We now know more than ever before about our cats. But a surprising amount of information that's just plain wrong still hangs about in our culture and, worse, keeps popping up as true, and so passes on anew.

Anyone who has ever said goodbye to a cherished companion knows cats don't have nine lives, but some of the other things we think we know about cats sure seem to have at least that many lives. Here are a few of the most enduring feline fallacies:

-- Cats purr when they're happy. Purring is one of the most special elements of a cat, as far as most humans are concerned. Caressing a purring pet has proven to relax the person doing the stroking and lower the blood pressure, too.

But careful observers of the cat know that purring isn't just a sound of contentment. Cats also purr if they're injured, while giving birth -- even when dying. British zoologist Desmond Morris has observed that purring is "a sign of friendship -- either when [the cat] is contented with a friend or when it is in need of friendship -- as with a cat in trouble."

In other words, purring is sort of like smile: Sometimes you smile when you're happy, sometimes when you're hoping a smile will get you out of trouble.

-- Cats will smother babies. You don't need to find a new home for your pet when a baby's on the way, no matter what well-meaning relatives and friends may say to the contrary. Cats do not maliciously smother or suck the breath out of babies.

The myth that they do probably came from their natural curiosity to investigate a new addition to the family, coupled with the tragedy of what's commonly known as crib death. We can easily understand how, in generations past, people may have seen a cat in the crib -- perhaps sniffing at a baby's milk-scented breath -- and later found a dead child and then tried to find an explanation for the loss by linking the two events together.

We now know there's no connection. But common sense still dictates that no animal be left unattended with an infant or small child. And, of course, before the baby arrives, safety dictates that someone other than the expectant mom clean out that litter box to reduce the risk of birth defects caused by the parasites that may be in the cat's feces.

-- Well-fed cats won't hunt. The ability to hunt is hard-wired into all cats. But the level of desire varies by an individual's genetics and early experiences, not by the rumbling in his belly.

Hunting behavior in cats is very controversial, especially if the prey is songbirds or endangered rodent species. Fitting your cat's collar with a small bell has little effect on his ability to hunt. Turning him into an indoor dweller is the only way to protect wildlife from him. (It'll also make your cat's life less likely to end abruptly from the hazards of the outdoors.)

-- All calico cats are female. Almost all calico (and tortoiseshell) cats are female, but not quite all. About one in every 3,000 calico cats is male, with an extra X chromosome -- XXY instead of the XY of a normal male.

The gene that governs how a cat's red/orange color is displayed is on the X, or female, chromosome. Any cat, male or female, can be orange. In males, however, that color is usually expressed in one way: the tabby pattern, often called a "ginger tom" or marmalade tabby. It takes two X chromosomes to make a calico, which is why a cat must have an extra X chromosome to be a male calico.

Females can be orange tabbies, tortoiseshells or calicos. Because orange females are divided among calicos, torties and tabbies, people sometimes think that almost all orange tabbies are male, just as almost all calicos are female. Not true: For an orange tabby to be female is a lot more common than for a calico to be a male.

-- Black cats are bad luck. Black may be an unlucky color all right -- for a cat, not a person. Black cats have been said to be associated with the forces of evil for hundreds of years. Humane societies warn that this myth has cost some of them their lives as the target of satanic rituals, especially around Halloween.

Black may be an unfortunate color for another reason: visibility. Thousands of cats are killed by cars every year, and the difference between a hit or a near miss may be the driver's ability to see the cat darting across the road before him. At night, patches of light-colored fur are a distinct advantage to a kitty.

SIDEBAR

Hypoallergenic cats don't exist

If people are allergic to animals, their bodies are reacting not to fur but to proteins in skin secretions and saliva, commonly known as dander. These particles are applied generously to a cat's fur by the act of grooming and are liberally applied to every surface she rubs against.

Myths persist about "hypoallergenic" breeds of cats, usually involving the nearly naked Sphynx or lightly coated Devon or Cornish Rex. Their fanciers actively promote many of these breeds as being good for allergy sufferers, but allergists argue otherwise. -- G.S.

Q&A

This tubby tabby resists slimming

Q: I know you've said there's no reason for a fat pet, but I can't get any weight off our 17-pound cat. I don't think it's possible. Also, I'm not sure it would improve our cat's life to cut back on his food because he's such a happy eater. Any advice? -- S.W., via e-mail

A: Would it improve the quality of your cat's life -- or yours -- if he became diabetic? Because that's one risk of chronic obesity in cats. Overweight cats are also prone to joint, ligament and tendon problems, difficulty breathing and even skin problems because they can't groom themselves properly.

Talk to your veterinarian about your cat's overall health and a plan for slowly trimming down your overweight pet. Quick-loss programs can make you cat ill or even kill him, which is why a vet-approved slow-reduction plan is best.

Pay attention to what you're doing to contribute in ways you may not even be fully aware of. For example: Do you share your meals with your cat, handing him the choicest tidbits off your plate? Do you love to give him cat treats several times a day? These things all add up!

Remember: Food is not love. Instead of interacting with your cat over food, bond over grooming or play. Your cat will love you just as much for a loving session of gentle brushing and combing, or a playful half-hour spent being teased with a cat "fishing pole" or other toy. Time spent in either pursuit is better for an overweight cat than eating, and the exercise will help take the weight off.

Running companion

Q: I'm a runner. After a close call with a would-be mugger, my husband and I decided it would be a good idea if I ran with a dog. We'd been thinking about adopting one anyway, so the timing was perfect.

We went to the local shelter and found a litter of puppies. Our Hannah was the cutest, biggest and seemed to be the smartest of the bunch. Our best guess is that she's mostly shepherd, probably mixed with Labrador and Queensland heeler. We've had her a month, she's now more than 4 months old, and she's had all her puppy shots.

She's a great puppy, who's sweet and learns quickly. How can I best get her into proper condition as my running mate? -- D.C., via e-mail

A: You need to wait a while before putting the miles on that pup, or risk permanent damage to her developing body. Eight months of age is about the earliest you should start her running with you, and even then, you should figure on only a mile or two at a relatively slow pace at first.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't be doing anything with your puppy now. Use the next few months to make sure your pet is well-socialized. Introduce her to any situation that's likely to pop up, including being comfortable around people of all ages, bicycles, strollers, cars and noisy motorcycles.

Get your pup into a training class now so she'll learn how to walk -- and later run -- on lead without dislocating your shoulder or pulling you off-stride.

Talk to your veterinarian to get a more accurate assessment of your pet's development and suitability as a running companion. When you get the go-ahead to start training together, take your time building up your pet's mileage and speed.

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

PET TIP

Time for annual collar, tag check

The New Year's neck check will take you less than a minute, but it could save your pet's life.

I've been suggesting the New Year's neck check for years as an easy-to-remember annual evaluation of the state of your pet's collar and ID. A properly fitted collar is important, but so is the right type. For dogs, a buckled or snap-together collar made of leather or nylon webbing is the best choice. The proper fit for a collar should be comfortably close but not too snug. "Choke" collars should never, ever be the choice for everyday wear -- they can be deadly if they catch on something.

Cat collars should have a piece of elastic to enable your pet to get free if the collar catches on something.

Next, look at the holes and the fasteners. The collar is weakest at these spots, so if you see signs of excessive wear or strain, you'll need to replace the collar soon.

Finally, check those tags. In addition to whatever license is required, your pet should have a legible ID tag. Instead of putting the pet's name on the tag, I prefer to put on the word "Reward!" And instead of a home address, I put as many phone numbers -- home, cell, friends, family -- as will fit.

Don't delay in fixing whatever problems you find. Sturdy collars and legible ID tags are the best insurance possible when it comes to getting your pet a ticket home should he ever become lost.

PET Rx

Thick, shiny coat normal for ferrets

A ferret's coat should be shiny and thick, never dull or dry.

Hair loss, and texture and quality changes are cause for concern. External parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites can cause abnormalities, but they are usually visible to the naked eye. The most common cause for hair loss in a mature, neutered ferret is adrenal disease. The most common cause for hair loss in an intact female ferret during its reproductive active cycle is a hormonal imbalance.

Normal ferret skin is smooth and pink without flakes, scabs or discoloration. In the wild, ferrets would spend a portion of their day in underground dens, where there is a constant temperature of 55 degrees with high humidity. In our homes in the winter, the air can be very dry and warm, which can dehydrate the ferret's skin. A cool home humidifier can help.

Your veterinarian should investigate any lumps, scabs or discoloration of the skin as soon as possible. Skin cancer is a common problem in ferrets and can be successfully cured with early treatment.

(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

AKC program recognizes good dogs

It's no secret that as a society we have mixed feelings about dogs.

Our hearts warm to those who serve as search-and-rescue dogs or as helpers to those who are blind or use wheelchairs. We can't get enough stories of therapy dogs who bring a smile to the face of an autistic child or an older person with Alzheimer's. But we also can't pass laws fast enough in an effort to protect ourselves from other dogs, after such events as the horrifying attack in San Francisco earlier this year by a pair of animals who were the stuff of nightmares.

A friendly, well-mannered dog is a pleasure to keep and an asset to the community. In my old neighborhood, a park that was inhabited mostly by drug dealers changed dramatically once dog lovers started taking their pets there to play. Places are always safer when people and well-mannered dogs frequent them.

The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen program is about acknowledging good dogs, for the benefit of all dogs and those who love them. The program isn't about trophies or precise and rigid obedience. Its 10 tests are meant to identify dogs who behave with calm, friendly confidence, whether at the veterinarian's, in a crowd or meeting other dogs. They are dogs who know the basics of on-leash obedience, even if they may need gentle encouragement to practice it.

To put it simply, Canine Good Citizens are good dogs, recognized for their owner's efforts and belief that a well-mannered dog does more to protect the interests of dog lovers everywhere than does an army of lawyers and lobbyists.

For more information on the CGC program and how to get your dog certified, visit the American Kennel Club's Web site (www.akc.org) and search for "Canine Good Citizen."

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

What we like about our dogs

According to a 2004 survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, here are the top reasons why dog lovers enjoy having a canine companion (more than one response allowed):

Source of affection 89 percent

Feel safe in home 83 percent

Beneficial to health 78 percent

Helps me relax 77 percent

ON THE WEB

Dog lovers get holistic advice

Month in and month out, the one publication I can't wait to open is the Whole Dog Journal, a newsletter that covers the best in so-called "alternative" health care and nutrition, reward-based training, and great gear for dogs and the people who love them. Their reviews of dog foods are worth the entire subscription and are not influenced by advertising, which they do not accept at all.

The WDJ has a Web site (www.whole-dog-journal.com) that offers subscribers all current content for free and archived articles at a small charge. The site also provides non-subscribers a way to order content article-by-article. Regular mail subscriptions are $20 for 13 months by calling toll-free: 1-800-829-9165. Subscriptions can also be ordered through the Web site.

If your New Year's resolutions include a healthier dog, a subscription to the Whole Dog Journal is a good place to start.

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

Every year at this time, I like to remind pet lovers that as fun as it is to wrap gifts for our pets, it doesn't hurt to expand the idea of giving.

After all, your pet hasn't been dreaming of this year's hottest gift, and he won't be disappointed if he gets something as modest as a package of yummy pet treats or a single new toy.

I encourage pet lovers to be reasonable when it comes to getting gifts for their own pets -- and to remember those other animals who aren't as lucky. The need for assistance has never been more critical in the nation's animal shelters, where funds are tighter than ever following the massive assistance efforts put together in the wake of this year's devastating hurricanes.

While shelters in the disaster region -- such as the Louisiana SPCA, which lost its New Orleans base entirely -- were hardest hit, the ripple effect of the disaster has been felt across the nation.

This year, I'm suggesting that people donate money to shelters in the disaster area, or to the national groups that saved so many abandoned animals. A good place to start is with a donation to the Louisiana SPCA. Checks can go to the organization at P.O. Box 127, Mandeville, LA 70470. Donations can also be made on the organization's Web site, www.la-spca.org. (Donations of goods are not recommended for organizations in the disaster region.)

Don't forget your local shelter. Not only were many of the nation's shelters involved in taking in animals from the disaster zone, but they're also struggling now because donations to local charities traditionally suffer after an event on the scale of Hurricane Katrina.

For local animal charities, a donation of money is most practical, but it's not the only kind of gift that can help.

Nancy Peterson of the Humane Society of the United States says it's important to ask your local shelter what's needed before giving.

"There's nothing worse for a shelter than to get bags of dog food or cat food they can't use, or toys that can't be disinfected," she said. "Storage space is always in short supply."

While perishable items or those that cannot be reused should not be given, there are a few items most any shelter can use, including old towels and newspapers.

In the coming year, the gift of your time may be appreciated most of all, according to Peterson.

"You don't have to volunteer in the shelter," she says, acknowledging that some people find it difficult to deal with the sad reality of homeless pets. "There are always events that can use volunteers."

One way to help is by getting others to donate. Find out what your local shelter needs in the way of goods and services, and then get on the phone to help get it donated by individuals and businesses in your community.

It all starts with making a decision to skip something your pet doesn't need and then putting the money to help those pets who need just about everything. To me, it's the best way to celebrate the season, by giving to those who really need it.

SIDEBAR

Heartworm hits Katrina dogs hard

Considering the South is a perfect environment for bugs, it's not surprising that many of the animals rescued following Hurricane Katrina were infested with fleas and ticks. A little more surprising: Rescue groups estimate that 80 percent of the dogs they saved tested positive for heartworm disease, a potentially deadly parasitic infestation that can be prevented with a monthly pill.

Treatment for an established heartworm infestation is hard on the animal and the pocketbook, which is why a coalition of humane and veterinary groups have stepped up with a special effort to help, by putting $150,000 into a fund for heartworm treatment of the rescued animals. Grants of up to $500 are being given to treat the disease.

More donations are needed and can be given in care of American Animal Hospital Association (www.aahahelpingpets.org, 866-443-5738). Grant guidelines are available at the same source.

Q&A

Should cold stop dog's daily walk?

Q: When is it too cold to walk my 2-year-old Labrador-boxer mix? The other morning I took her for a 30-minute walk when the temperature was in the low 20s, with a mid-teens wind chill and a dusting of snow on the ground. She was her usual curious, bouncy self the whole way. But when we got in the car to go home, I noticed that her feet were really cold. Should I have canceled or shortened the walk? -- J.F., via e-mail

A: Generally speaking, if you can take a walk, so can your dog, especially if the dog is as young and healthy as yours is.

If your dog is used to spending most of her time in the warm house (and I sure hope so, because dogs need to be part of the family), you might consider making things more comfortable on long winter outings by outfitting her with boots and a sweater or coat. Dog garments may seem silly, but in addition to keeping your dog warmer, they also make cleaning up after the walk easier, because you won't be dealing with melting snowballs between your dog's pads or the drip of melting ice from the coat. Boots also help to protect feet from chemicals used to melt ice on pavement.

When I was at the great British dog show Crufts, the largest canine event in the world, I was astonished by the range of high-quality weather protection designed both for dogs and the people who walk them.

One of the people at a booth selling well-designed, good-looking raincoats for dogs explained that when you live in a place as damp as England, anything that minimizes wet-dog smell is a good value. Viewed from that perspective, bad-weather gear for dogs is as much a convenience for people as a comfort for the animals.

Poinsettia myths

Q: After years of reading that poinsettias are poisonous, I've heard in the last couple of years that they're not. Looking on the Web, there's contradictory information. I like holiday greenery, but I'm not going to risk my pets' lives. What's the truth? -- S.T., via e-mail

A: Just last week I got a media release from a humane society, one of dozens of such releases I get this time of year from every conceivable organization or business hoping to get a little publicity. And there it was: "Be careful to keep poisonous plants such as poinsettias away from your pets."

Wrong. Poinsettias are not poisonous, according to folks who know more about pets and poisons than anyone else, the Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org/apcc). Apparently the idea that poinsettias are deadly traces back to a story from early in the last century, when a young child was said to have been killed by eating a poinsettia leaf.

In fact, poinsettias can cause a mild tummy ache at most. While it's not recommended that you add poinsettia leaves to your pet's holiday meal, they're certainly not such a concern that you need to ban the plant from your home.

Mistletoe might be, however. According to the APCC, the common holiday decoration can, if ingested in sufficient quantities, cause a severe reaction that may include difficulty breathing, seizures, coma and even death. Other holiday eating hazards include yeast dough, alcohol, chocolate and avocados.

The Internet can be a good source of information -- or an even better source of misinformation. Whenever I get one of those breathless forwarded e-mails warning of a deadly substance or product, I check it out with the Animal Poison Control Center and with Snopes.com to make sure it's not another urban myth -- as the ongoing warnings about Febreze and Swiffer home-cleaning products have been shown to be by these reliable sources.

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

PET TIP

Making collar a better fit

Dog trainer and author Liz Palika (www.lizpalika.com) has spent enough time training dogs to know that no one tool or training method is right for every dog. For some dogs, her tool of choice is the pinch collar, a piece of equipment that seems to owe its less-than-ideal reputation to its fearsome appearance.

The collar has a double row of blunt points that pinch when the leash is pulled, providing a prompt correction that can get the attention of dogs with well-muscled necks, such as pit bulls, boxers and Rottweilers.

Since it's the "pinch," not the "points," that's important, Palika modifies the collars for sale at her San Diego-area training facility, Kindred Spirits: They're outfitted with fuzzy kids' socks. The toes are cut off the socks, and the collars go inside.

The socks soften the resistance of dog lovers to using the collars and soften the effect of the collars on the dogs. It's a nifty innovation. -- G.S.

PET Rx

Vet should choose pet's antibiotics

Antibiotics have saved countless lives of both the human and animal variety. But we have become so comfortable with these medicines and their frequent use, we sometimes forget they are powerful drugs that should be used with care.

Case in point: Some pet owners respond to any sign of illness by dosing -- and often, overdosing -- their pets with antibiotics commonly available at pet-supply stores (and often labeled for fish). "Prescribing" antibiotics on your own for your pet is a bad idea, for a couple of reasons.

First, if your pet has a viral or fungal infection, antibiotics will not help -- and they may even worsen your pet's condition.

Second, all antibiotics are not the same -- they each have their target bacteria, and may little affect bacteria that they're not designed to combat as well as bacteria that are resistant to their effects.

Finally, regular use of antibiotics may affect both your pet's immune system and the bacteria trying to beat it, leading to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that will be hard to stamp out, even with the "right" medication.

When you buy an antibiotic at a pet-supply store, you are often wasting your money, and you're certainly losing time -- time that should be spent taking your pet to your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

(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 BASICS

Many choices when it comes to litter boxes

While a simple plastic litter box may well satisfy your cat, there are more choices to consider than ever before. Among them:

-- Covered pans. Covered pans keep odors down and may prevent dogs from getting into the filler. Simple covered boxes are available in any pet-supply outlet. For something special, look in the back of cat magazines or visit a cat show to purchase cabinets designed to house litter boxes and cat care accessories.

Remember, though, that cats with asthma should not use a covered litter pan -- they need the increased ventilation an open-air variety offers. And if you choose a covered pan, don't forget that you must be as on top of its cleaning as you would with any other variety. Just because you can't smell it doesn't mean it isn't stinking.

-- Self-cleaning pans. No one likes to clean the litter box, but some cats are so fussy that, if you let this important chore wait, your cat may turn her nose up and go elsewhere. At the high end of litter box choices are appliances that make cleaning a nearly "hands-off" affair, thanks to the easy-clean properties of clumping cat-box filler. Although more expensive than ordinary hoodless pans, a self-cleaning litter box may be a good option if you're not inclined to stay on top of cleaning.

-- Creative box choices. Litter-box possibilities are not limited to pet-supply outlets. Feline behaviorist Kate Gamble suggests using plastic blanket-storage boxes because they have lots of room and high sides for keeping litter in. (She cuts down one side for an easier entrance.) You can also try plastic dish pans, retired cake pans (the low sides are good for kittens) or even mortar-mixing pans.

With a litter box your cat likes and a commitment from you to keep it fastidiously clean, you'll have a good chance at keeping your cat thinking inside the box.

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Pets and cancer

The Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency (www.petinsurance.com) recently released an analysis of claims submitted for cancer. With more than 17,000 cancer-related claimed filed by VPI policy-holders, the No. 1 cancer for cats and dogs in 2004 turned out to be lymphosarcoma.

Top cancer claims for dogs:

Lymphosarcoma 22 percent

Skin tumors 14 percent

Bone cancer 6 percent

Top cancer claims for cats:

Lymphosarcoma 36 percent

Skin tumors 8 percent

Thorax cancer 6 percent

ON THE WEB

Toys keep birds healthy, happy

Pet birds do not live by food alone -- they need to be kept occupied. The Birdbrain (www.thebirdbrain.com) is one of the most expert sources for toys and other things to keep your bird busy. Proceeds from their sales go to one of the best bird charities around, the well-respected Colorado-based Gabriel Foundation (www.thegabrielfoundation.org).

The Birdbrain offers all kinds of parrot-related items, from perches to food containers to cleaning supplies, but the toy selection is truly outstanding. The shop breaks them down into categories such as "noisemakers," "foot toys" and "destructible," and will even suggest toys for birds with disabilities. I visited the Gabriel Foundation and The Birdbrain near Snowmass, Colo., a few years back and took home a rather large collection of toys for my parrot. The store's now in Denver, and it is a must-visit for any parrot lover. There's lots of good information on the site, too!

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

A cat show is a rare opportunity to see dozens of beautifully groomed cats, not only of the more common breeds, but also some of the rarest in the world. If you love cats, you'll find spending a couple of hours at a cat show to be interesting, educational and just plain delightful.

Bring your natural curiosity and your love of cats, and you can have a wonderful time. Here are a few tips to make the visit more comfortable and productive.

-- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. 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, and a notepad and pen. You're sure to run across freebies or buy toys to take home to your cat, and you may meet a breeder you want to talk to after the show.

-- Be aware of the demands on exhibitors. Most exhibitors don't mind answering questions and talking about cats to the general public, but not in those tense moments before their animals will be judged. Your first question to any exhibitor should be: "Is this a good time to ask a couple of 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 judging. 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. Don't ask to pet a cat, because you almost certainly won't be allowed to. Breeders are very concerned about the spread of disease. 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. If an exhibitor does invite you to pet a cat, you'll likely be asked to wash your hands before and after, which is a small price to pay for the experience of caressing a cat in perfect show condition.

-- Watch at least one class being judged. Unlike dog-show judges, who never share their thoughts with the spectators (or even the competitors), cat-show judges consider education an important part of their job. They 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. After the judging is over, most are happy to answer a question or two.

-- Bring money. Nearly every show has people on hand to sell cat-related merchandise. You often find not only free cat-food samples, but also hand-crafted toys, scratching posts and cat trees direct from the people who make them. Some of the merchandise is more for cat lovers than for the cats themselves: clothing, jewelry, artwork, books. Neat stuff!

Many cat shows also provide booth space for local feline rescue groups, and these deserve your support. If you're spending big bucks on cat toys or cat-themed goods for yourself, be a sport and drop a couple of dollars in the kitty to help out those animals who aren't as lucky as yours or the gorgeous show cats you've been enjoying.

SIDEBAR

Finding a cat show

The Cat Fanciers' Association (www.cfa.org) and The International Cat Association (www.tica.org) are the two most dominant organizations in the cat-show world. Information on upcoming shows can be found on the organizations' Web sites, or in publications such as Cat Fancy.

The CFA and TICA sites also have information on recognized breeds, how cat shows work and how to get involved with your cat -- even if he's not a purebred.

Q&A

Keeping items safe from clumsy cat

Q: My cat is so clumsy, constantly knocking stuff off shelves. How can I make her stay on the ground? -- B.G., via e-mail

A: Lithe and agile, cats are not really meant to stay on the ground. Instead of going against your cat's nature, consider moving valuable display items to glass-fronted cases that will keep your cat at bay and still allow you to enjoy the look of your favorite collectibles.

For less valuable pieces, double-sided tape or Velcro can be used to "lock" objects in place on shelves, and can be found at any home-supply store. You can also try a product called Quake Hold, a putty that seals objects to their display surface.

Ear problems

Q: My little terra-poo has what the veterinarian said was an ear infection. I gave her the antibiotics, but she's still shaking her head and her ear looks nasty under the flap. Can you suggest something I can buy that will take care of this? I don't see the point of spending more money at the vet for another expensive and useless round of drugs. -- S.V., via e-mail

A: Whenever a medication your veterinarian gives you doesn't do the trick for any reason, you need to go back for further assistance. Every day I hear from people whose pets are still suffering with problems that would likely be cured if their owners had pursued follow-up care. A medication may need to be stronger, given longer or may need to be changed, decisions that can be made only by a veterinarian.

Since those of use who are not veterinarians are often way off the mark when it comes to a proper diagnosis and treatment, I advise that over-the-counter remedies be purchased and used only as part of treatment program recommended by your veterinarian. As for home remedies, a lot of them are a waste of time and money. Go back to a veterinarian.

'Cat years'?

Q: How old is a 16-year-old cat in "human" years? The "dog formula" doesn't seem to work -- it would make him 112! -- M.D., via e-mail

A: The "1 equals 7" dog formula doesn't really apply for dogs, either. Consider: A dog who's a year old is a young adult, far more mature than a 7-year-old human child. I've heard of "1 equals 4" or "1 equals 5" rules for cats, but those don't make sense, for the same reasons the dog formula fails.

Sorry I can't offer you anything that's easy to remember, but here's the way to figure out the rough human equivalent of a cat's age: Figure the first year as taking the cat to around 15 or so, and the second year as equating to mid-20s in a human. After that, add four "human years" for each "cat year." That would put your cat at the equivalent of more than 80 years old in human terms.

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

PET Rx

Behavior changes could be trouble

You must be aware not only of your pet's physical condition, but also of his behavior. Many times, behavioral changes are later confirmed as illnesses through the use of such diagnostic tools as blood or urine tests. Always be aware of the subtle changes in your pet's behavior, especially regarding the following areas:

-- Changes in eating habits, especially loss of appetite. Be aware of how much and how eagerly your pet eats, and make a mental note of any changes. The ability to keep an eye on feeding behavior is one of the biggest arguments against keeping food always available.

-- Changes in activity level: If a pet who's always ready to run is suddenly not interested in playing, the lethargy may be cause for concern.

-- Changes in drinking habits: Pets drink more in the summer than in the winter, but even taking that into consideration, you look for variations in your pet's drinking habits. Get an idea of what's a normal amount of water, and be aware of changes. You don't need to measure by the ounce: Just keep an eye on how often you're refilling that water bowl.

-- Changes in voice: Does your dog's bark or cat's meow sound different? Is his pattern of vocalizing changing?

If you think you have an "ain't doing right" pet, a visit to your veterinarian is in order if the issue isn't resolved in a few days -- even if there's no overt physical sign of illness that you can see.

(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.)

ON THE WEB

Site offers names by the thousands

If you can't come up with a name for a new pet after spending a few minutes on www.petnamesworld.com, you just aren't trying very hard. The site claims to offer more than 11,000 names for all kinds of pets, even less-common ones such as pigs and snakes.

The Web site is searchable by alphabet, and offers advanced search functions to help you narrow down to selections based on a name's country of origin, meaning or the kind of pet it's best suited for. As you go through the searching you can add names to your own list of favorites so you can consider just a few finalists.

THE SCOOP

Pellets form the base of healthy bird diet

The trend in recent years has been toward pelleted diets for parrots, and these pet birds are now healthier than ever before as a result. Pelleted diets are readily available from many reputable manufacturers and can be purchased at specialty bird stores, from avian-supply Web sites or from many veterinarians who work with birds.

Pellets are a blend of foods, such as grains, seeds, vegetables, fruits and various protein sources. Manufacturers mix the ingredients and then either bake and crumble or shape them -- ending up with pellets of a proper size for any given species (large pellets for large birds, small pellets for small birds).

This process produces a food that has an advantage to the "smorgasbord" way of feeding -- the bird cannot pick out his favorite foods and ignore the rest. Pellets also are convenient for bird owners: These commercially prepared diets are easy to buy and relatively inexpensive to use, and they store nicely in a cool, dry place.

Pelleted foods are a solid basis for your pet bird's diet, but even pellets need to be complemented with a variety of vegetables, fruits and "people food," such as whole-grain bread and pasta.

Some foods that are perfectly fine for you (in moderation, of course) are absolutely off-limits to your pet bird. Top of the list: avocado, which of course means not only plain avocado but anything with avocado in it, from guacamole to a California roll at the sushi bar. Another potentially deadly treat is chocolate.

Also, don't plan on sharing alcoholic or caffeinated beverages with your pet bird.

Birdy toast

If you're making French toast, take a few more minutes to make a special piece for your parrot. You can "birdify" the recipe by sprinkling the egg-drenched bread with hulled seeds and cooking as usual. Skip the powdered sugar and maple syrup, though: Birdy French toast is great treat just as it is!

BY THE NUMBERS

More the merrier

While most people with dogs are happy to have just one, among cat lovers the trend is for multiple ownership. Figures from 2004 (multiple responses permitted):

Number of cats owned

One 49 percent

Two 24 percent

Three or more 26 percent

Average number of cats owned: 2.4

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PET BUY

First-aid kits for family pet

A first-aid kit for your pets should be part of your emergency supplies. You can pull one together yourself (any pet first-aid book or Web site will have a list of ingredients) or purchase one of any number of ready-made kits available through pet-supply outlets. One company that makes good kits from top-grade supplies is Pet-Pak Inc. (www.healerpetproducts.com, 800-223-5765). Supplies are packed into a hard plastic container, with prices ranging from $26 for a travel kit to $34 for a more extensive home version, not including shipping.

A pet disaster-survival kit is available from ResQPet (www.ResQPet.com, 888-738-7377). Packed in sturdy bright orange bags in sizes from fanny pack to backpack, the ResQPet collections include emergency water packets and purification drops, a muzzle and a space blanket in addition to top-grade first-aid supplies and instructions. The kits run from $50 to $100, including shipping. -- 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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