It used to be when I wrote about indoor cats, the majority of responses would be from people who argued vehemently that there was no way a cat could be content without outdoor access. I'd also hear from people who hated those free-roaming cats, and defended their decision to trap cats and take them to the shelter (or worse).

Seems we're experiencing some big changes in the way many people care for their cats. Of the e-mails and letters I got after writing on how to keep indoor cats happy, very few argued that it was impossible. I still heard from people who hate free-roaming pet cats enough to kill them, but mostly I heard from cat lovers who were committed to keeping cats in and had ideas for making the arrangement better for all.

"I had outdoor cats as a child and now my cat lives indoors," writes one reader. "My reasons are simple: I do not want an animal outside, eating dead things, then coming in and licking and sleeping with me or my family. My cat is happy and content, and uses our 80-pound collie as her plaything. They enjoy each other's company, play games and nap together, sometimes even in the dog's crate."

Other people provide companionship by having more than one cat. Reader Rosemary W. of Virginia takes this a bit further than most folks would, with eight cats, 10 cat condos and, by her own reckoning, 18,642 cat toys. "It is like having eight kids because for the most part, they get along. But there are days when we go through the 'he/she is touching/looking at me syndrome,' and no threats I can think of help," she writes. "None of them have any interest in going outside anymore."

Rosemary uses throws to help keep the cat hair off the furniture, and reupholsters the cat trees and scratching posts with inexpensive pieces of indoor-outdoor carpeting to prevent damage to furniture.

"All of our cats are perfectly well-behaved because we have learned their personal patterns," writes Deeli C., who has three indoor cats. "The bottom line is that cats need to be given the individual attention they desire without pushing our human expectations on them. Courtesy, equality and respect are key."

Jean B. of Texas notes that sometimes an outdoor cat is a danger to others. "About 18 years ago we adopted a year-old cat, who was already an indoor/outdoor cat. She was mostly white, but came home every morning colored red! I know it was the blood of others because she never had any injuries. It was obvious she was the neighborhood bully.

"When she was about 2 we found out she had an inoperable brain tumor, which explained a lot about her attitude, and we had to put her down. I was 19 years old at the time and she was my first pet. I was truly heartbroken," she writes. "I currently have five cats, all strictly indoor. We have found that even feral cats can be happy indoors."

Linda C.'s Catzilla is one of those outdoor cats who made the transition. Her tip? Hang bird feeders outside the window to provide her cats with daily entertainment. Another suggestion: Entertain indoor cats with DVDs and videos designed to keep their attention, such as those made by KittyMotion ($20 from www.mewvie.com or 1-800-687-MEOW).

For some lucky cats, access to a safe outside enclosure really makes the difference. Sheryl R. of Vermont has built an elaborate screened enclosure, with lots of places for cat to play and chairs for human visitors as well.

While many people will continue to allow their cats unlimited access to the outdoors, and probably always will, it's clear that the decision to keep cats safely contained is one that has gained favor over the last few years. It's a trend that should continue, for the good of cats and cat lovers alike.

Q&A

Should pet ducks get wing trims?

Q: I have always wanted a pet duck. Do I need to have her wings clipped to keep her home? We have a small pond and a ton of (nonbaited) snails. What do you think? -- S.W., via e-mail

A: When it comes to bird advice, I always turn to Dr. Brian Speer, my "Birds for Dummies" co-author. In addition to being past president of the Association of Avian Veterinarians (www.aav.org) and a popular speaker at veterinary conferences around the world, Speer is one of only a handful of veterinarians certified as avian specialists in both North America and Europe. On his two-acre "bird ranch" in the San Francisco Bay Area he has also had every kind of bird imaginable, from parrots to emus, quail to turkeys, ostriches to finches.

Speer notes that both clipped and unclipped pet ducks face hazards.

By clipping the outer primary flight feathers of most pet ducks, their ability to take off and fly is temporarily removed, he says, noting that feathers do regrow after moulting and would need to be continuously monitored and clipped as needed. The biggest problem: Clipped wings leave ducks grounded and vulnerable to predators.

What would happen if you don't keep wings trimmed? Speer says pet ducks who can fly most likely will fly. And that also has risks: Your ducks may fly into the neighbor's yard where dogs may injure or kill the birds, or your ducks may fly into roadways or onto other equally hazardous landing sites.

"Pet ducks are a source of great enjoyment," says Speer. "I would recommend a fenced enclosure -- including the top -- that will keep the birds in and predators out. When you're in the yard, the birds could be out, and when you are away, they can remain fenced and protected."

Q: When our cat got sick, our veterinarian recommended giving her human baby food to coax her to eat until she felt better. Is that healthy? -- O.S., via e-mail

A: Pureed meat in those tiny jars meant for human babies is commonly recommended to help sick cats keep eating. The diet's not meant to be a long-term solution, but rather is an important strategy for keeping a sick cat from getting sicker.

As I'm sure your veterinarian told you, it's important to make sure you're not choosing a variety of baby food with onion powder in it because of the risk the substance poses to your already ill cat. Read the label!

Warming up your cat's food will increase its appeal. Microwave it for 30 seconds or so, and then stir to eliminate any hot spots. You want the food to be a tick above your body temperature -- warm, but not hot.

It's important when you're nursing a sick pet that you understand your veterinarian's instructions and get all your questions answered. Don't be afraid to call for more information if questions come up after you leave your veterinarian's office. Any good veterinarian would prefer that you completely understand what's required of you, rather than have you guess wrong when it comes to home nursing care and your pet's life is on the line.

Q: How often does a cat's litter box have to be cleaned? I use clumping litter and would rather clean it every few days. Is that enough? I hate cleaning the box! -- S.C., via e-mail

A: Ideally the box should be scooped every time the cat uses it, or a couple of times a day at least. Realistically, daily attention is probably fine.

By not keeping up on the cleaning, you're taking a chance that your cat will stop using the box. When it comes to litter boxes -- filler, placement, cleanliness -- when the cat's not happy, no one's happy.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

ON THE WEB

Crazy about cats? Company a click away

What's crazy about loving cats? Nothing, and that's exactly the reason the Crazy Cat Ladies Society & Gentlemen's Auxiliary (www.crazycatladies.org) have claimed "crazy" as their own, to playfully thumb their noses at people who think serious cat lovers are nuts.

The society raises money for some worthy causes -- cat-related, of course -- as well as offering links to cat-related news stories, advice on feline health and behavior, Web logs and even a boutique. Funds raised are donated to Alley Cat Allies (www.alleycat.org), which promotes the humane and nonlethal control of feral cats.

In all, the Crazy Cat Ladies have a lighthearted site with some seriously good information. There's also a forum area to schmooze with like-minded cat lovers. Crazy cat ladies (and gentlemen) of the world unite!

PET Rx

Better diet key to rabbit health

Prevention is the key to keeping bladder stones at bay in pet rabbits. Veterinarians who specialize in the care of exotic animals suggest these strategies:

-- Use rabbit food pellets sparingly, if at all. Instead, rabbits should be offered a constant supply of high-quality grass hay, along with daily rations of a variety of fresh vegetables, especially those of the dark-green leafy variety.

-- Encourage water consumption. Water can be made more appealing by adding a small amount of fruit juice with no sugar added. Experiment to see what your rabbit likes best.

-- Let your pet exercise. Sitting in a small cage for life is neither mentally nor physically healthy for a rabbit. Your pet needs to be able to play in a rabbit-safe area on a daily basis, at least.

-- Don't neglect a trip to the veterinarian if your rabbit is acting "off." Changes in eating or elimination habits are often a sign of illness. Prompt veterinary attention may save your pet's life.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

TIP

Donation a great gift for a pet lover

Does you Aunt Anita really need another candle? Does your Uncle Arthur want another tie? Instead of shelling out money on gifts that will likely go into the closet to be "re-gifted" to someone else next year, give the pet lovers in your life something that will make a difference: a membership or donation to an animal charity.

The best place to start is with your local shelter. Even modest organizations usually have gift membership programs in place. For your contribution, your gift should comes with a year's subscription to the group's newsletter and sometimes discounts on local goods and services.

Animal-health foundations are also a good bet. Your nearest school or college of veterinary medicine will have a fund set up to accept donations, either for scholarships or ongoing research into animal health. To find your nearest school or college of veterinary medicine, visit VetNet (www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetnet.html). The Morris Animal Foundation (www.morrisanimalfoundation.org), AKC Canine Health Foundation (www.akcchf.org) and Winn Feline Foundation (www.winnfelinehealth.org) also accept donations to support research into animal health.

National advocacy groups have a wide range of programs and agendas, and you should investigate a group's goals and funding prior to making a donation in another's name. For every person who thinks the animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (www.peta.org) is courageous, there are at least that many who are extremely opposed to them. Likewise with a group such as Heifer International (www.heifer.org), which works to provide food animals to third-world countries. A heroic effort to some, but probably not the best donation in the name of the leather-avoiding vegan in your life.

Some animal-related charities are notorious for paying high salaries to executives while delivering relatively little funding to the programs they're supposed to be supporting. Several Web sites are good for investigating charities, among them Guidestar (www.guidestar.org) and CharityNavigator (www.charitynavigator.org).

BY THE NUMBERS

Paging Dr. Pet

Studies have consistently shown that animals are good for not only our mental well-being but our physical health as well. Not surprisingly, 92 percent of people polled in 2002 said they believed their pet provided them with some personal health benefits:

My pet eases my stress level: 84 percent

My pet helps improve my mental health: 71 percent

Providing exercise for my pet has improved my physical fitness: 34 percent

My pet lowers my blood pressure: 32 percent

Source: American Animal Hospital Association

The Scoop

License plates to help animals

Florida is one of the most recent entries into a very caring club: The state will soon be issuing vehicle license plates with a spay-neuter message, with proceeds going to spay-neuter programs.

The state is in good company. According to the Cat Fanciers Association, Florida joins 18 states in which similar plates are already available: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

A handful of other states are considering similar action, including Arizona. That state laid the groundwork over the summer and set a deadline of June 30 for a nonprofit to step up and pay the state's expenses to begin issuing the plates, which will then provide funds for spay-neuter programs.

License plates with spay-neuter messages seem to be one of the rare areas of legislative action where both breeder-rights and animal-welfare groups agree.

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 petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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

Time magazine called The Bark "the New Yorker for dog lovers." Oprah calls it a "must read." Famous writers and illustrators are delighted to be asked for contributions, and a Hollywood production company wants to use the magazine's signature "Dog Is My Co-Pilot" bumper sticker on the set of an upcoming blockbuster.

"We hope the scene doesn't get cut," says The Bark's Claudia Kawczynska, eyebrows raised in "Can you believe this is happening to us?" fashion during a recent interview at the magazine's storefront office in Berkeley, Calif. Kawczynska is the magazine's co-founder and its editorial voice; her partner (and life partner) Cameron Woo has also been there from the first and is responsible for the magazine's lush, cutting-edge design.

Together, they produce an award-winning magazine that stands out in the pet category like a red-spotted Dalmatian at a dog show.

Dog lovers are still just beginning to take notice -- 75,000 loyal readers in an industry where circulations many times larger don't guarantee a magazine's survival. No matter: The Bark is thriving, with plans for expansion and a second book deal in the works.

"People were really interested in reading about dogs in a way that wasn't in print," says Kawczynska of the publication's founding in 1997. Its steady growth is in the hands of two people who are honest with their readers, are enthusiastic champions of good writing and design, and (no surprise here) are devoted lovers of all things canine.

Writing about dogs is nothing new, of course. Eugene O'Neill once wrote about the death of his dog in a heartbreakingly lovely piece that's often sent to anyone who has had to put down a beloved old dog. In the early decades of the last century, Albert Payson Terhune wrote book after book on his Sunnybank collies, so many stories that for a time he was the country's best-selling author, more so than his better-remembered friend Sinclair Lewis.

But by the time The Bark was whelped as a regional newsletter advocating areas for off-leash recreation, the market for dog lit was very small indeed. Mainstream pet publications were more interested in bland how-to, and the more literary of the general-circulation magazines that survived into the new century did little more than grudgingly toss dog lovers a bone now and then.

The homeless works that weren't getting published -- the short stories, the essays, the photographs, cartoons and illustrations -- have found their forever home in The Bark.

"A lot of people have stuff about dogs that didn't make it into print. We knew it was in their drawers, and we asked for it," says Woo, telling of the New Yorker cartoonist who when asked if he had any rejected dog cartoons sent over a stack for the couple to go through.

"We went to bookstores and looked on the jackets for pictures of writers we liked," says Kawczynska. "When we saw them pictured with a dog, we'd contact them to see if they had anything for us."

They surely did, with authors from Alice Walker to Erica Jong and more offering pieces for pages of The Bark. "Cameron and I scratched our heads and thought, 'We might have something here,'" says Kawczynska.

Advertisers were thinking so, too, especially after Woo and Kawczynska took a big leap of faith, leaving their jobs and converting the publication from newsletter to glossy magazine. Although The Bark is different from many magazines in that the content isn't designed to support -- or at least not detract from -- advertisers, some of the big names started sniffing around. The first was Saab, trying to reach dog lovers with a model equipped with dog-friendly options. Jeep was not far behind, along with anyone looking to tap into an affluent, dog-crazy demographic.

Along with some of the best writing around -- best-selling author Pam Houston has a piece in the current issue -- The Bark has expanded to include serious, cutting-edge reporting that can rarely be found elsewhere, on canine health, training, and on issues that recall those that got The Bark its start.

After all, it's still all about the dogs. "I hope my enthusiasm for the subject matter is reflected in the magazine," says Kawczynska.

"Our interest in doing the magazine certainly hasn't peaked," says Woo, in what has to be good news for anyone who loves dogs and good writing.

SIDEBAR

TO SUBSCRIBE

The regular price of a subscription to The Bark is $15 per year for five issues, but the magazine is currently running a holiday special -- $8 for additional subscriptions with the purchase of one at full price. To subscribe, call 1-877-227-5639, or go to the Web site, www.thebark.com. For $20, the magazine is also offering a year's subscription bundled with a paperback copy of The Bark's anthology, "Dog Is My Co-Pilot: Great Writers on the World's Oldest Friendship" (Crown).

Q&A

Wild wood makes for great perches

Q: I've read that the pine perches that come with a birdcage need to be replaced because they're dangerous. If that's true, what should I be using instead? -- R.Y., via e-mail

A: There's nothing inherently 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. Not all wood is good, though: Treated or painted lumber should not go in your bird's cage.

Wild wood is probably best. Cut branches to a length to fit in your bird's cage. Scrub and clean them well with soap; then 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.)

The best perches are those that keep your bird busy destroying them. Think of perches as replaceable cage furnishings. Tearing them up is good for your bird, providing both exercise and entertainment.

Q: My ferret loves raisins. I've read that raisins aren't good for dogs, though, so I wonder if they're safe for my ferret. Do you know? -- P.E., via e-mail

A: It's true that raisins and grapes are a no-no for dogs. No one really knows exactly what the problem is. But starting in the late '80s, random reports of dogs dying after eating grapes or raisins became frequent enough that the Animal Poison Control Center put the fruits on its hazard list (www.aspca.org; click on Animal Poison Control Center). While I wouldn't panic over one or two raisins, any dog who nabs a large bunch of grapes or a container of raisins needs to see a veterinarian right away.

So where does this leave ferrets when it comes to raisins? Most ferrets love raisins, and giving them one or two raisins a day is probably fine. Don't give more than that, however.

That advice goes for all treats, by the way: A little goes a long way. Safe treats for ferrets include bits of lean, cooked meat or hard-boiled eggs, low-sugar cereals or cooked veggies. Commercial treats are probably fine, but again, don't go overboard.

Some foods ferrets may like -- but should not be allowed to eat -- include anything alcoholic or caffeinated, or with added salt or sugar. Chocolate is also not recommended, and the same goes for seeds and nuts. Some ferrets should not be given dairy products, since milk products will cause diarrhea in some of these animals.

One of the best ways to use treats is for trick-training, which helps to keep your ferret from being bored.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

ON THE WEB

Site takes seriously reports of animal abuse

Research has long confirmed what law-enforcement has long known: There's a direct line from animal abuse to crimes against humans. That's why even people who don't care about animals should insist on heavy penalties for animal abuse by adults, and for prompt intervention when children abuse animals.

Pet-Abuse.com is an incredibly thorough Web site that's geared to get out the information on cases of animal abuse and why they're important. The nonprofit group behind the Web site tracks cases across the United States and Canada, and generates up-to-date graphics from its extensive databases showing who the most likely perpetrators are. The group also assists humane groups in making prosecutors and judges take animal abuse seriously.

The site is a no-nonsense primer on animal abuse, its origins and its outcomes. You'll find little in the way of gory pictures or overblown cases descriptions here, just a just-the-facts overview powerfully presented. -- G.S.

PET BUY

Toys let your cat play mean with dogs

As one might imagine, I do a lot of shopping for pet-related goods. Every now and then, I run into something so adorable it stops me in my tracks. Into this category fall hand-knitted, catnip-stuffed toys in the shape of popular dog breeds, available from the San Francisco-based pet boutique George (www.georgesf.com).

Not content to buy the same upscale pet gear everyone else has, the folks at George -- the store was named after the owners' fox terrier -- commission many of the products for sale in the two stores (the other is in Berkeley, Calif.) and on the Web. The beds, carriers, bowls and many of the toys are George-exclusive, all very nice, but the cat toys really stood out on a recent visit.

Choose a spaniel, a German shepherd, a poodle, terrier or dachshund, each $8. Just as cute and a little less expensive are the hand-knitted frogs and bugs, $6 each.

THE SCOOP

Tiny they may be, but toys they are not

With interest sparked by trend-setters like Paris Hilton, whose tiny Chihuahua is a constant companion, small dogs are on many people's must-have list these days. And that worries Darlene Arden, a certified animal behavior expert and author whose specialty is the health and behavior issues of the tiniest of dog breeds.

Arden is especially concerned about the trend toward ever-smaller dogs, whom she says are even more delicate and prone to health problems than their slightly larger relations.

"The smaller they are, the more health problems," says the author of the definitive work on small dogs, "The Irrepressible Toy Dog" ($18, Howell Book House). "Too often, these tiny dogs are bred with no consideration of health and temperament. I've known toys dogs that look cute but acted like Cujo.

"The especially small dogs shouldn't be bred. And when they turn up in litters, reputable breeders place them with people who understand the extra care and expense," she says, reeling off a list of health problems in the more popular of tiny breeds and mixes. And that doesn't even include the things that can happen to them strictly because they're so small -- everything from breaking bones by being dropped to being killed by larger dogs.

"They're so fragile," says Arden. "People have no idea. They lose body heat more quickly, and even their tiny organs can be a challenge for a veterinarian, as can be anesthesia. Everything that possibly can go wrong will with these dogs."

Their fragility makes small dogs especially inappropriate for families with young children. "People think because the dog is small the animal is "child-sized,'" she says. "They don't think that even a child is huge to a tiny dog. The dog can so easily be hurt, or may think he has to bite in self-defense."

Arden says far from being suitable for everyone, toy breeds are best in the homes of empty-nesters, especially those who understand the special needs of these small dogs.

"This trend of dog as fashion accessory is frightening to me," she says. "These are living, breathing, sentient beings -- not purses, rings or bracelets."

PET Rx

Toys can help keep perch potatoes active

Birds need exercise, too! From the smallest budgie to the largest macaw, parrots are highly intelligent, active birds who need to keep mentally and physically active to stay healthy. Birds do get fat: Amazons, especially, seem prone to becoming overweight perch potatoes. (Especially when allowed to eat an unhealthy diet of seeds.)

Anything a parrot can dig into, from a toy to a challenging healthy food that requires effort to eat, is good. One toy in particular is good for burning the calories consumed by a sedentary bird: the coiled-rope perch. This springy invention requires effort to stay on, and some birds become so enamored of it that they'll spend hours bouncing up and down.

An annual healthy-bird checkup is a must for your bird. That's a great time to discuss your bird's diet and make any necessary changes to eating or exercise routines.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

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 petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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

When I first started writing about animal issues more than 20 years ago, I went to a conference for shelter workers put on by the Humane Society of the United States.

One of the seminars was on shelter housing for cats. While I have long ago forgotten the speaker's name and the name of her shelter, I have never forgotten my horror at the conditions she described as once being normal at her facility -- conditions she changed within days of her arrival.

When she took over management of her shelter, cats were housed together in a run at the end of a kennel row for dogs. The only special accommodation that had been made for them was to put a chain-link roof over the run to prevent escapes. All the cats were thrown into that same run, in full view of neighboring dogs. Every few days they'd all be killed, sooner if disease broke out.

Very few people came to adopt from this shelter, and when on rare occasion someone did, the adopter would point to the cat he or she wanted, and the animal would be snared like a wild animal and dragged out by the neck.

The lack of shock on the faces of shelter workers around me in that conference room told me that this horror chamber of a facility was not alone in its treatment of cats at that time.

Most shelters have come a long way since, and the trend these days is toward so-called "colony" housing, keeping small groups of cats in large, feline-friendly enclosures. Popular with human visitors and less stressful for resident felines, colony housing has caught on in both small community-based rescue groups and large urban shelter organizations.

"It's much more sociable for cats and the people who visit," says Melinie diLuck, founder of Happy Tails in Sacramento, Calif. The small non-profit opened up a storefront adoption facility in 2000, colony-style from the start. "People don't like seeing cats in cages. This way, they can see a cat's true personality."

The Hawaiian Humane Society, in Honolulu, has to be one of the pioneers in colony-style housing, which the organization put in place more than 30 years ago.

"We have four separate rooms in our Cat House," says Marty Hutchins, the society's animal-behavior program coordinator. "Three are colony rooms, and one has individual housing for 16 cats ... mostly for those who do not like other cats, are shy or need a more private space. Often after a few days of adjustment, our cats seem to enjoy being in our colony rooms."

The Denver Dumb Friends League is a more recent convert to colony housing -- the new cat rooms are about a year old, and the old individual cat spaces are still in use. The DDFL's president, Robert Rohde, is enthusiastic about the changes at his shelter.

"In my experience, over the past 31 years many positive changes have occurred in the way shelters care for cats. More effort has been placed on relieving stress on cats while they are in shelters," he says. "Happy, active cats are much more interesting to watch. You'll often see a patron outside the building flirting with a cat through the window."

A visit to the shelter verifies the claim -- the cats in Denver's colorful colony rooms are relaxed and comfortable, putting their best paws forward while hoping to be adopted. In this shelter as in others, colony rooms are harder than individual cages to manage when it comes to controlling the spread of disease from cat to cat and smoothing introductions between them, but they're clearly a success overall with cats and people alike.

On a recent afternoon in Denver, little girls flirted with playful kittens while a young woman considered an older cat who seemed to be considering her just as thoughtfully. The relaxed attitude of humans and cats made me think back to that conference all those years ago, and the stories of those poor cats whose last few days of life were spent in terror in a place that should have treated them with kindness.

Sometimes it seems we don't make much progress when it comes to the humane treatment of animals. But sometimes, it must be noted, we do.

Q&A

Milk is fine for some cats

Q: I was recently adopted by an older cat I've named Lee. She didn't have a collar or tag, and no one answered my "found cat" ad. But she is very affectionate and clearly was somebody's pet once. I give Lee the little bit of milk at the bottom of my cereal bowl. She loves it, and I thought it was OK for her. Cats love milk, right? But my friend says milk is bad for cats. Do I have to deny Lee her occasional milk treat? She's not going to like that! -- J.P., via e-mail

A: No adult cat needs milk to survive, and some cats, like some humans, cannot handle milk without ending up with diarrhea. For those cats who can handle milk and like it, it's a fine treat and good source of protein.

If Lee isn't experiencing any stomach distress, then it's perfectly safe to give her milk as a treat. Feel free to indulge her just as you have been.

Q: Would it be a good idea to get two puppies at once? I'm in and out a lot and worry about leaving a puppy alone. Would getting two at once help to ease the loneliness, or would it create problems? -- L.E., via e-mail

A: Most people haven't the time to raise one puppy right, and trying to raise two at once can be setup for disaster.

Two puppies who are raised together will often bond more tightly with each other than with the human members of the house, especially if the pups are from the same litter. Experienced show breeders, who often "grow out" a pair of promising puppies, often get around this problem by sending one of the youngsters to be raised by another breeder.

House-training can be a challenge with two puppies, because one may not get the concept as quickly as the other. Fresh messes from the one who's not getting it may prompt backsliding in the other pup. Obedience training and all-important socialization can also be hard, since you have to find the time to work with each puppy individually.

If you wish to have two dogs more or less instantly, I'd recommend adopting an adult dog and then a puppy. Give the adult dog a couple of months to settle before bringing in the pup. You'll still need to take time to work with both individually, but if you choose properly, the adult dog should slide easily into your life, giving you ample time to work with the puppy.

You should also consider adopting two adult dogs. Puppies are wonderful, but there's a lot to be said about skipping those crazy first months of their lives. For many families, an adult dog is flat-out a better match.

Q: Can you please explain how to put on a choke collar properly? I'm tired of seeing people walking their dogs with it on wrong. -- C.N., via e-mail

A: With the dog sitting on your left, make a downward-facing "P" out of the collar, with the base of the letter on your side. Then slip the collar over the dog's head. The moving end of the collar should go over the dog's neck, not under it. If it's put on incorrectly, the collar will not release easily when the leash is slackened.

The choke collar is one of the most difficult pieces of training equipment to use properly, which is why I have in recent years discouraged its use. Newer products such as head halters and no-pull harnesses are easier to use and provide control with less strain on the dog.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

ON THE WEB

Are you a collie or a basset hound?

If you were a dog, would you be a clever, intense border collie? A laid-back basset hound? An energetic fox terrier or an elegant Afghan hound? If you've ever wondered -- or even if you haven't -- you'll surely get a smile out of the Gone 2 the Dogs Web site (www.gone2thedogs.com). Click on "What dog are you?" to play.

Answer a few questions, and the site will tell you what breed of dog you'd be. I came back as a large Munsterlander, which is not a kind of cheese but rather a German hunting dog that's a fair amount like an English setter. The result surprised me, because the first time I ever saw a Munsterlander in person was last spring at England's Cruft's dog show, when I fell utterly in love with the breed.

Could it be I was recognizing myself in a furry coat? The mystery remains.

PET TIP

Recycled covers for cat beds

Cats crave warmth, which is why they're wonderful bed companions on a cold night. But when you can't be there to provide snuggle-space, your cat will appreciate a soft bed to sleep on.

The Denver Dumb Friends League uses old toilet-seat covers to cushion cats waiting for adoption. The covers are the perfect size for most cats and provide a perfect option to throwing out old covers when they're worn or your décor changes. (If you have extras, check and see if your local shelter will welcome the donation.)

Since covering upholstery is one way to protect it from cat hair, you might put a seat cover or two in places your cat loves to nap, such as the couch or a favorite chair. Whatever hair ends up on the seat-cover won't get on your upholstery and will easily come out in the wash.

THE SCOOP

Shelter goes high-tech with pet selection

Most people have an idea what kind of pet they want before they head out with the intention of adoption. Problem is, many times they're not on the right track. They may have fallen in love with a large, active breed of dog when their lifestyle is more suitable to a mellow older cat. Or they may not even be aware of the charms of other pets, such as birds, reptiles or rabbits.

This lack of education leads to a lot of disappointment. The person who makes a bad match when it comes to choosing a pet is at high risk for giving up the animal later. And every time an animal comes in through the shelter door, there's less of a possibility for that animal to go out again with another family.

Shelters have long recognized that education is key to successful pet placements. And in Denver, the pioneering Denver Dumb Friends League has taken its already robust educational efforts in a decidedly high-tech direction.

As part of a larger renovation of the organization's main shelter, 13 interactive kiosks were installed at the beginning of 2004, offering more than 1,000 users a month the chance to learn about choosing the right pet and properly caring for a new companion. The kiosks are equipped with bright graphics, crisp writing and touch screens that allow pet-lovers to move through the information in a way that's both educational and entertaining.

"People like them," says Corey Price, the DDFL's manager of humane education, who wrote the text and oversaw the installation of the kiosks. "Playing with the interactives is fun, better than watching TV."

Price says the kiosks are aimed at an audience of 8-year-olds and up, and offer people another reason to come to the shelter.

"It's free to come down and learn about the animals, and we don't mind if they adopt," says Price.

BY THE NUMBERS

Don't forget shelter pets

Exact numbers are impossible to come by, since no one even knows how many shelters there are in the United States and Canada. But using a survey of 1,000 shelters in 1997 as a base, it's estimated that 9.7 million animals a year are euthanized in shelters. While some animals entering shelters are not considered to be adoptable, many would be wonderful companions if only given a chance.

More shelter stats:

-- In 1997, roughly 64 percent of the total number of animals entering shelters were euthanized.

-- 56 percent of dogs and 71 percent of cats entering animal shelters are euthanized.

-- 15 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats entering animal shelters are reunited with their owners.

-- 25 percent of dogs and 24 percent of cats entering animal shelters are adopted.

Source: American Humane Association (www.americanhumane.org) and the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (www.petpopulation.org).

PET Rx

Figuring out dog's age in "human years"

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, the first eight months of a dog's life equals 13 years in human terms -- birth to puberty, in other words. At a year, a dog's a teenager, equivalent to a 16-year-old human, with a little filling out still to do. After the age of 2, when a dog's about 21 in human terms, every dog year equals approximately five human ones.

These are ballpark estimates, however, because different dogs age at very different rates. Giant breeds such as Great Danes are senior citizens at 6; a Labrador may be considered old at 8. A little dog like the Pomeranian, however, could behave like a healthy adult into her teens.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

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 petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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