Universal Press Syndicate

The first week in May has been celebrated as "Be Kind to Animals Week" since the American Humane Association started it in 1915, back when most animals had jobs to do -- and, as their "bosses," we weren't always very compassionate.

Our attitudes toward animals, especially dogs and cats, have changed dramatically since then, and today more people than not consider pets as family members.

But the "have-nots" of the pet world are still many, and there is still much to be done. Here are a few suggestions, not only for "being kind to animals" this week, but all year around:

-- Take better care of your own animals. Keeping your pets fit and at a proper weight will help them feel better and stay healthier. Food isn't love, and exercise is good for you both! And don't neglect other aspects of preventive health care. Use your pet's regular well-pet checks to go over those areas that need improving. Your veterinarian should evaluate your pet's vaccination schedule, nutrition, dental health and parasite-control strategies. Preventive health care saves money, makes your pet more comfortable and helps extend life span. Keeping your pet healthy is the ultimate kindness!

-- Be a good neighbor when it comes to your pets. Don't let your cats roam or your dogs bark constantly. People who allow their animals to be a nuisance give ammunition to communities looking to pass laws against pets -- and it puts their own pets at risk of being hit or even poisoned. Keeping your pets from bothering others will help your neighbors be kinder.

-- Make calls 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. Call, write and send faxes (e-mails are routinely ignored) to prosecutors and judges in animal cruelty cases, and ask that offenders be dealt with severely. Contact your elected representatives and get sensible, enforceable anti-cruelty legislation on the books.

-- Don't let pets litter. If you're finding a home for a pet, have the animal neutered first. 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 semiwild mother cat. But if you pass along a population-growth time bomb, you really aren't helping much at all. 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 be producing unwanted animals.

-- Help a shelter or rescue group. Writing a check is always appreciated, but your time and expertise can be even more valuable to these nonprofits. Volunteers are always needed to help with the animals in the shelter, to foster pets who need a home environment, and to run fundraisers or community outreach programs. If you have a service to offer -- such as construction, legal aid or computer services -- consider donating those.

-- Be a friend to another animal lover. Companion animals are extremely important to those who are more socially isolated, such as a housebound elderly person. If you have a relative, friend or neighbor who struggles to care for a pet, ask how you can help. It may be as simple as picking up supplies or taking the animal to the veterinarian when needed.

Little things really can add up to a lot. Keep looking for ways to help animals -- and those who love animals -- in your community, and you'll be helping to create a better world for us all.

Q&A

Moving day rough on the cat, too

Q: We're having to give up our house and move in with my in-laws for a while. Fortunately, they're not insisting that we get rid of our cat, even though they don't really much like cats.

Our cat is 2 years old and has lived inside all her life. My mother-in-law would prefer to have the cat live outside, but she is willing to work with me as long as the cat settles into a litter-box routine without a problem. My cat's life depends on this, in my opinion. Can you help? -- T.W., via e-mail

A: The key to moving cats with the least amount of stress and stress-related misbehavior is to keep them secure before and during the move, and to settle them safely and quickly into a routine afterward.

Confinement is essential when moving cats: It keeps them safe while they become used to their new territory. Set up your cat up in a "safe room" -- a quiet spare bathroom or bedroom is ideal -- and leave her be while you pack up the house. Provide her with food and water, her bed, a scratching post, a litter box and a couple of favorite toys, but otherwise leave her pretty much alone.

During the move, your pet is at a high risk for becoming lost. That's why it's essential to get new ID tags on your pets before you disconnect that old phone number or to get new tags with your cell phone number. If you use a pet-tracking service or microchip ID, be sure the company knows where to reach you by updating your records with the registry.

When you have settled in at the new home, work the "leaving home" procedure in reverse with your cat. Put the cat into a quiet "safe room" for a few days, or even a couple of weeks, until the movers are gone, the furniture arranged and most of the dust settled. Allow her to explore inside the house on her own terms, even if she chooses to stay under the bed for days.

Quickly re-establish a routine. Pick a time and a place for feedings, and a quiet, protected place she can get to easily for her litter box. (If there's more than one floor in your new home, put a box on each.) Keep the boxes scrupulously clean and filled with your cat's favorite litter, and she should settle into her new situation with less stress for everyone.

You all deserve credit, by the way, for working to keep your pet during this difficult period in your life. Many pets have been given up or even left behind when owners have been forced to leave their homes during the recent housing-market problems. -- Gina Spadafori

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

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a weekly drawing for pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

Ticked off? You're not alone

-- Tick populations are on the rise across the United States, with many veterinarians worried about the spread of tick-borne diseases, according to a study by IDEXX Laboratories. At least three tick-borne diseases were found in every state: Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum) and ehrlichiosis (E. canis). Details about tick migration and images of tick species can be found at dogsandticks.com.

-- Ever wondered why gulls congregate in vacant parking lots? Many people assume it's because parking lots resemble bodies of water. But Kevin McGowan of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology says gulls like parking lots because they're big, flat, open areas to preen, sleep or gather, reports Esquire magazine. If there's an occasional french fry from a fast-food joint, well, all the better.

-- Pet owners in the Twin Cities will soon be able to take advantage of a boarding facility adjacent to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport. USA Today reports the Animal Humane Society has won a contract to operate a 24-hour pet boarding and day-care facility, with parking and shuttle service to and from the airport terminals.

-- An increasing number of animal lovers are buying wheels for their dogs to give them mobility when they have problems with their legs, hips or backs. There are several dog cart manufacturers, with prices starting at $250 for small dogs and $500 for larger dogs. -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE SCOOP

Cats need help with grooming, too

Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves, but that doesn't let you off the hook for helping them.

Keeping your cat well-groomed helps you spot health problems before they become serious. Is your cat's coat thinning? Is his weight where it should be? Are there wounds, lumps or bumps? The amount of time you'll spend grooming your cat depends on the kind of coat your cat has. With their long, silky coats, Persians and other longhaired cats need daily brushing, combing, detangling, frequent baths and even occasional professional grooming.

Cats with medium or short coats are fine with weekly brushing and a bath now and then -- more frequently if you have allergy sufferers in the home or if you're especially sensitive to finding hair everywhere.

Although it's easier to teach a cat to tolerate grooming when you start with a kitten, even an adult cat can learn to appreciate -- or at least tolerate -- the attention. Here are some tips to get you started:

-- Give yourself a fresh start. If you have a longhaired cat or kitten who's badly matted, arrange to have him shaved down by a groomer so you don't torture the poor thing by trying to comb out the clumps.

-- Introduce new routines a little bit at a time to build your cat's tolerance.

-- Reward your cat. Use treats, praise and gentle petting to let your pet know you approve of his behavior.

-- Know when to call it a day. Stop before your cat becomes impatient, annoyed or afraid -- or you do! Always end the session on notes of praise and petting.

If you look on grooming your cat as a special time for you both to share, your pet will pick up on your attitude and will come to share it. The payoff in terms of a happy, healthier and, yes, prettier cat is well worth the time you'll invest. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Veterinarians think small (animals)

The 2007 graduates of U.S. veterinary schools will be mostly (59.4 percent) heading into private practice, as opposed to government, academic or industry jobs, or continuing with their studies. Here are the kinds of practices they'll be joining:

Large animal (exclusive): 2.8 percent

Large animal (predominant): 2.2

Mixed animal: 8.9

Small animal (predominant): 9.3

Small animal (exclusive): 32.1

Equine: 4.1

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association

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 a 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.)

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

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

Universal Press Syndicate

If there's one parrot problem that has both bird owners and veterinarians pulling out their own hair in frustration, it would have to be feather-picking, a bird's willful destruction of his own plumage.

The first thing you need to know about this problem: Feather-picking is a symptom of something else that's wrong with your bird. The only hope you have of "curing" feather-picking is finding out and treating what's behind the behavior.

Feather-picking relates to a staggering variety of problems, and any one or any combination of the following can be behind your bird's plucking:

-- Health problems. Medical conditions behind feather-picking include allergies, parasitic infections, bacterial infections, abnormal growths (cysts) in the feather follicle, internal health problems, vitamin deficiencies and hormone-associated problems. And that's the short list.

-- Low humidity. Many bird species originally come from extremely humid environments, and our houses can't hope to duplicate the conditions of a rain forest (we'd be miserable). The dry air of most houses can be a factor in feather-picking and can also set the stage for some secondary medical problems.

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

-- Psychological problems. Although birds need to have their wings trimmed for safety, a bad wing trim -- too short, with no allowance for an "easy landing" -- can upset a bird so badly that he starts tearing at himself. Obsessive-compulsive disorders can also trigger feather-picking.

-- Attention-seeking. You love how your bird looks. He starts tugging at feathers and you freak, imagining your beautiful bird with the broiler-chicken look. Every time he touches his feathers -- even for normal preening behavior -- you rush over. See how this works? "Aha!" thinks your bird. "All I have to do to get attention is pull a feather!"

What can be done with the feather-picker? First, forget the over-the-counter and home remedy "cures." They don't work, and some might even put your bird at risk.

See a veterinarian with experience in caring for birds as soon as the problem appears. Medical problems need to be addressed before looking at any behavioral strategies.

Make sooner, rather than later, your emphasis. In general, the longer your bird has been picking, the greater the probability of an unresolvable pattern of behavior being set. Don't wait a few years before addressing a picking problem. When it starts, you need to start looking for a solution.

After your bird receives a clean bill of physical health, start making environmental adjustments to see whether you can ward off the picking. Prepare for the project to be a long one! Start a diary to record your changes and any effects they may have on your bird's behavior.

Start shaking things up, in small increments. A daily misting with a spray bottle and the addition of a room humidifier may be part of the solution. Also consider different toys, a smaller or larger cage, a new cage location, keeping a radio playing during the day, covering the cage to ensure your bird 12 solid hours of sleep, and more interaction and play with you as possibilities in the war against feather-picking.

Sadly, the definitive solution to feather-picking doesn't exist.

The best you can do is be patient, work with an avian veterinarian and be prepared to love your bird no matter what he looks like. In some cases, feather-picking is for life. In others, the problem is only occasional. Yes, some birds do become full-feathered again, but not every pet bird is bound for complete redress in the plumage department.

Q&A

What's the best reptilian pet?

Q: My 10-year-old son wants a pet iguana. I've done enough research to know we're not going to go that route. I don't want to be left with a 6-foot lizard when my son goes off to college. But I'm getting conflicting information on what would be better. What do you recommend in the "scaly, slimy" pet group that's appropriate for a kid and a busy mom? -- T.W., via e-mail

A: You're right: Iguanas are popular but are not really suitable for any but the most dedicated of owners. These reptiles have care requirements that can be difficult to meet, and if they are cared for properly, dealing with a 6-foot lizard will present another set of challenges.

The Pet Connection staff has previously polled a panel of experts to get a list of low-maintenance reptiles and amphibians for the first-time owner. The consensus picks:

-- Bearded dragon: Best overall. While young bearded dragons can be reactive, as adults these pets will calm down with appropriate handling and become gentle pets that never get too large to handle.

-- Leopard gecko: Geckos are smaller than bearded dragons and less scary-looking (which may be a plus or minus, depending on your child). They're easy to care for and are entertaining to watch.

-- Corn snake: Captive breeding has produced wonderful colors and color variations in these calm snakes. Corn snakes are easy to care for and aren't usually inclined to bite.

-- Ball python: Bigger than corn snakes, these pets mature at about 4 feet in length. They love wrapping themselves around their owners, though, so at the very least your son will need a tolerance for that behavior and an education on how to unwind his pet.

-- Pac-Man frog and White's tree frog: Two of the larger species of frogs available in the pet trade, these pets are colorful and vocal. Neither will get exceptionally large, and unlike the other pets, frogs shouldn't be handled.

Once you've chosen a pet, have your son check out the reptile and amphibian resources at pethobbyist.com, which includes one of the oldest communities of reptile and amphibian fans on the Internet.

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

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a weekly drawing for pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

Foul-mouth bird teaches others

-- The New York Post reports that the foul-mouthed parrot who became famous in England for cursing out a priest has been teaching other birds at the wildlife sanctuary where it lives its colorful language.

-- The domestic cat traveled the same ancestral road as humans, according to researchers from the University of California, Davis. The publication Veterinary Forum reports on the study, writing that the cat can trace its ancestors to the Middle East, to the area known to humans as the cradle of civilization.

-- Alternatives are being sought for drugs from animals, reports The New York Times. Chopped pig pancreas may not sound appetizing, but cystic fibrosis patients eat a refined version of it three times a day. And the blood thinner heparin comes from pig intestines. Worries about a virus in pigs jumping to humans have been long-standing and are among the reasons why research continues into developing alternatives to animal products. Companies such as Altus Pharmaceuticals of Cambridge, Mass., are working on synthetic versions of these animal-based drugs using enzymes derived from microbes that come not from animals but from bacteria and fungi.

-- Switzerland is the last European Union nation where hunters can still kill cats -- not only feral cats, but also pet cats who've strayed more than 200 yards from their homes. The New York Times reports that tanners pay about $5 for each pelt, which is then made into coats, hats and blankets.

-- Saw a doggie T-shirt in Hawaii: "My Dog Can Lick Anyone!" -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE SCOOP

'See Spot Sit': Fun with dog-training

Want to learn a lot about dog training while enjoying a lovely little read? Pick up a copy of Carol Lea Benjamin's "See Spot Sit: 101 Illustrated Tips for Training the Dog You Love" (Skyhorse Publishing, $11). It probably should instead be subtitled "101 really sneaky ways to get people to train their dogs without realizing it."

"Wow," I thought as I read it, "I bet (name redacted to protect the guilty) wouldn't even know I was sending her a dog-training book if I gave her this, and it might finally make her get why her dogs have so many behavior problems."

And then it struck me: Everyone should read this little book of dog cartoons, because it slips in its sensible, humane, effective message with such gentle humor that before you catch on, you'll find yourself nodding, smiling and reaching for a dog cookie to see if your dog, too, will do what's shown in the book.

It's funny and it's cheerful. And it's neither rooted in outdated training concepts nor is so firmly allied with any single school of training that it will get anyone's resistance up or lead owners astray (no choke chains, no "alpha rolls," but also, no clicker-training). It's just subtle enticement down the path of teaching you how to communicate with your dog so that the two of you don't get into trouble.

All of that is wrapped up in a little stacked-by-the-cash-register paperback package -- which means anyone you give it to will just think it's a witty little book of dog doodles. That's so deviously smart! -- Christie Keith

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

I love the way you love me

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, here are the top reasons why dog lovers enjoy having a canine companion (more than one response allowed):

Source of affection: 89 percent

Feel safe in home: 83 percent

Beneficial to health: 78 percent

Helps me relax: 77 percent

PET RX

Pet allergies blooming now

Spring can mean allergies for pets, too. The difference is that while sneezing is one of the primary symptoms in people, pets are more likely to get itchy.

In dogs, inhalant-related skin allergies are typically seen around the eyes and mouth, in the ears, under the legs, around the anal area and on the lower legs and belly. Cats may show allergies on their faces or with hair loss.

Because skin conditions can be a result of many different underlying problems, it's never a good idea to guess at the cause of itchiness, or to attempt to treat by throwing different foods at your pet or by adding vitamins or oils to meals.

An itchy pet is in constant misery and needs a trip to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. In more severe cases, an animal may need to be referred to a veterinary dermatologist. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

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

Universal Press Syndicate

The best way to save your pet from an accidental poisoning is to know what items are poisonous and to keep them from your pet's reach.

What do you need to know? We touched base with Dr. Steven Hansen of the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center -- which handled more than 135,000 pet-poisoning cases in 2007 alone -- to find out what you need to know.

Some poisonings are a result of something an animal gets into, like a household product. But a surprising number of cases come from something intentionally given to an animal by the owner who's trying to help. The classic example of the latter is when an elderly cat is given an extra-strength acetaminophen for arthritis. The owner is trying to help, but unfortunately even one capsule of this common human medicine can kill a cat.

Dogs can figure out their way into trouble that their owners never envisioned. This includes opening cabinets to get cleaning products and counter-surfing to reach food items and pill vials. You need to realize that pets are basically like toddlers who can open any child-proof container, and you should take similar precautions:

-- Keep products such as medications, harmful foods and cleaning products in a secure cabinet above countertop height.

-- Use a kitchen garbage can with a lid.

-- Always read labels, especially on flea and tick products, and on lawn and garden products. Store out of reach in a high cupboard, not under the sink.

-- Be familiar with the plants in and around your home, and have only nontoxic plants.

-- Never give any medication or supplement to your pet unless recommended or approved by your veterinarian.

Many toxic substances aren't well-known to dog owners. For example, don't let your dog have significant amounts of raisins or grapes, macadamia nuts, moldy cheese, chocolate, onions, garlic or xylitol-sweetened gum and other candies or baked items.

Once the preventive measures are in place, you need to know the signs of poisoning. Many (but not all) substances first cause stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. It's not fun, but vomit must be examined for evidence of chewed packaging, plant, food, pill or other important clues. Many poisonings progress to weakness and depression or nervous stimulation, including tremors and seizures. Pets may stop eating and drinking, or may drink excessive amounts, which could suggest liver or kidney involvement. Rapid or slow breathing, with changes in tongue and gum color -- from pink to white, blue or brown -- is important.

If you suspect poisoning, stay calm. Panicking will not help your pet and may waste precious time. If your pet is not showing any serious signs of illness described above, contact your regular veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) to determine if your pet needs to be seen, or if treatment can be given at home.

If your pet is having difficulty breathing, is having seizures, is bleeding or is unconscious, go to your regular veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. Take any evidence including chewed containers and labels and even vomit. This information is key to helping your veterinarian save your pet.

Be sure you always have the numbers of your pet's regular veterinarian, your local veterinary emergency clinic and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. It could save your pet's life.

SIDEBAR

Do you know the top toxins?

The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) lists the top reasons pet owners called it in 2007, in order of the number of cases handled. Some represent serious concerns, while others result from common, but not deadly, encounters:

1. Drugs meant for humans, both prescription and over-the-counter.

2. Pesticides, including poisons meant to kill bugs, rodents and weeds.

3. Foods, including chocolate (chocolate accounted for about half of all food cases).

4. Biological hazards, primarily toxic plants.

5. Veterinary drugs.

6. Cleaning products.

7. Chemical hazards, such as acids, bases, alcohols and gases.

8. Metals, such as lead, zinc and mercury.

9. Cosmetics and personal-care items, such as hair dye, hair relaxant or perms, oral care or skin-care products.

10. General household hazards, such as batteries for electronics, matches, silica gel, ice melters, matches and air fresheners.

Not-so-honorable mention goes to home-improvement and hobby supplies, such as paint and adhesives.

Q&A

Redirecting nips of a playful pup

Q: We got a Christmas puppy, a yellow Labrador retriever. Our friends bred their Lab once, and we wanted a puppy, so this seemed perfect. Our puppy's mother is fantastic with kids, and we wanted a dog just like that.

The problem is that our puppy is kinda bratty. We're going to take her to training classes now that the weather is better, and we know we have work to do. We'll do it. We love our puppy, and we're working through it together.

The one thing we really need help with right away, though, is her nipping. She will not stop mouthing everything, and the kids are now afraid of being chewed on by her. She's not mean, just mouthy. How can we get her to stop this? Or will she just outgrow it? -- W.P., via e-mail

A: If you watch a litter of puppies play with each other, you might be surprised at how rough they can be. As puppies grow older, they learn from their littermates and their mother how to restrain those playful bites.

These lessons are important in the development of a well-mannered pet, which is why experts say puppies should stay with their littermates until at least the age of 7 weeks.

If you end up with a pup who missed the crucial lessons taught by her siblings, or if your puppy is naturally nippy (many retrievers and retriever mixes, for example, are very "mouthy" as puppies), all is not lost.

Teach your puppy to keep her teeth to herself by attacking the problem from a couple of different directions. The first would be to redirect the behavior. Clap your hands to startle the pup into stopping the nipping, and then give your puppy a toy to chew on instead. Don't forget to praise her for chewing on something that's not a family member.

Even as you're teaching the puppy what's OK to mouth, teach her how to leave family members unchewed by making the nipping unrewarding. Every time the puppy nips, dramatically cry "ouch" and immediately stop the play session. Fold your arms, turn away and ignore the puppy completely.

The message to get across: Play stops when nipping starts. If you're persistent and consistent, your puppy will get the message. It will also help if you make sure she's getting plenty of exercise, because sometimes dogs who don't get enough physical activity get too excited when they're finally offered the chance to play.

If the behavior doesn't show any sign of easing, or if the biting seems more aggressive than playful, don't delay in asking your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist or trainer. -- Gina Spadafori

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

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a weekly drawing for pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

Pets another reason to wash your hands

-- People struggling to get rid of recurrent staph infections might want to consider an overlooked source: the family pet. Dr. Neil Fishman of the Infectious Diseases Society of America told The Associated Press that while staph is rare and is more of a problem in people with weak immune systems, everyone should wash up after handling pets.

-- A gene that determines a dog's coat color may help scientists learn why people are thin or fat, or why they cope differently with stress. An article in Veterinary Economics mentioned that Stanford University researchers now say a gene that produces yellow and black fur in dogs also makes the "beta defensin" protein. Dogs and people have similar beta defensin-producing genes, and this protein determines canine-stress adaptation and weight regulation. If beta defensin proteins work similarly in people, new drugs and treatments for weight and stress management could result.

-- California law now lets victims of domestic violence name their pets in restraining orders against their abusers. The bill's sponsor said up to 40 percent of domestic violence victims don't leave their abusers because they worry about their pets.

-- If you fear your home has turned into the newest location of Bedbugs & Beyond, you might want to call on specially trained dogs who track down tiny bedbugs and their eggs, helping exterminators target spraying. The bedbug-sniffing dogs start around $200 per hour. -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE SCOOP

Teach your cat to scratch appropriately

Scratching is natural, normal and satisfying behavior for a cat that is best accommodated by training your pet to use a scratching post or cat tree.

The post or tree must be stable enough for your cat to climb and pull on, and should be covered with material your cat can dig her claws into, such as sisal.

Because clawing is also a territory marker, move the cat tree into a prominent place, such as near that clawed corner of the couch. Praise your cat for using the post instead. Move the post slowly -- a few inches a day -- to a place more to your taste after your cat is using it reliably.

Encourage your cat to use the scratching post by teasing her with a cat toy and praising her for digging in her claws. If your cat enjoys catnip, rub some on the post to encourage her to spend more time there, and give her treats for being on the cat tree as well.

Make the areas you don't want your pet to touch less appealing during the retraining process by covering them with foil, plastic sheeting or plastic carpet runners with the pointy side out. Use double-sided tape generously as well -- cats hate the feel of sticky stuff under their paws.

If you catch your cat clawing, squirt her with a spray bottle. Try to stay out of sight whenever you do so and don't lose your temper. Remember: The idea is to get the cat to believe that the furniture itself is doing the disciplining.

Yes, your house is going to look pretty ugly for a while, with cat deterrents all over the furniture and a cat tree in the middle of the room. You must live with it until your cat's new pattern of clawing where acceptable is established. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Fewer vet visits for cats

Cats may be the top pet in the United States and Canada, but they're not tops when it come to veterinary care:

Number of dogs: 72.1 million

Number of cats: 81.7 million

Annual average of vet visits per year:

Cats: 1.7

Dogs: 2.6

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association

PET TIP

Freezer veggies great for birds

Avian veterinarians say parrots do well on a diet of pellets, combined with a daily helping of fresh vegetables and fruits. There's an easy way to make providing vegetables easier for the cooking-impaired: Use frozen mixed vegetables.

Bags of vegetable mixes with corn, peas, beans and carrots are easy to find and easy to store. And it takes only a short spell in the microwave to bring them up to room temperature. (Put your finger in the bowl to make sure there are no "hot spots.")

Fresh fruits and veggies are always ideal for parrots, along with a good mix of other healthy "people foods" -- pasta, cereals, bread and more. But in a pinch, reach into the freezer. Little shopping, no chopping and no rotting veggies in the refrigerator -- what could be better? -- Gina Spadafori

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

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