Perhaps because kittens are so very appealing, adult cats have the lowest adoption rate of all pets at many shelters. While prospective adopters head straight for the kitten section, the adult cats purr hopefully in their enclosures and thrust their soft paws beseechingly through the bars as if they understand the importance of catching someone's attention.

Too many never get a second chance at a good home, and that's just plain wrong.

Being overlooked at the shelter is bad news for the cats, of course, but it's also unfortunate for many people who don't realize that an adult cat may, in many cases, be a better choice than a kitten. Sure, kittens are cute, but they also can be a bit of a trial as they grow up. They need extra time, extra training and extra tolerance for all those crazy things that kittens do on the way to cathood.

An adult cat can slide quickly into your life with little fuss and muss. You know pretty well what you're getting with a grown cat -- activity level, sociability and health. Given time in a loving environment, a grown cat forms just as tight a bond with his new people as any kitten can. I believe that many animals who are adopted as adults are more appreciative, somehow, of their special person's role in saving their lives.

With adult cats, knowing a little of the animal's background is important, especially if your family has children or dogs. (A cat who has never experienced them may have a more difficult time adjusting to a new family that includes either or both.) You can ask your questions about background directly if adopting from the cat's original owner, but most shelters or rescue groups also try to provide some basic information, which they ask of the people giving up their pets.

What if the information isn't flattering to the cat? For example, what if he became available for adoption because of his failure to use a litter box? Give the cat the benefit of the doubt, if you have the time and patience to work on solving the problem. And remember, too, that you don't know the contributing factors. Maybe the litter box was never cleaned or was left in a spot that was convenient for the owner but disconcerting for the cat.

If at all possible, take each adult cat you're considering away from the caging area of the adoption center. Sit down with the animal in your lap, alone in a quiet place, and try to get a feel for the cat as an individual. Shelters are stressful places, so the cat may need a few quiet minutes to collect herself. A calm, confident and outgoing cat will respond pretty readily to your attention, relaxing in your lap, pushing for strokes and purring.

No matter how promising the initial meeting, remember that cats don't react well to change, so be prepared to give your new pet time to adjust to new surroundings once you take her home. Experts advise starting out your cat in a small, enclosed area -- a spare bathroom or small bedroom equipped with food and water, litter box, toys and a scratching post. A few days of quiet seclusion with frequent visits from you will relax your new pet and re-establish good litter-box habits.

This is the time of year when kittens become scarce, so you may have little choice but to consider an adult if you're itching to add a cat to your family. The lack of competition allows the adult cats to shine a little extra and gives you a chance to bring home a pet you'll adore for years to come.

PETS ON THE WEB

I guess Elizabeth Cusulas has given up on her plan to add more songs to her Talewaggers Doggie Carols Web site (www.ddc.com/waggers/carols.html), since the last entry promises new carols for last year -- which never materialized.

No matter. The 14 songs from previous years are more than enough to make this page a must-visit at this time of year. "The Twelve Days of Puppy" takes a humorous turn on an old favorite, with each passing day revealing a new spot where the Christmas puppy left a puddle. Perhaps because I have a house full of dogs who live for tennis balls, her puppyfied version of "Silver Bells" is still my favorite, with its catchy reprise: "Tennis balls, tennis balls/Perfection round and inviting/Roll and play, all the day/Please, Santa, toss some our way."

THE SCOOP

The promise of a puppy is much better than the real thing come Christmas Day. Puppies need training and socialization, both of which are difficult to accomplish in the short, cold days of winter. As a result, a lot of Christmas puppies are Christmas memories by summertime, when their puppy cuteness has given way to gawky adolescence and their lack of manners has become intolerable.

There is no demand for ill-behaved former Christmas puppies, and many of these youngsters will never get a chance to grow old as a beloved family pet. It's a tragedy that's completely avoidable. If you want a puppy, wait until spring or summer, when it's more likely you'll have the time you need to raise your puppy right. For Christmas, wrap up a dog book and a collar and leash, and tell the kids the pup of their dreams will be theirs soon.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: Our golden retriever is the best dog we have ever had, except for one problem we can't seem to solve. Butterball seems to think our cat's litter box is some kind of puppy buffet. We have yelled at her. We have smacked her. She knows it's wrong and tries to sneak her snack when we're not looking. This is a dog who loves to kiss, and I can't stand the idea of her kissing the kids, knowing where her mouth has been. Help us with this disgusting problem. -- B.G., via e-mail

A: As incredible as the thought seems to humans, many dogs do indeed consider cat feces to be every bit as wonderful as dog biscuits -- they're drawn to the undigested protein. When faced with a constant supply of litter "munchies" and ready access to them, no dog can resist for long, which is why efforts to train a dog to leave the litter box alone are rarely successful. The better plan is to restrict access, which you can accomplish in many ways. Here are a few suggestions:

-- Try covered litter boxes. Some cats don't like them, and cats with asthma can't use them because the concentration of dust inside the boxes can trigger an attack. If your cat falls into either category, this solution isn't going to work for you; otherwise, it may do the trick.

-- Change the litter box's location. You must be careful not to upset your cats. But experimenting with such ploys as gradually moving the litter box to a location above the dog's reach usually doesn't hurt.

-- Provide barriers. One way is to rig the door to the room containing the litter box so that it stays open wide enough for the cat but not for the dog. Another possibility is to install a cat-sized door in the door to the litter-box room if your dog is medium-sized or larger. For small dogs, try a baby gate -- the cat can jump it, but the dog can't.

-- Keep it clean. Don't forget to keep the box scooped: A dog can't eat what a dog can't find.

Experiment with any or all of these strategies, and stop yelling at and swatting your dog -- it's not an effective technique for problem-solving, as you've discovered. And it doesn't do much for the relationship with your cherished Butterball.

Q: I've read (maybe in your column) that the perches that come with a birdcage aren't good for my Pionus parrot, Petey. Is that true? And what should I be using instead? - T.F., via e-mail

A: There's nothing dangerous about the smooth pine dowels that come with most birdcages, but a more varied selection of perches is better for your bird's physical and mental health. Think variety -- rope, cement and wood perches should all find a place in your bird's cage. Natural wood perches, in particular, are wonderful because they feel good under your bird's feet and because they give him something to chew on.

Most fruit and nut trees (almond, apple, prune and all citrus) are fine to use, as are ash, elm, dogwood and magnolia. If you can get your pruners on some manzanita, go for it. It's a hard wood that can stand up to a lot of abuse. Try grapevines, too. And leave the bark on for your bird to peel off.

Cut the branches to a length to fit in your cage. Scrub and clean them well with detergent, rinse, and dry them in the sun. Check for insect egg pods; if you find them, just break them off and discard them before putting the branch in your pet's cage. (If you don't, you may find a zillion little buglets thinking it's spring in your home.) Think of perches as replaceable cage furnishings. Tearing them up is good for your bird, providing both exercise and entertainment.

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

When the Food and Drug Administration banned cold-care and diet products with the ingredient phenylpropanolamine, or PPA, the recent action came at a price for many pet owners. The time-release versions of these over-the-counter products had been used as a tool in battling urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs.

But people whose pets have this messy problem should not get disheartened, because PPA and other treatment options will likely remain available through veterinarians.

"The first thing to remember is that urinary incontinence is not a disease in and of itself," said Dr. Katherine James, a veterinarian with the Davis, Calif.-based Veterinary Information Network, an online service for veterinary professionals. "It's a symptom, like vomiting." A thorough work-up by a veterinarian must be done to pinpoint the underlying causes of the leaking, she said, so an appropriate treatment regimen can be prescribed.

Giving over-the-counter medications meant for humans is a practice that should always be done on the advice of a veterinarian, or at least not done until after checking with the vet. Medications don't react the same in pets as they do in people. Tylenol, for example, can be deadly to a cat. While some veterinarians have recommended the timed-release versions of PPA found in over-the-counter diet products -- now off the market -- others have always argued that giving such medications to a pet is a bad idea because other ingredients besides PPA are in the mix.

Dogs who drip or leave puddles behind need to be checked out by a veterinarian to determine if the problem is just a weak sphincter (the muscle that controls the flow of urine), or if other health problems that produce an abnormal amount of urine are involved. One of those possibilities is diabetes, which will need to be treated as part of any treatment plan to control leaking.

In the typical leaky spayed female, said James, the problem is worse when the dog is asleep or at rest, after which owners will find wet spots where the animal was reclining. The problem is more common in large dogs than in small, and the risk seems to increase slightly for those animals who were spayed before their first heat.

Why are spayed females prone to these problems? The lack of the female hormone estrogen weakens the sphincter. Because of this hormonal problem, James says her first treatment choice isn't PPA at all, but the estrogen-replacement medication diethylstilbestrol, or DES. But there have been availability problems with this drug, too.

"There wasn't a use for it in people," said James, "so it was taken off the market. It was hard to get for a while." It's possible now for veterinarians to purchase the drug through special pharmacies that buy the product in bulk and prepare it for use in animals.

While DES presented problems in humans, it seems to be quite safe for dogs at prescribed doses, says James, and is more convenient for owners. PPA needs to be given two or three times a day, while DES is given daily for a week. If it seems to be effective at that point, the dosage goes to once every five or seven days.

For cases that don't respond to DES alone, said James, PPA is often added to the mix. The two medications complement each other, as they work on strengthening the animal's sphincter in different ways.

James says that people whose animals will still be treated with PPA shouldn't worry (in most cases) about using a medication that was deemed dangerous to humans.

"Dogs don't have as many risk factors for stroke as humans do," said James. "In the case of dogs with heart problems or high-blood pressure, though, those risk factors should be considered and discussed with your veterinarian."

PETS ON THE WEB

If you're interested in lizards, then www.cyclura.com is the place to be. Loaded with lots of information on these interesting creatures (in several languages), the site celebrates the lizard both as a pet and in the wild. Special attraction: Six Webcams trained on various collections of lizards. (While I was watching one of the Webcams, I swear one of the lizards was looking at the camera so intently I started to feel as if he were watching me!)

Another Webcam promised the image was updated every 30 seconds, but for five minutes, the lizard never moved. I was beginning to think the setup was broken, when the reptile finally shifted his head. I guess there just wasn't any reason to run around that day in Lizardville.

THE SCOOP

Cats love to nibble on plants, especially the tender shoots of new grasses. You can delight your pet by keeping a windowsill garden, sowing a new crop of alfalfa, rye and wheat grasses every couple of weeks. Long, shallow planters are ideal for grasses, and decorative ones can be found inexpensively at any garden or home center. Your cat may also enjoy pots planted with parsley and thyme, although you may wish to allow these plants to become more established before putting them where your cat can chew on them. The same can be said of catnip, and of valerian, another plant that offers mood-altering benefits to some cats. Unless you want to find these plants uprooted by a very happy cat, you're better off growing them out of reach of your pet and cutting off sprigs for your pet to enjoy.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: Would you please mention the problems caused by buying a pet on a whim? The release of Disney's "101 Dalmatians" in 1996 focused attention on the breed. Dalmatian puppies were bred in anticipation that an increased demand for spotted puppies would mean a profit.

While some of these breeders were able to sell their pups, many were not, and entire litters were abandoned or turned into shelters. Pups who were sold to unprepared impulse buyers were later abandoned, and there were few homes for the adult dogs. The only recourse for so many Dals was euthanasia.

The Dalmatian Assistance League/Dalsavers intends not to let history repeat itself with the release of "102 Dalmatians" this winter. Our goal is to educate the public with the message of responsible dog ownership. No one should adopt a dog without careful thought. Do some research and meet lots of dogs before you select a pet. Get your dog only from a responsible breeder, rescue group or humane organization. Once you have your pet, spay or neuter it. If you have already bred a litter, take responsibility for the lives you created and find new homes for any that have become homeless. For more information, go to www.dalsavers.com or http://thedca.org. -- Denise Powell, Santa Rosa, Calif.

A: About a year after the live-action "101 Dalmatians" came out, I got a call from a man who wanted to find a new home for a Dal. A year earlier, he had given the puppy as a Christmas gift to his 84-year-old mother, a woman who rarely left the house and used a walker to get around.

The man said his mother was now in the hospital with a broken hip, after the rambunctious young dog knocked her over. Next, she'd likely be entering a nursing home for good. The man was angry at the dog and was trying to find the animal a home only because his wife insisted. The caller preferred euthanasia as an option, the death penalty for a dog who'd committed a crime, in his opinion.

I tried to explain that it wasn't the dog's fault, and I steered the caller toward some organizations that might have been able to help. I don't know what happened in the end to the woman or the dog, but I do know this is one tragedy that could have been prevented. Even the smallest amount of research would have revealed that a young Dalmatian isn't a good match for a housebound elderly woman.

The handsome Dalmatian was bred to trot for hours effortlessly and stylishly under the wheels of a carriage. Is it any surprise that these dogs will not be content leading a couch-potato life? Without exercise, active dogs will turn to digging, barking and general "hyperness" that in many cases will land them in a shelter.

Anyone who's thinking of getting a Dal needs to consider the exercise requirements. Think, too, about white fur covering clothes and furniture. And don't forget health problems: As many as one in 10 Dals are deaf, a birth defect reputable breeders fight by having their dogs tested before breeding.

Every prospective pet owner needs to remember that you can't return a dog the way you can a sweater that doesn't fit or is the wrong color. Here's the bottom line: See the movie. Enjoy the movie. But think long and hard before falling for a breed that may not suit you.

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

Every animal lover has an opinion on what's the best look for a cat. Some love calicoes; others like the ever-formal appearance of black-and-white tuxedo cats. Some melt for cats who are sleek and small; others go for the big and fluffy.

I'm in the latter category. When it comes to cats, the ones I like best are what I call the "hunka cats," as in, isn't that a big hunk of cat? Which is one of the reasons I adore Manny.

My friend Ben sent me pictures of Manny for use in a book I was writing. I thought the pictures were wonderful, but the publisher didn't have room. So they came back to me. Try as I might, I don't seem to be able to put them in the mail to Ben. They've been on my desk for days now, and instead of looking for an envelope, I seem to be looking for frames.

I want that cat. And if I can't have him, I want to keep the pictures.

Yes, it's true: I covet my friend's cat. But Manny ... if you knew him, you'd understand.

First, there's the whole issue of beauty. I do think every cat is beautiful, in the way that every horse is beautiful. Both animals are designed in a way that's especially appealing to our sense of aesthetics. They are living artwork, inspiring sighs from admirers for their grace and the slight air of mystery that surrounds them.

Yes, every cat is beautiful, but Manny stands out even among the most beautiful. He's a big cat, to be sure, with the looks of a Maine coon and the rump of a Manx. His fur is medium length and very thick, dark gray-brown with perfect black tabby markings. He has a white chin bib and four perfect white mittens. Down his nose, a slightly asymmetrical strip of white adds character to his face.

Manny is not just a pretty face, though. He is the essence of cool, a classic case of the cat who when called will take a message and get back to you at his leisure. Manny does what he wants when he wants to, and doesn't care in the slightest that your plans might not mesh with his. Any cool cat knows such disagreements are your problem, not his, and they don't come much cooler than Manny.

The cat is the first of two pets my friend adopted; the dog Chula was added with neither Manny's permission nor his approval. The big, bouncy pup was not what Manny would have chosen for a housemate, and he voiced his disapproval by moving in with a neighbor for a while. He didn't ask for her permission: Being Manny was permission enough. The neighbor knew it, too, so she fed him.

He still eats there from time to time, just to keep his options open, but in the end he forgave Ben, accepted Chula and came home.

And that's the thing I like most about Manny: Above all, he's generous, accepting and loving. He is, in all ways, one heck of a cat.

Manny won't be mine, no matter how much I covet him. The cat makes his own decisions, and he has thrown in his lot with Ben and Chula. I wouldn't even dream of asking Ben for the cat, because the decision isn't ours to make. We are mere humans, not fit to decide for the likes of Manny. He knows it, and I know it, too. So I will just admire him from afar.

Those pictures, though, aren't going back anytime soon. I've decided the only thing to do is make copies. It's as close as I'll get to sharing my life with Manny, but it's just going to have to do.

PETS ON THE WEB

With the holidays fast approaching, people are already planning their holiday air travel, and for many, that travel will include pets. The American Kennel Club has put together a helpful list of the airlines and their pet policies (www.akc.org/love/dip/legislat/airline_petpolicies.cfm), which should help. The information is a great start, but remember: You'll still need to check with the airlines directly, because different rules apply depending on weather conditions.

THE SCOOP

If you're planning on traveling without your pets during the holiday season, you'd better hurry up and arrange for pet-sitting or boarding. In some cases, you may already be too late. The year-end holidays are peak times for boarding kennels and pet-sitting services, and openings go quickly. If you can't get a reservation, ask to be informed of a cancellation and start making backup plans. Your veterinarian may offer boarding, or a friend or neighbor may be willing to help out.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: Will you offer a warning to people that Thanksgiving leftovers aren't good for pets? Last year we spent the holiday at the emergency vet's, after our shih tzu, Mitzi, got really sick. She lived (the vet said Mitzi was lucky), and the vet's bill was a killer. We won't be giving her table scraps from the turkey this year, that's for sure. -- G.P., via e-mail

A: We all know how it goes at the holidays with delicious food and begging pets. How can you resist slipping your pet a little something special -- a big piece of turkey skin, a handful of chips with dip, some slices of salami? But resist you must, or your pet could end up the same place Mitzi did: at the emergency veterinary clinic.

Foods too rich, too fatty or too spicy -- or anything your pet's not accustomed to -- can trigger a bout of intestinal upset. For some animals, these foods can trigger a lethal inflammation of the pancreas or intestine.

What to avoid? Use common sense. While a little bit of lean meat won't hurt dogs, cats or parrots (and would be appreciated), steer clear of the fatty parts and the poultry skin, which also harbors fat. And don't forget that some foods ARE great for sharing: Be sure to share bits of carrots or other vegetables you may be chopping up with any pet who'll appreciate it, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats or mice.

Poultry bones may seem like the perfect gift for the dog who has everything, but do your pet a favor and save them for the soup. (Broth is a wonderful treat over regular kibble.) Even the largest cooked turkey bones are prone to splinter, sending shards through the animal's intestines. Should one pierce through the lining, the result can be deadly peritonitis.

No one is saying your pet shouldn't enjoy a holiday meal too, but limiting the kind and amount of special food will ensure that it is a treat -- not a trouble.

And don't forget to be careful about the trash. The juice-saturated strings used to hold together turkeys or roast may be irresistible to your cat. Once the string gets into your pet's intestines, though, surgery to remove it may be needed to save your cat's life.

Q: I am the owner of eight pit bulls in beautiful Hawaii. The oldest of my dogs, Kane (which means "man" in Hawaiian), is about 15 years old and is rapidly losing strength in his rear legs. I've seen rear wheels being used with other animals, and wonder if you could tell me where I may acquire a set? -- J.P., via e-mail

A: I've known a handful of dogs whose owners have outfitted them with wheels, including one little Dachshund mix who lived happily for years.

A cart is definitely an option worth considering if your dog's front legs are strong enough to pull his weight. You must also determine your own commitment, since caring for a disabled pet requires more time and effort on the part of a pet lover.

The K9 Cart Co. has been making pet wheels for 30 years. The carts are made of stainless steel and aluminum, with padding where they are fitted to the pet. Prices range from $220 to $430, depending on the size of the pet and the accessories ordered.

For more information, call the company at (800) 578-6960, or visit its Web site at www.k9carts.com. The Web site includes tips on evaluating your pet to determine if a cart is suitable (some pets won't tolerate them), as well as resources and support for living with a pet whose mobility has been limited.

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