It's not a mystery that caressing a purring cat is a pleasurable experience -- it'll even lower your blood pressure. But what is a mystery, strangely enough, is the mechanics of purring itself.

In short: No one really, truly knows exactly how a cat purrs -- or even all the reasons why.

The most common explanation of the source is that a purr originates in the voice box, with what are called the "vestibular folds," or false vocal cords. The passing of air across these structures is thought to get the engine running.

Cats purr when they're happy, but cats also purr if they're injured, while giving birth -- even when dying. British zoologist Desmond Morris has observed in his masterwork, "Catworld: A Feline Encyclopedia" (Penguin Reference), 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." If you think about it, a purr is kind of like a smile: Sometimes you smile from happiness, sometimes from nervousness.

As with a smile, there's no such thing as a purr that isn't welcome. Cats know this themselves. Kittens start purring even before they open their eyes, rumbling while nursing, with what must be a reassuring sound to their mother -- who's likely purring herself.

We even like that purring is something our cats do that the big cats can't. Your cat, in other words, can do something even the biggest, most handsome and imposing King of the Jungle can't: Cats purr, but lions can't.

On the flip side: Lions roar, which cats can't do. Still, it's pretty special that no big cat can get his motor running the way our household kitties can, purring constantly as effortlessly as breathing, both in and out. Tigers can rumble a tiger-sized purr-like sound, but on the exhale only -- and really, would you like a tiger sleeping on your bed?

A couple more cool cat facts to ponder:

Squeezing in. Cats are able to squeeze through spaces that seem narrower than they are because cats don't have a rigid collarbone to block their way through nooks and crannies. Once they can get their head and shoulders through, their sleek bodies present no further obstacle.

That's if those bodies are sleek, that is. The world is full of fat cats, after all, and for them, fitting through tiny holes is not a given. For one thing, they may think they're capable of fitting even if their paunch says otherwise. That's because a cat's whiskers -- super-sensitive specialized hairs -- spread roughly as wide as a cat does. But they don't grow longer as a cat gets wider, which can lead some corpulent cats into sticky situations.

No sweet tooth on a cat. People crave sweets -- cakes, candies, cookies and sodas galore. But cats couldn't care less. That's because the taste buds of a cat are incapable of detecting, appreciating or triggering a craving for foods that we recognize as "sweet."

As "obligate carnivores" -- meaning they need meat protein to survive -- cats don't need to have much to do with sweets. It's unclear whether the ancestors of cats had the ability to detect sweetness and lost it, or whether cats never developed a "sweet tooth," since they didn't need it.

People eat a much more varied diet, and our taste buds reflect that -- we have nearly 10,000 on our tongues. No such variety for cats, who'd be happy to stick with small prey animals and need fewer than 500 taste buds to figure what's good on the menu.

No doubt their limited abilities in this regard factor in the well-known finickiness of cats.

What's not a mystery about cats? How much we love them. They are the most popular pet in the United States, and they show no sign of giving up that No. 1 status.

Q&A

Perfect rabbit diet

is easy, economical

Q: I just got a rabbit from a friend, and I was wondering what fresh foods are OK to give him. -- J.S., via e-mail

A: A rabbit's diet should consist of a nonstop supply of grass hays (timothy, alfalfa or oat hay, brome or orchard grass), plus daily servings of fresh, dark-green leafy vegetables. Your rabbit also needs at-will access to clean, fresh water. Fruits such as bananas, apples or raisins can be used as treats.

Like many longtime bunny fans, I don't feed commercial rabbit pellets at all. I feed "greens" -- collard, mustard, chard, kale, dandelion, etc. -- along with parsley, broccoli and the leafy tops of root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips or beets. If you have room for a vegetable garden, greens are ridiculously easy to grow. I also give my rabbits the parings from all the vegetables I prepare for myself.

I buy hay at the feed mill (even most urban areas have them). If you have a dry, cool spot to store hay, it's most economical to buy by the bale. If not, buy a "flake" or two at a time, and you'll still save money over the tiny packages sold in pet stores. If you keep it covered and dry, a hay bale will last for months. (And if you check around, you may be able to split a bale with other rabbit owners.)

Final note: "Wild" greens are fine to feed rabbits -- as long as you're sure the area where you're picking them is free of herbicides and pesticides. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Dog can help child

avoid weight gain

-- With childhood obesity a continued concern, one study suggests that having a dog in the family can help to motivate kids to get moving. Among children 5 to 6 years of age, a family dog reduces the likelihood of obesity by half. Not only are children with dogs more likely to walk, but they're also more likely to spend more time with the pet and less on the couch watching TV or playing video games.

-- The continued popularity of tiny dogs is driving the smuggling of puppies across the border from Mexico. On the California border, a task force of 18 regional law enforcement agencies is working to fight the smuggling of puppies across the borders in ways that are not only illegal, but cruel. Puppies have been found stuffed in car speakers, side door panels and under seats -- and they're often bound to prevent movement or noise. The puppies are also dying from contagious diseases and parasites, as well as poor breeding practices. Those puppies who live long enough are sold out of the trunks of cars in parking lots for cash -- and many die after the sales from disease or poor care.

-- While pets do cost money to care for, their ability to lower stress is helping to get many people through economic hard times. According to dvm360.com, a survey of 400 pet owners reported that three-quarters of them were worried about finances, but 89 percent said their pets help them deal with the stresses of life. Most notably, the pet owners appreciated the steady and supportive presence of the animals in their lives. -- 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.

The Scoop

Supervision, praise key to house-training

Successful house-training requires setting up a potty schedule, limiting a puppy's roaming options to areas you can supervise, showing your pup the area you want him to use, and praising him for going there.

Even with a positive approach, people make mistakes. Here are a few things to remember:

-- Limit your puppy's wanderings. Use pens and baby gates to keep your pup where you can keep an eye on him. That way, if you see him start to make a mistake, you can whisk him outside and praise him for finishing the job where you want him to. When you can't supervise, your puppy should be in a crate.

-- Understand your puppy's physical limitations. Little puppies have limited storage capability and need to be taken out frequently. A general guideline: A puppy can hold it as long as his age in months: A 4-month-old puppy is good for up to four hours, at the outside limit.

-- Remember how puppies work. Puppies need to relieve themselves after they wake up, after they eat or drink, and after playing. Make sure to take your puppy out at these times. Offer food and water at scheduled intervals to help predict when your pup will need a trip outside.

-- Clean up mistakes thoroughly. What you can't see, a puppy can still smell -- and smells invite repeat business. Keep commercial products on hand that use enzyme action to break down the smell. White vinegar also does a great job of neutralizing the odor of urine. Don't use an ammonia-based product, though: Ammonia smells like one of the components in urine to a pet.

-- Be patient and consistent. While some puppies seem to house-train themselves, others are slower to learn. If you don't seem to be making progress, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a trainer or behaviorist who can help. -- Gina Spadafori

PET Rx

Hairball fix? Try

canned pumpkin

Hairballs are normal for cats, as is watching where you walk to avoid the disgusting "gifts" that always seem to be left on the most expensive rugs in the house. If the problem is severe, your veterinarian may suggest the use of a mild laxative to help the hairballs pass through your cat's system.

You should also try combing your cat more frequently to remove excess hair. And you might increase the fiber in your cat's diet -- adding a little canned pumpkin daily is a great way that many cats enjoy.

Don't let your cat become a laxative junkie, as daily use decreases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Commercial hairball remedies should not be used more than twice weekly except on the advice of your veterinarian. -- 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.

Does a renewed interest in "green" products mean the economy's improving? We're not sure, but we're still delighted to see retailers and pet owners again trying to reduce the "carbon pawprint" of pets.

Recently, the national chain Petco put on an event at its more than 1,000 stores to promote products that are more eco-friendly -- an event in which the PetConnection team was involved. But, of course, it's possible to do a lot with what you have by making a few good decisions.

Here are a few tips:

-- Go for green products. When looking to buy pet-care items, look for items made from recycled materials (such as toys made from recycled water bottles or cat litter made from recycled newspaper) or from renewable materials (such as collars made from hemp or litter made from wheat, corn or even green tea leaves). Also consider switching to a pet food that's made locally from sustainable or organic ingredients, a move that cuts down on the "food miles" (fuel used to move merchandise) and the waste issued from concentrated animal feeding operations.

-- Meat protein is a must for carnivores -- especially cats -- but if you'd like a pet who can go completely green when it comes to food, adopt a bunny. They thrive on veggies, and will love your kitchen trimmings. (Not to mention, rabbit waste is great for supercharging the compost pile!)

-- A few of the pet-product companies that have made an effort to "go green" include West Paw, Planet Dog, Castor and Pollux, and Earthbath -- and the number is growing every day.

-- Pay attention to packaging. Pet food, pet toys, pet supplies, pet cleaning and grooming aids, pet medications -- pretty much all of these have one serious environmental problem: packaging. Look for alternatives, such as bulk buying that reduces throwaway containers, and use products that come in recycled and recyclable packaging.

-- Toss with caution. Always dispose of drugs, pesticides, shampoos, chemicals and the containers they come in safely. Flea-control products, as well as many pet shampoos and dips, need to be disposed of carefully as well, according to federal, state and local guidelines. (As for those flea-and-tick products, don't overdo it, and follow directions carefully.)

-- Handle the "do" responsibly. Biodegradable poop bags are a must, otherwise the poop you pick up will still be in the landfill decades from now. As for scooping the yard, consider a "pet septic system" like the widely available Doggie Dooley or the new Doggie Doo Drain ($45; DoggieDooDrain.com). The latter fits onto your sewer clean-out and sends the mess to the treatment plant. Keeping cats from roaming keeps their waste in a litter box, where you can dispose of it properly. Usually, that will mean bagging and putting it in the trash. (Check with your local municipal authority for guidance.)

-- Take a hike, or a bike. If you've gotten in the habit of driving to the dog park, consider that six legs in motion -- yours and your dog's -- is good for you both. Put your walking shoes on, snap the leash to your dog's collar and get your exercise in your own neighborhood. Walking (or jogging) is great, and if you want to add two wheels to the mix, look for accessories that allow you to safely take your dog biking with you. Be careful though: Exercise in the cool morning only, and don't let your dog overheat.

-- Don't litter -- and do adopt. Remember to consider adoption when it comes to choosing a pet. Great pets can be found at any shelter, and don't forget to check out rescue groups as well -- Petfinder.org can be a great resource for looking. And do make sure your own pet isn't accidentally "littering." Fences, leashes and neutering can all prevent "oops" litters.

These tips should give you a start on a greener life for you and your pet.

Q&A

Missing the box, finding the bathroom

Q: I have an older cat who was a young feral when I adopted her. This past year, she has begun to miss the litter box. I have taken her to the veterinarian, which is an extremely hard thing to do because I am the only one whose handling she tolerates. She doesn't have an infection.

After some research, I thought I would try isolating her in the bathroom to see if she will start using the litter box. Is this a good idea?-- A.B., via e-mail

A: Assuming your veterinarian did assure you of your cat's complete good health, then yes, retraining is definitely worth trying.

The idea behind putting a cat in a small area such as a bathroom, with the rugs removed, is that potty options are pretty much limited to the box. Because some cats develop negative associations with their boxes, this technique may help them to get back on track. A scrupulously clean box is essential, and any outside-the-box mistakes must also be cleaned promptly and thoroughly.

Before you do that, though, do check in with the veterinarian. Medical issues that cause older cats to miss the box reach beyond urinary-tract infections, and may include arthritis or diabetes. All these problems must be ruled out or treated for retraining to work.

If your cat still will not use the box, go back to your veterinarian and ask for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist, who can develop a program for you to follow in retraining your cat and can prescribe medications that will ease your cat through the transition back to good behavior. -- Dr. Marty Becker.

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

THE BUZZ

Older pet lovers

neuter more often

-- Older pet owners tend to be more likely to alter their pets, according to a study commissioned by PetSmart Charities. The study revealed that 38 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds who have acquired a dog or cat in the last year haven't sterilized their pets, as compared to 24 percent of pet owners over 55 who have yet to spay-neuter.

-- Do as I say, not as I do? Maybe! While veterinarians advise brushing pets' teeth to prevent dental problems, slightly more than half of veterinarians polled admitted (probably sheepishly) that they don't brush their own pets' teeth. Only 8 percent brush their pets' teeth regularly -- still probably a higher figure than the general pet-owning population, but with lots of room for improvement.

-- The main culprit for spreading West Nile virus across the U.S. is mosquitoes, not birds. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health report that the rapid movement of the disease does not match common bird migratory patterns.

-- Although parrot beaks are constantly growing at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per year, depending on the species, the beak of a healthy pet bird will remain at a healthy length with normal chewing activities -- no trimming required. In fact, an overgrown beak is frequently a sign of illness, such as liver disease or malnutrition. -- 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.

The Scoop

Exercise helps get sleeping pets to settle

For many people, a good night's sleep is hard to come by, for reasons as varied as stress, caffeinated beverages, snoring spouses and one that recently took researchers at the Mayo Sleep Clinic by surprise: pets.

More than half of the people coming to the famous Rochester, Minn., medical center for help sleeping reported sharing their bedrooms -- and often their beds -- with their pets. The physicians started recommending tossing the pets out, but pet lovers don't usually like doing so.

Top veterinarians say there are other options. Their advice can be summed up succinctly: Keep your pets clean, keep them lean and get them on your sleep cycle. With help from your pets' veterinarian, chances are you'll be soon be enjoying sleep instead of counting sheep.

Getting pets on the same sleep cycle can actually be fun, says Dr. Gary Landsberg, a veterinary behaviorist in Thornhill, Ontario. When a pet sleeps all day, it's no surprise that the animal may want to play all night. Dr. Landsberg says exercising pets, both physically and mentally, will help them to settle down when you do.

Dr. Landsberg says pet owners can enjoy keeping their pets active. That means shared physical activity -- play, in other words -- but it also should include keeping cats and dogs busy when you're not home.

"That can be as simple as giving pets their meals out of feeding toys," he says. "You want something that will give them food rewards as they chew on it, or roll a ball and food falls out. These can keep their brains and bodies quite occupied."

And when they nudge you in the night? Dr. Landsberg says if their medical, physical and mental needs have been addressed, you should ignore them, so pets don't get the idea that you'll play with them whenever they want. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Advice that's fishy

When it comes to getting information on setting up, stocking and maintaining saltwater fish tanks, specialty stores remain popular. Fish keepers with saltwater tanks reported getting advice from multiple sources, including:

Fish/aquarium store 71%

General pet store 53%

Internet 39%

Books 34%

Friend/relative 31%

Magazines 28%

Aquarium club 8%

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET Rx

Paralysis always a pet emergency

The inability to walk can develop suddenly, even without a history of injury. Paralysis should be considered a life-threatening emergency, and you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Prepare to transport your pet, using an ironing board or piece of plywood as a stretcher, keeping the animal as immobile as possible. Covering the pet with a blanket may help to keep him calm.

Don't encourage or allow your pet to move around, and do not provide any medication unless specifically instructed to by the veterinarian. Stay calm, and get your pet veterinary assistance immediately, either at your regular veterinary hospital or an emergency clinic.

Never trust a frightened, injured animal not to bite. A soft muzzle should be kept on hand for emergencies, or one can be fashioned out of gauze or even pantyhose in a pinch. -- 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.

and Christie Keith

Here's the first thing you need to know about rabbits: Given what they need to stay active, these fluffy, nose-twitching animals are affectionate and engaging pets. Kept in a barren cage or hutch and deprived of exercise and mental stimulation, however, they're not just boring, they're bored -- not to mention unhappy and unhealthy.

Despite warnings not to get a pet on impulse, we know it happens. If you ended up with a baby bunny as an Easter present, we want to help you realize what a gem of pet you really have.

The discoveries start by getting your bunny out of that boring backyard hutch or small cage and into your life as a "house rabbit."

The wild relatives of pet rabbits cover ranges of two or more acres every day in their hunt for mates and food. Their powerful hindquarters are built for speed, and they can run long distances at high speed to escape predators. While it's not safe to let pet rabbits roam -- they'll almost certainly fall victim to dogs, hawks, disease or cars -- pet owners can easily and inexpensively give rabbits all the exercise and playtime they need to turn domestication into bliss.

Playtime provides a big payoff to rabbit owners, too. It helps prevent health problems including obesity, decreased bone density, gastrointestinal disease and urinary tract infections. Bunnies who get lots of mental and physical activity are much more likely to confine their chewing and digging to their toys, instead of their owners' belongings.

Judith Pierce, manager of the San Diego chapter of the House Rabbit Society, suggests bunny owners start enriching their pets' lives by thinking inside the box -- the cardboard box.

"We can spend hundreds of dollars on wonderful toys for our rabbits," she says, "but their favorite toy is usually a plain old cardboard box. They love to climb and hide inside them, so it's important to find boxes that have multiple openings."

Rabbits also love to play with the empty rolls from paper towels or toilet paper. "They even like to play with towels," said Pierce "They like to push them around, dig in them, and snuggle up with them."

When it comes to rabbit toys, Pierce suggests forgetting about species. "One of the ways you know someone is a rabbit owner," Pierce says, "is they spend a lot of time at baby stores, even though they don't have babies."

Pierce recommends multicolored plastic linking toys made for babies. "I pull them apart and make them into little circles, and toss them to the rabbits. They love them."

Toddlers' plastic play structures are another rabbit favorite. "A friend has a kid's climbing and slide setup in her yard," Pierce says. "Rabbits love to climb, and hers got up on top of it and looked at the slide. She could just see him thinking, 'What's this?' And he slid down and loved it."

Like cats, rabbits like to perch up high, so play and exercise structures made for cats are suitable for rabbits too. Look for cat condos and climbing trees with ramps, tunnels and platforms, which also have the benefit of helping make the most of a small indoor space.

Don't be afraid of the great outdoors, though. While rabbits should live in the house most of the time, safely enclosed outside patios can be a bunny wonderland. "Just don't leave them outdoors unattended," cautioned Pierce. "Close them inside if you can't watch them."

Other great rabbit toys include:

-- Paper bags and boxes filled with newspaper for shredding and digging, along with balls.

-- Wicker baskets are also a fun. Just make sure the wicker hasn't been treated with anything

-- Hard plastic baby toys like rattles. Don't use toys meant for teething; they're not hard enough for rabbits.

-- Dried pine cones and fresh apple tree branches are favorite toys. Some trees are toxic to rabbits, including redwood, cherry, plum, peach and apricot, so be cautious.

If you don't already have a bunny, shelters and rescue groups always have plenty to choose from. Hop to it: Your next great pet is an adoption away.

Q&A

What to do about egg-laying

Q: We have a little parakeet. Last night she laid her first egg. We threw it away, but we wonder if there will be more since she doesn't have a mate. -- M.C., via e-mail.

A: For help with this one, I turned to Dr. Brian L. Speer, one of the world's top avian veterinarians and my co-author on "Birds for Dummies" (Wiley, $22). Speer says that in such cases, removing the egg is the common recommendation. But there's more to know about egg-laying birds and how to handle them.

"Unlike many mammals, birds do not cycle regularly," says Speer. "Their reproductive cycle is dependent on environmental cues that tend to support and justify the expenditure of energy for reproductive purposes."

Such cues, he says, include thinking there's a mate available, believing there's an adequate nesting site in the cage, having adequate food and a healthy environment. To keep your bird from continuing to lay eggs, Speer says it's important to evaluate the bird's care, especially when it comes to handling and the environment.

Instead of offering your bird the materials that can be used for nesting, says Speer, provide food puzzles stuffed with lower-calorie foods to keep her busy "foraging" for meals in an imitation of how she'd behave in the wild. And just in case a member of your family is being perceived as the "mate," be sure pair-bonding between a single person and bird is discouraged by having all members of the family becoming involved in bird care.

Finally, mix things up. "A bird's environment should be continually changed, altered or moved," says Speer. "That's because constant changes in the environment tend not to encourage or support reproductive activity."

So ... throw the eggs away, and then take a good close look at the messages your bird is getting. If they're saying "lay," it's time to shake things up a bit. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Pet industry

stays strong

-- The pet market grew in 2009 despite a weak economy. A report by Packaged Facts estimates the pet industry generated $53 billion last year -- a figure the company says will hit $72 billion by 2014. The report credits the industry's strength to the growing importance of the human-animal bond. Even those pet owners who have cut back on some areas of pet-related spending are still buying small indulgences for their pets, increasing the spending in 2009 on dog and cat treats.

-- A study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that 5 percent of U.S. pets are microchipped, compared to nearly a quarter of European pets.

-- Ferret fanciers have specific terms for their pets, starting with "hob," for an unneutered male ferret, and "jill" for an unspayed female. Babies are called "kits," and the correct terms for altered adults are "gibs" (males) and "sprites" (females). Most charming of all, a group of these playful pets is called a "business" of ferrets (although some use "busyness" instead). -- 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.

The Scoop

Roll because the stink's so good

While veterinary behaviorists aren't sure why dogs like to roll in stinky stuff and eat rotten things, many believe these pets are marking themselves with their most prized possessions to show them off to all of their two-legged and four-legged friends. For a dog, wearing stinky stuff is like wearing the best of all designer-label scents.

Not only do dogs have millions more scent receptors than we have, they are also polar opposites when it comes to putting stuff on their skin. While people like smells that are fresh, floral and fragrant, dogs prefer dirty, dead and (to us) disgusting.

Forget trying to prevent your dog from rolling in the stinkiest things imaginable. For you it's disgusting; for them it's divine. With thousands of years of practice behind them, dogs will continue to go boldly where no man, or woman, would ever choose to go.

The only way to stop the stinky search-and-roll is to keep your dog on the leash -- or teach a foolproof come-hither when called. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Getting help with the cat

Hiring a pet sitter is by far the most common service hired by cat lovers, and it's becoming even more popular -- and it's a better choice than leaving a cat alone with food and water. Popular cat services:

Pet-sitting at home 62 percent

Other services 16 percent

Boarding 15 percent

Pet transport 7 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

TIP

'Bad' pet? These vets can help

A veterinary behaviorist can be the answer to many a difficult pet-behavior challenge. These veterinarians have additional training and certification in animal behavior, so they can work with pet lovers to address any problem simultaneously from medical and behavioral angles. And, of course, they can prescribe medications that may help with retraining in the short run or fix a behavioral problem permanently in the long run.

Your veterinarian should be able to refer you to a veterinary behaviorist in your area, or you can contact your nearest school or college of veterinary medicine. -- 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.