Universal Press Syndicate

Big sports-utility vehicles have been the dog-haulers of choice for years, along with minivans. But with gas prices so high, SUV sales are stalled as people look for smaller vehicles. If you can't fit your St. Bernard comfortably into a Smart Car, are there still choices for you?

You bet.

The Pet Connection's DogCars.com Web site has already been reviewing vehicles with an eye toward how they function for people who don't like leaving their dogs behind. We looked over the vehicles we've driven and came up with "Five and 25" -- five (actually six with a tie) models with a base price of less than $25,000 and a fuel-economy rating of close to or exceeding 25 mpg on the highway.

These models all have rear-hatch entries, fold-flat seats and relatively roomy cargo areas. Fuel economy ratings, cargo capacity and base price are noted, as well as alternative vehicles that almost made the list and should be considered as well.

-- Subaru Forester (20/26 mpg, 68.3 cubic feet, $19,995): All new and better than ever, with lots of room for dogs. The Forester has long been a favorite among dog lovers who want a surefooted ride but don't want a large SUV. The redesign should assure the Forester's continued popularity. (Also check out: Suzuki Forenza wagon and Volkswagen Passat wagon.)

-- Pontiac Vibe (26/32 mpg, 49.4 cubic feet, $15,895) and Honda Fit (28/34 mpg, 41.9 cubic feet, $13,950): We just couldn't pick a winner when comparing these two small hatchbacks, we liked them so much. The Vibe (which is also sold as the Toyota Matrix) is amazingly capacious -- so much so, it's almost like a magic act to see how much you can fit into it. The Fit is a winner on price and fuel economy, but not as roomy. (Also check out: Kia Rondo.)

-- Scion xB (22/28 mpg, 69.9 cubic feet, $16,600): No one's on the fence about the Scion xB. You either love the look or hate it, and the same was true of the earlier incarnation of the quirky Toyota-made box with wheels. We like it -- lots -- and so did the pile of dogs we put in it. Some people think the recent redesign made the vehicle less distinctive, but it also made it bigger, a plus when you have big dogs. (Also check out: Honda Element, perennial DogCars.com favorite edged out by a thin whisker here.)

-- Saturn Vue crossover (19/26 mpg, 56.4 cubic feet, $24,370): Most expensive of our choices, but such a comfortable ride for man and beast we just couldn't leave it out, especially since some of our best dog-friends love theirs so much. Great if you have both kids and dogs. (Also check out: The Saturn Vue hybrid. We liked the hybrid version a great deal and liked the 26/32 mpg even more. But the base price, $26,270, was beyond our set limit.)

-- Dodge Grand Caravan (17/24 mpg, 140.6 cubic feet, $22,470): The recently remodeled Dodge Grand Caravan falls just a little short of the 25 mpg fuel economy standard we were shooting for. But if you have a lot of dogs and a lot of gear, you're going to need the space. The Caravan has tons of room and a comfortable ride, with decent fuel economy. The company that created the minivan still does it right. (Also check out: The "minivanish" Mazda 5 crossover.)

Don't forget to crate or harness your dog for safety before you hit the road, no matter what you're driving.

(The Pet Connection's DogCars.com editor Keith Turner contributed this story.)

Q&A

New home for a neighbor's cat

Q: My next-door neighbor died, leaving behind her cat. The woman's daughter planned to take the cat to the pound, so Sophie is now living in my garage. My son is allergic to cats, so this isn't a long-term solution. Sophie is a nice cat, but no one wants her and we can't keep her forever. Do you have any suggestions? -- K.R., via e-mail

A: Since you seem willing to care for this cat for a while, I'd suggest you work to keep her healthy, friendly and well-behaved, and be patient while looking for a home. Many people are willing to take (and even prefer) adult cats, and your odds of finding such takers will improve when "kitten season" tails off in late fall.

Have a veterinarian check out the cat and bring her vaccinations up to date, if necessary. If Sophie's not spayed, get that done as well. You'll want to ask a small adoption fee for her to deter people who collect animals for unsavory purposes. So you'll be offering her "vet-checked, spayed and up-to-date on shots," with the adoption fee advertised as covering some of that cost -- a ready-to-adopt bargain!

Take a really cute picture of her and make up an attractive flier, briefly stressing the cat's advantages (sweet nature, litter-box trained, vet-checked, etc.) and her sad story (people naturally gravitate to animals with a difficult history).

Post the fliers everywhere you can: bulletin boards at work, pet-supply stores and veterinary hospitals. Give some to your friends and family to post, too. Talk up the cat and her story, at least briefly, with everyone you know. Even people who don't like cats (or don't want one) may know someone who is looking for a pet. Take out an ad in the newspaper, and post online at craigslist.org and other sites.

Touch base with all the non-profit feline rescue groups and shelters in your area. Some groups may be able to take your cat, if you are willing to wait for an opening in a foster home. At the very least, they may be willing to put Sophie on their Web site or fliers, especially after kitten season.

Check out prospective adopters thoroughly. If you place this cat into a bad home, you haven't done her any favors. Make sure the person who wants to adopt has a landlord's permission to have a pet, if they're renting.

Ask about previous pets. The person who has had a lot of pets who disappeared, died young or were given away is probably not your best choice. A veterinary reference is useful as well. -- 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 monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

Dachshunds come in many varieties

-- Love dachshunds? Veterinarians like to say these popular short-legged dogs are "half a dog high and two dogs long." While most people think of a brownish-red, shorthaired dog when they think "dachshunds," the American Kennel Club in fact recognizes two sizes (standard and miniature) and two additional coat types, wirehaired and longhaired. As for colors, some long-coated dachshunds have fur as red as an Irish setter's, and other combinations are acceptable, too.

-- "Biomimicry" borrows nature's design ideas and applies them to solve human challenges. Reader's Digest reports that consulting biologists looked to the African reed frog, a champion in keeping cool in hot temperatures, to design Nike apparel to keep Olympic athletes cool this month. Other researchers looked at how woodpeckers can hammer away at trees without harming themselves, in order to create impact-resistant cars. And what about the humpback whale? The whale's flipper has scalloped edges to calm turbulence, a design mimicked by a new kind of wind turbine that can rotate in very low wind.

-- The show must go on, and Sandy sure knew it. The canine star of the long-running Broadway hit "Annie!" saw a lot of tomorrows, playing the entire run from 1977 to 1983 -- more than 2,000 performances. The friendly fuzzbutt (probably an Airedale-setter mix) came from a shelter in Connecticut. After all those curtain calls, the dog retired to the comfortable life befitting such a star, and died in 1990 at the grand old age of 16.

-- Looking to astound others with your knowledge of trivia? Here are a few fast facts: A crocodile can't stick his tongue out. A shrimp's heart is in his head. It's physically impossible for pigs to look up. Horses can't vomit. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

What's in a name? The man behind the breed

A handful of dog breeds were named for people. Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector in the mid-19th century, developed the elegant and protective breed that bears his name to, in the words of Britain's Kennel Club, "protect him and ... 'encourage' slow payers." (In the United States, the final "n" on "Dobermann" was dropped long ago.)

The Parson Russell terrier -- more commonly known as the Jack Russell -- was named after the Rev. John Russell, a Victorian-era clergyman with a fondness for working terriers. There's also the Gordon setter, named after one of the Dukes of Gordon.

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel was named after King Charles II, albeit centuries after his death, since the breed was developed by fanciers in England after World War II.

Arguably, you can say that the St. Bernard was named after a person, but really, probably more after the monastery where the dogs became famous for their heroic rescue efforts. (No longer practiced, by the way: The monastery now "borrows" St. Bernards from nearby towns for tourist season but doesn't keep any otherwise.)

There's also the Dandie Dinmont terrier, which isn't named for a real person at all, but rather after a character in Sir Walter Scott's "Guy Mannering."

There's something else fairly unusual about the long-bodied, short-legged dog with a puff of fur on his head and whiskers on his muzzle: Dandies are so rare that the breed is considered on the verge of extinction. Every year, more pandas are born than Dandies. -- Gina Spadafori and Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Protect your dog from poisoning

The best way to protect your dog from poisoning is to make sure you keep all such hazards away from him. For tips on protecting your pet, visit the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center Web site (www.aspca.org/apcc). According to the APCC, these are the top five household poisoning hazards:

1. Human drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter

2. Pesticides and herbicides

3. Foods, most notably chocolate

4. Toxic plants

5. Veterinary drugs

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Make learning fun with 'pingpong'

Play games with your pet to keep good behavior interesting and fun, and to practice what your dog already knows.

For example, play "pet pingpong" in a closed hallway, with one person at each end, when your dog is hungry. Start the game with each person taking turns calling the dog for a treat. As the game progresses, ask your dog to "sit," "shake" or "lie down" for the treat.

As you raise the bar, increase your praise. Keep your dog guessing. Give a treat quickly for coming one time, and then randomly ask for two or three behaviors before the treat at other times. Keep the game brief and end on a high note.

(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

And Gina Spadafori

Universal Press Syndicate

Summer is a wonderful time to be a dog or to have a dog. The long days offer lots of opportunity to get some exercise, shake up the routine and try something new that will strengthen the bond for both of you.

If you're starting from go, though, it's important to check in with your veterinarian before ramping up the physical activity, especially if your dog is older or overweight. You may also want to check to be sure your dog's tick prevention is the best for your part of the country before you head into any hiking areas.

If everything checks out, get moving! Here are some ideas:

-- Get wet. Swimming is a natural for water dogs or dogs who love the water. If your dog has never been swimming before, try to go out with a friend and a dog who's already a good swimmer. A dog who'll like swimming may learn quickly from a dog who already knows how to swim, especially if the activity is coupled with a game of fetch. Be careful not to let your dog get into trouble: Stick to the calm shallows and be sure to pack drinking water.

For older dogs or those who aren't as water-ready as the average retriever, consider a canine life jacket. These are designed to keep the dog afloat even if he gets tired.

If your dog really takes to the water, consider trying dock-diving. This relatively new sport offers titles and prizes for the dogs who can jump farthest and highest off a dock. Two groups run dock-diving competitions: Dock Dogs (www.dockdogs.com) and Splash Dogs (www.splashdogs.com).

Finally, don't underestimate the amount of fun a dog can have in a plastic kiddie pool. Many small dogs enjoy the splashing, and even big dogs like wallowing in these little pools when it's hot.

-- Take a hike. If you're the outdoors type, your dog may enjoy hiking with you. All you need is some conditioning, a little planning (to find trails where dogs are welcome), and a few pieces of canine hiking gear.

A healthy dog can carry about a quarter of his own weight, so get a comfortable pack for your dog and he can take in his own supplies. You'll also need lightweight, collapsible food and water bowls (along with food and water), a bright bandana (so other hikers or hunters will realize your pet isn't a wild animal), and a collar with ID and a leash. Add a couple of dog-specific items (such as a tick-puller) to your own lightweight first-aid kit.

Before you hit the trail, make sure your dog is well-mannered and well-socialized, and don't let him off-leash unless you're in an area where it's allowed and you're sure of his obedience. The "Best Hikes With Dogs" series from Mountaineer Books offers regional suggestions to help you plan.

-- Get competitive. Every year seems to bring more dog sports. There's a sport for every dog and every dog owner, including some for the more sedentary among us. One of the most popular sports continues to be canine agility, in which the handler directs the dog through a timed agility course.

At the top levels of competition, a handful of breeds excel -- border collies and Shelties, most notably. But you don't need a fast dog and good knees to enjoy the sport -- you just need to try. You can get started with a beginner's agility class, which many dog trainers offer.

For practice, PetSafe (www.petsafe.net/agility) offers a collection of inexpensive backyard obstacles for beginners, or you can check out the bargains on eBay.

The U.S. Dog Agility Association (www.usdaa.com) and the American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) both host agility competitions, although the latter is only for AKC-registered dogs.

Whether your activity is competitive or just for fun, don't delay: The dog days of summer will be gone before you know it, and with them, the opportunity to have some great fun with your pet.

Q&A

Managing old cat and a new baby

Q: When you're expecting your first child, it seems everyone has advice, from your co-workers to all your relatives. When we were trying to get pregnant, we listened to people tell us that we had to get rid of our old cat. Instead, my boyfriend handled the litter box, so that was fine.

But now, some people tell us that cats are attracted to the smell of milk on a baby and may smother an infant by accident. Another old wives' tale, I'm sure, but what do you think? And what's the best way to handle the introductions? -- T.I., via e-mail

A: Common sense dictates that no animal be left unattended with an infant or young child -- for the safety of both. Although it's extremely unlikely your cat would hurt your baby in any way, you don't want to take any chances of an accident occurring.

Some parents have gone so far as to install a screen door on the nursery to keep pets out, a simple and relatively inexpensive solution. You could also confine your cat to one part of the house when no one can directly supervise your pet.

As for your cat herself, she should be fine with the new arrival. Cats thrive on familiarity and routine, so getting the household settled down as soon as you can will help your cat to settle down, too.

Despite all the household upheaval a new baby brings, try to put aside a little time for your cat every day, for petting, grooming and interactive play, and be aware of changes in your cat's behavior.

Sometimes stress can lead to litter-box avoidance. If that's the case with your cat, have your veterinarian check her out to make sure there's no health problem, and then set her up in a small bedroom -- with a litter box, food and water, and toys -- to retrain her and let her chill out for a few days.

Having a pet will benefit your baby. In addition to the unconditional love and listening a pet offers, recent studies suggest that children who grow up with animals may be less susceptible to developing allergies.

Finally, work with your veterinarian to make sure your cat is in the best of health and is current on all preventive-care measures. Veterinarians are well-versed in how pet health problems can mean human health problems and are your best bet at advising on how best to keep your pet from presenting any risk to your child.

As always, the best advice is to get rid of the risk and keep the pet. Your veterinarian can help. -- Dr. Marty Becker

(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 monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

Service dogs get free eye exams

-- More than 1,500 service dogs received free eye examinations in May from members of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. The service dogs included guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs and search-and-rescue dogs. The program was so successful, it will likely be repeated in 2009. For more information, visit www.acvoeyeexam.org.

-- A new Swiss law taking effect Sept. 1 broadens the rights of animals. As reported in Veterinary Economics magazine, animals classified as "social species" -- such as guinea pigs and parrots -- will be considered victims of abuse if they don't live or interact regularly with others of their own species. To promote fish health, fish-keepers must use aquariums with at least one opaque side and make sure the fish experience night and day light cycles. Flushing a sick fish down the toilet won't be permitted, either.

-- The gene that produces white or gray horses was a mutation that probably wouldn't have made it without human intervention, according to a story in the Times of London. White horses are at a competitive disadvantage in the wild and probably wouldn't have lived long enough to reproduce, had not people taken a fancy to their flashiness and preserved the mutation.

-- Dogs take a big bite out of insurance claims. One-third of U.S. liability claims paid out in 2007 were a result of dog bites, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The more than 14,000 claims represented a cost of more than $356 million, with an average cost per claim at $24,511. Dog owners are generally liable for injuries caused by their pets if the owner knew the dog had a tendency to bite, if the injury was caused by carelessness on the part of the owner, or if a state statute makes the owner liable, whether or not the owner knew the dog had a tendency to bite. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

From hissing to kissing: Two cats bond

When I brought home Ilario, my little orange tabby kitten, my biggest worry was my gray tabby cat, Clara. I wanted her to enjoy the feline company or, at the very least, not to loathe the new addition.

Four months later, the two are nearly inseparable. The key? A slow and patient introduction.

Successful feline introductions require laying the groundwork before you bring home new kittens or a cat. Prepare a room for your new cat, with food and water bowls, toys, and a litter box and scratching post that needn't be shared. This separate room will be your new pet's home turf while the two cats get used to each other's existence.

Then, start the introductions by pushing no introduction at all. Leave the new cat alone in the room with the door closed, and let him choose to explore in his own way and time.

Maintain each cat separately for a week or so, with lots of love and play for both. Then on a day when you're around to observe, leave the door to the new cat's room open. Don't force the cats together.

As the days go by, you can encourage them both to play with you, using a cat "fishing pole" or a toy on a string. If they're willing, feed them in ever closer proximity, taking your cue from the cats as to how quickly to proceed.

Some cats will always maintain their own territories within the house, while others will happily share everything from litter boxes to food dishes. Some cats will always need separate litter boxes, scratching posts, bowls and toys -- and providing them is a small investment if it keeps the peace. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Prevention is No. 1

While not all expensive pet-care emergencies can be prevented, the No. 1 and No. 3 problems on the list provided by the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (www.petinsurance.com), based on its claims in 2007, are entirely preventable. Keeping objects tucked away that a cat might play with and swallow can save your pet some misery -- and you some money. The top five most expensive cat health conditions and average veterinary fees paid, according to VPI:

1. Foreign body ingestion (small intestine), $1,629

2. Urinary tract reconstruction, $1,399

3. Foreign body ingestion (stomach), $1,391

4. Rectal cancer, $1,011

5. Bladder stones, $989

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Getting your pet to sleep at night

How can you get a good night's sleep when your pet won't let you? Pets wake people up for many reasons: to be fed, to be let out, or for companionship and attention. Cats, being nocturnal, are typically the biggest offenders. When you're asleep, it's time to play by their clock!

You can encourage pets to sleep through the night by increasing their exercise during the day and by waking them up when they nap. You can also feed your pet the biggest meal an hour before your bedtime and take dogs outside to go to the bathroom just before you retire.

Prepare your pet for the days you sleep in by establishing a late breakfast schedule. For difficult cases, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist.

(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 number of people who travel with their dogs is growing, and so too are the options for pets on the road. From "ruffing it" at campgrounds to enjoying fabulous four-star hotels, the time has never been better to pack your pet and go.

Still, traveling with a dog is no picnic sometimes. Finding lodgings can be difficult, luxurious inside dining is largely sacrificed in favor of eating takeout in the car or a park, and spending hours tripping through quaint shops becomes a thing of the past when a dog is waiting. Traveling with dogs offers some challenges, but nearly all are surmountable with common sense and creativity.

The travel industry wants to help, that's for sure. Countless books cover traveling with dogs, and some travel agents have carved out a niche booking canine-centered vacations. People in the travel industry have learned that many people with dogs are exceptionally grateful for pleasant accommodations, and so return to the places that treat them well year after year. As a result, some entrepreneurs have gone to great lengths to attract dog lovers: You can even find canine camps where people do nothing but share a slice of "dog heaven" with their pet for a week or more at a time.

Is your pup ready to hit the road? As with all other training, ending up with a good car-rider starts with molding correct behavior when your dog is a puppy. No matter how cute or how small, do not allow your pup to ride in your lap, and don't make a fuss over him while you're driving.

Traveling with your dog in a crate is often easier and definitely safer. Depending on the size of your dog and the size and shape of your car, a crate may not be feasible. It should always be considered, though, especially for those dogs who are so active that they distract the driver. Collapsible crates are available for easy storage in the trunk when not in use.

Another safety tool is a doggy seat belt. Some models attach to the seat belt and then to a harness you provide, while others come complete with harness. Also good for keeping a pet in place -- if you have a station wagon, van or SUV -- are widely available metal barriers that fit between the passenger and cargo areas. These barriers aren't considered as safe in the event of a crash as a crate or a safety belt, but they do solve the problem of a dog whose behavior can distract the driver.

If your dog's only exposure to travel is an occasional trip to the veterinarian's, don't be surprised if he comes to hate car trips. Try to build up his enthusiasm by increasing his time in the car and praising him for his good behavior. The first short trips should be to pleasant locations, such as parks.

Because most of the car-sickness problems come from fear, not motion sickness, building up your pet's tolerance for riding in a car is a better long-term cure than anything you could give him. Ask your veterinarian's advice for any medication to help in the short term.

On the road, remember to stop at regular intervals, about as often as you need to for yourself, for your dog to relieve himself and get a drink of fresh water. Always keep your dog on a leash for his own safety. And don't forget that your dog's ID tags are never as important as when you're on the road.

With a few short practice trips and some training, you'll be on the road in no time.

SIDEBAR

Travel resources

As often as I turn to the Internet for information, it's a bit of a surprise to me that my most valued resource when it comes to traveling with my dogs is still a book: "Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA Petbook." I've traveled though likely two-thirds of the states and part of Canada with nothing more than this book as my guide to places that accept pets. Even now, you can find a copy stuffed under the seat of my minivan. Now in its seventh edition ($18 from AAA or most booksellers), the book lists almost 13,000 hotels and hundreds of campgrounds where pets are welcome.

More limited in scope but more detailed in the descriptions of individual lodging and pet-friendly attractions, the "Dog Lover's Companion Series" of guides tells you not only where dogs are allowed, but also where they're truly welcome. Avalon Travel Publishing is behind these guides, versions of which cover major urban areas (New York, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Baltimore/Washington, D.C., and the San Francisco Bay Area), and all of California and Florida.

Popular Internet guides to pet-friendly travel include PetsWelcome.com, petfriendlytravel.com, dogfriendly.com and petswelcome.com.

Q&A

Angry cat may lash out at owner

Q: Whenever my cat looks through the window and sees another cat outside in the yard, she starts this awful-sounding meow and freaks out, running back and forth to different windows and meowing. If you get near her, she jumps up and scratches you. I try to bang on another window so the cat in the backyard will go away.

The last time it happened, my cat followed me upstairs. I was trying to swat her head to get her away from me. She showed her teeth and hissed like she was going to attack me. I was firmly calling her by name and telling her "no," but she had me cornered. I was genuinely afraid.

Finally she went out of the room and downstairs, and a few minutes later she was back to normal. It's so weird because she is so docile and sweet most of the time.

I figure this behavior is probably because she was born in the wild, but I want to see if there is anything I can do. My friend thought there might be some kind of medication I could give her. I hate to get rid of her because we are really attached to her. People who have been around her comment on how gentle and loving she is. -- J.C., e-mail

A: Your cat's behavior likely has nothing to do with being born feral. You have a classic case of what behaviorists call "redirected aggression," and it's not uncommon.

Cats are territorial animals, and the sight of another cat (even through a window) can trigger an aggressive response. The cat who feels "invaded" will work into a state of trancelike anger. The animal becomes frustrated that he cannot get to the invader and typically will lash out at any person or other pet unlucky enough to be in proximity. Sometimes they'll take things further, as your cat did.

The usual advice in such cases is to work to remove the triggers for such behaviors. If possible, figure out a way to keep other cats out of your yard, and block your cat's view to the area where the cats show up. When your cat's in an aggressive state, do not pick her up or touch her, but try to "shoo" her into a darkened room to chill out. Throwing a blanket over her will also end the confrontation in a pinch.

Most cases of redirected aggression aren't as dramatic as your cat's. They can usually be dealt with just by giving the cat a wide berth until it's apparent (from the cat's relaxed body language) that the aggressive state is over. Given the high level of arousal your cat displayed and your fear of a repeat incident, I'd recommend asking your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist who can set up a program of medication and modification that will help defuse the feline time bomb in your home.

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

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

THE BUZZ

New rabies shot to last longer

Cutline: Researchers are studying a rabies vaccine that would last for five years and cut the potential for vaccine reactions.

-- Researchers are evaluating a new, yet-to-be-licensed rabies vaccine that will allow more time between shots. The minimum duration of immunity (DOI) for this product is five to seven years, significantly longer than the one- to three-year DOI for rabies vaccines currently available. The American Animal Hospital Association says the increased DOI will reduce the number of animals that develop adverse reactions following immunizations, which is currently estimated to be 1 to 3 percent of the population.

-- Veterinarians' suicide rate is proportionally four times that of the general population and twice that of other health professionals, studies in the United Kingdom show. Job stress, access to lethal drugs and euthanasia acceptance are among the potential driving forces behind veterinarians' heightened risk, according to the study, "Veterinary Surgeons and Suicide: Influences, Opportunities and Research Directions," published in the UK's Veterinary Record.

-- In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no one reported a single case where an ostrich buried its head in the sand.

-- Ever wonder how many beats an animal's ticker makes per minute? According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, elephants bring up the bottom at 25 to 40 beats per minute (bpm), with horses close behind at 28 to 40 bpm. Dog hearts clock in at 70 to 120 bpm, with cats' cardiac speedometer hitting 120 to 140 bpm. But that's nothing compared to rabbits, chickens, hamsters and mice, whose hearts are like race cars, clicking along at 180 to 350, 250 to 300, 300 to 600 and 450 to 750 bpm, respectively. For comparison, the human heart averages about 72 bpm.

-- For most folks, a nice hug and some sympathy can help a bit after we get pushed around. Turns out that chimpanzees use hugs and kisses the same way, according to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The Associated Press report of the study noted that stress was reduced in chimps who were victims of aggression when a third chimp stepped in to offer consolation. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET TIP

Feline fur length a matter of personal preference

Let's get one thing straight up front: Almost all cats shed. The "almost" is there to apply to those very few cats who haven't any fur -- such as those of the Sphynx breed, who still manage to carry a little down that can rub off on your clothes. Once you accept the shedding, though, you'll find there's a lot of variety when it comes to cat fur.

If you count out the more exotic coats of some purebred cats, though, you're mostly looking at the difference between choosing shorthaired and longhaired cats.

Some people like the sleek look and feel of a shorthaired cat, while others adore the flowing softness of the longhairs. Do you prefer to rub your hand down a sleek pelt or to bury your fingers in a longhaired one?

What about shedding? The difference in shedding levels between short- and longhaired cats can be dramatic, especially in cats that are prized for the volume of coat, such as with Persians. Are you prepared to live with a lint roller in your bathroom, your glove box and your desk drawer at work? Would you be appalled to have a friend pick one of those glorious 4-inch pieces of fur off the back of your sweater? If you're on the low end of fur tolerance, you'd better stick with shorthaired cats.

You also need to consider the extra care that goes into all but the sleekest of coats. If your longhaired cat's mats get out of control, you'll need to seek out a professional groomer, and that costs money. You'll spend even more money if you elect, as some cat owners do, to have your longhaired cat professionally groomed on a regular basis.

THE SCOOP

Canaries come in countless varieties

Well-known for vocal talents and vibrant color, the canary is one of the most popular pet birds in the world. Canaries hail originally from the Canary Islands, which were named not for their most famous residents, but for the dogs the Romans found there ("canis" being Latin for "dog").

Canaries are actually finches, and wild canaries come in green and yellow, not just the bright yellow most people associate with these pets.

But even domesticated canaries come in many colors and varieties, thanks to centuries of selective breeding. Canaries can be sleek or plump in body type, and smooth or puffy when it comes to feathers, with colors from yellow to bright orange to greens and browns. If you want a singer, though, make sure your new bird is a male. Female canaries don't sing.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." 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.spadafori.com.

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