The idea that seeds are the perfect diet for birds is so common that you could ask most any group of children what pet birds should eat, and they'll quickly squawk: "Seeds!"

Problem is, common wisdom is wrong.

Avian veterinarians say that an all-seed diet is dangerous or even deadly over the long run for pet birds. Instead, the prevailing wisdom from avian experts is to feed the popular pet parrots, from budgies to macaws, a base diet of top-quality commercial pellets supplemented by a wide variety of healthy "people food."

Pelleted diets are readily available from many reputable manufacturers and can be purchased from any bird shop or from many veterinarians who work with birds. These foods are a blend of grains, seeds, vegetables, fruits and various other protein sources. Manufacturers mix the ingredients, and then either bake and crumble them or extrude them, ending up with pellets of a proper size for any given species (large pellets for large birds, small pellets for small birds).

This process produces a food that is superior to the "smorgasbord" way of feeding -- the bird cannot pick out his favorite foods and ignore the rest. Pellets also are convenient for bird owners. These commercially prepared diets are easy to buy and relatively inexpensive, and can be stored nicely in a cool, dry place.

Pelleted foods should be the foundation of your bird's diet, but they're best when supplemented with fresh, whole foods. Add a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with pasta, eggs, breads, rice and unsalted nuts in their shells. Foods that are excessively fatty, sugary, highly salted or overprocessed should be avoided. A good rule of thumb: If it's healthy for you, it's good for your bird, too.

If you're switching your bird to a healthier diet, be gradual and a little sneaky. Start by checking in with your veterinarian to make sure your bird has no health problems that would complicate his conversion to a healthier diet.

Strategies for reforming a "seed junkie" include mixing the old diet in with the new, feeding new foods in the morning when your bird is hungriest, and letting your bird watch and share the good foods you're enjoying.

During the conversion, be sure you observe your bird eating and drinking, make sure that he is passing normal droppings, and check the muscle on both sides of his keel bone (which runs right down the middle of his chest) regularly to be sure he's maintaining weight. Starvation diets don't work with birds.

If you have problems getting your bird to eat properly, ask for help from your veterinarian.

SIDEBAR

Corn muffins and other avian delights

Adding whole-food variety to your parrot's diet can be as easy as defrosting a bird-sized serving of frozen mixed vegetables. If you want to play with your bird's food a little, though, you can modify people foods to be more attractive to your bird.

For example, if you're making French toast for the family, make one slice for your bird by sprinkling seeds into the egg mixture. Or you can make a batch of treats by mashing a cooked sweet potato with orange juice, dividing into small muffin cups and freezing for storage. Thaw one at a time for a sweet, healthy treat.

Parrot lovers also know a dozen different ways to make bird breads using corn muffin mix. Check out the recipe section on the Birds n Ways Web site (www.birdsnways.com/birds/rbreads.htm) for more. And remember that playing with food is OK for your bird, too: Make eating a challenging game with food puzzles to keep him busy.

Q&A

Keep pet info close at hand

Q: I'm not a young woman nor a wealthy one, but I'd like to look out for my little cat. I'm facing some surgery, and I wonder about the "what ifs." What should I do? -- B.F., via e-mail

A: It doesn't matter one's situation: There's always a possibility that something could happen. Depending on the circumstances, the situation may be temporary, or our pets may need a new home for good. Either way, we all need to be sure our pets are covered, and I'm glad you asked.

The first step is to make sure that someone (or a couple of people, better yet) knows you have pets, where they are and how to care for them. Trade information with other pet-keeping friends, family or neighbors, along with the keys to each other's homes.

Make a file with all your pet's information. Pictures and a physical description of your pet are a good place to start. Add an overview of your pet's medical records to the folder, including proof of altering and dates of vaccinations. Instructions for any medications should include not only the dosage and where to find the bottle, but also whatever method you use to entice your pet to swallow the pill.

Don't forget the name, address and phone number of the animal's veterinarian. Write down some information about the tricks and commands your pet knows, as well as any unique personality quirks, such as a favorite spot to be petted. As part of your preparation, talk to your veterinarian about setting up plans for emergency care or boarding.

If you're a good long-term client, you should have no problem getting your veterinarian to agree to run a tab if you cannot be reached immediately. I have an arrangement with my veterinarian that if anyone -- absolutely anyone -- comes in with one of my animals, the doctor will take the pet in and do what needs to be done. And he knows that either I or my heirs will settle the bill later. If you are able to make such arrangements, put those details in the folder, too.

The final bit of information for the folder should concern arrangements for your pet if you never come home again. While no one likes to think about this possibility, you have a responsibility to provide for your pets after your death. You cannot leave money directly to an animal, but you can leave the animal and money to cover expenses to a trusted friend or relative. In some states, you can establish a trust in your pet's name. Talk to your attorney about what arrangement is best for you and your pets.

Keep a copy of the file on hand in case you ever need to be evacuated with your pet. Finally, make up a card for your wallet. Note that you have pets, how many, what kinds, and the names and numbers of the people you have designated to care for them should you become suddenly unable to.

Cats and baths

Q: My cat seems to be able to keep her fur in good shape on her own, and she doesn't smell bad. Is there any need to give her a bath? -- G.K., via e-mail

A: If you have someone in your home with allergies, a weekly dousing of your cat with cool, clear water can help make living with one more pleasant. Otherwise, your cat can stay bath-free unless she gets into something she can't get out of without a little help from some soap and water. Brushing is probably more useful than bathing for helping to keep your cat in fine shape, especially for longhaired animals.

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

ON THE WEB

Canine agility fun sport for all

Recently I had the chance to watch some of the world's best canine agility teams compete in a three-day event in Northern California. Over jumps, through weave poles, across elevated dog walks and through tunnels -- agility is one dog sport that's equally enjoyable for canine and human competitors and spectators. (It's also the place to spot former Olympic medalist Greg Louganis combining his love of dogs and sports, competing alongside other top teams.)

The rush of agility competition is addictive. And although the sport leans toward rewarding the fittest and fastest in both people and dogs -- a top competition is practically a border collie convention -- there's a place for all, even if your goal is just to have fun training and running with your dog.

The United States Dog Agility Association (www.usdaa.com) is a great place to start learning about agility, as is the dog agility section on the Dogpatch Web site (www.dogpatch.org/agility). Clean Run (www.cleanrun.com) and the American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) also offer resources for beginners.

PET Rx

Cats can get heartworms, too

Cats can and do become infested with heartworms. The cat is not a natural host for the heartworm, which means the migrating larval heartworm is not likely to find its way to the heart, should it make its way into a cat's skin from a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes that carry heartworm definitely prefer to feed on dogs.

The cat's immune system is extremely reactive against heartworms. For this reason, it is virtually impossible to detect immature heartworms -- called microfilariae -- in an infected cat. (The cat's immune system removes them too quickly.) Also, symptoms of infection tend to be more immune-related than heart-failure related. Cats develop more of a lung disease, complete with respiratory stress, and chronic coughing or vomiting. Feline heartworm disease is often misdiagnosed as feline asthma. Sudden death may occur just as it may occur in infected dogs, however.

In areas where heartworms are prevalent, giving a cat heartworm preventive can protect your pet. Talk to your veterinarian.

(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.)

BREED TYPE

Sense of humor needed with this terrier

Moose, the adorable little dog who played Eddie on the popular TV series "Frasier," died a couple of months ago of old age. His death reminded me, once again, of the impact a single dog can have on the popularity of a breed.

In Moose's case, that breed is the Jack Russell terrier (known by the American Kennel Club as the Parson Russell terrier). Along with the dogs who played Wishbone on the children's series of the same name, Moose took a little-known breed popular with the small East Coast horse set and made the Jack Russell a dog everyone wanted.

Problem is, the Jack Russell isn't a dog everyone should have. The small dogs are known for their brains, athleticism, fearlessness and tenacity. People who happily live with these dogs are known for their patience, tolerance and, above all, an active sense of humor. The latter is especially important, because if you can't laugh at a Jack Russell's antics, there will be days when you'll cry.

The Jack Russell wasn't developed to spend days on the couch quietly, but rather to work hard, killing all pests from bugs to rats to other small predators such as foxes. Modern pest control may have eliminated the need for a four-legged exterminator, but nobody told the Jack Russell.

Today's descendants of those fearless terriers are active dogs who will spend their days digging and barking if not kept otherwise engaged. When living with people who understand them, who keep their minds and bodies exercised, who train them and work them constantly, and who set limits and gently but firmly enforce them, the Jack Russell is an outstanding companion.

They're a happy, bright and utterly adorable dog in a small, easy-care package -- less than 20 pounds -- with either smooth (Wishbone-style) or broken (Eddie-style) coats. If you don't know Jack, though, you're better off with a less lively canine companion.

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Treat us nice!

The majority of pet lovers make a regular practice of giving treats to their pets. The percentage of people who buy treats, by the kind of pets they keep:

Dog 88 percent

Cat 65 percent

Bird 80 percent

Small animal 75 percent

Reptile 8 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

THE SCOOP

Clumping is tops in the cat box

The most common type of cat-box filler is clay. Clumping clay litter has become increasingly popular, both with owners, who appreciate the ease of keeping the box clean, and with cats, who seem to have fewer accidents with clumping fillers. The advantage to clumping fillers is that when wet, they form lumps that can be removed from the box with a slotted scooper. Clumping litters are essential to the operation of various automatic box-raking appliances, which lift out and dispose of the clumps soon after they're formed.

The only problem with clumping litters is a concern some have regarding kittens who might eat the litter and become blocked as a result. While it wouldn't hurt to avoid clumping fillers until your kitten is out of the "taste everything once" stage, no scientific evidence exists that clumping cat-box filler is dangerous for your kitten.

Award-winning writer Gina Spadafori has two new books out, which were co-authored with "Good Morning, America" veterinary correspondent Dr. Marty Becker: "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" and "Why Do Dogs Drink From the Toilet?" 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.petconnection.com.

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

You don't need an address to pick the home of Bob Walker and Frances Mooney from the modest ranches that surround it. Deep purple in color, with a driveway drizzled in multicolored paint, the San Diego house is clearly the residence of artists.

Once inside, you know it's also the home of two of the world's most committed and creative cat lovers.

The Cats' House, as it's known, has been 15 years in the development, outliving several of the cats who inspired the renovations. It's a work in progress still, say its owners, but no matter what else, the home is a true feline paradise.

Catwalks hang from most of the ceilings, cutting through walls so the feline residents can continue their room-to-room travels without descending. Floor-to-ceiling climbing posts and clever cat-sized staircases provide access to the overheads. For the shy cat, nooks and crannies abound. And everywhere there isn't a real cat, there's cat kitsch of all imaginable varieties, covering walls and counters painted in dozens of different hues.

"Cats love to look down on us," says Walker, half of the warm and friendly married couple who created this one-of-a-kind home. "To often we think of square footage, when we need to think of cubic footage. Do that, and you can have more cats!"

Eight cats share the home now. The dog died recently, her memory kept alive by a smaller collection of canine-related gewgaws. Up to 12 cats have been in residence at one time, generating enough cat hair -- it floats down from the ceilings as the cats go overhead -- to give an allergist a heart attack.

Artists, master framers and former gallery owners, the couple are well aware their home wouldn't suit even most cat lovers. But to say they don't care would be understating it. They're happy, and so are their cats.

So are a lot of other cats, as a result. The colorful, cat-friendly confines the couple created have sparked a revolution in the care of shelter cats. Shelters once housed cats in small, stainless steel cages while the animals waited for adoption. Now, progressive shelters like the Denver Dumb Friends League have built suites for their guest cats, clearly inspired by the work of Walker and Mooney.

Frances Mooney grew up in the home, which went through the hands of a couple of family members before it started its service to feline-kind. The couple started with a single pair of floor-to-ceiling cat trees with a walk suspended between them. Mooney is responsible for the collecting and the colors; Walker worked the construction, including cutting cat-sized holes from room to room as the network of catwalks grew.

Even the colors are chosen with the cats in mind. "The more intense the colors, the more the cats can see the different colors," says Mooney, who notes the interior of the home has more than 42 different colors of paint.

Seeing the house was something I'd looked forward to for years, and I felt privileged to get a private tour. The couple said some people who'd seen the place on TV, in magazines or in the books (see sidebar) seemed disappointed that the place wasn't bigger (it's about 1,500 square feet). For me, the house was everything I expected and so much more. You could spend a month there and not catch all the details.

And it's not done yet. Walker points out that he promised to build a screened enclosure for the cats a decade ago -- a project that's just now getting under way. And for Mooney, the lure of finding cool cat stuff remains strong.

"I've barely covered this wall at all," she says, gesturing to a lavender corner that will one day no doubt serve as further proof of the couple's love of cats, collectibles and color.

SIDEBAR

Bob Walker and Frances Mooney have been generous in sharing their home to cat lovers worldwide. Although the home itself is rarely open to tours, the unique residence has been the subject of books and countless media features.

The books -- "The Cats' House" and "Cats Into Everything" from Andrews McMeel Publishing -- have long been two of my all-time favorites. Walker is a skilled photographer, showing off the cats and the home in a whimsical fashion sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. I don't know how many copies of these books I've purchased as gifts, but it's in the double-digits, I'm sure.

The Cat's House can also be seen online, at www.thecatshouse.com.

Q&A

Washing worries over pet dishes

Q: I'm in a relationship with a dog lover. The dog's OK -- he's a very sweet and well-behaved Labrador -- but my boyfriend and I are in disagreement over the dog dishes, of all things. My boyfriend puts them in the dishwasher, along with our dishes.

This can't be a good idea, can it? It makes me queasy. What do you think? I'm not really a "dog person," in case you couldn't tell. -- B.F., via e-mail

A: I think everything goes in dirty and comes out clean. That's the beauty of a dishwasher. But then, I have to admit I share my appliances with my pets. Their dishes and some of their toys go in the dishwasher, and their bedding and stuffed toys go in the clothes washer. Not to mention that the reason I bought my Dyson vacuum was to suck up the fallen fur and feathers.

Still, there's no doubt this "mixing of the dishes" bothers some people. After I mentioned I put pet dishes in my dishwasher in my book "Dogs For Dummies," I got a few letters of objection. To me, it's a no-brainer. I use stainless-steel dishes and the sanitizing cycle on the appliance. All the dishes for all the critters get the dishwasher sanitizing treatment, as do many of the parrot's hard toys. Rubber dog toys come out wonderfully clean, too.

There's even some history here. Many years ago, when I met my future sister-in-law's parents, I watched the "Labrador pre-wash" they practiced before putting dishes in the dishwasher. Their dog licked the plates clean before they went into the appliance. I knew they were my kind of people after that.

From a health standpoint, you're unlikely to run into any problem from being around with a healthy, well-groomed and parasite-free animal. And one way I keep mine healthy is by making sure their dishes are cleaned daily by going through the same sterilizing blast of super-heated soap and water that my own do.

If you absolutely can't stand the idea of pet dishes mingling with people ones, though, there's no reason for your boyfriend not to compromise. Soap and warm water in the sink will clean the dishes, too. You might have to handle this chore yourself, though. Unless you insist on separate sinks, too?

Heat's not over

Q: Would you remind dog owners that even though fall is almost here, it's still too hot to leave dogs in the car? -- M.B., via e-mail

A: I always know when fall is at hand, because I get reminders asking me to warn people about autumn heat as well as e-mails talking about anti-freeze dangers.

Yes, it's true that many warm fall days are risky for leaving dogs in cars or exercising them in the warmest part of the day. So be careful. Even a comfortable day in the 70s or 80s is too warm for a dog left in a car.

Remember, a car is like a greenhouse, with all that glass. Even on sunny days that aren't sizzling hot, temperatures can quickly rise to life-threatening levels, even if the windows are open a little for ventilation. Older, overweight or short-nosed dogs are at higher risk as well. Don't take a chance!

As for anti-freeze, much of it is deadly. If you're a shade-tree mechanic, change your coolant with caution, making sure to clean up every drop of spill. Or better yet, use products with safer formulations designed to reduce the risk to pets and children.

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

PET Rx

Ear mites common in kittens and cats

Ear mites are tiny parasites that look like crabs and feed off the fluids and dead tissue of the ear canal. These pests are highly contagious and consequently very common, especially in kittens and young cats. They are more than an unsightly annoyance: If left untreated, ear mites can contribute to infections, wax buildup and, occasionally, deafness.

Your kitten needs to see a veterinarian to have the ears flushed out and for you to get medication to treat the parasites at home. The follow-up care is essential if you're to eliminate these pests.

Many people make the mistake of stopping the medication as soon as the kitten or cat stops scratching. It's important to apply the medication as directed for as long as your veterinarian recommends, to cover the entire life cycle of the mites and prevent a reinfestation.

(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

Big chewers, smaller Kong

The idea that only big dogs are big chewers isn't at all true. Some small dogs -- especially the tenacious terriers -- can be very tough on the wimpy toys sized for them.

That's why there's now an X-Treme Kong toy that is sized for little dogs who are big chewers. Like all of the popular Kongs, the toy is designed to bounce unpredictably and can be stuffed with treats to keep dogs busier longer. The X-Treme series Kongs are made from stronger black rubber, are more puncture-resistant, and are sure to give the most determined chewers a good jaw workout.

Behaviorists have long loved Kong products, which keep dogs busy and prevent destruction of household items that aren't meant for chewing. Kong toys can be found in all pet-supply outlets.

THE SCOOP

What to do when a bird gets loose

The best thing you can do to keep your bird with you is to make sure his wings are trimmed on a regular basis. But what if your bird does get loose with the power of flight intact? Here are some tips that may help get your pet back:

-- Put fliers around your neighborhood, as well as at all veterinary hospitals, shelters and pet-supply stores in the area. Let local bird clubs know, too. Place ads online and in the local paper, offering a reward.

-- Use knowledge of bird behavior to locate your pet. It's easier to find birds at just before dawn and just after dusk, when they are settled in one place and vocalizing. Enlist friends and neighbors to listen for bird calls at that time.

-- If your bird is lingering nearby, set the cage out in your yard, and put food both on top of it and inside it. A bird may relish the chance to go home, once he realizes how thin the pickings are on the outside. You may also be able to keep him near by putting food on your roof, or putting his cage there. Be sure to check the cage frequently. Once he returns to the habit of eating inside his cage, you may be able to simply close the door on him.

-- If you can get close to your loose bird, don't try to grab him -- you'll likely scare him. Instead, offer him a perch or branch, and calmly give him the "step up" command if he knows it. He might just hop onto the perch out of habit, and then he's yours.

-- If you can't get close to your bird, you might be able to ground him by soaking him with the hose and then be able to capture him with a pillowcase.

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Dogtown, U.S.A.

Dog Fancy magazine puts out an annual ranking of the top cities for dogs and people who love them. The selections are made on the basis of access to top veterinary care, and on the popularity of dog-friendly business and recreational amenities such as dog parks. This year's rankings:

1. Portland, Ore.

2. Sanford, Fla.

3. Albuquerque, N.M.

4. San Diego

5. Bellingham, Wash.

ON THE WEB

Pet anatomy a click away

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University has put together a nifty site that explores the anatomy of dogs and cats.

"Anatomy for the Pet Owner" (www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/anatomy/), developed in cooperation with Hill's Pet Nutrition, offers fairly detailed drawings that show the skeletal and organ systems, with the ability to click on each separate area to gain access to more information. See the liver in all its detail, right down to the quadrate lobe!

The site is easy to navigate and fun to play with. It's a great resource for anyone who's trying to learn more about caring for a pet, or is facing pet-care decisions and trying to decode "vet-speak." It's also a great reference for teachers, and for any parent with a budding veterinarian in the family, this site is certainly one to share.

Award-winning writer Gina Spadafori has two new books out, which were co-authored with "Good Morning, America" veterinary correspondent Dr. Marty Becker: "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" and "Why Do Dogs Drink From the Toilet?" 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.petconnection.com.

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

For most authors the joy of getting that first book published is short-lived, soon replaced by the pressure of coming up with a second book. But not for Kate Eldredge.

"I've talked it over with my parents," she says. "And I'm going to concentrate on high school now."

A smart move, considering that Eldredge, author of "Head of the Class: A Teen Dog Expert Teaches You to Raise and Train the Perfect Pal" (Howell Book House, $17) is just 14 years old.

Besides, her first book is such a good one, it'll take some time to come up with an encore. Written with her mom, the author and veterinarian Dr. Debra M. Eldredge, "Head of the Class" is a wide-ranging book that covers it all, from training to health care. Even canine-themed crafts are covered, along with plenty of extra resources for finding even more information.

"Our audience is mostly kids," said Eldredge, sounding every bit the marketing genius by phone from her home in upstate New York. "We were aiming at pre-teens and teens. It's OK for older people, too. Most of the information is fine for everyone. I tried to keep it light, to work some humor in."

For a kid whose mom's a veterinarian, Eldredge says she had a struggle to convince her parents that she needed a dog of her own. Her family, which includes younger brother Tom (who took many of the pictures for the book), lives on a farm with all kinds of animals. But by the age of 7, Eldredge wanted there to be one more.

"I wanted a Welsh corgi since I was very young," she said. "I just liked corgis. My parents weren't so sure I was ready for a dog of my own. I went a year carrying a stuffed Sheltie around everywhere. It worked: I got Flash."

That sort of dogged determination only intensified when her puppy arrived. By the age of 10, Eldredge was writing articles for the local corgi newsletter, then the national one. She won a few awards for her work, and jumped to a national canine magazine, with a regular assignment writing about other kids who compete with their dogs.

A book just seemed a natural progression for the young dog trainer, who has trained not only for basic household obedience but also for organized canine competitions. Eldredge and her mom motivate each other with dog training challenges, and they help each other through the rough spots in getting their dogs trained.

"We currently have a competition to teach our dogs to put a tennis ball through a little kids' basketball hoop we found cheap at a garage sale," she says, adding that she intends to win. "Mom claims she's winning, but I wouldn't be so sure."

As for the book, she's happy to give her mom credit but takes pride in the work she did in developing and writing most of the book.

"About two years ago my mom and I were throwing around ideas, and we thought it would be cool to have a book written for kids by a kid," she said. "It took about six months to write, mostly in the summer so it wouldn't conflict with school. Mom wrote most of the health chapters, and I wrote most of the care and all the training."

As for future plans, Eldredge is keeping her options open. Neither of her parents' careers -- her dad's a doctor of the human-care variety -- holds much appeal.

"My dad's on-call schedule has convinced me I don't want to be a doctor," she says. "I'll probably always write, and I'll always have dogs. Other than that, I'm keeping my options open."

Q&A

Natural perches good for birds

Q: I bought an Amazon parrot from a newspaper ad, along with the cage and all the supplies. Seymour is great, but I'm worried about the tree branches that are in his cage instead of perches. The person I bought him from said "natural" branches are better than store-bought perches. But the bird chews on them, and I worry about poisoning. - R.Y., via e-mail

A: Although buying a "secondhand" parrot can often be a risky endeavor in terms of health and behavior problems -- I always recommend a check by a bird-knowledgeable vet before the sale is final -- the fact that Seymour's former owner went to the trouble of putting branches in the cage speaks well of the bird's care to this point.

The smooth pine dowels that come with most birdcages are fine, but a more varied selection of perches is better for your bird's physical and mental health. And that means more than branches. Think variety -- rope, cement and wood perches should all find a place in your bird's cage. Natural wood perches, such as the branches already in Seymour's cage, are wonderful because they feel good under your bird's feet and because they give him something to chew on.

Your bird's off to a good start. Keep rotating those perches, to help keep your pet exercised and to stave off boredom. And that means ... more branches!

Most fruit and nut trees (almond, apple, prune and all citrus) are fine to use, as are ash, elm, dogwood and magnolia. If you can get your pruners on some manzanita, go for it. It's a hard wood that can stand up to a lot of abuse. Try grapevines, too. And leave the bark on for your bird to peel off. Not all wood is good, though: Treated or painted lumber should not go in your bird's cage.

Wild wood is probably best. Cut branches to a length to fit in your bird's cage. Scrub and clean them well with soap. Then rinse, and dry them in the sun. Check for insect egg pods. If you find them, just break them off and discard them before putting the branch in your pet's cage. (If you don't, you may find a zillion little buglets thinking it's spring in your home.)

The best perches are those that keep your bird busy destroying them. Think of perches as replaceable cage furnishings. Tearing them up is good for your bird, providing both exercise and entertainment.

Neutered cat sprays

Q: I have always been under the impression that a neutered male cat does not spray (e.g., using urine to mark territory). Yet the other day I observed my neutered male cat doing just that! Do I have an exceptional male cat, or should I question the validity of the neutering operation? -- C.L., via e-mail

A: In addition to helping to fight the tragedy of pet overpopulation, neutering has many heath and behavior benefits that make living with a male cat more pleasant. Neutered cats roam less, fight less and spray less. The surgery may completely eliminate spraying in some male cats, reduce it in others, and have little effect in a small population of remaining recalcitrant kitties.

Territory marking in neutered male cats may be a holdover from the pre-neutering days, or may be a reaction to territorial incursions by other neighbor cats or stressful changes in the household. Talk to your veterinarian about behavioral modification strategies for your cat. These may include environmental changes, medication, or the use of a pheromone product such as Feliway.

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

THE SCOOP

Better housing isn't expensive

How would you like to spend all your life in a cage so small you could barely take a few steps in it? Don't doom your rabbit or guinea pig to such a miserable life.

Many people have used their imaginations and not much money to create indoor playgrounds for rabbits and guinea pigs, using such items as milk crates, pieces of lattice and old lumber pressed into service as walls and ramps for playpens. Check out tag sales and freebie ads to see what you can recycle. For my rabbits, I found a child's hard-plastic playpen at a garage sale for a couple of bucks. It now forms the main part of a rabbit exercise pen.

Once you have a play area, add furnishings to make things even more interesting. Cardboard tubes and boxes of all sizes are fun to play with and chew on, as are natural-fiber mats and baskets. Stuff them with hay for extra interest.

Your pets will happier with more room and more opportunities for activity, and so will you, since you'll have so much more fun watching their antics.

ON THE WEB

Keeping ferrets healthy, happy

Ferrets are popular pets, even in those few places where they're illegal, like California.

There are plenty of reasons for their popularity. Ferrets are small, affectionate and playful pets who keep their owners smiling. As with any pet, though, the key to successful ferret-keeping is making sure you're the right fit for a pet ferret, and then providing what your ferret needs to thrive.

Everything Ferret has the answer to any questions you could possibly have about ferrets. The site (www.everythingferret.com) is clean, information-packed and easy to navigate, with tons of links to explore.

DOGMOBILES

City dog, country dog, and a Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer may be an overlooked old warrior in an age of increasing interest in more fuel-efficient vehicles. But when it comes to hauling people, gear and a pair of large dogs in comfort and style, it still has a lot to offer.

The Eddie Bauer Edition Explorer I test-drove was as deluxe as they come, with a sticker price to match, $43,000. But unless your dogs insist on watching "101 Dalmatians" on the high-end model's second-row DVD player, you can find Explorer models starting under $30,000.

I put the Explorer to the ultimate dogmobile test: Two days at dog shows and a day of field training. This meant nearly 400 miles of hauling two retrievers and our competition gear on the highway, down country roads and across a few hundred acres of ranch land. The Explorer took it all comfortably in stride, whether in overdrive or four-wheel drive.

The cargo area was versatile, with seats that folded into assorted configurations to accommodate two dog crates and all the gear that goes with any kind of dog sport. Perfectly positioned cargo anchors allowed me to tie down the crates for added safety.

The Explorer also has one of my favorite dog-friendly features: a split rear door with a glass panel that flips up separately. This feature is essential for keeping the cargo area well-ventilated on cool days when it's safe to leave the dogs in the vehicle for a while.

Struggling Ford is betting the farm on its more fuel-efficient vehicles, including its smaller SUV, the Ford Escape. I drove the Escape's hybrid-drive cousin, the Mercury Mariner. And although I loved the fuel economy (and that two-piece rear door), I didn't think it stacked up well for hauling dogs. The cargo space was too narrow for crates, and the rear seats were awkward to configure.

While a large SUV has never made much sense for a single-occupancy commuting, these vehicles still have a place. Like others in its class, the Explorer truly comes into its own when the terrain is variable and the load is a big one that must be moved in comfort.

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Leash 'em up!

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 93 percent of dog owners have purchased a leash for their pet. New leashes are purchased on average every three years. The breakdown by leash type (multiple responses allowed):

Nylon 75 percent

Chain 13 percent

Leather 11 percent

Rope 5 percent

Reflective 1 percent

All others 2 percent

PET Rx

Don't dose pet -- call your vet

Never, ever give even the most seemingly mild medication to your cat without checking with your veterinarian first. A common danger? Tylenol, which can kill a cat.

Even if you should get lucky and give your cat something that's not potentially lethal, you might be mistaken as to what's ailing your pet. If your cat is sick, see your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Remember, too, that cats are very sensitive to flea-control and other household insecticides. Never use a flea-control product on a cat unless it specifically says on the label that it's safe for a cat. Products meant solely for use on dogs can kill cats.

(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.)

Award-winning writer Gina Spadafori has two new books out, which were co-authored with "Good Morning, America" veterinary correspondent Dr. Marty Becker: "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" and "Why Do Dogs Drink From the Toilet?" 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.petconnection.com.

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