(NOTE: This is a vacation column. It ran previously the week of Jan. 22, 2007.)

Universal Press Syndicate

Most dog owners come into the veterinary office with their canine companions devotedly following them. Tails wagging, the dogs look up at their people with adoring eyes.

Most cat owners, on the other hand, wrestle a cardboard box into the exam room, reach in like a magician and pull out not a rabbit, but an angry cat. For their efforts they get covered with furry shrapnel and sometimes raked with claws until their face and arms look like so many tic-tac-toe games.

As a lifetime pet lover and a veterinarian of 27 years, I've noticed cat lovers are a special breed. And for those of us who love the cat's fierce independence, tempered by the ability to adopt us as family -- and I am one of these, owned by five cats -- here are some behavior tips for cats:

-- Strategically place your hairball. If you have to hack up a hairball, toss it like a trophy onto something visible and valuable like the new leather couch. If you can't reach that in time, an Oriental rug is an appropriate substitute.

-- Know the enemy and embrace him. If mom is entertaining, determine quickly who hates or is allergic to cats, race immediately to that person and leap into his or her lap. Mom's watching, so he won't dare push you off and will even fake affection by stroking you and repeating, "Nice kitty. Niiiice kitty."

-- Wear fur proudly. You must always select clothing in sharp contrast to your own fur color on which to rub, leap or audition for the president of the Hair Club for Cats. Again, dare to share.

-- Johnnie on-the-spot. As a courtesy, always accompany guests to the toilet. Your job is to sit and stare like you're a peeping-tom cat. If you get some really good shots, post them on the Internet and make a lot of bucks.

-- Cat scratch fever. If someone claims to love cats and that all cats love him or her in return, lull that person into thinking you're a Stepford Cat. When his or her guard is dropped and the perfect cat lover begins to bask in a snapshot moment, show utter disdain, lay claw tracks across the expensive hosiery or silk tie, or turn unexpectedly and give a quick nip deep enough to test someone's blood type.

-- Behind door No. 3. Never allow closed doors in any room except when you need to trap the dog. To crack open a closed one, stand on your hind legs and jackhammer it with your forepaws, scratch it like you're headed for China, or put your paws underneath it and keep pulling. Or just throw yourself against it repeatedly. Once the genie appears and opens the door for you, change your mind and walk away.

-- Paper weight. If you come across somebody doing homework, paying bills or reading the newspaper, settle down on the page being worked on. This may entitle you to flying lessons, but when you get back on the page, and you will, make sure that you take everything with you -- pens, pencils, other papers -- on your next scheduled flight.

-- Knit wits. If mom's into crocheting or knitting, curl up quietly in her lap and pretend to catnap. Then spring into action by grabbing the yarn and causing her knitting needles or crochet hook to plunge sharply like a trophy catfish has just hit the bait. She'll try to distract you and pick up the slipped stitch. Ignore her efforts to calm you, close your eyes again, and prepare for strike two.

-- Early to bed, early to rise. Get plenty of sleep both during the day and in the evening, when your people want you to play. That way, you'll be fully rested and ready to rumble with Sleeping Beauty anytime between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.

And always remember the No. 1 rule for being a cat: When in doubt, blame the dog.

If you have more tips for feline etiquette, share them! E-mail 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.

Q&A

Cataracts may not be the problem

Q: My 10-year-old cocker spaniel has been bumping into walls and generally not seeing as well when it gets dark. I took her to the veterinarian and was told my dog has the beginning stages of cataracts. Surgery was recommended, but it costs a great deal of money. Are there other options? -- C.W., via e-mail

A: It is not clear, no pun intended, that your dog even has cataracts. Dr. Samuel Vainisi, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and owner of Animal Eye Clinic in Denmark, Wis., suspects your cocker spaniel more likely has a retinal problem than cataracts, because not seeing well in the dark is more likely due to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).

PRA is a common condition in cockers, and one of the first problems owners will notice is problems with night vision. Vainisi notes that your dog could also have the beginning stages of cataracts. To determine if your cocker spaniel's vision problem is from PRA, cataracts or both, you should request a referral from your veterinarian to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

The lens of the eye is living ocular tissue that, when healthy, is transparent. The lens helps focus light on the retina. A cataract is any alteration in the lens that causes a loss of transparency and the scattering of light. The loss of transparency can range from hardly noticeable to completely opaque. A few common causes include genetics (such eye problems are very common in 2- to 5-year-old cocker spaniels), diabetes, age, accident and inflammation of the eye.

Cataracts are seen equally among males and females but are seen more frequently in the following breeds: cocker spaniels, bichon frises, poodles, Boston terriers, miniature schnauzers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, wirehaired fox terriers, Labrador and golden retrievers, and Siberian huskies. Because cataracts most commonly develop between 2 and 5 years of age in dogs, it's not a disease of old age, as it is in people.

Several products claim to dissolve cataracts, but none have been successful in providing significant vision improvement, says Dr. Dan Lorimer, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and partner at Michigan Veterinary Specialists. As with people, treatment for animals usually involves surgical removal of the cataract. While costs vary by region -- procedures are typically more expensive on both coasts -- uncomplicated cataract surgery (both eyes) generally runs between $2,000 and $3,000.

Both Vainisi and Lorimer point out that while surgery is the best option, dogs with cataracts can function quite well in their home environment. They must be kept safe with leashes and outside fences, and must be kept away from stairways, decks and other hazards. Their sense of smell, hearing and memory normally allow them to do well at home. Resources include the Owners of Blind Dogs Web site (www.blinddogs.com) and "Living With Blind Dogs: A Resource Book and Training Guide for the Owners of Blind and Low-Vision Dogs" by Caroline D. Levin (Lantern, $30). -- Dr. Marty Becker

Use the cell phone

Q: We live in a resort area and often find wandering dogs. Recently, we were able to reunite one such dog and his owner because the owner had put his cell phone number on the tag rather than his home phone number.

Those who have cell phones should put that number on their dog's ID tag or collar and list it with the company that has microchipped the dog as well. -- M.W., via e-mail

A: Before the time when everyone had a cell phone, I used to recommend that people use temporary ID tags when traveling. Now, it's easy: Make sure your pet's permanent ID tag has a cell phone number on it. And make sure that cell phone number is also in the microchip database, veterinary records and license registration. Thanks for giving me the chance to remind people. -- Gina Spadafori

PET BUY

Something fishy in the bathroom

We see a lot of new pet products, most of which are variations of older ones -- endless new versions of bowls, beds, collars and more. But in all our years of writing about pets and their gear, we have to say we've never seen anything like the Fish 'n Flush.

The clear, two-piece tank replaces a standard toilet tank and contains a complete aquarium setup inside that's capable of handling a fresh or saltwater system. It also holds 2.5 gallons of water apart from the aquarium, so flushing can proceed as normal. The display is removed from the tank for cleaning, and the toilet will work even when the display area is not in place.

The manufacturer notes the tank can also be left dry for other sorts of displays.

The Fish 'n Flush comes with gravel, two plastic 9-inch plants, a dual-filter system, LED lighting, a built-in feeder, fill valve, overflow tube, flapper, suction pump and two screws. The product retails for $299 and is available at www.fishnflush.com. -- Gina Spadafori

PET Rx

Settling fights between cats

A trip to the veterinarian can send a cat into a full-blown snit that can last for hours after the return home. The smells of a veterinary office can even set off other feline family members, who may become aggressive toward the returnee.

Let your cat pick the speed at which he settles back into the household after a trip to the veterinarian. When you get home, put the carrier down in a quiet place, open the carrier door and leave him alone. Your cat may stay in the carrier for a while, may head for the nearest bed to hide under, or may step out and be just fine.

To help "de-vet" the scent of the returnee so other family cats will settle down, try running a towel over the cat who stayed behind and then swiping it over the returning cat. -- Gina Spadafori

THE SCOOP

Know dog-park rules before you unleash

Dog parks are run by peer pressure, and it's generally a good system. But what about the problems that are more about common sense and common civility? These things pop up now and then, thanks to people who may lack both.

The biggest lapse in common sense: leaving a choke collar on your dog after you take off the leash. The moving ring can be easily caught on something -- on the tooth of another dog in play, for example -- and once that happens, the natural tendency of an animal to pull away from danger puts into play the natural tendency of the collar to choke when tightened. This situation is dangerous, both for the dog and for anyone who tries to free him, who may be bitten by the panicking pet.

Problems with civility come from people who allow their dogs to annoy other pets or people. Sometimes a dog will just get it in his head that he's going to pick out one person or pet to pester. If your dog is ruining the enjoyment of the park for another user, get out your leash and call it a day, or at least engage your pet in a game of fetch on the other side of the park.

Then there are the people who seem to have neither common sense nor common civility: the ones bringing dogs that get into fights. Dogs who are flat-out aggressive have no business being uncontrolled anywhere, including a dog park. The solution for these dogs is easy: Keep them muzzled in the dog park or keep them away.

But because some people seem to ignore the danger their dogs present, the final call on dog park safety is up to you. If the situation doesn't feel safe, get your dog and go home. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Go fish!

While stunningly beautiful fish tanks are what catch attention, many people are still content to have a small setup with just a goldfish or two. People who have fish reported the kinds they kept (multiple answers allowed):

Tropical 43 percent

Goldfish 38 percent

Other 20 percent

Cichlids 7 percent

Pond-kept 7 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Variety prevents finicky felines

The feline nose guides blind, deaf newborn kittens to their first meal. They return to the same nipple each time by scent memory. At 4 to 5 weeks, kittens can begin solid food.

Cats recognize four basic tastes: sour, bitter, salty and sweet, with the latter the weakest of the four. Food temperature is important to cats. They are hunters, not scavengers, so a warm meal is more natural for a cat than a cold one. Warming a meal to roughly body temperature increases a cat's interest in the food.

Kittens develop taste and shape preferences to food early. Introducing a variety of food shapes and tastes before 6 months of age can help prevent a finicky eater.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Rolan 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

Do you pause when a black cat crosses your path? Even pet experts sometimes do, and then laugh for being influenced by such a silly old myth, even for a second. But that's the funny thing about cats -- more than any other domestic animal, they are the subject of countless myths, legends and old wives' tales.

While some stories about cats are harmless, others are too dangerous not to debunk. Here, from our archives, are some stubborn old myths about cats -- and the facts to counter them.

-- Black cats are bad luck. Black may be an unlucky color all right, mostly for cats themselves. Black may be an unfortunate color for the reason of visibility. Countless cats are killed by cars every year, and the difference between a hit or a near miss may be the driver's ability to see the cat darting across the road. At night, patches of light-colored fur are a distinct advantage.

-- Cats need to drink milk. Is cow's milk the perfect food for cats? Not at all! On the contrary, some cats (like some people) can't tolerate milk well. For these animals, a saucer of milk means gastric upset. In the wild, kittens never drink milk after they're weaned, and domestic cats have no reason to either. On the other hand, if your cat likes and can tolerate milk, feel free to offer it as an occasional treat. Milk is a good source of protein and other nutrients for those cats who don't find it upsetting.

-- Cats purr when they're happy. Expert cat observers know that purring isn't just a sound of contentment. Cats also purr if they're injured, while giving birth -- even when dying. British zoologist Desmond Morris has observed that purring is "a sign of friendship -- either when (the cat) is contented with a friend or when it is in need of friendship, as with a cat in trouble."

-- Cats are a danger to babies. So many cats find themselves looking for new homes when a baby is expected that you could put it another way: Babies are a danger to cats. But you don't need to find a new home for your pet if you become pregnant. Cats do not maliciously smother or suck the breath out of babies, as the myths hold. That doesn't mean some considerations aren't in order, however. Pregnant women have to take special precautions when cleaning the litter box (or have someone else do it) because of the risk of disease. And even animal advocates remind new parents that common sense dictates no animal be left unattended with a small child -- for the protection of both.

-- A well-fed cat won't hunt. The ability to hunt is hardwired into all cats, but the level of desire varies by each cat's genetics and early experiences, not by the rumbling in his belly. The play of kittens -- pouncing and leaping on anything that moves -- is really hunting behavior. Observers of feline behavior believe that if the mother is an eager hunter, the kittens may be, too. Putting a bell on your cat won't protect wildlife, but keeping him in will.

The rest of the secrets behind those beautiful feline eyes will just have to stay a mystery. And that's just fine with us cat lovers, isn't it?

Q&A

Cat introductions require patience

Q: When my next-door neighbor knew she was going into a nursing home, she asked me to take her cat. She passed away shortly afterward.

The problem is, my cat doesn't want another one in the house. Now I could have my neighbor's cat as an outdoor cat -- that's what she's used to -- but I wonder if I should try to find her another home, where she wouldn't be an afterthought. I would appreciate your suggestions. -- L.D., via e-mail

A: Let's look at your options.

First, get your cat to accept another cat inside. This doesn't always work, but if you start out with the new cat in her own room and be patient and never forceful with the introductions, you could end up with two cats who like (or at least tolerate) each other. This seems to me the best solution, and I think you would agree.

A twist on this option is to set up the new cat in a separate living space permanently. I know people with "upstairs" and "downstairs" cats who get along well in their own territory, as long as neither cat breaks the truce by crossing the imaginary line between warring states. This could work if you have a home that lends itself to division, such as putting the new cat in comfortable digs like a bedroom adjacent to a screened patio.

Second choice, leave your neighbor's cat as an outdoor cat, which shouldn't be that hard since you're one house over. If the new cat is older and stays close, this could work, but there are serious downsides. For example, the new cat could insist on revisiting the house next door, even after new people move in. And there are always all the usual hazards that shorten the lives of outdoor cats, such as cars, coyotes and cat haters.

Third choice, find the cat a new home. If you are willing to keep this cat, I'd encourage you to do so and to continue working on the living arrangements. Adult cats can be difficult to place, and in the current economic situation, finding homes for pets is even harder than usual.

You can try to place the new cat, though: Make fliers, take out ads and use the Internet to spread the word. Post the fliers everywhere you can -- bulletin boards at work, pet-supply stores and your veterinarian's office. Talk to everyone, even people whom you know won't take her. Someone who doesn't want a cat may know someone else who'd be perfect for this one. Check references!

If you find a perfect home, then great. Otherwise, keep working toward getting the two cats to get along. It may take weeks or months, but the payoff is you'll have kept your promise to your late neighbor, and both cats will be safe and happy indoors. -- Gina Spadafori

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

PET BUZZ

Cheetahs saved by protection of dogs

-- One dog breed is helping save countless big cats in Namibia. Once shot for eating livestock, cheetahs are kept safe by Kangal Anatolian shepherd dogs who keep them away from livestock. The dogs, originally bred in Turkey for defending villagers from wolves, is skilled at fending off even large cheetahs. The Cheetah Conservation Fund has donated more than 300 Kangal dogs to Namibia, with the program dramatically decreasing the number of livestock and cheetahs killed. According to the Times of London, the program is so successful, it may be used in Kenya next.

-- Moths are not attracted to flames, but rather, disoriented by them. According to "The Book of General Ignorance" by John Lloyd and John Mitchinson, insects navigate by the sun and moon, which helps direct their path in a straight line. Moths become confused when flying by artificial light. With the change in their light path, the moth adjusts by flying in circles around the light to see the light source again as stationary.

-- More organic foods are being fed to our pets, according to the market research firm Packaged Facts. In 2007 organic foods reached $1 billion in sales, representing 6 percent of all pet food sales. That's a 50 percent growth rate since 2003.

-- A fly's ability to avoid a swatter has as much to do with brainpower as raw speed, according to high-speed digital-imaging experiments at Caltech. An article in Popular Science said that within 300 milliseconds before a fly takes off, it compares visual information about the threat to the current position of its body, performs a calculation and moves its legs into the optimal position to prepare for an escape leap. So take your best guess at the fly's escape route and swing the rolled newspaper there. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

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.

THE SCOOP

Keeping hounds from howling

Howling is fun. It's like group singing or picking up the microphone at a canine karaoke machine. It's a way for dogs scattered across a few miles and separated by fences to get in touch with their inner wolf and be a part of something bigger ... a pack!

It used to be thought that sirens hurt the sensitive ears of dogs and that howling was a protest of pain. But now it's thought to be an instinctive group behavior. The right noise -- a siren or even the right notes on a viola -- will get a dog lifting his nose to the sky, and once the woo-wooing/wow-wowing starts, other dogs just can't help but join in.

Some breeds are more prone to howling than others. The wolfish Northern breeds seem to take to it naturally, as do hounds such as beagles and bassets, with their distinctive baying.

Of course, no matter how much fun your dog is having, the howl-fests aren't winning you any fans with your neighbors. So when the woo-wooing starts, hush your puppy. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Happy families

It's often said that there are "dog people" and "cat people." But a lot of folks are just plain "pet people." For example, many people who have a dog also have (multiple answers allowed):

Cat 41 percent

Fish 20 percent

Bird 10 percent

Small animal 9 percent

Reptile 7 percent

Horse 5 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Food treats get attention

Because pets communicate with body language more than verbal language, it makes sense to show, not tell, pets what to do. Food gets their attention and makes learning more of a game than work.

For example, before a meal, put a kibble or treat in your hand and let your pet lick or sniff it as you walk backward. Keep the food at mouth level, and your pet will likely follow. Add the word "come" just before releasing the treat, and your pet will eventually learn the word.

You can teach many behaviors this way. To teach "sit," move the treat up and back over the head until it's easier to sit than stand. Just as your pet sits, give the treat and say, "Sit." Add "Goooood!" with a finger tickle to your pet's favorite spot plus some lovey-dovey talk to seal the deal. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp, 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.

and Keith Turner

Universal Press Syndicate

Somebody forgot to tell our pets that we're in a recession.

While the ongoing U.S. economic downturn has forced many industries to cut jobs, close plants or curtail products, U.S. pet industry experts announced at last month's massive trade show that positive growth continued throughout 2008 -- and more is expected for 2009.

At its annual Global Pet Expo, held over Valentine's Day weekend in Orlando, Fla., the American Pet Products Association reported that Americans remain sweet on their pets. Last year the pet products and services industry saw an overall growth of 4.9 percent over the year before -- even though some sectors, such as veterinary medicine, are reporting slowdowns. In all, pet-loving consumers spent more than $43 billion on food, supplies, medicine and veterinary care in 2008, continuing an upward trend that places the pet industry as the eighth-largest industry in the United States, ahead of such stalwarts as toys, candy, jewelry and hardware.

"What we are seeing is that people are more willing to sacrifice on themselves before trimming back on their four-legged friends," said Bob Vetere, president of APPA. "The pet industry continues to grow at a record pace and has proven to remain strong during times of change, stress and economic setbacks."

For 2009, the APPA predicts continued growth, with overall sales expected to rise a moderate 3.9 percent to $45.4 billion. That's more than the gross domestic product of most countries in the world and almost double the amount spent on pets just a decade ago. That number could potentially increase to 7 or 8 percent, Vetere said, as the economy gets back on its feet.

For proof of the enormous popularity of pet products, one needs to look no further than the show itself, which saw a 10 percent increase in buyer attendance. As they made their way through the maze of pet products, store owners and wholesale buyers from all over the world tested, sampled and played with a record 16,000 products offered by nearly a thousand vendors.

Three clear themes were present in the new products being introduced at this year's show.

-- Clean and green. Natural, organic and biodegradable ingredients were prominent among this year's new products, signaling the industry's desire to offer pets the same quality of food their owners eat and to ensure that the materials used in pet products are more environmentally friendly.

-- Made in America. Vendors across all categories were quick to point out when their products were made domestically, a trend likely driven by recalls of imported products and the desire to support the U.S. economy.

-- Quality of life. Enrichment-activity products dominated, including food puzzles for dogs and cats, foraging challenges for birds and even a kit for teaching fish to do tricks.

"People may be changing their purchases and the way they are doing things," said Vetere, "but they are still making sure (their pets) are being well taken care of."

SIDEBAR

The 'Becker Best in Show' awards

This year, for the first time ever, the Global Pet Expo gave out an award to the product that Pet Connection's Dr. Marty Becker chose as his Best in Show.

Five finalists were named, and the top award went to the Bolt Frolicat Laser Light ($20, www.frolicat.com), a battery-operated laser toy that keeps a cat entertained without the owner having to keep the game going. You can't just set it up and leave, though, since the manufacturer recommends supervising the cat's play.

The other finalists:

-- Drinkwell 360 cat bowl ($50, www.vetventures.com). Unlike other models that are more like waterfalls, the 360 allows the pet access to fresh-flowing, filtered water from any angle. Keep your cat hydrated and healthy with this fun fountain that offers multiple streams of fresh, filtered water.

-- Contech Pet Compass ($100, www.contech-inc.com). A transmitter that attaches to a collar and allows tracking within a half-mile with a handheld base unit.

-- High Viz dog toys ($8 to $9, www.furpetssake.com). Toys designed to appeal to the colors dogs can see best.

-- Bissell ShedAway Pet Grooming Vacuum Attachment ($30, www.bissell.com). A vacuum attachment that works on the dog, not the furniture. Fits most models.

Q&A

Reptiles not for preschool kids

Q: My son is dying to have a snake or lizard. He just turned 9, and I have no doubt he'll be able to care for a pet. I won't have a snake in my house, but I could see a lizard. My concern is with our pre-school daughter. I know there have been concerns with turtles in the past. Can we have a lizard safely? -- W.D., via e-mail

A: Because most, if not all, reptiles carry salmonella in their digestive tracks, these pets are generally not recommended for homes with children under 5 or with family members whose immune systems are compromised.

Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns regarding salmonella and your young daughter. It may be a good idea to wait a year or more before indulging your son with his desire for a pet reptile.

Once your pediatrician gives the go-ahead, the risks of owning a reptile (or any pet) can be greatly reduced with proper handling and care. The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians suggests these basic safety precautions for reptile owners of any age:

-- Wash hands with soap and hot water after handling reptiles or after cleaning reptile enclosures.

-- Limit the part of your home that your reptile is allowed to be in, and wash your hands after being in that area.

-- Never allow reptiles in areas of the home where food is prepared. Don't share food or drink with reptiles, and don't eat, drink or smoke while handling them. Don't kiss these pets, no matter how cute you think they are.

-- Do not put reptiles into bathtubs or sinks. Buy a separate tub for bathing these pets. Pour the water down the toilet, and do not use sinks or bathtubs to clean the reptile bathing tub -- or any reptile housing or gear.

-- Supervise older children to be sure they don't touch the pets and then put their fingers in their mouths. Make sure thorough hand-washing follows each exposure to these pets.

The ARAV stresses that the precautions do not mean reptiles shouldn't be kept as pets, but rather that by following basic common sense in handling them, the potential for human health problems can be kept to a minimum. -- 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

Careful with that stick!

-- Playing fetch with a stick can be hazardous. Experts at the U.K.'s Royal Veterinary College say that canine injuries from sticks are as numerous as those acquired on Britain's roads. Not only can sticks rip holes in the mouths and throat of dogs, but a dirty stick can also raise the risk of infection.

-- The Nashville Zoo allows visitors to experience animals, even if they can't see them. The zoo recently developed an exhibit for the visually impaired, complete with explanatory Braille signs and life-size skulls for hands-on exploration. The zoo is the first of its kind with such a large-scale model for providing better access to more people, and it hopes to expand the effort in the years to come.

-- Stressed and lonely college students may do well with a pet. Participants in a recent study said the benefits of keeping a pet are companionship, staying active and having help through hard times. Researchers at The Ohio State University noted that pets can help during the difficult time before college students have developed new coping skills, including social networks.

-- Rats are rarely, if ever, infected with rabies and have not been known to cause a single case among humans in the United States. And according the book "Why Do Men Have Nipples," rats are still taking the rap for bubonic plague -- even though fleas were the real culprit. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

DOGCARS

Littlest Honda a Fit for the times

When Honda launched the Fit into the North American market in 2006, the world was a different place. Gas prices hadn't gone crazy, the economy wasn't on the skids, and most everyone's idea of the perfect car for transporting dogs was an SUV, midsized or better.

Even with all that, the Fit made a splash: We chose it as the best small car for dogs in our first DogCars.com Best in Show awards (the overall winner that year was another Honda, the Element).

Gas has gone up and back down since, and the economy ... well, we know where that's gone. That makes the all-new 2009 edition of Honda's little hatchback even better than before.

In fact, it's about as perfect a little car as can be imagined, especially for dog owners. The space inside is so large compared to the tiny size of the vehicle that you start to wonder if the Fit is really a circus car, the kind that an endless number of clowns can fit into and come out of. You wouldn't want to cram that many dogs inside, but you could manage a couple of big ones with comfort and ease, especially since the Fit's seats fold flat and low to the floorboards.

The car sits low on the ground as well, making it easy to get dogs in and out. It's sporty to drive, especially with a stick shift, easy to park, and as fuel-efficient as it gets for a non-hybrid: 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, with a nifty real-time mpg monitor to help you get even more from a gallon of gas. With a starting price under $15,000, it's hard to imagine a better Fit for the times. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Leash 'em up!

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, 93 percent of dog owners have purchased a leash for their pet. New leashes are purchased on average every three years. The breakdown by leash type (multiple responses allowed):

Nylon 75 percent

Chain 13 percent

Leather 11 percent

Rope 5 percent

Reflective 1 percent

All others 2 percent

PET TIP

Give your bird a regular bath

Many of the birds we keep as pets are of species most comfortable in places that we would find intolerable: the steamy, hot rain forests of Central and South America. The dry air of human homes is thought to be a contributing factor to feather-picking, a frustrating syndrome that can drive birds to pluck themselves bald.

You don't have to turn your house into a sauna to add some moisture to your pet's life. Many birds enjoy being dampened by water from a spray bottle or being offered the chance to take a bath in a shallow dish of clean water. Some parrot lovers even take their birds right into the shower with them.

How often should birds get a drenching? There are no firm guidelines, but daily would be fine with many birds. -- 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.