No matter how sweet, no matter how lovely and no matter how well-mannered they may be, for homeless cats, this time of year is not their friend.

That's because late summer and early fall are peak kitten season, when so many kittens are born that there aren't enough homes for them all. And that means an adult cat will hardly get a look when someone visits the shelter.

That's a shame. Because as cute as kittens are, an adult cat can often ease into a household more quickly, and without the sometimes over-the-top behavior of an energetic youngster.

If you're trying to find a home for an adult cat -- perhaps because a relative or neighbor has passed on, or a cat has just "showed up" and you already have a houseful -- it's never an easy task. But if you're determined to do your best for the cat -- and be patient while you try -- you probably will succeed.

The first step to placing an adult cat may be convincing prospective owners that an adult cat is worth considering, or that two cats are better than one if there's already a resident cat. Here are some tips to follow:

-- Do everything you can to make the animal more adoptable. The pet has a better chance for adoption if her vaccinations are current, she uses her litter box reliably, and she's altered.

-- Don't lie about the pet's problems or why she's being placed. Although finding a new home for a pet with problems takes longer, you can usually still do so. But the person who gets such a pet without warning is likely to bring her back, take her to a shelter or give her away -- maybe to a horrible situation.

-- Spread the news. Make up fliers, and take out an ad in your newspaper and on Internet sites. Post the fliers everywhere you can: bulletin boards at work, pet-supply stores and your veterinarian's office. Give some to your friends and family to post where they work, too. Talk up the cat (at least briefly) with everyone you know. Even people who don't like cats (or don't want one) may know someone who is looking for a pet. The more exposure you can get, the better. If a thousand people hear or read about the animal, you probably will get no interest from 999, but you need only one person to provide a good home for the cat. And that's the one you need to reach.

-- Ask lots of questions and verify that the answers are true. Don't forget to ask prospective adopters whether they've had pets before and what happened to them. Make sure you're dealing with people who realize that owning a pet is a long-term commitment. The person who has had a lot of pets who've disappeared, died young or were given away is probably not your best choice. My favorite question: Who's your veterinarian? Someone who cannot at least name a vet or a veterinary hospital may have pets who don't go there very often.

Above all, don't give up! It may take weeks to find the right home for a pet, but it's always worth the time it may take to get it right. The goal here is not to "get rid of" an animal, but to find a loving, caring and, most of all, permanent home for a pet who needs one. They're out there, and if you keep looking, you'll likely find the home that's just right for the cat you're trying to help.

Or maybe, like a lot of people who foster pets, you'll decide there's room for one more in your own home.

SIDEBAR

Petfinder.com: Advocates for homeless animals

When it comes to helping animals find new homes, no Web site has the reach and the power of www.Petfinder.com. With thousands of shelters and rescue groups listing several hundred thousand homeless animals on the site at any given time, Petfinder.com is a must-visit for anyone looking to adopt a new pet.

But Petfinder is more than a matchmaking service for people and pets. In the weeks following Hurricane Katrina, Petfinder stepped up to help coordinate disaster response for the animals left behind. And recent changes on the site help pet lovers solve behavior problems that leave pets in danger of being given up.

I've been an unabashed supporter of PetFinder.com since its earliest days, and I'm happy to see the site just keep getting better.

Q&A

In defense of declawing

Q: Having recently lost our 21-year-old cat who passed away after a slow decline from kidney failure (and three years of daily fluids which we lovingly administered), we decided to adopt a kitten to befriend our 2-year-old male cat (rescued and nursed through a near-deadly upper-respiratory infection).

After contacting a local rescue group, we were told that we were not suitable pet owners because we were "declawers" and that no organization would adopt out to "people like us." I was angry and horrified to think that local shelters would rather put down animals than adopt them out to us.

We treat our pets like members of the family. Declawing is not a cosmetic procedure like ear- or tail-lopping, which I'm not a big fan of. My cats and I have a great loving relationship that is not hindered by my attempting to modify their natural behavior. They can feign scratching and scent-mark their territory, the house, with their paws to their hearts' content.

Can you speak to this issue? -- M.B., via e-mail

A: Rescue organizations and shelters are trying to do what's best for the animals in their care, and they're defining "good home" as they see fit. I can't fault them on trying to do their best for animals, although I have run across many instances where I felt they could have bent the rules to fit the circumstances where a good home needed a little leeway.

I find it interesting, however, that you are opposed to ear crops and tail docks, and yet you see nothing wrong with amputating all the final digits of a cat's front toes as a pre-emptive form of behavioral modification without even trying to train him to use a scratching post. What's the harm in trying non-surgical strategies first? Declawing is to me a last-ditch response to a behavior problem that can often be dealt with more humanely.

As for adopting a kitten with the intent to declaw him, why not instead adopt a cat who has already been declawed? It seems to me that this would keep everyone satisfied and would provide a cat with a wonderful home.

Running dogs

Q: I think you've answered this before, but I can't find it. My daughter is on her high school cross-country team and wants to have our puppy as a running companion. The pup's a golden retriever, 9 months old. Any precautions? -- M.W., via e-mail

A: A healthy adult golden retriever will make a wonderful running companion, but let this pup grow up before your daughter starts hitting the pavement with her. Putting a lot of miles on a young dog who's not fully developed isn't a good idea, and it could lead to injuries.

Instead, work on walks, short runs and thorough leash-training, so when the dog is ready to be a full-fledged running partner, she won't pull your daughter off her feet.

Any serious runner who wants to take on an adult canine running partner needs to check in with the veterinarian and then bring the dog along gradually. A dog is so happy to be out with his person that he won't know when to say "enough." Work on leash-manners -- no pulling -- and gradually building up the dog's fitness level.

Once a dog's a fit running companion, a runner still needs to take precautions. No running in the heat of the day, and no running off-leash in areas where it's not safe or legal. It only takes one squirrel running across the street in front of a dog to provoke a chase and an accident. I used to live across from a park with a running path around its edges, and I witnessed a great many near-misses and a few canine fatalities because of people who believed their dog was trained well enough to be off-leash in a high-traffic area.

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

PET Rx

Fall shedding a normal event

Dogs typically lose their winter coats in the spring, when it is replaced by a shorter, lighter one for summer. In the fall, this cycle is reversed, as the summer coat is shed to make room for heavy protective fur for winter.

The change is most obvious in "double-coated" breeds such as collies, malamutes and keeshonden. Those breeds carry not only a harsh, protective long overcoat, but also a soft, insulating undercoat -- and they lose masses of fur from both in spring and fall.

All shedding 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 a rug.

All shedding -- and heavy seasonal 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 can also be a cause of coat problems.

Become familiar with your pet's normal pattern of shedding, and ask your veterinarian for advice if a pet's coat condition seems to dull or if excessive hair loss is noticed.

(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.)

PETS ON THE WEB

Parrot smarts in spotlight

To the folks at the Alex Foundation (www.alexfoundation.org), "bird brain" isn't an insult. Through the work of Irene Pepperberg, parrots have been shown to have a greater understanding of the world and an ability to communicate that goes far beyond "parroting."

Pepperberg's work with African Grey parrots started with Alex, purchased from a Chicago pet store in 1977. Alex can recognize and name colors, can count, and can identify objects from photographs.

The Alex Foundation's Web site gives an overview of Pepperberg's work -- she's currently affiliated with Brandeis and Harvard universities -- as well as offering a gift shop and newsletter archives.

DOGMOBILE

Honda's Element a near-perfect canine conveyance

Few vehicles suit dog lovers as well as the Honda Element. With its easy-clean interior, easy-stow seats and good fuel economy, the Element has to be at the top of any dog lover's short list of vehicles.

To test the Element, I took a day trip of several hundred miles with my youngest retriever in tow to watch some of the world's top canine agility teams compete for slots at their national championships. I flipped the rear seats against the side walls, put down an old bedspread and a soft dog bed, and whistled young McKenzie into her ride.

I immediately noticed a great and surely accidental dog-friendly feature on the Element: windows that are resistant to nose prints. The windows are placed high on the vehicle -- so high that you can't comfortably rest your arm on the driver's side windowsill. And for a dog resting on the floor of the Element, it's tough to put nose prints on the window.

The Element also has clamshell rear doors, the glass opening up for ventilation and the tailgate flipping down to make a great seat.

For two dogs and a longer trip, I'd pop out the rear seats entirely -- not only for the extra cargo room, but also because the seats block the rear windows when they are up, making changing lanes a little more challenging.

My only quibble is a minor one: The cup holders are on the floor, between the two front seats. That meant McKenzie decided to help herself to my drink when I was driving. I'd rather have cup holders come out from the dash, since I don't like sharing my coffee with the four-leggers.

Contrary to widespread belief, you cannot hose out an Element. Instead, I used my forced-air dog dryer to blast any dirt and dog hair from the cargo area before turning the vehicle back in. Everything flew off the rubber mats and out the back door. Sweet!

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Toys for us!

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 62 percent of dog owners buy toys for their pets. The top toys reported by those buyers, by percentage reported purchased, with multiple answers allowed:

Balls 63 percent

Plush 44 percent

Rope 40 percent

Hard rubber 31 percent

Nylon bones 26 percent

PET TIP

Make eating a challenge

The latest buzz in bird behavior advice: "foraging." In the wild, birds spend all their waking hours looking for food, while their domestic relatives are bored, often unfit and fat. Making pet birds "forage" for their meals helps keep them happy and healthy.

You can find toys at any bird-supply retailer that will allow food to be hidden inside for birds to work out the puzzle. You can also create your own challenges for your bird, such as by wrapping food in paper that must be torn away in layers before the food can be found. Favorite bits of food -- such as seeds -- can also be used to teach tricks to birds, thereby exercising a pet's mind along with his body.

The harder your bird has to work for his food, the better off he will be, and the less likely you'll be dealing with behavior problems caused by boredom.

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

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.

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