Why get a pet if you don't want a pet in your life? I have often wondered this as I walk my dogs down streets lined with fences behind which lonely outdoor dogs bark as we go by.

I don't know what they look like and can only guess their size by the deepness of their voices. But I know what the lives of these dogs are too often like. They are animals born to be part of a social structure, a pack or a family, yet this is denied them. They spend their lives on the outside, looking in.

The experts say many of these dogs will never really bond with owners who interact with them so little. When the puppy is no longer cute and the children grow tired of the care they promised to provide, when the destructiveness escalates or the neighbors complain about the noise, it's often just easier to dump the dog than solve the problem.

I have always had difficulty understanding why people want to keep dogs outside. If keeping a beautiful house and yard are of the utmost importance to you, then don't get a dog. If you know someone in your family can't abide a dog in the house, for whatever reason, then don't get a dog. If you can't let a dog be part of your family, then don't get a dog.

You don't get the benefits of companionship from a dog you see so little. You don't even get much in the way of protection from the pet who has no access to the house. And don't count on outdoor dogs as an early warning system. These animals often become such indiscriminate barkers that you couldn't tell from their sound whether the dogs are barking at a prowler or at a toddler riding a tricycle down the street. Besides, people who keep outdoor dogs seem to become quite good at ignoring the noise they make, as any angry neighbor can vouch.

Outdoor dogs often become a problem to their owners. Bored and lonely, these animals develop any number of bad habits. They dig craters in the yard. They bark endlessly day and night. They become chewers of outdoor furniture, sprinkler heads and siding. And sometimes, without the socialization all dogs need, they become aggressive, ready to bite anyone who comes into their territory.

If you're considering getting a puppy or dog with the intent of keeping him exclusively outside, please reconsider -- for the animal's sake as well as your own and your neighbors'. For those who love pets, a pristine home is nothing compared to the pleasures of living with an animal who's really bonded to you.

If you have a dog who has been banished because of behavior problems, find someone to help you turn the situation around. Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist or trainer who can show you how to overcome the things that are driving you crazy, whether it's house-soiling, uncontrolled chewing or just the ill-mannered exuberance of a dog who doesn't know any better.

Allergies are a tad trickier, but an allergist may be able to help, along with attention to keeping the house and pets cleaner, using air cleaners and turning bedrooms into no-pet zones for allergy-free sleep.

It's worth the effort. Once you have a dog you can welcome into your home and your heart, you'll start to reap the benefits of a relationship that's finally being realized to its fullest potential. And that's good news for you both.

Q&A

Too much of a good thing lands pet in ER

Q: You always hear about "no table scraps for pets," but I guess following that rule really is important. We have always given our dog treats from the holiday table, but last month we ended up at the emergency veterinarian after our dog got sick. It was pancreatitis, and touch-and-go, but he'll be fine. The vet said fatty table scraps triggered it. With Christmas at hand, will you spread the word? -- I.R., via e-mail

A: It seems I write about this every year. I know I'm dating myself, but I remember when leftovers from restaurant meals were packed into foil bags with a picture of a dog on them, not Styrofoam containers. Doggie bags they really were, since many of the goodies went straight home to the pets.

Veterinarians have always been aware that the leftovers of a fine meal out -- or treats from a delicious holiday feast -- often represented a genuine danger to pets rather than a tasty treat. Far from being a special gift to our beloved pets, fat-laden leftovers and sharp bones pose a threat to their health, causing illnesses such as pancreatitis, accidents such as a perforated intestine and even death.

The containers may have changed, but the attitude hasn't. While lean meats and raw vegetables (such as baby carrots) are healthy treats for any dog, the old doggie bag staples such as bones and the fat trimmed off a steak need to be strictly off-limits to pets.

If you do give meat or poultry to your dog or cat as an occasional treat, trim it carefully to remove the fat as well as the skin, which is a hiding place for more fat. Even if you're lucky enough that your pet doesn't end up with acute pancreatitis (a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas), a perforated intestine, severe gastroenteritis (aka a big bellyache), or relatively mild cases of vomiting or diarrhea, the fat certainly adds calories most dogs today don't need.

Many breeds are especially prone to obesity, including the Labrador retriever, Cairn terrier, cocker spaniel, dachshund, Shetland sheepdog, basset hound, pug or beagle, and mixes of these breeds (hello, puggles!).

So dump the scraps and watch the weight. Ask your veterinarian for guidance when it comes to what your pet should and should not be eating, at any time of year. You don't have to deny your pet a little holiday yummy, but you do need to be careful with the kind and amount of treats you provide. -- 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" and "The Dr. Oz Show" 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 more. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

THE BUZZ

Voters share their love for dogs

-- With 9,000 votes in, dogs won the informal pet preference poll over cats by a margin of 65 percent to 35 percent -- even though cat owners outnumber dog owners by close to 13 million nationally. The poll was associated with a "Meet the Breeds" event in New York, sponsored by the American Kennel Club and the Cat Fanciers Association.

-- The relocation of thousands of wild mustangs and burros may spur the rate of adoption for the 37,000 free-roaming wild horses and burros in 10 Western states and 32,000 more in long-term holding facilities. The proposal to move the wild animals was spurred by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, who hopes to move the wild horses to the Midwest and Eastern states, creating two new federally owned preserves. The move is hoped to reach a new audience of Americans on the opposite side of the country who might be interested in adopting the wild horses. The cost of the horse preserves is estimated at $93 million, with an additional $3 million for capital improvements. The proposal also includes suggestions for the aggressive use of fertility control to slow population growth of the herds.

-- The most endangered mammal in the world, the Javan Rhinoceros, is still declining in numbers, with only 60 left in the wild. Only one rhino calf is born each year, while a birth rate of four per year is needed to keep a healthy population increase. Researchers say the decrease in birth rate can be blamed on the shortage of sustainable habitat in the rhinos' native Indonesia and on the competition with wild cattle over scarce food resources.

-- Half of dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese, equating to 33 million dogs and 51 million cats, according to an estimate by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon.

THE SCOOP

Use reel-type leashes properly, cautiously

Every now and then you'll run across a product so useful, you don't know how you ever lived without it. The retractable reel-type leash (the Flexi is probably the best-known brand) is one such product.

But every product has its limits and its rules for safety, which need to be understood. These leashes are no exception.

The Flexi is not designed for use with an untrained dog. A dog who pulls at the leash or refuses to come when called back from the end of the leash is at risk of injuring himself, his owner or an innocent bystander. This is not the fault of either the leash or the dog. It's an error on the part of the dog's owner in choosing the wrong piece of equipment.

Some dogs have hurt themselves hitting the end of the long leash at full speed and not having it give way (which is also pretty tough on the human holding the handle). Other dogs have bitten people or other pets, or have hurt themselves, after getting too far away on the leash before the handler has had time to reel them in. And some dogs have pulled the leash out of their owners' hands when they reach the end of the line.

Users should always be aware of where the line is. Don't grab it with your bare hands. And be careful that it doesn't wrap around fingers or legs -- it can cut or burn, if moving quickly.

The company that makes the Flexi is aware of the potential problems, and highlights cautionary information in its packages and on its Web site (www.flexiusa.com). Read the instructions, and don't risk injury to yourself or your dog by using this product in a way for which it wasn't designed. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Keeping up appearances

Keeping a dog well-groomed is as much about health as appearance. Fortunately, most dog lovers do purchase at least the basic equipment for the grooming needs of their pets. What they own (multiple answers allowed):

Brush 92 percent

Nail clipper 69 percent

Comb 44 percent

Toothbrush 28 percent

Electric clippers 19 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET TIP

Adopting one cat? Consider bonded pair

Many adopt a pair of kittens when looking for pets, and the two kittens grow up with a tight bond that's a pleasure to observe. But when two bonded adult cats end up at homeless shelters, their chances for being adopted together are very small indeed.

That's a real shame, because adopting two adults who already know and like each other is a great idea. No stressful introductions, no kitten training. Plus, you'll definitely be giving two deserving pets a second chance at a happy life together.

When you visit a shelter or contact a rescue group, tell them you're interested in adopting a bonded pair of adult cats, if at all possible. It just feels good to take such loving pets home, knowing you've helped to keep a family together. -- 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.

Your veterinarian makes it look so easy: Pill. Pet. And like a magic trick, suddenly the pill is inside the pet, the pet seemingly none the wiser.

If only it were that easy for you.

You go home, and you can't even find your cat when it's time for medication. Under the bed? Maybe. Behind the couch? Maybe not. How does the cat know, and how is he able to disappear as if by another talented magician?

Your dog is only marginally easier, maybe. Not quite as fussy as your cat, he'll eat the pill if it's hidden in something yummy, or so you think. But later you find the pill on the kitchen floor, and you realize he was somehow able to extricate the yummy stuff from the medicine and hide the pill in his jowls for spitting out later. Outsmarted again!

You figure it's a victory if you get half the pills in for half the number of days they're prescribed, and you hope that's good enough.

Problem is, it's not. One of the biggest problems veterinarians have in helping your pet get better is ... you. If you aren't able to follow through with medications, your pet will likely be back at the vet.

Do you dread walking out of your veterinarian's with pills? Here are some strategies to make the pill-popping easier:

-- Pop and treat. Have your veterinarian demonstrate. Always start with a positive attitude and end with a treat and praise. You can find "pill guns" through pet retailers that help with getting the pill quickly in the right place.

-- Stealth. Perhaps the most popular method is to hide the pill in something cats love, although most cats figure this out soon enough and start eating around the pill. Try treats that are designed for pill-popping: They're yummy little bits with pockets for hiding the treats.

-- Presto-chango. For pets who just won't tolerate pills (or people who just hate giving them), ask your veterinarian about using a compounding pharmacy. These businesses take all manner of medications and turn them into edible treats in pet-friendly flavors.

-- New technologies. Ask your veterinarian for the latest options. The medication you're using may be available in an easier-to-use format, such as trans-dermal.

No matter what, always give pet medications exactly as prescribed and to the end of the supply. If you have questions or problems, or if the condition hasn't improved after the medications are gone, you must call your veterinarian for advice for the health of your pet.

If you need help, ask! Your veterinarian wants your pet to get better just as much as you do.

Q&A

Grinding an option to cutting nails

Q: We got a puppy a few months ago, and the breeder has been very helpful with advice, from socializing to feeding, training and more. One thing we'd never heard of, though: She doesn't cut her dogs' nails, but uses a hand-held Dremel grinding tool. This just seems weird to us, but she says it's easier on the dogs. What do you think? -- T.E., via e-mail

A: Keeping your dog's nails properly trimmed is more important than most people realize. Long nails tip the dog's foot back and can contribute to lameness, and dewclaws (those nails up on the leg) can become so long that they curve around and dig into the flesh.

And yet, there are few things people and dogs like less than clipping nails. If you misjudge and hit the quick, it's a bloody, painful mess, even with styptic powder to stanch the bleeding. Hit the quick a couple of times, and suddenly you have a dog who'd rather run, scream or bite than have those nails clipped.

Grinding your dog's nails can indeed be easier. It's so popular that the makers of canine grooming supplies have come out with their own grinders in recent years.

If you buy a grinder made especially for dogs, it'll come with the right grinding head. Otherwise, choose a medium-grit sandpaper or stone tip for your Dremel or other general-purpose hand-held grinder. Both cordless and corded models seem to work just as well for this task, but the cordless may be easier for beginners to handle.

In the early stages of training, just let your dog see the grinder, and praise and treat. In a later session, turn the grinder on and praise and treat. Praise and treat for your dog progressively, allowing the grinder to get closer to a paw and to briefly touch a nail tip. The first time you grind -- which may be several sessions after the first introduction -- be happy with working a little with just one nail, and don't forget to praise and treat.

Be sure to either clip the hair of longhaired dogs or to hold it back so it won't get wound in the shaft of the grinder. (One tip is to slip an old nylon stocking with a hole for the nail over the paw to hold the hair from the grinding tip.) Support the dog's toe, but don't squeeze too hard. Hold the grinder against the nail for no more than a couple of seconds at a time to prevent heat buildup, and don't push the grinder against the nail -- just hold it there and let the grinder do the work.

Grind across the bottom and then carefully in from the tip of the nail. Just a little bit at a time is plenty. If you do this weekly, the quick will recede, and you'll be able to maintain short nails on your dog with ease. (If you do an Internet search for "grinding dog nails," you'll find a couple of well-done step-by-step guides with pictures.) -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Following the leader shows doggy love

-- According to an informal poll on the Web site Dogster.com, the No. 1 way dogs show affection is by following their owners around the house (38 percent), followed by greeting owners at the door (24 percent) and licking them on the face (19 percent).

-- The economic downturn is hurting pets in all developed countries, it seems. In the United Kingdom, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the number of abandoned animals increased by 57 percent in 2008. The number of people who call asking about giving up their pets is also up, by 52 percent. Britain's best-known animal-rescue center, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, is struggling to help more animals: In 2008, it reported taking in more than 1,000 more homeless pets than it had the previous year.

-- The black bear population in California has increased from 7,480 in 1986 to 33,340 in 2006. In the East, more than 70 percent of wildlife jurisdictions are also reporting an increase in the black bear population. In all, there are an estimated 850,00 black bears across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Not surprising, conflicts between people and bears have also risen, although most of these are preventable with better behavior from people, especially better management of trash and better placement of bird feeders that attract bears looking for an easy meal.

-- One dog cashes in on his painting talent in exchange for fame and upward of $1,700 per painting. Sam, a hound mix, picks up a paintbrush and paints to the command of his amateur artist owner. Sam's paintings are gaining notoriety and rave reviews in trendy New York galleries. -- 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" and "The Dr. Oz Show" 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 more. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

PET TIP

Chaining a dog leads to misery, tragedy

In many parts of the country, fenced yards are uncommon, so some people keep their dogs on chains. Tethering a dog for a short while is fine but should never be a dog's 24/7 existence.

Dogs who spend their lives on chains are more likely to become dangerous, biting anyone who comes onto their turf. That's because a dog who spends his life on a chain is isolated and frustrated, and he'll sometimes lash out to protect his pitiful bit of territory.

Chaining can be dangerous for the dog, too: There are countless cases where a dog tried to jump a fence, didn't have enough chain to clear it and ended up hanging himself from his collar on the other side of the fence.

Dogs have also wrapped their chains around trees and died because they were unable to get to water on hot days. Dogs who are chained using choke collars can end up dead as well.

If you don't have a fenced yard, walking your dog or buying a kennel run for him to hang out in when you can't be with him is better than chaining him outside. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Spending on pets still growing

While the actual figures for 2009 won't be known for a couple of months yet, spending on pets increased over 2008, although the economic situation did make for a smaller increase than had been previously anticipated. Where the money went:

Food: $17.4 billion

Supplies/OTC medicine: $10.2 billion

Vet care: $12.2 billion

Live animal purchases: $2.2 billion

Pet services (grooming and boarding): $3.4 billion

Source: American Pet Products Association

THE SCOOP

Catnip cravings? Growing it is easy

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) makes some cats very happy -- but doesn't do a thing for others. Kittens under the age of 3 months do not react to catnip, and not all cats are genetically programmed to react to catnip -- the split is about 50-50.

Catnip is a harmless pleasure for those cats who enjoy it. After all, no cat ever had to operate heavy machinery, drive or take a call from a telemarketer. Indulge your cat!

Grow your own catnip in a safe place -- otherwise your cat will rip it out by the roots -- and offer cuttings regularly, by stuffing it into cat toys and rubbing places where you want your cat to scratch. It can even be dried or dehydrated for easy long-term storage. -- 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.

The common wisdom used to be that we didn't "own" cats.

We fed them, admired their beauty and enjoyed their company. We let them in and out of our homes with a degree of good humor, and we grieved for them after they left us, sometimes without ever really knowing what happened to them.

While we wouldn't suggest telling your cat that he's "owned" -- because he still doesn't think so -- we can do a lot better by our cats than we ever have before. And that's really true for older cats.

The popularity of cats has led to an explosion in knowledge of how to care for them at all stages of their lives, and geriatric care is no exception. Barring accidents, cats can live healthier, happier lives years longer than they ever have before -- 10, 12, 14 years. Protected from the outside world, cats can live even longer, with 16, 18 and even 20 years -- or more -- a possibility.

But longer, happier lives do require effort on the part of cat owners. Sadly, study after study shows that cats aren't seeing that effort: Pet owners dedicate more time and money into keeping their dogs healthy than their cats.

You love your older cat, right? So change that. Why throw away good years you could share? The place to start: a visit to your veterinarian.

Regular physicals -- for geriatrics, twice a year is best -- are even more important as your cat ages. These need to be more extensive than when your cat was younger: Your veterinarian may suggest blood and urine tests, for example, to determine what's normal for your cat so that subsequent changes in the test values are more apparent.

Work with your veterinarian to address chronic health issues, or those that can lead to them. Key among them: Don't let your cat be fat. Obesity shortens a cat's life and makes the time they have less enjoyable.

You'll need a plan, though, because you can't starve a cat thin without risking serious health problems. So talk to your veterinarian and take it slowly.

Once you and your veterinarian have addressed all the health problems, you'll want to keep your cat active and comfortable.

Play is important, even to older cats, but especially to indoor ones. You don't have to spend a lot of money on toys to come up with ways to keep your cat busy. Cats can chase, hide, climb and explore with an endless variety of toys, many of them recycled household objects. Keep your older cat active, but avoid the flying leaps of youth. Shoot for low-impact play more often.

You'll also want to make rest easier. Your cat may have problems getting up on to high beds or cat trees, so make sure there are plenty of low-level spaces for your cat to enjoy a good nap. Make litter boxes easier to get to as well, perhaps by adding them on every floor, even if your cat has been used to using stairs over the years.

The bottom line: Look at your aging cat in a new way, and do what it takes to accommodate the changes brought on by aging, with the help of your veterinarian.

You and your cat will both be happier for it!

Q&A

Never let a puppy grow up unguided

Q: I'm a college professor, which means I have time off over the holidays. My kids are grown and gone with their own families far away, and my marriage is a thing of the past. I have done my homework, and I know "the experts" say Christmas isn't a good time to raise a puppy. I get the reasons why, but I'm not expecting company and I have time to get things off to a good start.

I have a dear friend who's a veterinarian, and she knows of a litter by a good breeder, a longtime client. The breeder shows and does all the health tests, and it's a breed I had growing up -- a cocker spaniel. I'm going to get my puppy mid-December. Your best advice? -- W.P., via e-mail

A: My problem with Christmas puppies is twofold, neither of which applies to you. First, a lot of the puppies sold at Christmas come from puppy mills or small-scale, quick-buck breeders who either don't know or don't care what it takes to develop a healthy, well-socialized family pet. Your breeder doesn't fit into this category, it seems.

My other concern is that the holidays can be just too much stress for getting a puppy started. Too much noise, change, company -- not your situation, so it's all systems go.

My best advice: Forget everything you ever heard about starting training at 6 months. Your puppy starts learning the moment he's born. And by the time you get him, he's as absorbent as a bath towel, taking in the sights and sounds of his world and trying to figure out his place in it.

The position he decides he has may be quite different from the one you want him to have, which is why you need to be involved in the process as he learns to live with his new family.

It's not that complicated, really. Your puppy wants to be part of your family, and he craves loving leadership. Just keep a few things in mind as you enjoy your youngster:

-- Bond with your puppy.

-- Socialize your puppy.

-- Never let your puppy do anything you wouldn't want a grown dog to do.

-- Teach your puppy using positive methods; make training fun. (Sign up for a good puppy class now, even if you don't start until next month.)

-- Realize your puppy will make mistakes, and don't get angry when he does.

-- Remember always that preventing bad habits is easier than fixing them later.

Every minute you spend with your puppy is not only delightful but also an investment in the future. Best wishes and enjoy every moment. As with children, puppies are grown before you know it!

(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" and "The Dr. Oz Show" 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 more. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

THE BUZZ

Grant helps keep pet food coming

-- The nonprofit Meals on Wheels has struggled in this economy to continue the delivery of meals to the elderly and pet food to their animals because rising gas prices have decreased the number of volunteers able to deliver the food. Meals on Wheels provides for pets in more than 100 of their locations, understanding how important animals can be to the socially isolated. To help keep the food deliveries on track, Meals on Wheels has collaborated with Banfield Charitable Trust to start "We All Love Our Pets," a program providing grants nationwide both to create new pet food delivery programs and also to assist volunteers with the costs of distribution.

-- Microchipped pets within the shelter system were able to be reunited with their owners three out of four times, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Microchipped felines were 20 times more likely to be returned to their owner than their non-microchipped shelter counterparts, and dogs were 2 1/2 times more likely to be returned than non-microchipped shelter dogs.

-- "Love dolls" aren't just for lonely men -- lonely dogs will soon be able to get a fake mate as well. The DoggieLoveDoll, the world's first "sex doll" for dogs, comes in three sizes, is made of soft rubber and is easy to clean. The more than vaguely disturbing new product will be in stores by the end of the year.

-- People can rest with their pets forever -- at least in one church-run cemetery. Members of the Church of the Epiphany in Norfolk, Va., approved allowing cremated pets to be laid to rest in the same columbarium niche with the cremains of their owners. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon.

THE SCOOP

Stop the bite: Watch feline body language

Human stupidity (from the cat's point of view, that is) in misreading or ignoring body language earns more than a few cat lovers a scratch or bite from time to time -- the result of misinterpreting a cat's "I've had enough" signs.

The classic example of this phenomenon is the cat who, while being petted, "suddenly" grabs the hand that pets him with teeth and claws, to the shock and sometimes anger of the human doing the petting.

In fact, these "out of the blue" attacks rarely are. Before the biting or clawing, a cat gives out subtle (subtle to us, anyway) signs of diminished tolerance. Primary among them: an increase in the stiffness and twitching of the tail.

Often, the problem starts with petting your cat's tummy, a very vulnerable area for any animal. Your cat may even offer his belly out of love, but after you start to pet, he may become increasingly uncomfortable with the attention. Most cats just don't like tummy rubs, although exceptions to this rule certainly do exist.

Watch your cat's body signs: If he's tensing or that tail starts twitching, stop petting immediately. Not only does doing so save you claw and teeth marks, but stopping before your cat strikes also slowly builds up his trust in you and his tolerance for physical attention. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Where'd you get that cat?

Cats just seem to show up, at least a lot of them do. According to the American Pet Products Association's 2008 pet owners survey, more than a third of all pet cats adopted their owners. Here are the top reported sources for getting a cat (multiple responses allowed):

Friend/relative: 39 percent

Stray/found: 34 percent

Shelter/rescue group: 22 percent

Owned mother: 13 percent

Private party: 8 percent

PET Rx

Bite wounds always potentially serious

When it comes to little pets -- rodents and birds -- bite or claw wounds inflicted by cats or dogs are always a potentially deadly situation, even if it doesn't seem so at first. Dogs and cats are able predators, and their jaws are quite capable not only of piercing the skin of smaller pets, but also of crushing internal organs and breaking bones. Even a little pet who seems to have escaped an attack with "only" a small bite or scratch can fall victim to infection -- as can small pets with no visible signs of injury at all.

If your small pet is attacked by your cat or dog, attempt to control the bleeding, and contact your veterinarian. Your little pet may need to be treated for shock, infection or internal injuries, and very likely should be started on antibiotics as soon as possible. -- 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.