When I first started writing about the importance of taking care of a pet's teeth, the response I most often heard was one of astonishment. "I'm supposed to brush my pet's teeth?" pet lovers would say. "You're kidding, right?"

These days, pet lovers respond not with surprise, but with guilt. "I know I should brush my pet's teeth, but I don't because my cat won't put up with it," they say. Or they don't have time, or they forget.

And so ignorance becomes guilt. Now that's progress! And the next step: good dental health from the very beginning.

Why is this important? Beyond the bad breath caused by rotting teeth and gums -- "dog breath" is a symptom of disease, not a normal part of owning a dog -- the infections caused by dental problems can shorten your pet's life by damaging internal organs. Bad teeth can also leave your pet in constant pain.

Veterinarians now recommend training kittens and puppies to accept having their teeth brushed, a job that's not really that hard, even with older dogs and cats. Approach the task with a positive attitude, take it slow and easy, and then follow with something the pet likes -- a play session or a food treat. There are also products in gel form available that can be applied to teeth to keep them clean of plaque.

For kittens and puppies, the focus is on training and prevention, but adult pets will likely need veterinary attention before a preventive-care program can help. Your veterinarian should check your pet's mouth, teeth and gums as part of the regular examination, and make recommendations based on what he or she finds there. For many pets, the next step will be a complete dentistry under anesthesia. The procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour, and involves not only cleaning and polishing the teeth, but also checking for and treating broken or rotting teeth, cavities, abscesses and periodontal disease.

Today's anesthetics are dramatically safer than those of even a few years ago, making the dangers and pain of untreated dental problems the bigger risk to health, even with older pets.

After the problems are treated, at-home care can keep things in good shape. Here are some tips:

-- Brush or wipe regularly. Use a toothpaste designed for dogs and cats a couple of times a week at least, although daily is better. Don't use toothpaste made for people, because animals don't know how to rinse and spit. Pet toothpastes contain enzymes that help dissolve plaque and can be swallowed. They also have a flavor pets appreciate.

Use a toothbrush made for pets, or a children's toothbrush. You can also use plain gauze wrapped around a finger or a fingertip brush. Some vets suggest that gauze may work better with cats, especially if dipped in tuna or clam juice first.

-- Offer teeth-cleaning toys and consider teeth-cleaning food. Some pet-food companies now offer kibble with a mild abrasive texture to help keep teeth clean, or with ingredients that help keep plaque from forming. Ask your vet about these if tartar buildup is a chronic problem for your pet.

Soft chew toys and a chew rope can help keep teeth clean, too. Avoid chews that are hard or are prone to breaking into sharp pieces. These can break teeth or slice gums.

Once your pet's teeth are in good shape, you'll immediately notice an end to bad breath. The true benefits of dental care go far beyond a better-smelling mouth, however, making what seems on surface to be an aesthetic issue one that is in fact a cornerstone of a preventive-care program.

SIDEBAR

February is Pet Dental Health Month. During the month, your veterinarian may provide special information on your pet's dental care or have special offers on services. Check with your veterinarian for more.

Information on dental care and products for pets can be found on several Web sites, including:

-- Pets Need Dental Care, Too (www.petdental.com)

-- C.E.T. Home Dental care (www.cetdental.com)

-- OraVet (www.oravet.com)

-- Veterinary Oral Health Council (www.vohc.org)

-- Veterinary Partner Dental Care Series, by Dr. Jan Bellows (www.veterinarypartner.com)

Q&A

Divorce story draws howls of protest

Q: What's the deal with portraying mere animals as equal to children in your recent column on divorce and pets? "Joint custody" is terminology that is supposed to be used when referring to children, not pets. In case you hadn't noticed, cats, dogs, hamsters, ferrets, gerbils and hermit crabs are not children. Just because their delusional owners think they are children doesn't make it so.

Attorney Bernard Clair is quoted as saying, "People need to ask, 'What would be the best situation for the pet?'" Excuse me? Pets are not children, for crying out loud! They can't be traumatized by divorce. Do you think a cat cares who its owner is? Of course not. Just so long as someone is opening the can of pet food, that's all that matters to these small-brained animals. -- D.R., via e-mail

Q: In your column, you included lawyer Bernard Clair's quote that states animals are "sentient beings." What was he smoking when he came up with that comment? Animals have the "right to enjoy their time on this planet." Does this man not know anything about Darwin's theory of evolution?

Evolution doesn't give any animals any kind of rights. Only people are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness because only we can think.

Animals aren't sentient beings. They are instinct-driven beasts, unwitting slaves to evolution. They certainly aren't children, which is how your column was trying to portray them, with the talk of "joint custody." -- M.W., via e-mail

A: "Small-brained animals"? "Instinct-driven beasts"? I'm curious: Has either one of you ever shared your life with a pet? I can't imagine that anyone who's loved a pet would suggest animals have no bond with their owners or have no emotional life whatsoever.

I got a surprising amount of e-mail in regard to the recent column on pets and divorce, some of it quite nasty. What the problem is with the word "sentient," I don't know. Animals clearly are sentient, inasmuch as they are conscious and have emotions, even if their emotions are not as complex as our own.

While neither I nor (I'm guessing) Mr. Clair believes animals to be "equal" to children, I don't think it's unreasonable to consider an animal's needs when deciding who gets the pet when a marriage dissolves. After a divorce, one party may be in no position to keep a pet, because of a housing situation, hours worked or other factors, while the other person may have a lifestyle more suitable to keeping a pet. If the divorcing couple fairly considers an animal's needs and makes the "custody" arrangements appropriately, then I say they deserve to be respected for their kindness to their pets and to each other.

To me, it comes down to responsibility. When we take an animal into our home, we should be making a commitment to care for that animal for life. When a household situation changes, it's part of our responsibility to determine what's best for the animals in our care.

I don't believe animals to be the same as children, but I do believe they deserve more consideration than an inanimate piece of property. In my mind, the issue here is not about the standing of animals in the eyes of the law, but rather about following through on one's responsibilities to the animals one brings into the family as members of the family.

Our pets count on us to do what's right for them. If the silverware ends up in the Dumpster as a result of a nasty divorce, there's no real harm to the silverware, which cannot feel fear, pain or grief.

If an animal ends up thrown away, it's a different story entirely.

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

ON THE WEB

Funny cat book started as Web site

"Bad Cat: 244 Not-So-Pretty Kitties and Cats Gone Bad" by Jim Edgar (Workman Publishing, $10) was the surprise hit of the holiday season, a New York Times best-selling book for several weeks running. The book draws from the enormously popular Web site MyCatHatesYou.com, which is home to hundreds of really silly pictures of cats with bad attitudes.

The site started as an inside joke in 2001 among some folks at Microsoft and soon became a favorite among cat lovers of all persuasions. Be warned: The humor and language on the site is often off-color.

In the book or on the Web site, the pictures are bound to make you laugh, sometimes against your better intentions. Cats are caught in every pose imaginable, some looking extremely cross at being bothered by the camera. The expressions alone suggest that cats know a lot more about us than they let on and are putting up with us only grudgingly.

PET Rx

'Scooting' probably not worm-related

No art (Believe me: You don't want art)

Does your dog scoot along on his fanny? You need to talk to your veterinarian about your pet's anal glands.

Anal glands are a topic no dog lover likes to think about, but the subject often cannot be ignored. Positioned on either side of the anus, the glands secrete a material that smells vile. Normal defecation may keep the glands emptied, but in some dogs, impactions and infections become a real problem.

The glands should be emptied regularly, a task that's simple if unappealing. Your veterinarian can show you how to empty the glands, or you can have the groomer do it for you when your dog's in for a regular grooming.

Infections of the anal glands are not uncommon, and they need to be treated by your veterinarian. In some cases, chronic infections need to be dealt with by having the glands removed.

Veterinary Partner has a demonstration of how to empty anal glands on its Web site. Go to veterinarypartner.com and search on the words "anal sacs."

(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.)

PET PLATES

Crazy cocker family picks perfect plate

DOGSCAB: I've been saving your column because I had just ordered special plates for our three cars. The picture I'm sending you is of our minivan. We have four cocker spaniels -- Sassy, Sadie, Buddy and Bailey -- and I have three crates in the van. Sassy and Sadie ride in a crate together; Buddy and Bailey have their own crate. Our veterinarian and friends call us the Crazy Cocker Family, and our daughter thinks we are way out of control when it comes to our babies. -- J.H., via e-mail

(Send pictures and stories of your pet plates to petconnection@gmail.com. )

PET BOOKS

Pet-moving guide offers good information

Usually I don't write about books that aren't as well-written and well-organized as they are well-researched, but with Carrie Straub's "The Pet-Moving Handbook" (First Books, $10), I have to make an exception. That's because although the book is a mess organizationally and tends to repeat itself in places, it's the only book I remember seeing that's dedicated exclusively to this important topic.

Straub offers a lot of practical information on moving pets of all kinds, from the more-popular dogs and cats to caged pets and even exotics. Along the way, she offers sound advice on the logistics and expense of moving a pet, as well as tips on how to help pets cope with the process.

Trying to read this slender book straight through will give you a headache. An index would have been most helpful, but the table of contents is complete enough to help you find the information you need. To be fair, some of the advice she keeps repeating bears repeating: Make sure all pets are securely contained in crates or on leash while being moved, and that they have current ID in case they get lost.

Darlene Arden is pet expert who always turns out solidly researched, well-written books, and her latest is no exception. "Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Can't Get Unless You're a Dog" (McGraw-Hill, $15) delivers on what has to be one of the longest titles I've ever seen on a pet book, packing in hundreds of interesting tidbits between the covers.

Arden is an admitted shopaholic. ("I've often told friends that if they're looking for me at a dog show, just follow the smell of melting plastic," she says.) Her expertise is obvious in this book, which focuses in large part on pet-supply retailers and their entertaining, if sometimes quirky, merchandise.

Her travel section is also comprehensive. Most interesting: the section on dog-specific museums and memorials around the world, such the dog-collar museum in England, and Stephen Huneck's Dog Chapel in Vermont.

BY THE NUMBERS

Is one dog enough?

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 40.6 percent of all households in the United States owned at least one dog in 2002, a figure largely unchanged from the two previous surveys in 2000 and 1998. The total number of dogs owned per household has increased, however, to an average of 1.6. In 2002:

Number of dogs owned Total dog owners

One 65 percent

Two 23 percent

Three or more 12 percent

PET TIP

Socialization a must for growing puppies

Puppies need to be protected from disease until their shots are complete, but that doesn't mean they can't be socialized. Dog-training experts say puppies should be exposed to as many new situations, people and objects as possible to ensure that they will grow up to be confident, stable dogs.

Stay clear of any area where unknown dogs have access, such as public sidewalks and parks. Instead, expose your puppy to areas that are as disease-free as possible, including your home and the homes of friends with dogs whose vaccination status is known. Your puppy needs to be gently and safely introduced to as many surfaces, sights, sounds and smells as possible, and should be given the opportunity to be lovingly petted by as many different kinds and ages of people as you can find.

Once your veterinarian gives the go-ahead, pull out the stops and take your puppy everywhere you can. The more socialization the better in these important early months of life.

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

In a convincing show of dominance that would make even the Republican Party drool with envy, the Labrador retriever is America's top dog for the 15th consecutive year.

Based on just-released American Kennel Club registration statistics for 2004, Labradors accounted for almost one in six of all registrations among the organization's 154 recognized breeds. In all, 146,692 Labs were registered, almost three times as many as the No. 2 breed, the golden retriever, which numbered 52,550 in 2004.

Any way you look at it, that's a lot of Labradors. And that doesn't even count those dogs eligible for AKC registration whose owners never bothered to send in the forms, or Labs registered with other organizations, or those purebred but not papered. And it certainly doesn't take into account the Lab mixes so common in any shelter, or this year's hot mixed breed, the Labradoodle.

Is the Labrador really that perfect a dog, so good a fit in so many kinds of families? While the Lab's probably not all that much better a family dog than some of the lesser-known but equally family-friendly breeds around, it's certainly true Labradors have a lot to offer.

Once they get over their rambunctious and often destructive adolescence (which can last for the first couple of years, or more), Labradors settle into a wonderful, easygoing adulthood. While not well-suited to either an isolated or sedentary life, the Lab fits in with most other situations, and is happiest in an active home with children. The breed's easy-care coat needs little in the way of brushing.

Although not bred to be especially protective, the Labrador's size alone will provide some degree of security, and few criminals will care to guess if the breed's big-dog bark is a warning or a welcome.

On the down side, Labradors are happy eaters, and so are prone to obesity especially in situations where exercise is rare. Because of their incredible popularity, Labs have attracted the interest of clueless and careless breeders, who produce animals without regard to health or temperament concerns. When buying a puppy, it's essential to find a reputable breeder who screens all breeding stock for such painful and expensive health problems as hip dysplasia.

These caveats aside, there's good reason for the Labrador's hold on America's dog-loving heart, and no sign of the love affair ending any time soon.

Or is there?

Times change, and so do fashions, even in dogs. Anyone with the idea that popularity or politics never change might want to consider the fact that the genial, lovable Lab will have to put in another couple of decades at No. 1 to top the poodle's run from the late '50s until the Labrador took over.

These days, the best the poodle could manage is eighth place -- and that's for all three sizes combined.

SIDEBAR

City by city

While the Labrador retriever topped registration numbers in most cities, there are a couple of places where the breed didn't rank No. 1. In Miami, the German shepherd is top dog, while in New York City, the more reasonably urban-sized dachshund is No. 1.

More variety could be found in the No. 2 slot, with the Yorkshire terrier second-most popular behind the Labrador in Detroit, Washington, D.C., Tampa, Fla., Las Vegas and Houston.

A complete ranking of all 154 American Kennel Club breeds for 2004 can be found on the organization's Web site, www.akc.org.

SIDEBAR

Top 25

1. Labrador retriever

2. Golden retriever

3. German shepherd

4. Beagle

5. Yorkshire terrier

6. Dachshund

7. Boxer

8. Poodle

9. Shih Tzu

10. Chihuahua

11. Miniature schnauzer

12. Pug

13. Pomeranian

14. Bulldog

15. Cocker spaniel

16. Rottweiler

17. Boston terrier

18. Shetland sheepdog

19. Maltese

20. German shorthaired pointer

21. Miniature pinscher

22. Doberman pinscher

23. Pembroke Welsh corgi

24. Siberian husky

25. Basset hound

Q&A

Cat spraying is not a litter-box problem

Q: Our cat has suddenly started spraying urine on the furniture. We've squirted him, spanked him and yelled at him, but it doesn't help. He's still using the litter box, just not all the time. My husband says if it doesn't stop, the cat goes out. Can you help? -- P.F., via the Internet

A: The application of urine to mark territory is different from the release of urine to eliminate waste from the body. The strategies for addressing spraying are different from those that you use in getting a cat to use a litter box.

That said, the first step is exactly the same: Take your cat in to see his veterinarian to make sure there isn't some sort of health issue triggering this annoying change in behavior. Your veterinarian's office is the place to start with behavior problems of any kind, especially when they come on suddenly in previously well-mannered pets.

Although both male and female cats may spray, unneutered males are the biggest offenders. You didn't mention if your cat is neutered, but if he isn't, he should be. Neutering takes care of the problem in the majority of cases if done before sexual maturity is attained. While neutering isn't quite as effective on adult cats who start spraying, it's worthwhile to alter older spraying cats as well.

For those cats who don't respond to neutering, environmental stresses -- such as a new person or pet in the house or a neighbor's cat in the yard -- may be triggering the spraying. Anti-anxiety drugs may help (talk to your veterinarian), as can cleaning sprayed areas thoroughly and covering them with foil to discourage fresh marking. (Cats dislike anything involving foil, and the sound of urine hitting it really annoys them.) There are also some pheromone-based aerosol products that may help calm your cat and reduce the urge to spray.

Don't punish your cat for spraying, even if you catch him in the act. Doing so makes him even more anxious and more likely to mark. Punishment is never a good strategy when trying to solve behavior problems in cats.

Q: I want other cat lovers to learn from my experience, and want to ask your help in doing so. A couple of months ago my cat lost interest in eating. She was not by any measure a slender cat, so I thought it wasn't that big a deal at first. By the time I got her to the vet's, though, she was gravely ill and I lost her. I feel so guilty for not getting her help sooner. The veterinarian said she died of a liver problem that's a problem in fat cats. Will you please caution others about this? I am utterly heartbroken. -- S.R., via e-mail

A: I'm so sorry for your loss. I know you wouldn't have delayed care for your cat if you knew the situation was as serious as it turned out to be, so please don't beat yourself up for this.

I'm guessing your cat died of feline hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver disease. The condition is triggered when a cat stops eating for any reason, pushing the cat into a downward spiral. She doesn't eat, which makes her feel crummy, so she won't eat and so on, until she's too ill to be saved. The reason fat cats are at greater risk is because their livers are too choked with fat to function properly.

Feline hepatic lipidosis is one of the reasons why it's a good idea to work with your veterinarian when trying to slim down a fat cat, since the job needs to be done slowly and carefully.

The bottom line: Any cat who doesn't eat for more than 48 hours needs prompt veterinary care, especially if the animal is overweight.

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

PET BUY

Beware of signs that lead to lawsuits

My "Beware of Dog" signs came down years ago, after I interviewed an attorney who made a good piece of his living suing on behalf of dog-bite victims.

Keeping a dog who is known to be vicious is a far more serious issue than having one who has never been a problem before. Putting up a "Beware of Dog" sign, the attorney said, could arguably be an indication that a dog's owners knew he was a problem.

I've never shared my life with a dog who posed a threat to anything other than a full food dish. I posted my yard just to keep people out of it, as much to protect my dogs from open gates as anything else. It was a few years before someone came up with the perfect product to replace those "Beware of Dog" signs: Attractive metal plates that simply say "Dog in Yard."

I ordered them immediately and put them up on the outside of my fences. They provide all the protection my dogs need without suggesting my pets are anything but friendly.

The "Dog in Yard" signs, available in brown, blue or green with contrasting lettering, are $14.95 each from The Original Pet Postings, www.bigdoorproducts.com or 1-847-835-1106.

PET Rx

Meds for pets? Check with vet

While most people are aware that prescription drugs need to be kept safely away from pets, fewer seem to know that common over-the-counter medications can be just as dangerous.

The Animal Poison Control Center has issued a warning on medications containing pseudoephedrine, an ingredient that can be found in over-the-counter medications intended to provide relief for cold, sinus and allergy symptoms. The APCC warns that a single pill could have a noticeable effect on a small dog, and three tablets could be fatal.

The warning is a good reason to remember that all medications -- prescription, over-the-counter and herbal -- should be stored where pets cannot get to them, and should never be given to any animal without checking with your veterinarian first.

If your pet gets into any medication by accident, get hold of a veterinarian immediately. A wait-and-see approach is never a good idea, and it might cost your pet his 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.)

THE SCOOP

Enjoy the exotic, lovely and rare at a cat show

You don't need to know the difference between a Siamese and a Burmese to enjoy a trip to a cat show. Here are a few tips to make the day more enjoyable:

-- Wear comfortable, casual clothes with a little flexibility. Show halls are notorious for being too hot or too cold, no matter the outside temperature. Wear something light and carry a sweater, and you're covered either way. Carry a backpack or big purse, since you're sure to run across pet-food freebies or buy toys to take home to your cat.

-- Be aware of the demands on exhibitors. Your first question to any exhibitor should be: "Is this a good time to ask a few questions about your cats?" They'll let you know, and if it's not, they can tell you when will be. Never bother an exhibitor who has a cat in her arms -- she's almost certainly headed to or coming from the judging ring. And step aside: Cat-show etiquette, and common sense, demands that a person carrying a cat has the right-of-way.

-- Be respectful of the health and safety of the cats. Breeders are very concerned -- and rightly so -- about the spread of disease. So the only people who touch any cats at a show are the people who brought them and the judges, who are careful to sanitize their hands and the judging platform between each cat they handle.

-- Watch at least one class being judged. Cat-show judges often discuss the good and not-so-good points of each animal as they judge, and many are not only articulate and knowledgeable, but witty as well.

Best of all, a cat show is a special opportunity to see dozens of beautifully groomed cats -- not only of the more common breeds, but also of some of the rarest in the world.

ON THE WEB

All hamsters, all the time

The Hamsters Galore Web site (http://groups.msn.com/hamstersgalore) is home to hamster fanatics who happily share information and stories with one another.

The site is packed with countless choices from the silly to the practical. On the silly side: a section on what hamsters would say if they could talk, where speculation centers mostly on demanding choice bits of favorite foods. More practical offerings include tips on taming nippy hamsters, which foods and toys are safe, and how to find a good veterinarian.

From reading the posts, it's pretty clear that a lot of the visitors to Hamsters Galore are children who are doing their best with their very first pet. Such posts add a gentle sweetness to the site, especially in the poetry section, where the love of these little pets leads to some creative efforts powered by true affection and, sometimes, the pain of first loss.

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 it comes to pets in matters of divorce, the fact that we care so much about our animal companions is good news, because it means the courts are starting to look at animals as more than mere property.

Unfortunately, the fact that we care so much about our animal companions is also bad news, making pets a high-value item in the nastiest of marriage dissolutions.

"If you've got a mean divorce, whatever weapon is handy they're going to use," says prominent Manhattan divorce attorney Bernard Clair. "Money. Property. Children. Pets. Find what the other person wants, and want it even more."

Fortunately, Clair sees a trend toward a more humane handling of pets in divorce, perhaps driven by the higher status animals have in our lives.

"If a couple is at a point where a pet is loved enough to become an issue, then they need to ask a tough question and find the answer: 'What is best for this animal?'" he says. "The heart has to rule."

The heart, along with a dose of human decency, is a better arbiter of the issues than is a judge in most cases. That's because although some animal activists believe pet custody cases should be decided in the same way as child custody cases, that's not the way the law sees it now. "The best interest of the pet" is not a consideration, and the animal is pretty much considered property.

"People are better served when they can resolve their own controversies regarding pets during a divorce," says Clair. "It's a crapshoot when you leave the determination to someone else. That's true whether you find an enlightened judge or one who still looks at pets the same as silverware."

While Clair has seen joint custody arrangements where pets are shared, he doesn't think they work all that well. "I've seen little success with sharing a pet. The animal becomes almost schizophrenic."

His favorite arrangements are those where the pets go where the children do and can end up being a stabilizing influence on all involved.

"If the children are visiting the non-custodial parent, the pet follows the children," he says. "It works not only from the pet's point of view, but also from the children's. Mental-health professionals know the importance of a 'transitional object' that goes from one place to another and provides a source of comfort. A pet is perfect for that role."

In a more traditional divorce, says Clair, the mother gets the house, the pets and the children, leaving the father with feelings of loss and grief. "The pain is in the departing, and missing the pet can be part of that. Again, having the pet follow the children can be ideal for the father as well.

"The needs of all parties can be met by having the pet go where the kids do."

While judges cannot legally take the pet's best interest into consideration, Clair feels that some of them factor it in anyway -- and that changes are on the way in how the law will handle companion animals.

"You can't open a magazine anymore without seeing stories about animals. They have pain, and they suffer. As animals become recognized as sentient beings with the right to enjoy their time on this planet, the law will continue to evolve."

In the meantime, says Clair, it's still best for people to consider the needs of everyone involved in the divorce, to resolve issues as fairly as possible.

"Pets represent as much of an issue as how we're going to divide the flatware," he says. "People need to ask: What would be the best situation for the pet?"

Q&A

Confinement key to moving a cat

Q: We've bought a new home, and we'll be moving our cat, Zephyr, with us. He's almost 10, and this is the only home he has ever known since we brought him home as a kitten from the shelter. He is quite the man about town in our neighborhood, and we want him to be happy at the new place. Do you have some tips for making the transition easier? -- D.W., via e-mail

A: The best way to move your cat is to confine him to a small area before and after the move. The ideal place is a spare bedroom where your cat isn't going to be disturbed. Set up the area with food and water, a litter box, a scratching post and toys.

Don't feel bad about confining your pet: He'll be more calm and comfortable in a small space during the transition. Confining your cat also prevents him from slipping out, which is a danger at both the old and new home. Your cat should be confined in his safe room before packing begins, be moved to his new home in a carrier, and then be confined again in his new safe room until the moving is over, the furniture arranged and most of the dust settled.

When you get to your new home, put the carrier down in the safe room, open the carrier door, and let your cat decide when to come out.

After he's a little calmer, you can coax him out with some fresh food or treats, but don't rush him and don't drag him out. A couple of days after the moving activity has settled, open the door to the safe room and let your cat explore at will, on his terms, but just within the limits of the house. He still needs to be kept completely inside for a couple of weeks, to start him forming a bond with his new surroundings.

If you've been contemplating converting your cat to indoors-only, moving into a new home is a great time to do it. He'd carry on like crazy in your old home if locked in, but in new surroundings he'll accept the change better. Part of the reason cats don't like to convert is because they've marked the outside as part of their territory and have a natural desire to revisit and re-mark. A newly moved cat will come to accept the territory he has been offered, and if the outdoors isn't part of it, he won't miss it so much.

Q: We're looking to buy a 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. It's frighteningly easy to bungle the job, with tragic results.

When you factor in the risks, the trouble and all those round-the-clock feedings, raising your own hatchling 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.

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

PET Rx

Regular exams a must for birds

Hiding signs of illness isn't something human beings need to do. Any parent can tell in an instant when a child is starting to get sick, and many of us live with mates for whom even an ingrown toenail is the reason for much moaning. Dogs, too, don't hide how they feel. Whining is a trait known to both canine and human sufferers alike.

Whining is fine when you're a social animal at the top of the food chain. When you're closer to the bottom, though, whining is a stupendously bad idea and can draw unwanted attention. When a prey animal or bird shows signs of weakness in the wild, chances are he's going to become a predator's next meal.

That's why birds are so adept at hiding signs of illness. Every avian veterinarian has dealt with the sad situation of a bird who was "fine yesterday" and now is dead or nearly so. But in most such cases, the bird was sick for weeks or months, hiding signs of illness as best he could.

Regular "well-bird" exams can spot little problems before they becoming life-threatening, and get a sick bird back on track before it's too late. These exams should include not only a physical component, but also evaluations of behavior and nutrition. They are an essential part of caring for a bird, because often when a bird is too sick to hide signs of illness, he's also too sick to be saved.

A list of veterinarians who specialize in avian care can be found on the Association of Avian Veterinarian's Web site, www.aav.org.

(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.)

Pet Book

Agility is fun for people, dogs

If your New Year's resolution is to be more active, why not involve your dog? Recent studies have shown a trend toward obesity in people and pets alike, and exercise is one way to win the battle of the bulge. In addition, the more time you spend with your dog, the stronger the bond between you.

While at its highest levels of competition, agility is a sport for the elite athletes of the canine set -- border collies rule! -- there's still plenty of room for ordinary people and pets to have fun on the obstacle courses.

Indeed, enjoying time with your dog is what it's all about for Margaret H. Bonham, whose book "Having Fun With Agility" (Howell Book House, $15) is intended to get people started in this popular canine activity.

The book stresses positive training methods and safety on the obstacles, while giving plenty of information to lay the groundwork for the person who truly catches the agility "bug."

THE SCOOP

Pets get the royal treatment from luxury hotels

A few months ago I put in a short stay at Loew's lush Miami Beach hotel. Now, I'm more the kind of person who chooses moderately priced hotels, which until relatively recently were the only kind that put out the welcome mat for people traveling with pets.

Turns out the high-end hotels have discovered the pet market, too.

At Loew's, I saw well-mannered dogs all over the place, from the miniature schnauzer who paused to give me a sniff when I got out of my car to the golden who was heading off for a morning of window-shopping with his well-dressed owners.

Loew's has pet-friendly policies at all 20 of its properties in the United States and Canada, and added special packaged offers for pet lovers starting last June. The hotels charge a pet fee of $25 per stay, but set no limit on the size of the pet in question.

There's even a special page in the room service menu for pet food, with such tempting dishes as "Bow Wow Tenderloin of Beef" (beef, eggs and brown rice) or Kitty's Salmon Supreme (fresh filet of salmon for the finicky feline traveler). High-quality commercial pet foods are also available.

Loew's is not alone in recognizing that people love to travel with and pamper their pets. The Starwood hotels and resorts -- including Sheraton, Westin and W -- worked with the New York-based American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to come up with its own program to attract well-heeled travelers and their pets.

For those of us who just aren't budgeted for such grand accommodations, there are still plenty of comfortable options on the road. Among the more moderately-priced hotel chains, the Red Roof Inns and La Quinta Inns have been my favorites when I'm traveling with my pets.

ON THE WEB

Finding help in time of loss

The time has mostly passed when people who've lost a cherished pet were told "it's just a cat" or counseled to "replace" the animal quickly. Veterinary schools in the United States and Canada have long had pet-loss support hot lines staffed by students who listen to callers cry as well as offer them advice and support.

The University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine was the pioneer in providing such services. And its Web site (www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/petloss/index.htm) backs up the hot line with practical information on loss and links to even more. The list of books on pet loss includes some specifically geared to children, including the classic "The Tenth Good Thing About Barney," by Judith Viorst (Aladdin Books, $6).

In another corner of the Internet, Pet Hobbyist (www.pethobbyist.com) offers a pet-loss online chat 365 days a year, along with discussion boards, a collection of memorial photos and articles on the grief process. -- G.S.

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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