Gina Spadafori

Universal Press Syndicate

The homeliness of a baby gate -- typically stark and functional in white plastic or metal -- was always something you could live with in the short term. And when used for its original purpose of keeping toddlers from getting into trouble, the short term was all you asked for, anyway.

But these days, with more pets in American homes than children, the baby gate is just as likely to be used to keep pets in one place or another. And since its use is no longer temporary, the utilitarian look can get old in a hurry.

Companies such as Orvis (Orvis.com, 888-235-9763) are now selling a selection of good-looking barriers to keep pets out of trouble. And at least one entrepreneur has taken the simple gate to an even higher level, by having it made over with the help of the Rhode Island Institute of Design, Babson College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to get an upscale, furniture-grade look with classy curves and ease of use.

"As a multipet-owning homeowner, I tripped over the $20 plastic pet gate too often and said, 'There ought to be a better way,'" said Brad White of Midnight Pass (MidnightPass.com, 877-844-4438) about the pet gate his company is bringing to market this summer, for a projected retail price of $150. "We wanted a product that would look good in a $20,000 or $30,000 kitchen. People will spend $1,500 on a refrigerator. Why wouldn't they spend $150 on a pet gate that looks good?"

Why not, indeed, if you're going to be looking at that gate for years? White says that the response to the prototype pet gate was so popular at a pet-industry trade show earlier this year that he could have sold thousands. And Orvis and other high-end retailers keep expanding their styles of pet barriers and gates, to offer even more choices that look great in any home.

While pet barriers do have short-term uses -- house-training puppies and introducing cats and dogs, most typically -- they're also perfect for long-term behavior management.

For example, it can be a challenge to keep many dogs out of the litter box. A pet barrier across the door of the room with the litter box will allow access for the cat but not the dog, solving this disgusting problem. But as soon as the gate's gone, the problem will return, making a barrier the long-term solution.

In my home, I keep the younger dogs out of the front of the house when I'm not around by putting them behind a barrier that keeps them in a back bedroom, with access through a dog-door to a small, secure outdoor area. Keeping them away from the front picture window reduces barking triggers, keeps the mail carrier happy -- no one likes to be barked at! -- and allows the two senior dogs and the cats to sleep on the living-room couch without the youngsters pestering them. It's a perfect solution, but again, it requires the long-term use of a pet gate.

Barriers can also keep dogs away from guests who aren't as thrilled by pets as you may be, so you can enjoy entertaining people without throwing your dog outside for the evening.

Having tried just about every imaginable kind of baby gate over decades of raising and caring for all kinds of pets, I have to say the "baby" gate is one of the best inventions for pet lovers, ever.

But with two pet barriers set up permanently in my home, I'm delighted to see more options that look as good as they function, and I will be upgrading soon.

Q&A

Lettuce not enough for pet box turtle

Q: My daughter gave me a box turtle. I feed it lettuce and any other fruits or vegetables that it will eat. Its primary source of food is lettuce, though. What else can I feed my turtle to make sure it's getting enough nutrition? I've gone to a pet superstore, but the people there weren't sure what to give it. I've tried dry pellets, but the turtle won't touch them. -- J.D., via e-mail

A: The good news is that your box turtle is eating. Box turtles will often stop eating if they're stressed, cold, weak or sick.

The bad news is that the diet your turtle is eating is very far from nutritionally adequate. Box turtles are not herbivores, so a diet of vegetables and fruit alone is extremely deficient.

Box turtles require around 50 percent animal protein in their diets. In the wild, that comes from worms, grubs, snails, different kinds of insects and even the carcasses of dead animals. Your turtle should eat cooked meat (avoid fat), live earthworms and slugs (make sure they're pesticide-free; you should be able to buy these at pet-supply stores that specialize in reptiles), and feeder fish (available at aquarium stores).

While a little bit of romaine lettuce is fine from time to time, your turtle needs around 10 percent of his diet to be dark, leafy greens such as mustard, turnip, collard and dandelion greens. These are an essential source of calcium and other minerals, and are necessary to keep the turtle's digestion functioning properly.

The protein and greens should be mixed with vegetables, including squash, mushrooms, sweet potatoes and green beans. Be sure to cut everything into very tiny pieces so the turtle doesn't fill up only on his favorite foods. Hard vegetables should be steamed or grated.

Most box turtles love fruit, and it should be around 10 percent of their diet. You can also chop it very finely and mix it with meat and vegetables. This strategy will entice your turtle to eat the foods he isn't so fond of.

Box turtles can rival cats in finickiness, and getting them to eat a balanced diet is sometimes hard. Fortunately, there are some excellent resources available to help you keep your box turtle healthy. Visit the box turtle forums at www.KingSnake.com, where you can ask questions and talk with experienced turtle-keepers.

One of the helpful experts you'll find at KingSnake.com is Tess Cook, who goes by the handle "PHBoxTurtle." She's the author of "Box Turtles" (TFH Publications, $11). Cook also maintains The Box Turtle Care and Conservation Web site (boxturtlesite.info), where you can find plenty of basic information to help keep your turtle healthy and happy. -- Christie Keith

(Pet Connection contributing editor Christie Keith is also the editorial director at PetHobbyist.com. 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

Small pets get their own vets

-- The American Veterinary Medical Association has granted provisional recognition to the first completely new veterinary specialty since 1993. The new specialty will focus on small mammals, including rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, mice and other small mammals commonly known as "pocket pets." The new Exotic Companion Mammal (ECM) specialty was granted provisional recognition last month. Americans own 6.2 million pet rabbits, 1.2 million hamsters, 1.1 million ferrets and 1 million guinea pigs, according to the AVMA.

-- Pet owners are increasingly including their furry loved ones in their estate planning. The Los Angeles Times reports that pet trusts have the force of law in 39 states. In general, the money is turned over to a designated caregiver -- often a family member or friend -- who takes the pet in.

-- The problem: "Pet Eye," in which your pet's eyes appear blue, green or yellow in digital photos, and you can't fix them using red-eye software. The solution: The Wall Street Journal recommends photo-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or downloading Pet Eye Pilot 3.0 ($50 at www.colorpilot.com/peteye.html), which can be used as a plug-in with many PC-based photo-editing programs.

-- Veterinarians are asking pet owners facing foreclosure not to abandon their animals. Information about pets and foreclosed homes is available on the American Veterinary Medical Association's Web site (www.avma.org -- click on "Issues" and then look under "Animal Welfare"). -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE SCOOP

Cats risk their lives on window ledges

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

While the problem would seem to be one for big-city cats only, that's not really the case. In fact, cats are more likely to survive falls from higher stories and be killed from falls as low as two stories. The reason is what veterinarians call "high-rise syndrome," with the worst falls in terms of feline fatalities coming from the second to the sixth stories of buildings.

Severe injuries are common in falls from higher stories, but these cats often survive. Cats falling from lower floors, without time to get relaxed into a proper landing position, are at greatest risk of death.

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

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

Screens can help a great deal, but since they're designed to keep bugs out, not cats in, they're not foolproof. The only sure way to protect a cat from falling out the window is to keep the window closed. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Will spending on pets stall?

Will a slow economy stall spending on pets? That question has yet to be answered, but it's a sure thing that no matter what, we'll still be spending plenty on our pets. For 2008, the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association has estimated that $43.4 billion will be spent on pets in the United States. The breakdown:

Food: $16.9 billion

Veterinary care: $10.9 billion

Supplies/over-the-counter medicine: $10.3 billion

Live-animal purchases: $2.1 billion

Pet services (grooming, boarding, etc.): $3.2 billion

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Reward cats for being touched

Most cats love to be stroked by their owners. During this pleasant time together, your cat can learn to relax while being examined.

As you stroke your cat from nose to tail tip, feel for any bumps or scabs. Does your cat flinch in discomfort when touched? Your cat can also learn to allow you to hold his head still -- if introduced gradually with praise and treats -- while you look inside his ears and mouth.

If your cat learns to accept gentle exams at home as routine and nonthreatening, he will be less stressed when the veterinarian examines him.

Daily home checkups will also help you find signs of discomfort early, when easiest and most cost-effective to treat.

(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

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