Are your pets on your list of New Year's resolutions? They should be, along with plans for making the world a little bit better not only for your animals, but also for others in need.

Although problems can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to animal cruelty or homeless pets, the fact is that every little bit helps. After all, if every one of us animal lovers did one small thing a couple of times a year, the total effort would be grand indeed.

Here are a few suggestions for helping animals in the months to come:

-- Take better care of your own animals. Studies show that, just like many of us, a lot of animals desperately need to lose weight and exercise more. Remember: Food is not love, and lay off the treats.

You and your pet will both do better with a walk or some otherwise active playtime together. Don't neglect other aspects of preventive health care. Use your pet's regular exams to go over those areas that need improving. In addition to weight loss and exercise, your veterinarian should evaluate your pet's vaccination schedule, dental health and parasite-control strategies. Preventive health care saves money, makes your pet more comfortable and helps extend life span. Make that veterinary appointment today!

Part of taking better care of your own pet is making sure your animals are "good citizens" to your neighbors. Don't let your cats roam or your dogs bark constantly. In addition to being inconsiderate, people who allow their animals to be a nuisance give ammunition to communities looking to pass laws against pets.

-- Help others take better care of their pets. If you have a friend, neighbor or relative who is having difficulty caring for a pet because of advanced age or illness, offer to help out. Pets are extremely important to those who are cut off from social activities. Helping people keep their pets is a kindness to both pet and pet owner.

What can you do? Pick up food or litter, or offer to take the pet to the veterinarian when needed. Many times, people who rely on others for assistance are reluctant to ask for more help on account of a pet. So ask if you can help. After all, if you're already going to the pet-supply store or veterinarian, is it really that much trouble to pick up some extra supplies or stay for an additional appointment?

-- Make a call for animals. Animal cruelty should not be tolerated, not only for the animals but also because of the proven link between animal cruelty and crimes against people. Too often, though, animal cruelty is shrugged off by the judicial system as a lesser crime.

Don't accept the attitude that animal cruelty is a normal part of adolescence. Call, e-mail and write to prosecutors and judges in animal cruelty cases. Demand that young adults get the help they need to break the cycle of cruelty and that adult offenders are punished to the fullest extent of the law. Public opinion counts in these cases!

-- Pay to spay. Don't place an animal in a new home unless you've made sure the pet won't reproduce. You may think you're doing a good deed in finding a home for a pet you cannot keep, or for a litter of kittens born in your garage to a semi-wild mother cat. But if you don't pay to spay, you really aren't helping.

Instead of placing a pet for free, spay or neuter the animal and then charge an adoption fee to cover the cost of the procedure. You'll save the adopter time and will ensure that the pet you place won't add to the overpopulation problem.

-- Help a shelter or rescue group. Volunteers are always needed to help with the animals in the shelter or to foster pets who need a home environment. But if you don't want to contribute on a regular basis, then see if you can help on a short-term project.

Many groups have fund-raisers throughout the year. They need volunteers to help with ticket sales, setup, concessions and cleanup. You can also help by finding out what your local shelter or rescue groups need in the way of services or supplies and then calling to ask for donations.

Shelters are in constant need of pet food, litter, old newspapers and towels, as well as office and janitorial supplies and building materials. Get a wish list from your shelter and get to work!

Q&A

Safe carriers for cats, too

Q: I read your column with the advice about putting dogs in crates when traveling, and I'm wondering: Why didn't you mention anything about cats?

Cats and kittens also need to go in crates, especially if they have to be transported by car. Otherwise, they'll seek a safe spot and may end up lodged under a seat or somewhere in the wiring under the dashboard -- and they might lacerate someone with their claws on the way there.

Lots of people I know say their cats hate getting into crates. Of course they do if the only time the crate comes out is when the cat has to go to the vet!

We've overcome that little problem for our cats by keeping the crates in a corner of the living room, with a towel or soft piece of fleece inside. The crates are a favorite napping spot for all three of our cats. When it's time to go to the vet, instead of the crate being that "awful thing" they have to get into when they go to that "awful place," the crate is a piece of home that goes with them. It gives them a familiar, safe place to hide. I usually cover the crate with a towel when we're at the vet so the cats feel more hidden and secure. -- K.B., via e-mail

A: That particular piece was about holiday travel with dogs, but you can bet I've written plenty about how important crates are for all pets. That includes not only cats, but also birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets and more. Having a secure way to take a pet out of the house is always important, but never more so than during a time of emergency.

Your tips are wonderful, by the way, and will help many cats be more relaxed in their crates no matter the circumstances.

No outside dogs

Q: I wholeheartedly agree with your stand against "outside dogs" and hope that people take your advice not to get a dog if it is not going to be part of the family. How sad it is to think of all the lonely dogs outside alone year after year, especially in the coldest parts of the country. What's the matter with people, anyway?

Could you mention one more reason not to abandon a dog to the outdoors? In addition to all the points you made, these dogs are probably denied prompt and proper medical care because their owners do not notice their ailments. -- K.H., via e-mail

A: Happily for the dogs of the world, there are lots of pet owners who agree that dogs are not happy living their lives completely alone outside. Their numbers are bolstered by people who agree for a different reason -- they live near outdoor dogs, and have to listen to the barking of these neglected pets day and night.

Humane societies, behaviorists and other experts have long agreed that making a dog part of the family makes them not only happier, but also less likely to be a nuisance or a danger. This is especially true if the dog is maintained outside on a chain.

And yes, I've neglected in the past to mention your point that dogs who live completely outdoor lives may not get the attention they need when it comes to medical care. That's because it can be difficult to spot the sometimes subtle early signs of serious illness in an animal who isn't living underfoot.

CHANGES COMING TO THE PET PAGE

Starting with next week's issue, you'll see some changes to Pet Connection.

Becker is also the host of "The Pet Doctor With Marty Becker," which has been airing on PBS stations around the country since early December. In association with the American Animal Hospital Association, Becker hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, "Top Vets Talk Pets," on the Health Radio Network. He has appeared on Animal Planet and is a frequent guest on national network and cable television, and on radio shows. He has also been interviewed for countless magazine and newspaper articles.

He is an adjunct professor at both his alma mater, the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, Becker has lectured at every veterinary school in the United States, and has been named Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year by the Delta Society and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Becker is co-author of the fastest-selling pet book in history, "Chicken Soup for the Pet-Lover's Soul," and is either sole author or co-author of other top-selling books, including other animal books in the Chicken Soup line. With Gina Spadafori, he is co-author of "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" and the New York Times best-seller, "Why Do Dogs Drink Out of the Toilet?"

Pet Connection is also gaining the contributions of other pet-care experts. Behavior experts Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp of AnimalBehavior.net are writing "On Good Behavior," a series of tips to make living with a pet easier. In addition, Christie Keith will be contributing to the Pet Connection on a regular basis. Keith is a longtime pet-care writer with a special interest in health and nutrition.

All members of the team will contribute to the frequently updated Pet Connection Web log. Information on all Pet Connection contributors, the Web log, column archives, popular "dogmobile" reviews and more are all available at PetConnection.com.

DOGMOBILES

Newest Jeep offers dog-friendly value

When did DaimlerChrysler become such an innovative, value-oriented car company?

First, the Stow 'N Go seats on the Dodge and Chrysler minivans knocked my socks off, enabling very comfortable vehicles to go from hauling a soccer team to hauling a team of sled dogs in about the five minutes it takes to fold all the seats into the floor.

Then I get the Jeep Compass Limited 4-by-4, the new "cute ute" from the venerable line of rugged off-roaders. This one's a great dogmobile at fantastic price -- starting below $16,000 for the two-wheel-drive version, with the four-wheel-drive vehicle I test-drove optioned out for a tick under $25,000.

What's to like? Just about everything:

-- The back seats fold flat easily.

-- The cargo area has rubber matting instead of carpet, making cleanup after dirty paws easy.

-- Fuel economy is a 23 mpg city/26 mpg highway (and up to 30 mpg for the two-wheel drive model).

-- Good cargo space for a little SUV.

-- Well-placed cargo anchor hooks.

-- Good ground clearance and easy changeover to the four-wheel drive, both of which you'd expect in a Jeep, after all. This vehicle would have no problem with the fields where I'm often training my dogs.

The only dog-related complaint? The cupholders are down low between the front seats, easy for a dog to put a foot in (or a tongue, in the case of my youngest retriever, McKenzie, who loves coffee with cream.)

Aside from the doggie aspects, this little SUV is fun to drive and very responsive. Pretty darn cute, too.

The Jeep Compass would be a great dogmobile at a higher price. As it is, it's one of the best value-oriented dogmobiles I've driven.

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Dogs need to play

Puppies learn from play to be friendly and relaxed about the world around them. And playtime is a wonderful way to help develop a rich and rewarding relationship with your dog.

Initiate play with your dog by imitating a canine "play bow," front down, rear up and slapping the floor with your hands. Feel the day's tension melt away as you wiggle and giggle, and watch your dog light up in response.

Lead gentle play by example. Make sure canine teeth grab toys -- not flesh -- during play. Use treats and new vocabulary to create new games and keep all play lighthearted, fun and interesting. Vary play, and stop play sessions before your pet shows signs of losing interest.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Roland Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.)

PETS ON THE WEB

Is raw food good for dogs?

While home-prepared dog diets will never give commercial manufacturers much competition, there's no doubt that the trend toward "species appropriate" food for dogs has been growing for years.

One such diet is called BARF, which stands for Bones and Raw Flesh, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. The diet is controversial and hotly debated, with passionate people on both sides. Is raw food a good way to feed your dog, or a serious health risk for dogs and people?

The BARF for Beginners Web site (www.njboxers.com/faqs.htm) won't settle the dispute, but it does offer a great deal of information on the diet, the theories behind it and the balancing act involved in preparing meals. Other fresh-food advocates are less dogmatic (if you will), promoting home-prepared diets of human-grade meats that are not necessarily raw.

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

This is the time of year when many people get new cameras, new pets or both. With the holidays being one of the prime times for getting family pictures, you'll want to include your pets in the images you'll treasure for years.

Digital photography has changed everything for the casual photographer. Instead of wasting roll after roll of film -- or not bothering to take pictures at all because of the trouble and expense -- it's now possible to take hundreds of pictures, happy in the knowledge that if there are just one or two good ones out of every few dozen taken, nothing has been wasted except possibly time.

With a few clicks of the mouse, the out-of-frame, out-of-focus or "just not right" images are jettisoned forever. A few clicks more, and those images with potential are fixed up and made suitable for framing -- a crop here, a red eye changed to brown, the elimination of items cluttering up the background.

The result: great pet pictures you'll want to keep and to share.

Years ago a pet photographer told me the best suggestion he could offer when it comes to getting good pictures is to constantly be taking them. That's advice I'm finally following, but I've also had good luck paying attention to these other tried-and-true tips:

-- Head outdoors if you can. Taking pictures outside gives your pet a more natural, healthy look. If your pet is a solid, dark color, use your flash to bring out the detail in your pet's face. If you do end up with red eye, use photo-editing software (basic programs come free with many new computers) to fix the problem.

-- Get close. If you want a good picture, you need to go where your pet is. Shoot at just below your pet's eye level and zoom in as closely as you can for good detail.

-- Watch your backgrounds. Think neutral -- a plain wall, not a cluttered cabinet. Think contrast -- light for a dark pet, dark for a light one. If your cat loves to sleep on the busy fabric of your sofa, for example, consider throwing down a solid-colored blanket first. You might be able to edit the distraction out with photo-editing software, but it's easier to avoid it in the first place.

-- Be patient. If your pet does something cute and you miss it, don't despair. Chances are if you're patient and keep your camera ready, you'll catch the repeat.

-- Get kids to help. I love pictures of kids and pets, and I've always found that kids make the best photographer's assistants as well. Children can help by getting a pet's attention with a toy or treat, or by holding the pet for a picture of child and pet together.

-- Be creative. If you want your pet to kiss your children, do as the pros do: Put a little butter on your children and let the pet kiss it off. This is a tip I got years ago when I interviewed a woman who trained animals for commercials. I've smiled every time I've seen a dog smooch a kid on TV since, knowing that more than affection was at play.

-- Take some "record keeping" shots. You never know when a pet will get loose, and having good pictures can help with a swift recovery. Take a picture from the side and one from the front, as well as close-ups of any distinctive markings. Get prints made and put them in a place you'll remember, just in case you need to make up "lost pet" posters.

Enjoy and share your pictures! You'll find several sites on the Web (I use Flickr.com) that welcome communities of people sharing their photos. Online photo-processing companies offer more than prints of digital images these days: Think note cards, calendars or even posters.

So get out there with that new camera, whether it's a pint-sized point-and-shoot or a sophisticated digital SLR. You'll never find a subject more patient than your pet, especially if treats are involved for good behavior.

Q&A

Play keeps cat away from tree

Q: I read your warning on tinsel, but my cat just can't resist it. Should I remove everything dangly from the tree? And is there something I can do to indulge his playfulness safely? -- B.W., via e-mail

A: If you can't keep your cat away from the tree -- by keeping him out of the room when you're not around, for example -- then yes, I'm afraid all the dangly things have to go. Of course, you might not have much decoration left when you're done, since the ornaments and light strings might also be too much temptation for a playful kitty.

The appeal of tinsel is based on hunting instincts. As any cat lover knows, cats love to follow motion, pouncing on toys as if they were prey. When stringy substances are eaten, however, they can bind up in a cat's intestines and often must be surgically removed. Strings that are electrified -- such as power cords and lights -- offer even more hazards.

You can safely play with your string-fixated cat with several different kinds of toys. Any cat who's fascinated by tinsel will surely flip for supervised play either with cat fishing poles or special gloves with dangly items from the fingers, such as the toy offered by the pet-products company Bamboo (www.bamboopet.com). Added bonus: Playing with toys helps to wear your cat out without teaching him that it's OK to nip or claw at your hands.

No teasing, please

Q: May I add another tip about how to behave around dogs? Tell parents to teach their kids that it's not acceptable to tease dogs by barking back at them or by poking at them through fences. Doing so just provokes and incites dogs, and someone else may end up the worse off for it. -- G.S., via e-mail

A: While it may indeed seem safe and fun to tease a dog behind a fence or, worse, on a chain, the game is indeed a dangerous one. Such teasing may teach a dog to become aggressive, to the extent that if the boundary or restraint is removed, the dog may well attack.

Parents need to teach children to leave any dog they don't know alone, and not to approach a dog they do know if the animal is confined or restrained. For more information on safe behavior around dogs, visit the Web site of the Humane Society of the United States (www.hsus.org) and search for "dogs and children." The site also offers information on anti-chaining laws, which help to prevent attacks by removing a form of restraint that behaviorists believe makes dogs neurotic and aggressive.

PET BUY

Clever house for a bunny

Bunnies love to play, love to chew and love to hide. In the Bunny's Magic Dream Cottage ($20), they can do all three. The cottage is the brainchild of Tania Fardella, animal lover and longtime bunny mom. Fardella believes bunnies get the short shrift when it comes to clever and safe toys and other products, so the graphic designer decided to launch her own business.

The Cottage is the first of the 24 Carrot Lane products, available from the company's lovely Web site (www.24carrotlane.com), which also offers resources for people with pet rabbits. Since healthy, happy rabbits will normally chew on their toys, Fardella even had the water-based ink sent for testing to be sure it's rabbit-safe. And the cottage itself is made of recycled cardboard.

The attractive item is perfect for keeping house rabbits busy while satisfying some of their most basic needs.

THE SCOOP

Older dog may love a puppy

Will your senior dog welcome or loathe the introduction of a new puppy to the household?

In general, older dogs who are still fit and full of life will get the most out of the energy a new puppy brings to a family, while debilitated oldsters enjoy such rambunctious company less. A dog who's unsteady on his feet or seems confused at times is probably better off without being pestered by a puppy. Be kind to your old friend, and let the puppy-picking wait.

If you do choose to add a puppy, be sure to monitor interactions. Don't let the youngster pester or hurt your senior dog, end play sessions before your oldster gets tired, and make sure to continue giving your first pet plenty of one-on-one attention.

PET Rx

Get a finicky canine back on track

Is your dog a finicky eater? You can get her eating regularly with a "tough love" approach.

Because health issues can contribute to a lack of appetite, you must have your pet thoroughly checked out by your veterinarian before you start any retraining. If all checks out, follow these rules:

-- Rule No. 1: No food except for your dog's regular food. Many dogs learn by accident that if they turn up their noses at their regular diet, they'll be offered yummier options. During the retraining, stick to one brand of high-quality food -- your veterinarian can offer a recommendation.

-- Rule No. 2: No free-feeding. Your dog will now eat two meals a day, one in the morning and one at night. Water, of course, should be available at all times.

-- Rule No. 3: One half-hour for meals, no more, no less. Put your dog's dish down in an area with few distractions, such as a laundry room with a baby gate across the opening. Set a timer for 30 minutes. Whatever your dog hasn't eaten at the end of that time gets tossed.

Your dog will not be harmed if she misses a couple of meals or goes a couple of days without eating -- assuming, of course, that she is healthy to begin with. A healthy dog won't miss many meals before hunger will have her eating what you set in front of her, on a regular basis.

Don't try this "tough love" approach on cats. When a cat stops eating, the action can trigger a fatal liver disease. Talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you have regarding your cat's eating habits.

(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 BY THE NUMBERS

How many birds?

Birds of a feather don't flock together, at least not in the homes of bird lovers. Trends in pet ownership suggest that most people who want a bird will have just one at a time. Number of birds kept:

One 52 percent

Two 25 percent

Three or more 23 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PETS ON THE WEB

Site offers guide to pets in wills

Your pet is counting on you to provide for his care if something happens to you. Although I typically hear from older people regarding this issue, it is something that every pet lover needs to consider. And not just in case of death: Would someone know what to do for your pet if you were in an accident?

The Web site of the Association of the Bar of New York City (www.abcny.org) offers information on providing for your pet if you can't. You can access the information by clicking on "Reports, Publications, Forms," then on "Brochures, Books" and finally by clicking on "Providing for Your Pets in the Event of Your Death or Hospitalization."

Although the information specifically applies to New York state law, it's broad enough to outline all the options. Even better: The association provides sample documents to show how to draw up agreements that will protect your pets.

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

Keeping cats inside offers so many advantages. Protected from the hazards of cars, predators and infectious disease, a cat is likely to live longer when not allowed to roam. It's more neighborly, too, since a free-roaming cat isn't going to be using the flower bed next door as a litter box.

But an indoor life is not without challenges, and one of the main ones is obesity-related health problems. Fat cats are more likely to become diabetic, more likely to have problems keeping themselves clean and more likely to have difficulty moving comfortably.

When a dog's overweight, the plan to slim down is an easy one: less food, more exercise. Dogs are generally not finicky and will eventually eat diet chow without much complaint. As for exercise, almost all dogs love a daily walk, and many are equally excited about a game of fetch.

Cats, though, are more likely to turn up their noses at reduced-calorie foods, and a couple of days without food can quickly turn dangerous for fat cats, prone as they are to developing fatty liver disease. As for walks and fetch, most cats would rather not play.

That means slimming down a fat cat may be more of a challenge, but it's not impossible. Start with a checkup and diet direction from your veterinarian, but as for the exercise, it's all up to you. The best part: Transforming your cat from a couch kitty to a lean house tiger is fun for you both. Some tips:

-- Set aside time every day to play with your cat. Cat fishing poles, with strings ending in feathers or other cat-attracting toys, are a great way to get your cat moving. Some cats love chasing dots of light from a laser pointer, while others can be encouraged to chase toys and even retrieve them.

-- Offer your cat ways to play when you're not around. Cat trees and tunnels can be great for cavorting, or for hiding when a cat just wants to be left alone. Check out toys stuffed with catnip for extra appeal, or those puzzle toys that keep a cat's interest by making play a test of both body and mind.

-- Make getting food more difficult for your cat. All most cats have to do to eat is waddle over to a full dish. End free-feeding, and make a cat's food hard to get. Break the daily measured portion into smaller meals, and put these small plates in places that require jumping or climbing to find. Some cats may also enjoy puzzle toys that make them work to get out bits of kibble.

-- Consider safe outdoor space. Converting a screened-in porch to a feline jungle gym will give your pet more reasons to stay active. Remember that cats like heights, so build in tempting overhead spaces that require effort to reach. There's nothing a cat likes better than looking down on people, after all!

Don't forget that it's possible to fence in a portion of a yard to let your cats roam without leaving your property. Several companies now offer fencing designed to keep cats in, or you can quickly locate do-it-yourself instructions with a simple Web search.

Whatever you do, don't keep your cat inside and offer nothing in exchange for the pleasures of nature you're denying him. Enrich the indoor environment, and you'll have a cat who's not only safer but also healthier and every bit as content as one who comes and goes at will.

SIDEBAR

Feline freebies can keep your cat busy

You don't need to spend a lot of money to keep your cat busy. Many cats enjoy hiding in empty boxes and paper bags, for example, while others like chasing the retaining rings off plastic milk jugs and the centers of toilet paper.

For the cat who loves to retrieve, try wadded-up tissue paper or junk mail envelopes with crinkly plastic windows, or the corks from wine or champagne bottles.

Freebies that can turn dangerous are string, floss, ribbon, twine, rubber bands or anything that your cat can swallow. Play with string things carefully, and put them securely away after the game is over.

Q&A

Dog's coat keeps getting thinner

Q: My miniature American Eskimo dog, Shilo, turned a year old in October. She had her first litter of puppies in September. The father was a miniature wirehaired terrier. She stopped feeding the puppies when they were between 6 and 8 weeks old, but she is still shedding excessively.

Her mane is all but nonexistent. Is this normal? Is there anything I can feed her that will help? The vet doesn't seem concerned. He says it's probably hormonal, but she's cold when I take her outside. Any suggestions? -- D.L., via e-mail

A: My first suggestion would be to spay your dog. There's no shortage of pets needing homes, and you're adding to the problem by breeding your dog. Not to mention, you're putting her at greater risk of potentially deadly infection and reproductive-related cancer by not spaying her. So call your veterinarian and make that appointment. It's the best thing, all around.

As for coat loss, your veterinarian's right in that it's hormonal. As anyone who's ever shown a dog can attest, unspayed female dogs are always "blowing coat" because of hormones. They blow coat after coming into season and after weaning puppies. And sometimes it seems they blow coat just because you've paid for dog show entries, asked for time off from work and made your hotel reservations.

When these dogs are finally spayed, they usually develop a coat that any dog show competitor would love -- lush, thick and glossy. And the same will happen to your dog once she's spayed, so get to it! I doubt she really needs a sweater for her short trips outdoors, but if it makes you feel better, it won't hurt to get her one until her coat comes in full again.

Feline ultimatum

Q: I have a cat who does not stop meowing. I have one week to get him to keep quiet or he has to be out of the house. Help, please. I am desperate! -- C.G., via e-mail

A: You're going to need more time than a week to solve this issue, if you can solve it at all.

The first thing you need to do is ask yourself: Is this new behavior, or has the behavior increased lately? Any time a pet changes the way he or she behaves, you need to explore the possibility that the change is health-related. Changes in vocalization in cats are often because of health issues, and any cat who is suddenly noisier or more quiet or whose voice changes needs to see a veterinarian.

If the behavior isn't new, you need to ask yourself if it's natural behavior for your cat. The so-called "Oriental" breeds and their mixes are much more vocal than other cats. In fact, the chattiness of these breeds is one reason why many people like them! If your cat is a Siamese or Oriental breed, you will not be able to change your cat's basic nature.

If it's not health- or breed-related, your cat may be noisy because you've taught him to be. If, for example, you've rewarded his meows by feeding him or by opening the door whenever he wants to go out, you might be able to untrain your cat with the help of a behaviorist. Ask your veterinarian for a referral.

I'm not sure who's pushing the one-week ultimatum on you, but to be fair to your cat, you need to negotiate more time, at the very least. Adult cats have very low adoption rates. If you give up on your cat, his future is not a bright one. So please, see if you can negotiate a better understanding of what's normal for your cat, or at least get more time to try to minimize the conflict.

PET Rx

Overgrown beak needs vet's look

Contrary to advice that can still be found in books or on the Internet, beak trims should not be a part of routine health maintenance for birds. Although beaks are constantly growing at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per year, depending on the species, the beak of a healthy bird will remain at a healthy length with normal chewing activities.

Overgrowth of the beak is frequently a sign of illness, such as liver disease or malnutrition. Any bird whose beak seems to be too long needs to see a veterinarian expert in avian medicine to determine the cause of the problem and treat it accordingly.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

THE SCOOP

Watch out for cat in dryer

Cats love warmth, and at this time of year they are especially eager to search out the warmest, softest place to nap. Unfortunately, some cats have been killed in one of those spots: the clothes dryer. It's sadly easy for a person not to notice a cat in the dryer, to add clothes and then turn on the appliance.

The obvious answer is to keep the dryer door shut at all times, but it's hard to get an entire family to comply. If you can't be sure you can keep the door closed, it's important to convince your cat that the dryer's not a good place to nap.

You can try scaring your cat to help convince him to stay clear of this dangerous appliance. If you find your cat in the dryer, close the door for a few seconds (with the machine off, of course) and pound on the metal with your palms, making as much noise as you can. Then open the door and let your cat make a run for it.

I normally would not recommend any training method that would scare an animal, but the risk of death here is too great to ignore. A couple of scary moments in the dryer is vastly preferable to such a horrible death, in my book.

PET TIP

Charities need holiday gifts, too

Every year at this time I like to suggest that instead of spending money on gifts that will likely go into the closet to be "re-gifted" to someone else next year, give the pet lovers in your life something that will make a difference: a membership or donation to an animal charity.

The best place to start is with your local shelter. Even modest organizations usually have gift membership programs in place. For your contribution, your gift should come with a year's subscription to the group's newsletter and sometimes discounts on local goods and services.

Animal-health foundations are also a good bet. Your nearest school or college of veterinary medicine will have a fund set up to accept donations, either for scholarships or ongoing research into animal health. To find your nearest school or college of veterinary medicine, visit VetNet (www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetnet.html). The Morris Animal Foundation (www.morrisanimalfoundation.org), AKC Canine Health Foundation (www.akcchf.org) and Winn Feline Foundation (www.winnfelinehealth.org) also accept donations to support research into animal health.

National advocacy groups have a wide range of programs and agendas, and you should investigate a group's goals and funding prior to making a donation in another's name. For every person who thinks the animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (www.peta.org) is courageous, there are at least that many who are extremely opposed to them. Likewise with a group such as Heifer International (www.heifer.org), which works to provide food animals to Third World countries. A heroic effort to some, but probably not the best donation in the name of the leather-avoiding vegan in your life.

Some charities are notorious for paying high salaries to executives while delivering relatively little funding to the programs they're supposed to be supporting. Several Web sites are good for investigating charities, among them GuideStar (www.guidestar.org) and Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org).

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Help with pet care

Despite the media interest in new pet-care services such as doggie day care, most people are still using the more traditional businesses to help them care for their dogs. In 2004, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association asked dog lovers which services they'd used in the past six months (multiple responses allowed):

Kennel/boarding 41 percent

Pet-sitting 39 percent

Other service 17 percent

Day care 3 percent

Behavior consulting 2 percent

Pet taxi 2 percent

PETS ON THE WEB

Everything finch on lively site

Vivacious and entertaining, finches are a great fit for many different kinds of pet-loving households. Finchworld (www.finchworld.com) is a great place to start learning more about these fun little pets and their wild relatives.

The site offers information on a few dozen species (including canaries, which are technically finches). If you don't know much about finches, you'll be surprised and delighted with the variety of species available beyond the commonly sold zebra finch. And if all you want to do is watch the wild ones, you'll find information you need to enjoy what you're seeing outside. A bulletin board allows finch fans to discuss their favorite birds.

Click on any listed species to find a picture and related articles. Navigation across the top of the home page will take you to more detailed information on care and health topics, with many articles geared for beginners.

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