America has gone crazy for pets.

There's just no other message to take away from the Global Pet Expo, the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association's massive trade show, which just wrapped up a three-day run in San Diego.

"You have two-thirds of the households in this country having pets vs. one-third of households with children," says Bob Vetere, director of the APPMA. "Pets are where the money is."

The growth of the show mimics the growth of the industry, with year-over-year increases in the number of companies represented. They take booth space in hopes of selling to buyers from traditional pet stores and chic pet boutiques to the holy grail big-box retailers like PETCO and PetSmart, and the massive make-or-break buying power of Wal-Mart.

The floor of the convention center took up as much space as 11 football fields, and the booths showcased everything from lone inventors hawking their new-product dreams to such longtime pet powerhouses as the Hartz and Sergeant companies.

And it wasn't just pet-supply companies with names you'd recognize.

"Last year we had 200 new members, and 90 percent were start-ups or new companies," said Vetere. "We also have long-established companies like Home Depot working to extend their brand into pets."

This year, according to APPMA projections, spending on pets will be an estimated $38.4 billion, up from $36.3 billion in 2005. Even more astonishing: The figure is up from $17 billion in 1994.

Much of that growth is in products for dogs, who have become substitute children to two key sectors of the society: Young adults who are putting off starting families, and aging baby boomers who have already raised their children.

"It used to be that when people retired, they didn't want the responsibility of pets. They wanted to travel," said Vetere. "We're just not seeing that so much anymore. And then the 'Y' generation -- my kids -- they're pursuing careers. Even if they get married, they're delaying families. But you don't always like to come home to an empty house."

While the trade show floor offered a vast array of products, several trends were apparent. No surprise, given our busy lives, convenience was the main idea behind many products. Companies are scrambling to make it easy and less time-consuming to care for pets.

Products to pamper pets continue to be popular, along with goods that are more about amusing pet owners than caring for animals, such as outfits for little dogs. Still, the number of vendors pushing doghouses for outside pets could have been counted on one hand, while there were easily several hundred different kinds of beds for indoor dogs on display.

The final trend was a natural one, or at least natural in its appearance. I gave up counting the number of products with "nature," "natural" or some variation on the theme in their name. Clearly, a lot of these products were as natural as purple hair, a new label on the same old products. Label reading will be very important for pet lovers, that's for sure.

The "natural" trend was most apparent in pet foods, which is a $15.2 billion piece of the pet-industry pie. We clearly want our pets to eat well, and that too is all about our seeing our pets as family members, according to Vetere.

"If there's a trend in human food, it'll be in pet food in six months," he says.

In the weeks to come I'll write on more of these trends, from the latest in high-tech litter boxes to pet foods so good you couldn't go wrong eating them yourself.

Q&A

Bunnies great for family pet

Q: I just read your article on "Bunny Love Gone Bad," and I couldn't agree more! In January we adopted Grommet from our local humane society. Since then he has become an integral part of our lives.

His cage and "playground," as we have now come to call it, takes up nearly half of my home office. He gives us all so much joy just being the bunny he should be.

Will you please keep sharing the word about what great pets rabbits make? I'm including a picture of my son Garrett with Grommet. -- Maggie Spikes, via e-mail

A: You are absolutely right that rabbits make wonderful pets when given the opportunity to shine. People who throw them in a hutch in the yard or confine them to a small cage in the house will never understand how lively, playful and affectionate a pet rabbit can be.

Rabbits are constantly being dumped on shelters, typically by people who purchased them on impulse. The animals have very low adoption rates, and yet they adapt very well to new homes where proper care and attention is given. The first place for any person interested in a pet bunny to look should be a shelter.

Q: I just got a rabbit from a friend, and I was wondering what fresh foods are OK to give him. -- J.S., via e-mail

A: A rabbit's diet should consist of a nonstop supply of grass hays (timothy, alfalfa or oat hay, brome or orchard grass), plus daily servings of fresh, dark-green leafy vegetables. Your rabbit also needs at-will access to clean, fresh water. Fruits such as bananas, apples or raisins can be used as treats.

I don't use commercial rabbit pellets at all. I feed them "greens" -- collard, mustard, chard, kale, dandelion, etc. -- along with parsley, broccoli and the leafy tops of root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips or beets. If you have room for a vegetable garden, greens are ridiculously easy to grow. I also give my rabbits the parings from all the vegetables I prepare for myself.

I buy hay at the feed mill (even most urban areas have them). When I had one rabbit, I bought hay by the "flake" (10 flakes to a bale in my area). But now that I have three rabbits, I save money by buying hay one bale at a time. If you keep it covered and dry, a hay bale will last for months.

Rabbits are a wonderful pet for any gardener. You don't scoop out their litter as you would with a cat. Rather, you empty and refill the pressed-paper pellets and hay in their litter boxes at regular intervals. It all goes straight into the compost pile, where it helps to produce rich compost.

Final note: "Wild" greens are fine to feed rabbits -- as long as you're sure the area where you're picking is free of herbicides and pesticides.

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

PET Rx

Spring shedding normal, healthy

Dogs typically lose their winter coats in the spring, and that means hair everywhere.

The change is most obvious in "double-coated" breeds, such as collies, Samoyeds and malamutes. These breeds carry a protective overcoat of long hair as well as an insulating undercoat that's soft and fuzzy. These breeds lose masses of fur from both of these coats in spring and fall, but the clumps that come out of the undercoat are especially noticeable.

The amount of shedding varies widely from breed to breed. German shepherds, for example, are prolific year-round shedders, while poodles seem to lose very little fur at all. Shorthaired breeds may shed as much as longhairs, but since the hair these dogs drop is easily overlooked, it may seem as if they are shedding less.

All shedders -- even the heaviest -- can be tamed by a regular and frequent schedule of combing and brushing. After all, the fur you catch on a comb won't end up on your furniture.

If you have a purebred, or a dog that has the characteristics of a purebred, seek out breed-specific advice in regard to the proper kind of grooming equipment. The slicker brush that works fine on a close-cropped poodle may not make much headway in the thick mane of a full-coated Alaskan malamute at the height of a seasonal shed.

Shedding is normal, but some heavy shedding can be a sign of health problems. Skin allergies and skin parasites may trigger shedding, and poor nutrition or other health problems can also be a cause of coat problems.

Become familiar with your pet's normal pattern of shedding. Ask your veterinarian for advice if your pet's coat condition seems too dull, or if you notice excessive hair loss or bare patches.

(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

'Bettatalk' site witty, helpful

Simply put, it doesn't get any better than a betta when it comes to pet fish. They're beautiful, relatively easy to keep, and are a great fish for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.

The Bettatalk.com Web site is the place to go for information on these fun fish. Not only is it full of helpful care tips and advice, but it's also one of the most entertaining sites created and designed by an individual.

You'll find pictures, videos, games links and even jokes. You can even buy a betta, since Bettatalk's creator breeds and sells these nifty little fish.

PET TIP

Parrot mind can be read in the eyes

From the tiniest budgie or parrotlet to the largest macaw, parrots can be loving, cuddly, playful or contemplative one minute, and demanding, aloof, manic or peevish the next. Sharing space with a parrot is like living with another human: Sometimes you just have to pick your moments and know when to back off.

Some of these moods are pretty obvious -- an Amazon in a rowdy state or a cockatoo who wants to be cuddled isn't hard to figure out. Other times, though, behavior signs may be more subtle, and the failure to heed these clues may earn you a nasty bite.

Parrots have keen eyesight and often stare at something that fascinates or frightens them, using one eye and tipping the head, or using both eyes for a head-on look.

When you see that your bird is fixated on something, follow that line of vision. A relaxed body posture accompanies a calm, curious bird's staring, and a more defensive or aggressive body language demonstrates fright. Most often, a locked-on look is a sign of fascination: Like the youngest children, birds can become attracted by something colorful in their environments.

Birds are able to control their irises, shrinking and enlarging their pupils rapidly in a display that's called "flashing" or "pinning."

You have to read the whole bird to put the message in its proper context. Birds may flash their eyes when they're excited or when they're angry. Flashing accompanied by aggressive posturing, such as tail-fanning, signifies a bird who's bound to escalate his warnings -- and maybe even bite -- if not left alone.

Consider flashing to be the physical display of strong emotion -- anything from the "I want to kill you" vibes of an angry or aggressive bird to the "Hey there, cutie" of an infatuated bird.

BY THE NUMBERS

Pets are big business

Image: GPE

Optional cutline: We love our pets, and we're happy to spend money on them.

At the recent Global Pet Expo trade show, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association reveals figures that show the strong growth of the pet industry. In 2006, Americans will spend an estimated 38.4 billion on their pets, including:

-- $15.2 billion on food

-- $9.3 billions for supplies

-- $9.4 billion on veterinary care

-- $2.7 billion for pet-related services

THE SCOOP

Don't trust dogs with mail carrier

It's natural for a dog to bark when a stranger comes to the door. In the case of the mail carrier, that stranger comes almost every day. The dog barks to alert the family and warn the carrier to go away.

From the dog's point of view, it was his brave warning that drove the stranger away. He doesn't realize the mail carrier's just going to the next house on the route. As the dog sees it: He barked, and the interloper left.

Over time, the dog's reaction intensifies as he tries harder to send a message to the stranger who just doesn't seem to understand. As the dog becomes more and more worked up over time, the potential for a bite increases. In the best interests of dogs and mail carriers everywhere, dog owners are well-advised to restrain or retrain their dogs to keep from adding to those bite statistics. -- 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.

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

Week in and week out, the No. 1 question I get from cat lovers is this one: "Why has my cat stopped using the litter box?"

Start solving this behavior mystery by making sure there's no health issue involved -- and that means a trip to the veterinarian (see sidebar). Once you have a clean bill of health on your cat, you can start going through the list of common reasons why pets start choosing other places to go.

What you need to know:

-- Cleanliness is catliness. Cats are fastidious animals, and if the litter box is dirty, they look elsewhere for a place to go. Clean the box frequently -- twice a day is ideal -- and make sure it's completely scrubbed clean and aired out on a weekly basis.

-- Not all boxes are equal. Many choices that people make to suit their own tastes don't match what their cats want. Covered boxes, hidden boxes, automatic boxes -- these are all just fine, if your cat accepts them. But if your cat wants a plain, open box, that's the one you'll need to buy.

-- Not all fillers are fine. Some kinds of litter that people may like might not be the ones their cats prefer. Litter with scent added may smell great to you but may be driving your cat away. Likewise, "paw feel" is important, since some cats are picky about how a litter feels. An unscented clumping litter suits many cats best.

-- Location is everything. Your cat's box should be away from his food and water dishes, in a place he can get to easily and feel safe in. Consider location from a cat's point of view: Choose a quiet spot where he can see what's coming at him. A cat doesn't want any surprises while he's in the box.

Also, consider adding boxes on each level of the house, to make it easier for a cat to get where he needs to go.

-- Sharing doesn't always work. Multiple-cat households face additional challenges. Some cats will happily share a communal box, but many others won't. The rule of thumb: as many boxes as you have cats, plus one additional box. Watch to see if your cats have divvied up the household real estate, and make sure each cat has a box in his home territory.

Retraining a cat to use a box requires keeping him in a small area with all the basic essentials for a few days. Make sure that the room has no good options besides the litter box -- no carpet, no pile of dirty laundry. Block off the bathtub -- keep an inch of water in it to discourage its use as a place to go.

After your cat is reliably using the litter box, let him slowly expand his territory again.

SIDEBAR

First step: Clean bill of health

You cannot hope to sort out a litter-box problem if your cat is sick. That's why the first step to solving chronic inappropriate elimination is to make sure your cat sees your veterinarian.

Urinary-tract infections are common triggers for unwanted behavior, and diabetes may also be a factor. For other cats, the infirmities of old age may contribute to litter-box problems, with creaky joints making it difficult to negotiate stairs when nature calls.

Your veterinarian will conduct a complete examination, and it's likely that some diagnostic tests will be involved. Any physical problem will need to be resolved for you to have any hope of getting your cat reliably using the box again.

Q&A

Quality of life at end of life

Q: Why do you believe in killing animals who are terminally ill but not people? There is absolutely nothing wrong with allowing a higher being to choose when your pet leaves, as long as one assumes responsibility for pain management and loving care until there is a natural passing.

It's very difficult, time-consuming and scary, but it's how we let people pass, so why are you pushing killing your ill pet? Is it because the veterinarian charges for the killing of the pet? Would you kill a human in this way?

Your article on cancer was very one-sided and rather offensive in that you advocated murder and not end-of-life care. -- M.C., via e-mail

A: I have absolutely no idea how you could have possibly come up with the idea that I advocate euthanasia as a convenience or as a moneymaker for veterinarians. (As for the latter, you don't know anything about veterinarians if you think they like euthanizing animals.)

Veterinarians -- especially cancer specialists -- are all about options for seriously ill pets, from the most high-tech of human-grade treatment to pain-management and hospice care. I am all in favor of getting the most time for any pet, as long as that time is of good quality and without pain or fear.

Too often, though, I have seen people make decisions that do not have their animals' welfare at heart. They are thinking too much of themselves and not enough about their animals. When considering end-of-life decisions, you must put aside your own grief and always be an advocate for your animal's comfort.

I have kept terminally ill pets on pain-control regimens that maintained their comfort and mobility to almost the very end of their lives. But when I could no longer assure my animals a pain-free life, I chose a painless death for them. I consider it nothing less than a final gift of love and respect.

If the course of disease cannot be reversed and an animal's pain cannot be eased, I believe we must act with mercy and choose euthanasia. We all make our own decisions in different ways, but we always need to keep the welfare of our pets in mind when doing so.

Q: I know you've warned people to beware of hip dysplasia in large dogs, but that's not the whole story. The No. 2 breed in the canine hip dysplasia ratings is the pug.

More important, there are other serious problems -- such as congenital heart disease -- that puppy buyers should require screening for. And because buyers usually haven't heard of those problems, they need writers like you to make them aware.

I had my 2-year-old Doberman a mere two weeks when he dropped dead of a congenital heart disease. This is a problem in Dobermans, golden retrievers and several other popular breeds. And few buyers ever hear of progressive retinal atrophy but, sadly, it is a common cause of blindness in many breeds.

Hip dysplasia is well-known, so can you add to the list of things that puppy buyers need to be aware of? -- Diane Blackman, www.dogplay.com

A: Thanks, Diane. In fact, everyone who decides to purchase a purebred puppy -- and yes, those trendy puggle, doodle and schnoodle mixes, too -- needs to find out what hereditary defects affect a particular breed (or breeds). Then, you should ask the seller for proof that the parents have been screened and certified as clear of these defects. Verbal assurances of health are not enough.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has excellent articles on its site (www.offa.org) regarding hereditary defects. This organization maintains registries of health information on dogs certified to be clear of congenital defects. If the puppy being considered doesn't have parents with OFA certifications, the risk of health problems is significant.

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

PET BUY

Pet collar takes a high-tech turn

The PetSafe Co. drew more than 5,000 entries to its IdeaFetch pet product contest, and the winner is a collar that combines the need to keep ID on a pet with the convenience of using a computer for information updates.

The MicroID collar offers a way to keep a digital journal on a pet, storing not only traditional identifying information but also veterinary records such as recent visits, required medication and more. The collar has a memory chip that is inserted into a computer's USB port for updating. Anyone who finds the pet can put the collar insert into his or her computer to access the information.

The winning entry brought its inventor $40,000 plus PetSafe's pledge to develop the product. The MicroID collar will be available through retail outlets with a suggested retail of $30.

The top 10 ideas are featured on the contest Web site, www.ideafetch.com. The finalists include a collar that lights up and sounds off when smoke is detected so firefighters can find pets in a burning house.

ON THE WEB

Spinning clothes from dog hair

Those of us who share our lives with animals often feel as if we're wearing our pets or, at least, are constantly trying to keep pet hair off our clothing. But there are people who value pet hair for its ability to be spun into beautiful yarn and to be knitted into garments as lovely as they are sentimental.

Pat Lee's Chiengora Chic Web page (www.mdnpd.com/pd) shows how to take combings from your dog and spin them in into yarn. ("Chiengora" derives from "chien" -- French for "dog" -- and Angora, which Lee says dog yarn most closely resembles.)

Lee offers guidelines on what breed types have the best fur for spinning (double-coated longhaired dogs) and how to go about it. (She recommends brushing out loose fur after a dog has been bathed.) The end results -- lovely scarves, vests and more -- really make working with dog yarn seem like an interesting project to try for the dog-loving person who loves to learn new crafts.

PET Rx

Urine testing a key diagnostic tool

Performed in the veterinarian's office or by an outside laboratory, an analysis of a pet's urine can be used to rule out certain health problems and identify those that might otherwise go undetected.

Some abnormal results may prompt your veterinarian to do further testing, but they don't necessarily mean a pet is ill. For example, a urinalysis will check for the presence of crystals, which can sometimes mean the pet has urinary stones or an infection. However, crystals will frequently form in urine that has been sitting or has become cold. Also, glucose and pH levels in urine can be disrupted by things other than illness.

A urinalysis will also check for "specific gravity," which gives valuable information about the health of the kidneys.

Urine is tested for the presence of blood, protein, ketones, bilirubin, bacteria and white blood cells. Normal urine will have no blood or protein, although traces may not be significant if the specific gravity is normal. There should also be no ketones present, which would possibly indicate diabetes or other disease.

Bilirubin is a pigment formed when red blood cells are dying or dead. High levels can indicate liver disease, obstructed bile ducts or other problems. The presence of bilirubin is significant in cats, but very low levels in dogs may be normal.

Bacteria or large numbers of white blood cells may suggest a bladder or kidney infection. If bacteria is present, an additional test should be done to identify the bacteria and the appropriate antibiotic to treat it.

Your veterinarian should be willing to answer all your questions about the results of any and all diagnostic testing performed on your pet. -- Christie Keith, pethobbyist.com.

BY THE NUMBERS

Playtime!

Image: Man with bird

Optional cutline: Toys are the top purchase bird lovers make.

A 2004 survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association suggests that bird lovers are getting the message about the importance of toys when it comes to keeping their pets happy and healthy. Top purchases reported include:

Toys 61 percent

Dishes 34 percent

Supplements 28 percent

Cages 18 percent

Water bottles 9 percent

Deodorants 11 percent

THE SCOOP

Problem parrots best avoided

Because of their real or perceived value and long lifespans, problem parrots are often sold time and time again, with each owner hoping to reclaim at least part of the purchase price while dumping a difficult-to-handle bird on someone else. The only absolutely sure way to know a bird's history is to buy a weaned youngster from a reputable source, such as a breeder or specialty bird store. Hand-feeding is not for the novice pet-keeper, so don't buy a baby so young you have to wean him or her yourself.

A reputable seller should know the age of your parrot. Ideally, a "hatch date" will be written on the paperwork that comes with the bird. Good breeding practices include good record-keeping. When you see evidence that the paperwork has been taken care of properly, it's more likely you're dealing with a reputable bird-breeder or knowledgeable and caring retailer.

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 an early nod to spring cleaning, I decided to start going through my books, with an eye toward donating as many as possible to the local shelter's fund-raising book sale. But among these are books that will never be put up for adoption: pet-care guides from the early part of the last century, and from the century before that.

These books can be eye-opening for today's dog lover, with their advice on harsh, even brutal dog-training methods, warnings on deadly diseases we rarely consider, and time-consuming recipes for preparing canine rations. Flipping through the pages got me thinking about not only how relatively easy we have it today, but also which of modern life's advances have had the most impact on how we care for our dogs.

Here is my list. Call them the magnificent seven:

-- Vaccinations. Pick up any dog-showing guide from the early part of the last century and you're certain to read of top purebreds who died young after picking up distemper at a dog show. In fiction, you'll find no shortage of works that involve a rabid dog -- "Old Yeller," of course, but also "To Kill a Mockingbird."

These days, the threat to humans from rabies comes mostly from wildlife, and dogs are likewise protected from many deadly diseases, including distemper.

-- Commercial dog foods. While it's possible to prepare a dog's diet at home from scratch -- and not uncommon these days to do so -- most people haven't the time or interest. Fortunately, there has never been a wider range and better selection of commercial dog foods. These offer good nutrition with convenience, at a cost generally well below any home-prepared diet.

-- Flea control. While vaccinations and commercial dog foods have been around for decades, advances in flea control have come into their own since I started writing about pets a couple of decades ago. I well remember the noxious flea-dips, bombs and sprays, and how every spring and summer a large chunk of my reader questions would be from people begging for an end to the biting and the scratching.

These days, monthly spot-on medications mean the sounds of spring do not so often include the jangling of dog tags on itchy, flea-bitten pets.

-- Heartworm preventives. Heartworms are introduced when a mosquito bites a dog. Left untreated, heartworms can kill a dog. And even the treatment of established heartworms can kill a dog. Heartworm prevention in a simple monthly pill removes the risk of both bad outcomes. Unfortunately, this is one modern marvel that hasn't been used to the fullest -- as the shocking number of heartworm-infested dogs rescued after Hurricane Katrina showed.

-- Reward-based dog training. While there are no doubt those who still rely on force and punishment to teach dogs their manners, these trainers are in the minority today. Most dog trainers now emphasize methods that are considerably more carrot than stick.

Along with new training techniques has come an emphasis on early and ongoing socialization to get puppies off to the best start possible. Even dog-training equipment has changed for the better, with options such as head-collars and front-clip harnesses making it easier to control a dog on leash.

-- Dog sports. Canine activities didn't used to be about recreation, but rather about getting a job done. Today many of those traditional jobs are now competitive endeavors, such as trials for hunting and herding dogs. In recent years, newly created sports, such as canine agility, have become incredibly popular.

All sports strengthen the bond between dog and owner, and give both a good reason to get some fresh air and exercise.

-- Off-leash areas. As our population grows and leash laws tighten, dog lovers are often left with few options for exercising their pets. Large dogs with high exercise requirements remain popular -- the Labrador and golden retrievers are the top dogs in the country. Behavior and psychological problems in dogs are linked to boredom and a lack of activity.

Both smaller fenced areas and large parkland set-asides provide dogs with places to run. While there are problems -- dog parks aren't a good idea for every dog -- on balance, the trend has been a good one.

That's my list. Readers are welcome to write me with their additions, and I'll write a follow-up column at a later date.

SIDEBAR

Changing with the times

While vaccinations have saved the lives of countless dogs, they're not without risk. And that's one reason why guidelines for vaccinating pets have been changing in recent years.

The idea that pets need "combination shots" every year for protection against disease is being replaced with guidelines that tailor vaccines to an individual animal's needs after the initial series of juvenile vaccinations. Under these changes, boosters are given at three-year intervals -- some as needed, and some not at all. (Rabies vaccinations, of course, are regulated by law because of the threat to human health. Most jurisdictions require them at three-year intervals.)

The 2006 guidelines for canine vaccines are available on the Web site of the American Animal Hospital Association (www.aahanet.org). Talk to your veterinarian about what combination of vaccines is right for your dog, and don't skip your pet's annual examination if you'll be skipping those yearly "shots."

Q&A

What about cats in the garden?

Q: You wrote on gardening recently, but you completely missed what people who care about their yards really want to know. How do you keep the neighbor's cat from using your flowerbeds as a bathroom? -- H.C., via e-mail

A: Years ago, I used to joke with the garden editor at my newspaper that if we could bottle a solution to this problem, we'd both be multimillionaires. He's now retired on the newspaper's pension, and I'm still working, so that should tell you something.

Over the years I've read of countless strategies, including commercial repellants, foil, citrus peels, coffee grounds and cayenne pepper. Also, setting out jugs of water, putting netting over the soil, covering soil with sharp rocks ... the list goes on and on.

These strategies each seem to have people who swear by them, and some seem to work at least in the short term. But nothing seems to work across-the-board and without constant reapplication.

The best resolution, of course, would be for people to keep cats inside, or at least on their own property. Besides being neighborly, keeping cats from roaming is safer for the animals. Cats can be happy indoors, and most humane groups now encourage the indoor-cat option.

But some cats just won't covert to indoor life, and for those, cat-fencing is a good option, although it doesn't protect a cat from predators such as coyotes.

Do-it-yourself instructions for fencing in cats are available from Alley Cat Allies (www.alleycat.org, search for "fence"). Kits are available from several companies, including Affordable Cat Fence (www.catfence.com, 1-888-840-2287) and Purr...fect Fence (www.purrfectfence.com, 1-888-280-4066). Although most of these fences are sold to keep cats in a yard, I don't see why they wouldn't work to keep cats out. Since they're made of netting, they blend in well and aren't an eyesore. They might be especially useful for protecting a small area such as a vegetable garden.

Please don't write to tell me it's not fair that you should have to lift a finger or spend a dime to keep someone else's cat out of your yard. I agree with you, but that's not going to change anything. Even if every pet cat were kept contained, there would still be plenty of free-roaming ferals. Such is the nature of cats.

Q: We have a very sweet Rottweiler. We take her into the pet store with us, and it never fails that someone will be there with a tiny dog, and that dog will try to pick a fight with ours.

Some of these little dogs are vicious, and their owners think it's funny. Why do little dogs pick fights with big ones? Do they have death wishes? My dog could kill a Yorkie with a slap of her paw -- not that she would, of course. -- T.S., via e-mail

A: Many people let small dogs get away with lots of bad behavior, says Darlene Arden, author of the upcoming "Small Dogs, Big Hearts: A Guide to Caring for Your Little Dog" (Wiley, $13) and an expert on these most diminutive of canines.

Arden says some small dogs are reacting out of fear, while others really are trying to pick a fight. "They're saying, 'I'm a dog, too, want to make something of it?'" says Arden. "These little dogs really believe they're bigger."

Since so many small dogs are carried, many of them come to believe they are elevated in status as well as height. Arden says it's up to the owners to make sure small dogs are socialized, well-trained and protected. "Some people think it's really funny when a small dog acts aggressive," says Arden, "but it won't be funny when that behavior gets a dog killed."

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

ON THE WEB

Macaw fans should fly to this site

When people picture pet parrots, the birds that come to mind are often macaws. These pets are among our most popular companion birds, prized for their beauty, intelligence and affection.

From the royal blue hyacinth -- the largest parrot kept as a pet -- to the more manageable sizes of the "minis," macaws have plenty of fans worldwide, all of whom would likely enjoy Those Majestic Macaws (www.exoticbird.com), a Web site packed with a variety of useful and entertaining information, as well as lots of great avian links.

You'll find information on the various species, on macaw-related e-mail lists, breeder referrals, parrot jokes, and recipes for healthy treats and meals for your pet bird. The brightly colored type on a black background will give you a headache to read while exploring, though.

I'd like to see a little more information from avian veterinarians -- too much of the health information is from breeders and fanciers, not medical professionals. But the site still has plenty to offer.

PET Rx

Spaying will end false pregnancies

False pregnancies are not uncommon in unspayed dogs. The signs include nesting, mothering objects, such as a stuffed animal, and excreting milk. Some dogs may physically appear pregnant and may even go into labor. These symptoms become noticeable three to six months after a heat cycle.

If symptoms are mild, the condition will usually resolve itself within three weeks. It may be tempting to put warm compresses on the dog's underside, or to wrap the abdomen to prevent milk leakage in the house. But that's not advised. Any stimulation of the dog's mammary tissues encourages more milk production.

Continued or severe symptoms will require your veterinarian's assistance to address. After the false pregnancy has passed, the dog can be safely spayed, preventing future false pregnancies -- and, of course, real ones as well.

(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

To avoid cat's wrath, watch the tail

While the most unsocial of cats will likely never be purring lap kitties, patient and observant handling will help to teach other cats to tolerate petting.

The key is to stop petting before a cat has had enough, slowly building up your cat's tolerance over time. You can tell when you're getting close to the line by watching your cat's tail. When a cat has had just about enough, his tail will start twitching. Keep petting, and that tail will get even more active, just before you're introduced to your cat's non-loving embrace.

With sensitive cats, restrict your caresses to behind the ears, under the chin or the base of the tail. A long stroke down the back is too much for some kitties, and you're really taking chances when you decide to tickle your cat's tummy.

When you pick your cat up for a petting session, don't surprise him. Come up on him slowly and pick him up gently, making sure his whole body is supported with a hand under his chest and one beneath his legs.

Pet him in the safe areas on his body only, watching for the first sign of a tail twitch. When you get that first early warning sign, stop petting and allow him to calm down or leave if he wants to.

If you miss the signs and end up with teeth and claws around your arm, just freeze. If you fight back or physically punish your cat, your cat will be compelled by instinct and fear to escalate the violence. You'll also set back your training and your relationship.

What makes one cat more liable to bite than another? The degree of sensitivity has both genetic and social factors. Some cats are born edgy, while others are made that way because of a lack of socialization or proper training in their kittenhoods.

BY THE NUMBERS

Advice that's fishy

Image: angel fish

Optional cutline: Keeping fish healthy and attractive can be a challenge.

When it comes to getting information on setting up, stocking and maintaining saltwater fish tanks, specialty stores remain popular. In 2004, fish keepers with saltwater tanks reported getting advice from multiple sources, including:

Fish/aquarium store 71%

General pet store 53%

Internet 39%

Books 34%

Friend/relative 31%

Magazines 28%

Aquarium club 8%

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PET TIP

'Washable' essential for homes with pets

Is it possible to have pets and a clean house? Here are some tips to keep things neater:

-- Choose upholstery that resists stains and tears, and use washable throws to catch pet hair.

-- Get on pet stains right away, with as much gusto as you can. A stain delayed is a stain set. Use enzymatic cleaners for the best result.

-- Choose wood, laminates, tile or linoleum for flooring. Wall-to-wall carpets are difficult to keep clean in pet-loving households. Instead, soften the effect of hard floors with washable rugs.

-- Use mats under pet dishes, and inside and outside of doors.

A good vacuum is your pet's best friend. I have a hand-held model for quick cleanups, but I swear by my Dyson "Animal" for larger cleaning. Everything my pets touch is washable, which makes my washing machine an essential piece of the clean-home puzzle, 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.

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