The first time I wrote about disaster preparation for pets, some 20 years ago, there wasn't much to write about. I called a disaster-response official and he seemed rather puzzled at the questions I wasn't asking. Pets? Who cares?

Finally, he told me people should open big bags of pet food, fill the bathtub with water and leave their pets behind. His whole attitude: What's the big fuss? They're just pets!

I'll guarantee you no disaster-response expert would dare voice such an opinion today. And it's not just because they recognize that animals are worth saving -- because it's possible many still don't. What has become apparent over the years is that if no plans are made for pets, people won't leave their homes. And when people won't leave, that puts everyone in greater peril.

But even though it's true that government on all levels has a greater interest in helping people and pets in time of disaster, it's still pretty much up to each of us to be ready to care for our animal companions. With another hurricane season upon us -- and no community immune from the threat of disaster -- it's a good time to review your plans and your pets' place in them.

Start your preparations with something you've probably already taken care of: Make sure your pets have ID.

Most animals will survive a disaster, but many never see their families again because there's no way to determine which pet belongs to which family if the animals go missing, a common occurrence even under normal circumstances. That's why dogs and cats should always wear a collar and identification tags.

Once your pet has up-to-date ID, it's time to collect some equipment to help you cope in case of an emergency. A big storage bin with a lid and handles is an ideal place to keep everything you need together and at hand.

Keep several days' worth of drinking water and pet food as well as any necessary medicines, rotating the stock regularly. For canned goods, don't forget to pack a can opener and a spoon. Lay in a supply of empty plastic bags, along with paper towels, both for cleaning up messes and for sealing them away until they can be safely tossed.

For cats, pack a bag of litter and some disposable litter trays.

Even normally docile pets can behave in uncharacteristic ways when stressed by an emergency, which makes restraints essential for the safety of pets and people alike. For dogs, leashes should always be at hand.

Shipping crates are probably the least-thought-of pieces of emergency equipment for pets, but are among the most important. Sturdy crates keep pets of all kinds safe while increasing housing options. Crated pets may be allowed in hotel rooms that are normally off-limits to pets, or can be left in a pinch with veterinarians or shelters that are already full, since the animals come with rooms of their own.

Final item of restraint for dogs and cats: a soft muzzle, because frightened or injured pets are more likely to bite. And don't forget to put first-aid supplies in your disaster kit, along with a book on how to treat pet injuries.

You may never have to pull out your disaster kit, but it's always good to be prepared.

Back to the official response: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the American Kennel Club, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Humane Society of the United States, has put together a free emergency preparedness brochure for pet lovers. Visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY for more information.

Meanwhile, back in New Orleans

Many of the animal-assistance groups who responded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina are still working in the area. Recently, more than a dozen groups and a half-dozen additional volunteer veterinarians combined forces in May to fix more than 1,100 cats in the greater New Orleans area.

The three-week-long "Feline Frenzy" was designed to prevent the dramatic increase in the number of kittens typically born during the warmer months. The animals were neutered, vaccinated and re-released as part of a strategy called Trap-Neuter-Return, a non-lethal method of controlling outdoor cat populations.

For more information on TNR and humane strategies for controlling cat populations -- in all communities -- visit the Web site of Alley Cat Allies (alleycat.org). -- G.S.

Q&A

Barking dog has neighbor up in arms

Q: I hate dogs. And I hate barking dogs worst of all. These people moved in next door a few months ago, and their dog is always barking. I don't know how they can stand the constant noise, but I am ready to use my gun. Don't tell me to call the SPCA. They're animal freaks, too. What would they do? And the police don't care at all! -- T.R., via e-mail

A: They'll care if you shoot your neighbor's dog, that's for sure. As you've found, barking dogs are low on the priority list for municipal agencies (either animal control or your local police), which realistically leaves you with two choices: Deal with the neighbors, or live with the problem.

You might be surprised at how oblivious the neighbor with the problem dog is to the noise the animal makes. Over the years I have come to realize -- sometimes by living next to a nuisance barker myself -- that many owners of barking dogs develop the ability to tune them out, and so may not be fully aware of the trouble their pets are causing.

I'm not offering this as an excuse, believe me, because someone whose dog is a nonstop barker in the way you describe is likely not a caring, responsible pet lover. These dogs are bored and lonely, at the very least, and often neglected as well.

While it's better to talk one-on-one with the owners of the problem dog, I realize that's not always possible, especially if that person has proven to be dangerous or scary to deal with in the past. You might instead consider sending an anonymous letter that indicates how much unhappiness the animal is causing the neighbors, and include a flier with suggestions for improving the situation, through better care of the dog, integration of the animal into the family home, and management of the situations that trigger the barking.

The Denver Dumb Friends League has an excellent fact sheet covering why dogs bark and how pet owners can choose effective solutions. You can find it at http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/barking.pdf. The Web site BarkingDogs.net also has a lot of advice both for the owners of barking dogs and the people who live nearby.

Belling the cat

Q. Will putting a bell on my cat's collar protect birds from being killed? -- B.F., via e-mail

A. Probably not. In fact, some experts have observed that cats can learn to stalk their prey without making the bells on their collars move at all. A cat who's determined to hunt will probably keep hunting, given the opportunity to do so.

Groups such as the Audubon Society are very much against free-roaming cats, whether they're pets given access to the outside or former pets turned wild and living as best they can. Studies have shown that cats do kill a fair amount of songbirds, but they also kill a lot of animals that are neither endangered nor wanted, such as mice and rats. People who advocate for humane handling of feral cat colonies argue that blaming songbird decline on cats is a bit of a "glass house" situation. The biggest threat to any endangered species is the destruction of habitat and pollution. Cats have nothing to do with either of those problems.

The debate will rage on, no doubt. In the meantime, if you want to keep your cat from hunting, keep him inside. It's safer for him, anyway.

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

PET RX

Keeping dogs calm during thunderstorm

For some dogs, fear of thunderstorms increases because we mishandle our dog's early signs of fear -- either by soothing them or by punishing them. The first rewards the behavior; the second makes a scary event even worse.

Sensitivity to thunder is easier to prevent than to cure. When puppies and young dogs show concern, practice those things they know -- like "sit" -- in an upbeat training session with lots of super-yummy treats. In other words: Ignore the storm, distract them with other, more pleasant activities, and don't act as if anything's different.

For many dogs, though, the fear of storms is quite dramatic -- and dangerous. Some dogs may tremble, others may destroy their surroundings, and still other may bite out of fear.

If you don't live in an area where thunderstorms are common, you may be able to just deal with loud noises you can predict -- fireworks on holidays, primarily -- by getting your veterinarian to prescribe a sedative for your pet.

For dogs who are very scared and destructive living in areas where thunderstorms are common, your best bet is asking your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist. A veterinary behaviorist will work with you on a treatment plan that may include medications, counter-conditioning, pheromones, and even anti-static jackets in an effort to help a dog to relax during storms.

(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 focuses on indoor kitties

Many people have considered and even tried keeping their come-and-go cat in the house. Converting a cat to an indoor lifestyle can be difficult, and many cats are so annoying in their demands to go out that people give up.

The Ohio State University School of Veterinarian Medicine has developed a wonderful Web site, The Indoor Cat Initiative (www.indoorcat.org), that covers every aspect of living with an indoor cat. It answers every imaginable question and helps cat lovers through every conceivable behavior challenge.

Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives. If you've thought about taking this step with your cat, you'll want to read up on this site. -- G.S.

PET TIP

Shelters promote cat adoptions in June

An adult cat can slide quickly into your life. You know pretty well what you're getting with a grown cat -- activity level, sociability, health, etc. Given time in a loving environment, a grown cat forms just as tight a bond with his new people as any kitten can. That's why shelters around the country promote June for cat adoptions.

With adult cats, knowing a little of the animal's background is important, especially if your family has other pets, or children. (A cat who has never experienced them may have a more difficult time adjusting to a new family that includes either or both.) Most shelters or rescue groups try to provide some basic background information, which they ask of the people giving up their pets.

If at all possible, take each adult cat you're considering away from the caging area of the adoption center. Sit down with the animal in your lap, alone in a quiet place, and try to get a feel for the cat as an individual. Shelters are stressful places, so the cat may need a few quiet minutes to collect herself. A calm, confident and outgoing cat will respond to your attention, relaxing in your lap, pushing for strokes and purring.

No matter how promising the initial meeting, remember that cats don't react well to change, so be prepared to give your new pet time to adjust to new surroundings once you take her home. Experts advise starting out your cat in a small, enclosed area -- a spare bathroom or small bedroom equipped with food and water, litterbox, toys and a scratching post. A few days of quiet seclusion with frequent visits from you will relax your new pet and re-establish good litterbox habits. -- G.S.

BY THE NUMBERS

Big birds more popular

While the overall percentage of birds kept as pets has remained small -- 6.4 percent of all households in 2004 -- the trend in bird ownership has been away from small birds such as canaries and finches. Ownership percentages among bird-owners:

1998 2004

Small birds 58 percent 45 percent

Medium birds 30 53

Large birds 12 18

(Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Assoc. Inc.)

THE SCOOP

Iguanas can regrow tails

The ability to lose a tail can be a lifesaver for iguanas. If caught by a predator, an iguana can escape by dropping the tail, leaving it still wriggling in the mouth of an animal who thought lunch was in the bag. The trick isn't used just with predators: More than a few people who are new to having an iguana as a pet have ended up screaming the first time they find themselves holding a thrashing tail instead of an iguana.

Smaller iguanas are more likely than larger ones to regrow their tails, usually within a few weeks. If the tail is in place but injured, or is only partially broken off, a visit to a veterinarian with experience in reptiles is in order to determine the best course of treatment. -- 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

Do you pause when a black cat crosses your path? I sometimes do, and then I laugh at myself for being influenced by such a silly old myth, even for a second. But that's the funny thing about cats -- more than any other domestic animal, they are the subject of countless myths, legends and old wives' tales.

While some stories about cats are harmless, others are too dangerous not to debunk. Here, from my archives, are some stubborn old myths about cats -- and the facts to counter them:

-- Black cats are bad luck. Black may be an unlucky color all right, mostly for cats themselves. Humane society officials have warned for years that black cats are sometimes the targets of those who practice rituals that include the torture and killing of animals. (Many shelters refuse to allow black cats to be adopted around Halloween for this very reason.) Black may be an unfortunate color for another reason: visibility. Countless 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. At night, patches of light-colored fur are a distinct advantage.

-- Cats need to drink milk. Is cow's milk the perfect food for cats? Not at all! On the contrary, some cats (like some people) can't tolerate milk well. For these animals, a saucer of milk means gastric upset. In the wild, kittens never drink milk after they're weaned, and domestic cats have no reason to either. On the other hand, if your cat likes and can tolerate milk, feel free to offer it as an occasional treat. Milk's a good source of protein and other nutrients for those cats who don't find it upsetting.

-- Cats purr when they're happy. Expert cat observers 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."

-- Cats are a danger to babies. So many cats find themselves looking for new homes when a baby is expected that you could put it another way: Babies are a danger to cats. But the fact is that you don't need to find a new home for your pet if you become pregnant. Cats do not maliciously smother or suck the breath out of babies, as the myths hold. That doesn't mean some considerations aren't in order, however. Pregnant women have to take special precautions when cleaning the litter box (or have someone else do it) because of the risk of disease. And even animal advocates remind new parents that common sense dictates no animal be left unattended with a small child -- for the protection of both.

-- A well-fed cat won't hunt. The ability to hunt is hardwired into all cats, but the level of desire varies by each cat's genetics and early experiences, not by the rumbling in his belly. The play of kittens -- pouncing and leaping on anything that moves -- is really hunting behavior. Observers of feline behavior believe that if the mother is an eager hunter, the kittens may be, too. Putting a bell on your cat won't protect wildlife, but keeping him in will.

Q&A

Little dog won't stop messing

Q: I adopted 2-year-old Oliver several months ago from a rescue group. I was told he was house-trained, but that was wrong. He is mostly Pomeranian, and I've read this breed can be hard to house-train.

I can't seem to break him from the habit of defecating in the middle of the living room. My carpet is new, and this is really a problem. He has a doggy door, yet today he was outside and came inside to go!

He's a sweet dog and is good in other ways, but I'm almost to the point of giving up and giving him back to the rescue group. I have a suspicion that this was the reason he was abandoned in the first place. Do you have any advice? -- K.B., via e-mail

A: Small dogs can indeed be difficult to house-train, for a couple of different reasons. One of the major problems is inconsistency on the part of the owner. A Great Dane who isn't house-trained is a much bigger problem than a Yorkie with the same bad behavior. A lot of people with small dogs decide it's just as easy to clean up a little mess now and then instead of working on a big training problem.

But little dogs can be house-trained. Toy breed expert Darlene Arden says you have to start by looking at things from a little dog's point of view (her new book, "Small Dogs, Big Hearts: A Guide to Caring for Your Little Dog," will be out later this month).

For example, you have to make sure your dog feels safe in the outdoor spot you've chosen for him. A dog's guard is down during the act of elimination. And when a dog weighs 10 pounds or less, it's important for him to feel he's not going to be attacked. "They feel vulnerable," says Arden. "You need to find that one very safe spot for them." And keep the grass short so the dog doesn't feel as if he's hacking through a jungle, she adds.

Despite the special challenges the small dog presents, Arden says house-training is possible. Once your dog has that safe spot outside, you can teach him to use it with the aid of a schedule, praise and a dedication to consistency.

"Feed on a schedule," says Arden. "You must take your dog out after he eats, after play, after any kind of stimulation. Take a special treat and your happiest voice to the special spot. The moment the puppy's feet hit the ground, get excited." When the deed is done, says Arden, praise to the heavens and deliver the treat.

Limiting a dog's range in the house helps, too. "I'm a firm believer in crate-training -- as a tool, not a punishment," says Arden. "A crate keeps a dog out of trouble when you can't watch him."

Mistakes are part of the learning process and should never be punished. "If you see the dog starting to go in the house, pick him up and run him to that special spot," says Arden, and praise him when he finishes up outside.

The fact that your dog comes in to relieve himself suggests he hasn't a clue about what you expect from him. Start from the beginning. Clean up past mistakes with an enzymatic cleaner, restrict his range in the house, take him outside and praise him for getting it right. If problems continue, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist who can observe your interactions and set up a program just for you and your dog.

ON THE WEB

Helping horses stay healthy

No matter how attached one may get to them, racehorses such as Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro are not pets. But there are lots of horses -- including many ex-racehorses -- who do qualify as pets in the minds of their owners. Research charities for horses help keep working horses and pet horses healthier and happier, and donations are always welcome.

The injured Barbaro was rushed to the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine (www.vet.upenn.edu), which, like all veterinary schools and colleges, accepts donations to aid in its research and educational efforts. Links to help donate to other veterinary schools and colleges can be found on the VetNet site (www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetnet.html) of the University of California, Davis.

Other funding for equine health comes from the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation (www.grayson-jockeyclub.org) and the Morris Animal Foundation (www.morrisanimalfoundation.org). The latter also funds research into health care for all companion animals.

PET Rx

Cat a mom? Book that spay now

An unspayed cat is either getting pregnant, is pregnant, or will be getting pregnant again soon after weaning her babies. And some of those babies will be getting pregnant, too, as young as 5 months of age.

These "oops" litters are one of the major causes of the surplus of kittens that fill shelters from summer to fall.

Alley Cat Allies, a national group that promotes the humane management of feral cat colonies, recommends spaying a mother cat two weeks after the kittens start to be weaned, which happens between the ages of 4 and 6 weeks. In other words, get that mother cat in for surgery about six to eight weeks after she gives birth.

Kittens can be neutered as young as 8 weeks old. Talk to your veterinarian about getting the timing right to keep from adding to the tragedy of pet overpopulation.

(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.)

BY THE BOOK

Diet guides push slimmer pups, people

Martha Garvey's "My Fat Dog: Ten Simple Steps to Help Your Pet Lose Weight for a Long and Happy Life" (Hatherleigh Press, $12) is a straightforward guide to turning around a dog's unhealthy life.

The book covers causes of obesity and the effects on canine health, and it offers a comprehensive overview of activities designed to get a dog active and keep her happy as she loses weight. With tips and charts in each section, this little book has all the information you need to get your pet fit and trim again.

Garvey has created a template for keeping track of your dog's weight, food intake and exercise. She includes tips for multi-dog households, senior dogs and dogs with mobility limitations and injuries. For those families with a tubby tabby, she has also written "My Fat Cat" as a companion guide.

You've heard of the Atkins Diet, the Pritikin Diet and the South Beach Diet? Well, get ready for the Dog Diet and the amazing health benefits that author Patti Lawson discovered when she adopted a dog. The result is "The Dog Diet, a Memoir: "What My Dog Taught Me About Shedding Pounds, Licking Stress and Getting a New Leash on Life" (HCI, $17).

Lawson had settled into a routine of binge eating and comforting herself with chocolate after a distressing breakup. She wasn't really looking to change anything, but little Sadie became the catalyst for change in Lawson's life.

Instead of watching TV with a carton of ice cream, Lawson found herself walking her dog and trying to create meals so bland and unappetizing that Sadie would actually let her eat them instead of begging at the table. She changed the whole way she ate -- with astonishing results.

It's hard to take "The Dog Diet" seriously as a weight loss and exercise program. But since it's both humorous and touching, and makes excellent points about the beneficial impact of a dog in our overly sedentary lives, who cares? -- Christie Keith, doghobbyist.com

BY THE NUMBERS

Shopping for Bunny

Basic items such as nesting material and water bottles are the top purchases made by those with pet rabbits, but other items find their way into the shopping cart. According to a 2006 survey, here are purchases reported in the last 12 months:

Nesting/bedding 59 percent

Water bottle 53 percent

Treats 40 percent

Wood chews 31 percent

Toys 24 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

THE SCOOP

Cat bones defy easy counting

How many bones does a cat have? It depends on the cat. The range is usually put between 230 and 250, with the average cat counting about 244 bones in his body, if cats could or cared to count.

The determining factor has to do with how long a cat's tail is, and how many toes the animal has. A long-tailed cat will have more bones than a cat born without a tail, such as the Manx. A cat with extra toes -- they're called polydactyl cats -- will also have extra bones.

The average cat has about 30 more bones than we do. But we have something cats don't: rigid collarbones. Not that a cat would consider that a disadvantage. With the design of their bodies, a cat can fit through an opening roughly the same size as his head.

Assuming he isn't overweight, of course.

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

Ever curious and quick to pounce, cats are the perfect small predator. They're even equipped with the amazing ability to right themselves in midair if they fall while hunting, rotating their bodies from the head back like a coil to align themselves for a perfect four-paw landing.

But what works for a supple small animal falling from a tree branch doesn't cut it in the modern world, where a cat's more likely to fall from a window than a tree.

"When cats evolved, there were no high-rise buildings. There were trees," says Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine for the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in Manhattan. "Their instincts work against them now. They have a strong instinct to go after any moving object. When they fall ... a cat could grab the bark of a tree and save himself, but he can't grab concrete and metal with claws."

Murray says the problem of cats falling out of windows is a seasonal one, timed to the first nice days of spring and, later, to the attempt to get any fresh air in a home on a hot summer day.

"At this time of year, we get five cases a week, and that's just us," she says. "Think how many other veterinary hospitals there are in Manhattan."

While the problem would seem to be one for big-city cats only, she says that's not really the case. In fact, cats are more likely to survive falls from higher stories -- and be killed from falls as low as two stories. The reason is what veterinarians call "high-rise syndrome," according to Murray.

"We know that the worst falls are from second to sixth stories in height," she says. "Over six stories, the cat has time to right himself. Landing on four feet instead of one point, the impact is spread out. And when they get in that correct falling position, they become more relaxed for landing."

Murray says that cats have survived falls of up to 30 stories or more -- although they certainly haven't walked away from such falls uninjured. Broken bones, broken jaws, collapsed lungs are common in falls from higher stories, but these cats survive. The ones falling from lower floors, without time to get themselves relaxed into a proper landing position, often do not.

That means cats can be killed falling from the window of a two-story home, or from the balcony of a third-story apartment. In other words, "high-rise syndrome" is as much a problem in the suburbs as in the city.

Many cat lovers assume their pets would be smart enough to be careful when up high enough for injuries, but Murray says it's just not in an animal's ability to make that kind of judgment call. Cats are comfortable in high places, and they cannot understand the difference in risk between a one-story fall and a six-story fall.

"People think that cats know not to jump or fall out of a window, but they just don't," says Murray, who believes that some cats fall because they lose their footing, while others are chasing something and jump while in pursuit.

"If you think about a cat's instinct," she says, "you'd buy screens."

SIDEBAR

Screens can save a life

It's possible to give a cat fresh air safely, no matter what kind of housing you have.

If you're in multifamily housing, you can't alter a fire escape because of safety issues, but you may be allowed to screen in a balcony to give your cat access to fresh air and a good view.

If you're in a detached home, you can put in a more permanent structure, such as a screened-in multilevel cat playground. I've seen several, and none were especially elaborate or expensive -- just simple framework, sturdy wire enclosures, and a system of sisal-wrapped posts and platforms to give cats a safe place to play.

If none of that's possible, you don't even have to pop for built-in screens. Most home centers have low-cost adjustable screens that fit into windows and can expand to fill in the gap. These will allow fresh air to flow while keeping cats safe.

Q&A

Little dog best left in house

Q: I have a 3-year-old male Chihuahua. I'd like for him to be outside during the time I'm at work, which is from 5:30 a.m. until about 3:30 p.m. How can I do this safely? My dog's accustomed to roaming inside the house, but I think he may prefer to be outside in good weather. -- M.S., via e-mail

A: I suspect your dog is plenty comfortable lounging around in the air conditioning while you're at work. And I'd be loath to recommend leaving him out all day for a couple of different reasons.

First, the neighbors. A lot of dogs, especially small ones, tend to be more than a little bit yappy when left alone. Keeping a dog in the house buffers noises that trigger barking and, of course, muffles whatever barking there is.

Second, your dog. Even with shade and water, summer afternoons can get pretty hot. And if your dog gets bored, he won't need to find a very big hole in the fence to slip through to search for more interesting activities. Finally, it's not unheard of for a small dog (or cat) to attract the attention of such urban wildlife as a hungry coyote.

All in all, your dog is probably better off indoors while you're gone. If the length of time he's left alone is a problem, consider the possibility of an indoor canine litter box or potty zone.

Q: We made a mistake in putting in the cat door. We didn't follow directions to leave the flap off at first, and we just pushed our cat in and out. Now he won't go near the door. Any ideas? -- C.S., via e-mail

A: Tape up the flap securely for a few days so that he comes to appreciate the fact that he can conveniently come and go on his own schedule through this magic portal. (And I do mean securely. If your cat gets clobbered by the flap, it'll take a long time to coax him near it again.)

Then put the flap down and put a little butter or margarine on the bottom edge of the flap and encourage him with tasty treats and praise from the other side. You can also drag through toys on a string, encouraging him to chase them.

Repeat in very short intervals over the course of several days, and your cat will get the hang of it, sure enough.

If you have another cat who already knows how to use the cat door, you usually don't need to do anything. Just be patient.

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

PET Rx

Picking may be medical issue

Feather-picking is a symptom, not a disease. Any one or any combination of the following can be the problem when a bird starts picking himself bald:

-- Health problems. Medical conditions include allergies, parasitic infections, bacterial infections, abnormal growths in the feather follicle, internal health problems, vitamin deficiencies and hormone-associated problems.

-- Low humidity. Many pet bird species come from tropical environments. The dry air of most houses can be a factor in feather-picking and can also set the stage for some secondary medical problems.

-- Boredom and pent-up energy. Birds are active and intelligent, and they don't handle the strain of being forced to sit around in a cage all day very well. Without things to play with and stuff to destroy and without being able to get out of the cage and exercise, birds may direct all their energy toward self-mutilation.

-- Psychological problems. Obsessive-compulsive disorders or even a bad wing trim can also trigger feather-picking.

-- Attention-seeking. Some birds learn that their owners pay attention to them when they're pulling on their feathers. So they pick more for attention.

Veterinarians with experience in avian medicine will be able to diagnose any medical problems and help with behavioral ones. The sooner you take your bird for help, the better a chance you have at seeing your pet full-feathered again.

(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

A smart site for smart dog

You don't have to have a sheep ranch to keep a border collie happy, but it helps. If not a sheep ranch, then maybe a couple of acres with canine agility gear. Or you could be the kind of person who likes to train for marathons with a dog at your side.

In short, if you're a couch potato, this isn't the dog for you. But the border collie is a breed that can fit into many active homes, whether in a city, a suburb or in the country. The key word: active.

That's the message of All About Border Collies (www.bordercollie.org), the informational Web site of the U.S. Border Collie Club, a group dedicated to keeping the breed's working heritage intact. The site offers good information on what it's like to live with a border collie and how to keep one busy. Anyone thinking about adopting one of these dogs ought to visit here first.

NOTE: Last week the Web address of the Companion Parrot Quarterly was left out. You can find it at www.companionparrot.com.

THE SCOOP

Lifelong friendships can start young

Children and cats are natural together, but you need to lay some ground rules for the safety of both.

Cats can bite or scratch children, and animals can be injured by the well-meaning attention of children, especially young ones. The key to keeping children and cats together safely is to make sure their interactions are supervised, and to teach children how to handle and respect cats.

Under no circumstances should a cat -- or any pet-- be left unsupervised with an infant. While the idea that cats "suck the breath of babies" is a myth, keeping your cat away from an infant while you're not present is just good common sense.

Toddlers can really try a cat's patience, even though they aren't being anything but normal. Young children can't understand that poking, squeezing and patting aren't appreciated. Although most cats figure out quickly that children this age are best avoided, your child could be bitten or scratched if your cat is cornered or startled. Keep an eye on all interactions. And consider putting a baby gate across the entry to a "safe room" for your cat, so he can have a place to go where he isn't pestered.

School-aged children can learn to care for a cat and take an increasing amount of responsibility -- under supervision, of course. One way to teach younger school-aged children is to play the "copycat game." If your child pets the cat gently, stroke his arm gently to show how nice it feels.

Teach your children, too, how to hold a cat properly, with support under the animal's chest and legs. A cat who feels secure and safe is far less likely to scratch or bite.

BY THE NUMBERS

Watch out for summer

According to the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (www.petinsurance.com), hot weather triggers an increase in certain health problems. The company reports claims from summer 2005, compared with February 2005 for context:

Feb. June July Aug.

Insect bites/stings 68 207 256 311

Heat stroke 4 36 50 31

Ear infections 3,629 4,285 4,578 4,756

PET TIP

'Just in case' plan for pet

You should have formal plans designating a friend or family member to make decisions should you become incapable of caring for your pet because of illness, injury or death. In case of the latter, you'll need to talk to an attorney to set up a plan giving the pet to a trusted person, along with money for care.

If you have no one willing or able to take responsibility in the event of your death, you might consider leaving your pet to a program that will provide lifetime care for a fee. Typically, these programs are affiliated with veterinary schools or humane societies. (I'm not sure I would trust any organization that wasn't a veterinary school or established humane society, to be honest.)

Making arrangements can be emotionally difficult. But you owe it to your pet to have their care arranged for them, just in case.

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