was a few years ago, get a thorough one now. You have to, anyway, if you're shipping your pet by air or going to another country, because you need a health certificate. But even if you're only driving to a state park four hours away, you want to know that your pet is in good health, and you need to know that he's current on his vaccinations, especially rabies. Many parks require proof of rabies, and even if where you're going doesn't, you'll want to have it with you just in case the unthinkable happens -- your dog bites someone.

The minimum requirements for canine travelers is that they be able to behave themselves on-leash in some very exciting circumstances: around strange people, strange dogs, and strange scenery, sounds and smells. If you plan to let your dog off-leash, you'd better be sure that he'll come when called and leave something alone -- like a dead fish on the beach -- when you ask him to.

The other component of successful travel with a dog is you. Are you sure you're up to the task? Travel with pets comes with certain built-in problems: You have to pack for you pets, too, and you can't just leave your pet in the car while you spend hours window-shopping. Traveling with a pet is a responsibility, too. Lodgings that accept pets can change their policies, and many do after having to put up with noisy or messy pets and the complaints of other clients. If you take your pet along, you must be sure to clean up after him and keep him quiet.

To me, the extra work is worth it, of course, and as long as there are vacations, I'll be likely to have my dogs with me. Even now I'm planning a weekend getaway where Andy can go, too. Leaving him behind may have been the right decision for the last trip, but he'll be riding shotgun again for the next one.

PETS ON THE WEB

A pair of finches have built a nest on top of the motion-detector floodlights outside my back door. I could have pulled down the nest before the eggs came, but I didn't have the heart. Instead, I turned off the light and now I'm waiting for the babies to hatch. Perhaps it's because I'm so emotionally invested in my own little finch family that I was drawn to the Web site (http://birds.cornell.edu/aboutclo) of the ornithology laboratory at Cornell University. Lots of great information here on wild birds, including a bird of the week and bird sound of the week feature. My favorite section is the Bird House Network, which includes live Webcams of nests. If I miss my babies hatching, I'll be able to watch others.

THE SCOOP

Accidents happen even to the cautious. One disaster that's all too common in multi-pet household is a biting incident between a predatory animal (cat or dog) and a prey one (bird, hamster, rabbit). A bite is a genuine medical emergency, even if the pet who has been bitten seems fine afterward. Dogs and cats have bacteria in their mouths that can develop into a deadly infection in a bird or other prey animal. For many of these, a prompt trip to a veterinarian and a course of antibiotics will mean the difference between life and death. Nights, weekends -- no matter when it happens -- a bitten bird or rabbit needs help, fast. Call your regularly veterinarian or emergency clinic for guidance.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: Our dog is very hyperactive. She makes me crazy, jumping up on everyone. She won't obey any command, and we can't walk her on a leash. I've heard about dogs getting Prozac. Would that help? -- M.U., via e-mail

A: Not really. Prozac and other medications certainly have been shown to have a place in veterinary medicine, but they are no magic bullet. You can't just get a bottle full of pills and hope to have your dog problems disappear. Even with medications, the experts stress the importance of good nutrition, plenty of exercise, behavioral modification and just plain basic training.

You didn't mention what kind of dog you have, but I'm guess you have a young, large dog of an active breed or mix. I would guess, further, that your dog isn't getting enough exercise. It's a pretty easy guess, really, because few dogs do get the exercise they require. And veterinarians, trainers and behaviorists hear a lot about digging, chewing, barking and general "hyper" behavior as a result. If a dog doesn't get the exercise he needs, he'll get it in ways that will drive you crazy. It's not his fault, though.

Your dog likely needs exercise and training. Large, active breeds do well with a half-hour of aerobic exercise -- running, playing fetch, etc. -- three to four times a week. I know well about exercise requirements; my retrievers start bouncing off the walls if they don't get their exercise and can be very hard to live with. If they get out and run or swim, they are content to nap while I work.

As for training, your dog isn't obeying commands because she doesn't know them, or at least hasn't been trained well enough to realize the rules apply in all situations. (I bet she sits promptly when she wants something, like a cookie!)

Put aside the idea of Prozac for now and go for the basics. Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a trainer or behaviorist in your area who can work with you to get the right amount of exercise for your dog and show you effective ways of training your pup. And stick with it! If you meet your dog's needs, she'll become the pet you're hoping for.

Q: We just moved from the city onto some acreage, and we want a pet ostrich. What do you think of this idea? -- E.H., via e-mail

A: My "Birds for Dummies" co-author, Dr. Brian Speer, has a handful of these great beasties. My introduction to them at his home came with a warning not to stand in front of the birds, because they are capable of kicking a person to death. (Unlike horses, ostriches kick forward.) Brian loves his flock, but I've stayed clear ever since.

Most people who keep ostriches are breeding for profit -- there's a market for meat, hide, feathers and even eggs. Some people do keep them as pets, though. Females can be manageable, but males can be dangerous and extremely difficult to control.

A better choice might be an emu. Smaller than an ostrich but still large enough to attract attention, an emu can be quite friendly if it's raised with and socialized by people. (Brian says they like to be hugged!) Baby emus are adorable, marked with their own little "racing stripes" that fade as the bird matures to its full size, about 5 feet tall, with weight between 80 and 100 pounds. Emus also lay very interesting eggs, with a leathery green shell.

Whichever you choose, hook up with a veterinarian familiar with these animals to help you get the basics of proper care and handling.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also 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)spadafori.com.

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