Dogged Pursuit of the Truth

by Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

Pet Connection | January 30th, 2006

Last week, I offered a short quiz for cat lovers. In the interest of fairness, I've pulled out a few questions for dog lovers. How well do you know our canine companions?

1. Which of these dogs is "made in America"?

(a) The toy fox terrier

(b) The Australian shepherd

(d) All of them

2. What were Labradoodles first bred for?

(a) Service dogs

(b) Circus dogs

(d) As a source of curly fur for yarn

3. Which of these statements is true:

(a) A dog wagging his tail will not bite.

(b) A barking dog will not bite.

(d) Any dog is capable of biting.

4. The earliest a puppy can be spayed or neutered is:

(a) 9 months

(b) 8 weeks

(d) 5 months

5. The Labrador retriever has been the most popular American Kennel Club breed of dog for more than a decade. Which breed was the Labrador's predecessor at the top of the list?

(a) Golden retriever

(b) Cocker spaniel

(d) Boxer

6. Define "dewclaws":

(a) Special pads that help detect moisture on the grass

(b) Vestigial toes found on the legs of some dogs

(d) A type of nail-trimmer

7. Which of these is not a "sighthound"?

(a) Bloodhound

(b) Whippet

(d) Greyhound

8. How many teeth does a dog normally have?

(a) 36

(b) 42

(d) 46

9. If a dog has a cold, wet nose, his temperature is normal. True or false?

10. "Terriers" got their names from:

(a) Their delight in tearing things to bits

(b) Their ability to dig after prey or follow their prey underground

(d) Their small size

ANSWERS

1. (d) According to the American Kennel Club, breeds developed in the United States include: The Alaskan malamute, American Eskimo dog, American foxhound, American water spaniel, American Staffordshire terrier, Australian shepherd, black and tan coonhound, Boston terrier, Chesapeake Bay retriever, Plott hound and toy fox terrier. There are other American breeds not recognized by the AKC, including the Boykin spaniel, various coonhounds and the Catahoula leopard dog. (You read that right: The Australian shepherd in an American dog.)

2. (a) Labradoodles, a cross between a poodle (usually a standard) and a Labrador retriever, were originally bred in Australia in hopes of developing a service dog with the low-allergy coat of the poodle. The Labradoodle kicked off the current fashion of creatively named mixed-breed dogs, the most currently "hot" of which is the puggle, a mix of beagle and pug.

3. (d) Animal experts warn that any dog is capable of biting. Stiff, upright posture and an erect, wagging tail can be signs of aggression. Other dogs may bite if in pain or frightened.

4. (b) Although most dogs are neutered just before sexual maturity, puppies can safely altered as early as 8 weeks of age. Neutering before sexual maturity can help with behavior problems in male dogs and health problems in females. (And help reduce pet overpopulation, of course!)

5. (c) The poodle -- toy, miniature and standard combined -- was once America's top dog. Cockers have also enjoyed a long run at the top.

6. (b) Dewclaws are vestigial toes found up the inside of a dog's leg. Not all dogs have them, and some who are born with them have them removed. Some dogs, like the Great Pyrenees, have double dewclaws on their hind legs. Special care must be taken to keep the nails on dewclaws trimmed, because they don't touch the ground so do not get ground down at all.

7. (a) The bloodhound is a "scenthound" -- a dog who hunts by following a scent trail. Sighthounds follow movement with their eyes and run down their quarry with their speed.

8. (b) Around 3 months of age, the 28 puppy teeth will start falling out, to be replaced with 42 permanent teeth. Puppy teeth come in at 8 weeks and are usually gone by the age of 6 months to 8 months.

9. False. A dog's temperature is normal when it's 101 degrees Fahrenheit to 102.5 F, as determined by a rectal thermometer.

10. (b) The name "terrier" is derived from "terra," or "earth," and reflects these dogs' ability to follow their prey underground.

How'd you do? If you got them all right, you really know your dogs. If you got fewer than half right, don't despair. You know your dog still loves you.

Q&A

Cheap option on heartworm?

Q: I agree with you that drugs to prevent heartworm are essential for any dog living in the South. But I am surprised you didn't offer people on limited incomes the obvious solution. Ivermectin, the ingredient in dog heartworm pills, is a common over-the-counter livestock medicine. Pennies a dose! -- M.Y., via e-mail

A: While it's true that Ivermectin is given to livestock as well as dogs, I don't recommend that anyone give medication of any kind to pets before checking with a veterinarian.

If you wish to ensure the safe use of any form of Ivermectin in your pet, ask your veterinarian for advice. Although the safety record on Ivermectin is good, the drug could be deadly if given to a dog already infested with heartworms. Testing for heartworms is a must before preventive medication is started. An additional concern: Some breeds -- notably collies -- have problems with the drug.

Incidentally, heartworm disease is not just a problem in the Southern United States -- it's been found in all states. No matter where you live, it's a pretty good bet your dog should be on heartworm prevention. Cats, too, can become infested with heartworms.

Talk to your veterinarian about how to prevent heartworm disease in your pets.

Key to a problem

Q: My 85-pound Labrador retriever swallowed a key that is part of the remote to lock the car. He has shown no problems, and we have not found anything in his feces. I called the emergency vet when it happened on Christmas Day, and she said just to keep an eye on him. What are your thoughts? -- M.A., via e-mail

A: If your dog is eating, drinking and eliminating normally, there's probably nothing to worry about. In fact, you may have already missed the key's re-emergence, despite checking for it. Follow up with your regular veterinarian, though. If the key is still in there, it may be possible to remove it without surgery through the use of endoscopy.

Labradors are well-known in veterinary offices for their eagerness to consume just about anything that's not nailed down -- and even some things that are. Socks, underwear, rocks, keys, toys, cell phones -- if it can fit in the mouth, there's a Labrador who will swallow it. The best cure for this is preventive, especially with young dogs. Keep anything that can be swallowed picked up and put out of reach of your dog.

While many swallowed objects will pass through without causing problems, others can be deadly. If a pet vomits, loses interest in eating or drinking or otherwise seems "off" after ingesting a foreign body, you'll need your veterinarian's help.

Checking for fat

Q: I have a Lab-shepherd mix. He weighs in at 86 pounds to 90 pounds, but I wouldn't say he's fat. A German shepherd by nature is a big dog, so depending on which characteristics a mixed breed ends up with will mean a lot. I think if the dog's height and length are more in line with a German shepherd than a Lab, then expect more weight. What do you think? -- T.B., via e-mail

A: It doesn't really matter what the mix is. It's pretty easy to tell when a dog's at the right weight, and it's determined by physical attributes, not by a scale.

Although ribs should not be visible, they should be able to be easily felt under the skin, with a small -- repeat, small! -- padding of flesh over them. The dog should also have a definite tuck-up of a waist when viewed from the side or a tuck-in from above. If you're not sure, ask your veterinarian. Once the healthy weight for a dog is determined, you can check his weight every so often, along with his physical appearance, to see how he is doing.

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

PET Rx

Cat tails can and do break

Image: fluffy tail (Universal/Richard Schmidt)

Caption: A tail is more than beautiful: It's one of the ways cats communicate.

Cats get their tails broken in many ways. A child might pull a tail, or a tail might get caught in a closing door. A tail can get bitten during a cat fight and, of course, automobile accidents can easily lead to dislocated or broken tails. One might think a tail break would involve an obvious external wound, but usually this is not the case. Instead, nerve damage is the usual tip-off.

Cats with broken tails might show such symptoms as:

-- A tail that drags or is never held high.

-- Involuntary dribbling of urine, or litter box problems.

-- Lack of coordination of the rear legs.

An X-ray will often confirm a break in the tail or a dislocation, although in some cases the tail bones are intact. How permanent the problems are depends largely on whether the nerves have been overstretched or actually torn. In many cases, if a trauma is severe enough to break the tail, there may be additional injuries as well.

Your veterinarian will evaluate the severity of your cat's condition and discuss treatment options.

(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 TIP

Indoor cats can enjoy a stroll

Indoor cats can be trained to enjoy an outing outdoors on leash, and for this treat, you need a harness. (Because cat collars are made to enable cats to slip out of them, don't use a collar with a leash.)

Choose a harness designed for cats, not for dogs, in a figure-eight design. As collars do, harnesses come in many colors, with lightweight leashes to match.

Don't expect your cat to heel like a dog. Walking a cat really consists of encouraging your pet to explore, with you following, offering plenty of praise and maybe a treat or two.

Never leave your cat tethered and unattended, which leaves him vulnerable to attack or to a terrifying time of hanging suspended from his harness should he try to get over a fence.

THE SCOOP

Good groomer a necessity for many dogs

For dogs such as poodles, bichons and many terriers, finding a good groomer is almost a necessity, because the coat-maintenance involved with these breeds is beyond the ability or interest of most pet lovers.

For many other dogs, such as collies, spaniels and the like, regular attention from a professional groomer can make at-home coat maintenance such as combing and brushing more manageable, and can keep dogs looking and smelling better.

About the only dogs who don't benefit much from a groomer's touch are shorthaired pets, whose coats are easy enough for the average person to maintain.

Start your groomer search by asking friends, neighbors and co-workers for recommendations. Your dog's veterinarian or trainer may also be able to refer you to one.

Avoid groomers who hold your pet for much longer than the time it takes to groom him. A good groomer should need only two to four hours, at most, for a routine wash and clip, unless your dog is matted and tangled. If the groomer wants your dog dropped off in the morning and can't say when he'll be done, find another groomer. There's no reason for your dog to hang out all day when he's not being worked on.

You have a role to play, too. Don't wait so long between appointments that your dog is full of mats and then expect the groomer to be able to work them out. Listen to your groomer: If she says clipping the coat away is the best way to go, you're better off following her advice than subjecting your dog to hours of fur-pulling.

Make sure, too, that the groomer is clear on what you expect your dog to look like when she's done if clipping is involved. And if you don't want bows, nail polish and perfume, don't forget to speak up beforehand.

BY THE NUMBERS

Top dogs for 2005

America loves retrievers, with Labradors and goldens coming in at the top spots in just-released ranking of American Kennel Club registrations for 2005. Small dogs continue to rise in popularity, with more than half of the dogs in the top 10 of the diminutive variety.

1. Labrador retriever

2. Golden retriever

3. Yorkshire terrier

4. German shepherd

5. Beagle

6. Dachshund

7. Boxer

8. Poodle

9. Shih tzu

10. Miniature schnauzer

PETS ON THE WEB

Behavior advice on problem birds

Not that long ago most pet parrots were wild-caught, and these frightened, confused birds were often poor companions. The parrot earned a reputation as a pet who would just as soon bite you as look at you.

From a parrot's point of view, the biting made sense. They were reacting in the only way they knew how to protect themselves in an environment they found unfamiliar and often frightening.

Today's pet parrots are mostly hand-raised and socialized to understand that people won't hurt them. But biting can still be a problem, only now it's often the sign of a relationship that has gotten off-track.

Parrot behavior expert Liz Wilson knows a lot about what makes parrots bite, and shares information on how to stop the behavior as part of an excellent series of articles on the Up at Six Web site (www.upatsix.com/liz).

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

pets

Cat Facts

by Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

Pet Connection | January 23rd, 2006

Sure, you love your cat, but how much do you know about our favorite pets? Test yourself with a short quiz to see if you're a true feline fancier. The answers are at the end.

1. When used to describe a cat's behavior, "bunting" is when a cat:

(a) Uses urine to mark a doorway

(b) "Chatters" at the sight of a bird

(d) Bats around his prey

2. Which of these is not a reason why cats claw things?

(a) To keep claws sharp and help remove worn claw sheathes

(b) To leave scent on an object

(d) To be spiteful

3. A cat who's getting agitated to the point of lashing out while being petted will often have a tail that's:

(a) Twitching and flipping at the tip

(b) Wagging gently from the base

(d) Carried straight up

4. Cats purr when they're:

(a) Content

(b) Frightened

(d) All of the above

5. Most cats have how many whiskers?

(a) 18

(b) 24

(d) 56

6. Which of the following places are not good for petting, in the opinion of most cats?

(a) Tummy

(b) Underside of chin

(d) Side of face

7. The average cat weighs:

(a) Between 12 and 15 pounds

(b) Between 8 and 10 pounds

(d) Between 6 and 8 pounds

8. Cats start their grooming routine by:

(a) Licking their tail tips

(b) Licking their flanks

(d) Licking their paws

9. "High-rise" syndrome refers to:

(a) A cat's preference for perching on tall objects

(b) The ability of cats to live happily in upper-floor apartments

(d) A cat's enjoyment of a good view

10. The normal body temperature of a cat is:

(a) 97 degrees

(b) Between 100 and 102.5 degrees

(d) 104 degrees

ANSWERS

1. (c) Every cat lover is familiar with "bunting," which is what a cat does when he bumps and rubs on something, such as your leg or hand.

2. (d) Contrary to common belief, cats don't destroy your sofa for spite, but because clawing is natural feline behavior.

3. (a) You may avoid a nasty bite by watching your cat's tail. When the tip starts to flip, end the petting session.

4. (d) Although most purring is a sign of contentment, cats have also been known to purr in stressful or painful situations.

5. (b) In most cats, the 24 whiskers are neatly divided into four rows on each side of the face. Each whisker -- they're technically called "vibrissae" -- is imbedded deeper than normal hairs to enhance its sensory input.

6. (a) Many cats become agitated if petted on the tummy, and they may claw or bite. Save tummy rubs for your dog!

7. (b) While most average-weight cats will come in between 8 pounds and 10 pounds, some cat breeds will normally be much heavier. A healthy cat should have a little padding over the ribs -- but not too much.

8. (c) A cat will generally groom himself in the same sequence, starting by licking his lips, then his paws, then rubbing the paws over his head. The tail is generally last to get cleaned.

9. (c) Cats can right themselves in midair and brace for impact if they have time, which is why cats have a better chance of surviving a fall from a few floors up than from a balcony closer to the ground. Above a certain height, however, no cat can survive the fall.

10. (b) Temperatures below 99 degrees or above 103 degrees are reason to worry -- and to call your veterinarian.

How'd you do? If you got them all right, you really know your cats. If you got fewer than half right, admit it: You're a dog person! If so, don't worry, because next week there'll be a quiz for you.

Q&A

Guessing no good when pets are sick

Q: My husband has had cats for years. He is a cat rescuer. We now have four cats, and they've had trouble recently with diarrhea. He gave them worming medicine two times for this.

We can't afford to take them to a veterinarian, as we are on a fixed income and have health problems ourselves. Should we give them more doses of worm medicine or just wait? My son had one of the cats, and he said the cat had roundworms when he had it. I think that cat spread it to our cats. -- J.R., via e-mail

A: Please don't give your cats any more medication until you know what's causing the diarrhea. Your son's guess at what's causing the problem isn't any better than yours is. And you have no way of knowing the cause of the intestinal upset without at least one of these animals seeing a veterinarian.

Without a proper diagnosis, you cannot know your proper treatment options. In such cases, over-the-counter or home remedies are a waste of time and money, and may even be harmful.

I realize that veterinarian expenses can strain the budget, but I also believe that making sure sick pets get the help they need is the responsibility of everyone who adopts an animal. Contact your local humane society or find a cat-rescue group to see if someone can steer you toward a veterinarian who will work with you when it comes to your budget and your cats' needs.

Much as your husband loves cats and wants to rescue them, it would be better if, when some of your current pets pass on, you limit the number of cats to one or two. That will help you afford the occasional trip to the veterinarian that all pets require.

"Rescuing" cats you can't care for does no favor to the animals involved. Better you should provide good care to one pet than poor care to four of them.

Missing the box

Q: My oldest cat, Company, is feral, and she is now about 12 years old. This past year, she has begun to miss the litter box. I have taken her to the veterinarian, which is an extremely hard thing to do because I am the only one whose handling she tolerates. She doesn't have an infection.

After reading your "Cats for Dummies" book, I thought I would try isolating her in the bathroom to see if she will start using the litter box. Am I supposed to be cleaning up after her while she is in isolation? -- A.B., via e-mail

A: Assuming your veterinarian did assure you of your cat's complete good health, then yes, retraining is definitely worth trying. The idea behind putting a cat in a small area such as a bathroom, with the rugs removed, is that potty options are pretty much limited to the box. Because some cats develop negative associations with their boxes, this technique may help them to get back on track.

As for cleaning up after your cat: Yes, you must. A scrupulously clean box is essential, and any outside-the-box mistakes must also be cleaned promptly and thoroughly.

If your cat still will not use the box, talk to your veterinarian again. Even though an infection was ruled out, I'd suspect some other medical issue is going on with your cat. If that's not the case, ask for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist who can develop a program for you to follow in re-training your cat and can prescribe medications that will ease your cat through the transition back to good behavior.

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

PET Rx

Paralysis always a pet emergency

The inability to walk can develop suddenly, even without a history of injury. Such paralysis may be the result of a ruptured spinal disc, especially in low-slung dog breeds such as the dachshund. Paralysis can also be associated with an injury, such as a fall or vehicle accident. When paralysis is associated with trauma, fractures or instability of the spine may be the cause.

Paralysis should be considered a life-threatening emergency, and you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Prepare to transport your pet, using an ironing board or piece of plywood as a stretcher, keeping the animal as immobile as possible. Covering the pet with a blanket may help to keep him calm.

Don't encourage or allow your pet to move around, and do not provide any medication unless specifically instructed to by the veterinarian. Stay calm, and get your pet veterinary assistance immediately, either at your regular veterinary hospital or an emergency clinic.

Never trust a frightened, injured animal not to bite. A soft muzzle should be kept on hand for emergencies, or one can be fashioned out of gauze or even pantyhose in a pinch.

(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 Buy

Keeping kitty off the keys

Relatively quiet and elegantly beautiful, the cat has been the preferred pet of many a writer or computer programmer. But anyone who has a cat and a computer -- which is most anyone these days -- knows that cats have a tendency to walk across keyboards.

The result? Deleted work, programs launched and even computer shutdowns. If we didn't know better, we'd swear our cats were doing it on purpose.

A couple of companies have come up with remedies. Perhaps the most straightforward solution is a protective cover, such as the Kittywalk keyboard cover and "mouse house" ($20) available from Cat Connection (www.catconnection.com, 866-386-MEOW).

A more high-tech solution is PawSense ($20), available from BitBoost Systems (www.bitboost.com). The PawSense computer program recognizes the patterns of a cat walking across the keyboard. The program prevents further input once it launches, puts up a screen-saver and has the computer emit a noise to annoy the cat into walking away.

THE SCOOP

Healthy beak key to a healthy parrot

The beaks of most parrots are remarkably well-designed for one of their most important tasks: cracking, crushing or prying open the protective coatings around many of the foods they eat.

Like everything else on a creature designed for flight, the beak is surprisingly lightweight, considering its strength. It's essentially a hard shell of constantly growing material (similar to that found on antlers) placed over a hollow bony structure. (If a beak were made of solid bone, its weight would probably force a bird to spend his life on the ground, and on his nose.)

Lightweight it may be, but a parrot's beak is also very strong. Although a person would need a hammer or nutcracker to get through hard shells to the nutmeat, a bird needs only his beak, and perhaps a foot to hold the nut in place.

A parrot has such strength in his beak that owners are often surprised to see even the bars of a metal cage fall victim. Birds have been known to pick off the welds holding bars together -- and sometimes get lead or zinc poisoning as a result -- or even snap the bars themselves. That's why a cheap cage with shoddy construction will turn out to be no bargain when faced with the destructive abilities of a parrot.

Although beaks are constantly growing at a rate of 1 inch to 3 inches per year, depending on the species, the beak of a healthy bird will remain at a healthy length with normal chewing activities -- no trimming required. In fact, an overgrown beak is frequently a sign of illness, such as liver disease or malnutrition.

Because a healthy beak is essential to a healthy bird, see an avian veterinarian if you observe any problems.

BY THE NUMBERS

What reptiles cost

Prices for pet reptiles and amphibians are influenced by such factors as the rarity of a species or unusual markings. The following figures are the 2004 reported average cost to buy such a pet. Averages include the 42 percent who paid nothing to acquire their pets, such as children catching frogs in the wild.

Snake $83

Iguana $70

Lizard $42

Turtle/tortoise $16

Frog/toad $9

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PETS ON THE WEB

Guide good source for helping rats

Good veterinary care can be hard to find for little pets like rats. Not to mention, a lot of people balk at spending more to treat a so-called "pocket pet" than it costs to replace one.

Because of these rather stark realities, it's a good idea to put some effort into the proper care of these little pets and to have some basic knowledge of what to do when one gets sick.

The Rat Guide (www.ratguide.com) is just the ticket. The thorough and fully searchable collection of articles, developed with the assistance of veterinarians, offers countless suggestions to improve the lives of these affectionate pets. And if a rat does become ill, the guide can help there, too.

After all, just because a pet is inexpensive to acquire and care for doesn't mean it should have a miserable life, or be allowed to suffer when sick.

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

pets

These Tips Will Help Ease the Boredom for Indoor Cats

by Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

Pet Connection | January 16th, 2006

The trend toward keeping cats indoors is generally a good one, but many cat lovers resist because they know instinctively that an indoor life probably wouldn't be what a cat would choose for himself. After all, who would want to be kept cooped up when the wide world offers so much in the way of sights, smells and sounds?

Cabin fever may be the bane of an indoor cat's existence, but you really don't have to open the front door to provide your cat with a more interesting life. In fact, by just looking at your home from a cat's point of view and adding a few environmental enrichments, your cat can be both safe and happy indoors. Here are five easy ways to get going:

-- Think vertical. Cats love to climb, so give them the opportunity. Cat trees mounted floor-to-ceiling, wrapped with sisal rope and studded with platforms for perching, will give your cat the opportunity to look down on the rest of the world. This is especially satisfying if there are dogs in the household, because what cat wouldn't like to look down on the dog?

The best example of creating an overhead world for cats is the famous "Cats' House" in the San Diego area. Bob Walker and Frances Mooney put in a series of cat trees that connect to an overhead network of catwalks. The installation even cuts through walls with special cat-sized portals. Take a look at the possibilities on the couple's Web site, www.thecatshouse.com, or pick up one of their books, including "The Cats' House" and "Cats Into Everything" (Andrews McMeel Publishing).

-- Add toys. The cat with the most toys wins. Every indoor cat should have toys for batting around, toys for chasing, toys for hiding in and toys for interactive play. And don't forget that some of those toys ought to have catnip in them. While not all cats can enjoy the fragrant herb, those who do find it blissful in the extreme. If your cat is a catnip junkie, indulge him frequently. Rub fresh catnip onto cat trees or scratching posts, or stuff it into toys. It's perfectly safe for your cat to enjoy the buzz.

Some of the most enjoyable toys for both people and cats are the interactive ones. Every cat lover should have a "kitty tease" toy, typically a flexible rod with a line that ends in something furry or feathery to engage a cat's prey drive. Other interactive toys include gloves with goodies dangling from the fingertips, or laser pointers that offer cats a spot of light to chase. (Just be careful not to aim the beam in your cat's eyes.)

-- Provide rooms with views. No matter how big your house, your indoor cat will know every one of its sights and sounds within just a few days. Provide a little visual stimulation by putting a bird feeder outside a window fitted with a cat-sized ledge for comfortable viewing.

Be aware, though, that a view of the world isn't always going to work for your cat. If your yard is attracting other cats from the neighborhood, your own cat may become frustrated by seeing them, and he can even turn that frustration into attacks on people in the house. Blocking visiting cats from your yard or discouraging them with sprinklers may solve the problem. Otherwise, you may have to make certain windows off-limits to your own cat.

If a window view isn't going to work, try a TV. A handful of companies offer DVDs for cats. Pop one of these in and your cat can be entertained with a lively mix of feline-friendly images and sounds, including those of birds and rodents.

-- Go green. Cats love nibbling on plants. Any decent feline reference book will provide a list of which plants should not be in a pet-friendly house, or visit the Animal Poison Control Center (www.ASPCA.org/APCC) for information on dangerous plants.

After you get the unsafe plants out of the way, protect your decorative houseplants by hanging them up or otherwise putting them out of reach. Keep cats from digging in your decorative pots by putting a layer of small, rough stones over the dirt.

You can then add a collection of accessible plants for your cat to nibble on, such as grass shoots, or to enjoy rubbing, such as catnip, valerian or rosemary.

-- Give face time. Of course, one of the best things you can do for your indoor cat is spend time with him. Playing, grooming, petting or just plain hanging out -- it's all good. Your cat loves you and loves spending time with you.

Keeping a cat inside is one of the best ways to ensure a long and healthy life, but it won't be that happy an existence unless you're going to add some interest to the surroundings. It doesn't take much in the way of time or effort, so get going. Your cat will thank you!

CORRECTION: In a recent column on a top-winning show dog, Lyn Sherman's name was misspelled as "Sherwood."

Q&A

Weight loss needs checking

Q: I don't know exactly how old my cat is, but he's at least 12, maybe older. He seems in good shape, has really high energy, eats very well and has a great appetite. But he is losing weight. Is this just normal for an older cat, or should I be concerned? -- S.D., via e-mail

A: Your cat needs to be checked out by your veterinarian. Although your letter is pretty lean on specifics, in general when an older cat seems to have high levels of energy but is steadily losing weight, the culprit is often a malfunctioning thyroid gland. This overabundance of the hormone is called hyperthyroidism. The average age at diagnosis is 13, making your cat right in the target area.

When a cat produces too much thyroid hormone, the animal's metabolic rate soars to the point where he can burn off more than half of his body weight. If thyroid production is not checked, cardiac and liver problems develop, and the cat can die.

The good news is that the problem is treatable, allowing a cat to regain full health and expect a normal lifespan. Your veterinarian will be able to discuss treatment options if this is indeed what's going on with your cat. Choices range from a daily medication to the surgical removal of the thyroid gland to radioactive iodine therapy to "zap" the troublesome overproduction.

Radioactive iodine treatment is considered the best treatment option, with a cure rate of 90 percent to 95 percent, with no further treatment necessary. The cat gets one dose of a radioactive substance that kills the overproducing cells without harming any of the body's other functions. It's a one-day matter, but what follows presents a dilemma for many owners: The treatment creates a radioactive cat who must be kept on site at the veterinary clinic or college for seven to 14 days, after which the animal is considered safe.

Because of the expense and the fact that some cats just aren't good candidates for confinement, many people opt to go the medication route, at least at first.

The first step to sorting it all out is to call your veterinarian and see what's causing the weight loss in your cat. It may be hyperthyroidism, or it might not be. Anytime a cat starts losing weight, it's time for a checkup from the veterinarian. Don't delay!

Dog jumping gate

Q: How can I limit my 8-month-old Italian greyhound to a room where there are no doors? There's only a baby gate, which she can jump over. -- S.L., via e-mail

A: When I have puppies or foster dogs in the house, I use an extra-tall gate to make sure they learn from the first that they can't get over the barrier. The problem with most gates is that for large puppies or dogs, or especially agile ones like yours, the common 29- or 30-inch barrier is no barrier at all.

Sometimes people make the mistake of adding height in increments, starting with a standard gate, then getting one just a little higher, and then higher still. This sometimes has the effect of training a dog to jump higher and higher. That's why I prefer to start with a tall gate.

Several companies now make pet barriers that are as much as 44 inches high. Other gates are designed to accommodate additional panels to increase height on a standard gate. Pet supply Web sites and catalog companies are probably your best bet to find the widest selection.

Your dog may be agile, but he'd have to have springs for legs to get over a gate that tall.

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

PET BUY

Covering cords for pet safety

Puppies and kittens often outgrow their desire to nibble on electric cords, but for other pets, the need to gnaw is lifelong. Rabbits, especially, like to chew on anything and everything.

For young pets or lifelong chewers, tucking electric cords, cables and wires into protective sleeves makes good sense. Pets will be protected from harm, and electrical equipment will be kept in one piece.

Cableorganizer.com offers sturdy, reasonably priced covers for cords and cables. They're perfect for use indoors and provide a neat look to the areas behind computer and home-entertainment equipment. The supplier says its metal covers are good for outside use as well, to protect wiring from wildlife.

Prices start at $6 for an 8-foot section of wire loom in a durable polyethylene cover that comes in a variety of colors. The sturdier metal-braided sleeving is more costly, of course.

PET Rx

Cat bite wounds a common malady

Bite-wound abscesses are one of the most common cat health problems seen in any veterinary practice. After cats fight, an abscess often forms when an infected wound heals over on the surface, sealing the infection inside. These infections need veterinary attention to heal.

If the abscess has not ruptured, it will need to be lanced. Once the abscess is open, it will need to be flushed clean of infected debris. If the abscess is large or especially painful, sedation may be required. Older wounds may need more extensive surgical attention, possibly along with the insertion of rubber to help keep the wound draining as it heals.

Home care involves giving antibiotics to your cat, and may additionally require warm compresses or keeping the wound flushed. Your veterinarian will explain what's needed to help your cat recover. To prevent a repeat of the problem, consider keeping your cat inside.

(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

Multiple dogs need individual training

Bad behavior is contagious, as any schoolteacher or dog-trainer can tell you. That's why, if you're going to live with more than one dog, you'll need to work individually with each one to get well-mannered pets.

Having more than one dog has its advantages, especially for the dogs involved. In many families, a dog is left alone for hours at a time, as family members attend to work, school and recreational activities. For a species as intensely social as the dog, all that time alone can be very difficult indeed. The companionship of another dog can help make the hours when the family is gone pass more quickly.

That said, two dogs can be more than double the trouble. One dog who's marking territory in the house will encourage the other to do likewise. Walking two dogs on leash can be like walking a team of draft horses, with each dog encouraging the other to pull harder. Other bad behaviors such as barking can also be made worse with two dogs to egg each other on.

If you're going to have more than one dog, you can't just snap leashes on them and expect good behavior on walks. Basic obedience must be taught individually, from walking on leash to "sits," "downs" and "stays." Each dog needs one-on-one training time with human family members, as well as individual "special time" that can be as simple as taking one dog alone to run errands.

Once each dog knows the obedience basics, practice the exercises together. One of the best is the "stay," which teaches each dog that although they may be members of a pack, the leader of the household is you. My own dogs do a group "down-stay" for a half-hour a couple of times a week.

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Feline spending trends

Keeping your cat inside can help with the cost of cat care. According to a 2004 survey, the top costs reported by cat lovers and the average annual expenses for each are:

Surgical veterinary visits $337

Food $185

Routine veterinary visits $179

Boarding $119

Other supplies $91

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PETS ON THE WEB

Good advice on guinea pigs

The guinea pig is an often unappreciated pet that has a lot to offer if provided with room to roam, a few toys and some social interaction. But like too many other animals in the "children's pet" category, guinea pigs are often given little of what they need to showcase their sweet personalities.

Catch the Cavy Spirit (www.cavyspirit.com), a guinea pig rescue and adoption group, points out that many parents consider the animals as little more than toys for younger children and projects for older children. In both cases, the animals are often neglected and ultimately dumped when a child's interest wanes.

The site offers solid information on caring for these pets (known as cavies outside the United States). Especially helpful are tips on inexpensively providing decent housing. This site is a must-visit, preferably before a guinea pig is purchased. -- G.S.

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

Next up: More trusted advice from...