When the weather turns colder and houses close up for warmth, every little thing starts to annoy us. Like the smell of the litter box, or (worse) the smell of a cat who's not using the litter box at all.

But don't blame the cat.

If your cat is hit-or-miss where the litter box is concerned, chances are the choices you've made factor into the problem. After all, your cat really isn't asking for anything more than you would when it comes to a bathroom. All that's required for most cats is that the litter box be clean, quiet and offer no surprises.

That sounds simple, but the failure to use a litter box is the top behavior complaint of cat lovers, sending countless cats to shelters every year. Before you even consider such a drastic step, you need to try to work things out with your cat if you have a litter box problem.

The first step in solving such a problem is to make sure it's not a medical condition -- and that means a trip to your veterinarian for a complete workup. Urinary-tract infections and diseases such as diabetes make consistent litter box use impossible for even the most well-intentioned cat. You cannot hope to get your cat using the box again until any health issues have been resolved.

If your cat checks out fine, you need to make sure that everything about the box is to your cat's liking. The second rule of solving a litter box problem: If the cat isn't happy, no one will be happy. Here's what to look for:

-- Cleanliness. Cats are fastidious animals, and if the litter box is dirty, they look elsewhere for a place to go. Clean the box frequently -- twice a day at least -- and make sure it's completely scrubbed clean and aired out on a weekly basis. Having an additional litter box may help, too. (Multiple litter boxes are recommended for multicat households, since many cats simply will not share.)

-- Box type and filler. Many choices people make to suit their own tastes conflict with the cat's sense of what's agreeable. A covered box may seem more pleasing to you, but your cat may think it's pretty rank inside, or scary. Likewise, scented litters may make you think the box smells fine, but your cat may disagree -- not only is the box dirty, he reasons, but it also has this extra "clean" odor he can't abide. Start with the basics: a large box with unscented clumping-style litter.

-- Location. Your cat's box should be away from his food and water, in a place he can get to easily and feel safe in. Consider a location from a cat's point of view: Choose a quiet spot where he can see what's coming at him. A cat doesn't want any surprises while he's in the box.

Make the area where your cat has had mistakes less attractive by cleaning it thoroughly with a pet-odor neutralizer (available from pet-supply retailers). Discourage re-use by covering the area with foil, plastic sheeting or plastic carpet runners with the points up.

If changing things around doesn't clear up the problem in a healthy cat, you may need to retrain him by keeping your pet in a small area, such as a guest bathroom, for a couple of weeks.

Make sure the area you choose has no good options besides the litter box -- no carpet, no pile of dirty laundry. Block off the bathtub or keep an inch of water in it to discourage its use as a place to go. After your cat is reliably using the litter box, let him slowly expand his territory again. As long as you keep up your end of the bargain and keep the litter box clean and safe, you have a good chance the good behavior will become permanent.

If you just can't seem to get the problem resolved, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. These veterinarians are skilled in behavioral problem-solving and are able to prescribe medications that may make the difference during the retraining period.

Q&A

Genetic link to chewing

when it comes to cats

Q: My cat chews on plastic garbage bags. She used to chew on sweaters as well, but has gotten over that. What causes this? Can I add something to her food to make her stop? -- via e-mail

A: Dogs will chew on almost anything, especially when they're puppies. Destructive chewing is a common behavior complaint made by people with dogs, but there's a similar problem in some cats, too.

It's called "wool sucking," because wool sweaters, blankets, and more seem to be the most attractive to cats who have this behavior. (As you've found out, some wool-sucking cats, in fact, prefer plastic materials, such as those found in a common plastic grocery bag.) The chewing isn't quite like a dog's totally destructive gnaw-it-up, either: Wool-sucking cats typically work the same spot on a piece of cloth, sucking and chewing on that one area and even returning to it if distracted.

Some have attributed this behavior to a kitten's being weaned too early, or to the taste of lanolin in wool cloth. In fact, the behavior most likely has a hereditary component, since it's most common in the so-called Oriental breeds such as Siamese or their mixes.

In some cases, more roughage in the diet (such a pureed pumpkin) can reduce a cat's desire to destroy wool clothing and other household items. The best advice, though, is to put away what you don't want the wool-sucker to destroy, and be sure your cat gets enough exercise -- the more interactive play the better -- to help reduce nervous energy.

As with any problem behavior, though, a thorough check for health problems is the first step toward resolution. If you have a wool-chewer, start with a call to your veterinarian. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Large-animal vets

in short supply

-- The shortage of large-animal veterinarians has become a critical matter of concern for the health of animals and people alike. Nearly 30 percent of veterinarians working for the U.S. government, including those at the Food Safety and Inspection Service, are eligible to retire in three years, and few young veterinarians are interested in filling these positions. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that more than 1,300 counties nationwide are without a single farm vet. Veterinarians who tend to large animals typically earn less than their companion animal colleagues -- $57,745 on average per year compared to $64,744 -– and often face longer hours, less time off and more difficult working conditions.

-- Pacemaker implants are increasing in veterinary medicine. According to The Associated Press, the number of dogs receiving pacemakers has increased from 100 to 200 a year up to the current level of 300 to 500 per year, with about 200 veterinary cardiologists able to handle the procedure. Pacemakers find their way to pets when the makers of these medical devices get rid of units no longer considered suitable for people because the battery life has declined -- a problem less worrisome in pets, who have shorter life spans than people. New pacemakers cost $5,000 to $10,000, but the ones that are made available to veterinarians for implanting in dogs are usually sold for around $500.

-- Labradors trained in explosives detection are in high demand in Afghanistan, where U.S. Marines have asked for more than double the number of bomb-sniffing dogs they have now, to a total of 650. According to USA Today, as much as $34 million will be spent recruiting, training and caring for the dogs through 2012. Trainers look at around 400 prospects a year, select about half of those for training, and typically end up with 100 dogs to go through the entire training program to identify the elements of homemade bombs. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

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 many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

Your dog may breeze through years of senior citizenship without any significant health issues, but sooner or later, age catches up with even the most resilient of canine companions.

You may one day discover that your dog can't see or hear anymore, or that he's developed an irritable streak where he didn't have one before. In many cases, the first really distressing issue to come up is incontinence -- an old dog may dribble urine in his bed or in the house -- and suddenly you have a problem.

Any time a new health issue develops, the best course of action is to have it checked out by your dog's veterinarian. And there's this good news: Many problems are treatable at any age, including cognitive dysfunction -- doggy dementia -- which can be eased for many dogs with medication.

Time, of course, will not be denied. But even for those things that cannot be aided by your veterinarian, you can take matters into your own hands and help your dog age gracefully and comfortably.

Remember, this is an animal who adores you, who lives for your approval and affection. As he begins to lose his health, he needs your assurance more than ever.

Some special situations you may deal with:

-- Blind dogs: Maintain your blind dog's environment with minimal change. Dogs actually adapt amazingly well when they lose their eyesight -- as long as you don't start rearranging the furniture. If your dog knows his way around your house and yard and has a walking route that suits him, try to keep these things constant to prevent injuries and put him at ease.

-- Deaf dogs: For a dog who lives in a soundless world, sudden contact can be unnerving. It can also be dangerous for the person who delivers the shock, since your dog may nip out of fear. Learn how to let your dog know you're coming, and teach any children who have contact how to do so, too. Many dogs are hearing-impaired but not completely deaf, and for those a couple of simple hand claps are enough to get his attention. If your dog is completely deaf, step loudly as you approach him -- your footfalls will cause a vibration that can be felt even if it's not heard.

Leaky dogs: If your dog has overnight incontinence, know that the situation probably upsets him even more than it upsets you. Take him out last thing before bedtime, and then provide a water-absorbent barrier in his bedding. You can use a puppy pad, cut-up pieces of a water-resistant mattress pad, or an upside-down, rubber-backed bath mat. Whatever you use will need to be washed or replaced daily, but the extra loads of laundry are a small price to pay to ensure your senior dog is comfortable.

Once again, be sure to work with your veterinarian on the challenges of age. Be especially keen on the combinations of prescription pain medications and so-called "neutraceuticals" -- over-the-counter supplements like glucosamine and omega-3 oils -- that can make life comfortable.

Slow down, be patient, be helpful. You'll both feel better for the time you spend with your sweet older dog.

Q&A

Vaccines important

to a pet's health

Q: I don't believe in vaccinations, and I am struggling to find a veterinarian who agrees with me. My dog is healthy and I simply won't risk putting disease in her. I know I have to vaccinate for rabies by law, but I just won't do the others. How can I find a veterinarian who won't argue with me? -- via e-mail

A: I think you're going to have a hard time finding that veterinarian because we're trained to prevent and cure disease, not give bad advice. And never giving vaccinations -- not even the critical puppy series -- is bad advice.

But just as in human medicine, there's a sizable camp of people who are convinced that vaccines cause more disease than they prevent. Some of them refuse to vaccinate their pets at all, ever, counting on the health and vaccination status of other pets -- so-called "herd immunity" -- in order to protect their animals from the small risk of vaccines.

I believe a tailored vaccination program is key to your dog's health. Just as in human medicine, contagious diseases used to sweep through regularly, causing misery and death by the millions. Vaccines are one of the true success stories of modern medicine, a livesaving measure of near-miraculous importance.

Manage this risk with your veterinarian's help, vaccinate no more than you need to and no more often than you need to, and you'll be doing what's best for your dog -- and by extension helping all the other pets in your community.

I remember when I first started practicing as a veterinarian -- dare I say it, 30 years ago -- we robotically gave every pet who came in for "annual shots" exactly the same thing. No more. Now we carefully evaluate each patient and look at breed or mix, life stage, lifestyle and emerging risks to determine exactly what vaccines and other preventive health care measures are recommended. We call this a "personalized pet health protocol."

Fewer, less frequent, more targeted vaccines are the norm now, but no vaccines at all? As a veterinarian, I shudder at the suffering that could mean. And I'm guessing almost all of my colleagues would, too. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

All kittens born

with 'baby blues'

-- When it comes to cats, singing star Crystal Gayle had it wrong when she sang, "Don't it make my brown eyes blue?" Actually, it is the opposite, as all kittens are born with blue eyes, and if their eyes are to change color, it will occur at about one month of age.

-- The average domestic cat can run at a speed of around 30 mph in short bursts. For comparison, a thoroughbred racehorse can maintain a speed of 45 mph for more than a mile. Racing greyhounds hit speeds of just under 42 mph for about a third of a mile. Cats, well, they're not marathon runners, or even middle-distance runners: They're sprinters, with their speed designed to grab prey or get out of trouble, quickly. While you could never outrun a dog over distances, you could outrun a cat (if you're fit, that is!) as cats quickly overheat when running (due to the nature of their fast-twitch muscle fibers), and have to stop after just 30 to 60 seconds to cool down.

-- Cat owners are smarter than dog owners, according to a study by researchers at England's University of Bristol. People with cats are more likely to have university degrees than people with dogs, which may be because those with university degrees are more likely to work long hours, which limits the hours they can spend caring for a pet, making a cat a better option than a dog. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

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 many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

Beauty is more than skin-deep when it comes to your dog. Keeping your pet well-groomed not only gives you a clean-smelling companion, it also helps keep your dog more comfortable and allows you to spot health problems before they become serious, even life-threatening.

How important is grooming to your pet's comfort? Consider a hair simple mat, so easy to overlook. Have you ever had your hair in a ponytail that was just a little too tight? A mat can feel the same way to your dog -- a constant pull on the skin. Try to imagine those all over your body and you have a good idea how uncomfortable an ungroomed coat can be.

Your dog need never know what a mat feels like if you keep him brushed and combed -- but that's just the start of the health benefits. Regular grooming allows you to look for lumps, bumps and injuries, while clearing such things as mats and ticks from his coat. Follow up with your veterinarian on any questionable masses you find, and you may detect cancer early enough to save your pet's life.

For short-haired breeds, keeping skin and coat in good shape is easy. Run your hands over him daily, a brush over him weekly, and that's it.

For other breeds, grooming is a little more involved. Breeds such as collies, chows, Keeshonden and Alaskan malamutes are "double-coated," which means they have a downy undercoat underneath harsher long hair. The down can mat like a layer of felt against the skin if left untended. To prevent this, divide the coat into small sections and brush against the grain from the skin outward, working from head to tail, section by section. In the spring and fall -- the big shedding times -- you'll end up with enough of that fluffy undercoat to make a whole new dog. Keep brushing and think of the benefits: The fur you pull out with a brush won't end up on the furniture, and removing the old stuff keeps your pet cooler in the summer and lets new insulation come in for the winter.

Silky-coated dogs, such as Afghan hounds, cockers and Maltese, also need constant brushing to keep tangles from forming. As with the double-coated dogs, work with small sections at a time, brushing from the skin outward, and then comb back into place with the grain for a glossy, finished look. Coats of this type require so much attention that having a groomer keep the dogs trimmed to a medium length is often more practical.

Curly and wiry coats, such as those on poodles and terriers, need to be brushed weekly, working against the grain, and then with it. Curly coats need to be clipped every six weeks; wiry ones, two or three times a year (but clipping every six weeks will keep your terrier looking sharper).

Good grooming is about more than keeping your pet looking beautiful and clean-smelling, although those are certainly pleasant payoffs. Regular grooming relaxes the dog who's used to it, and it becomes a special time shared between you both. A coat free of mats, burrs and tangles and skin free of fleas and ticks are as comfortable to your dog as clean clothes fresh from the wash are to you. It just makes you feel good, and the effect is the same for your pet.

Some added benefit for you: Giving your dog a tummy rub after every session is sure to relax you (and your dog, of course) and ease the stress of your day. And for allergy sufferers, keeping a dog clean may make having a dog possible.

Q&A

Pet risks can be

greatly minimized

Q: I don't expect you people to admit it, but pets can make you sick. I honestly don't understand why anyone would want one, but keep your filthy animal away from me. Why don't you tell the truth? -- via e-mail

A: To each his own, of course, and there's a reason why people have had companion animals for thousands of years -- they make us feel good. Even back in the days when cats were expected to hunt vermin and dogs were expected to do a variety of jobs, animals also served as companions, as is well documented by writings and paintings over the centuries.

Modern research has backed up what our forebearers instinctively knew: The companionship of animals is good for us. Well, most of us, anyway, and since it seems you're not such a person, well, you'll just have to get along with the rest of us pet lovers. We will do the same for you.

But you are right on the disease front, and tips on being safe around pets is, in fact, something we communicate routinely.

It's pretty mind-boggling how many diseases and parasites can be passed from pets to humans. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control helpfully supplies a pretty scary list of them. The CDC's Healthy Pets, Healthy People website (www.cdc.gov/healthypets) offers an in-depth examination of these so-called "zoonotic" health risks, and it includes special advice for people at higher risk, including those with immune-system weaknesses and those whose jobs involve working with animals.

At the top of the list of concerns would likely be rabies, a deadly disease more common in wildlife than in pets, thanks to decades of aggressive vaccination laws. Other worries are bacterial, with pets capable of transmitting salmonella, leptospirosis and campylobacteriosis, to name a nasty trio. Diseases caused by parasites include tapeworm, hookworm, roundworm, Lyme disease and giardia. And there's even ringworm, which is really a fungus. Toxoplasmosis is a special concern for people sharing their lives with cats. Birds and reptiles can transmit salmonella, and pet rodents can transmit any number of diseases, such as rat fever.

To be informed is to be prepared, and simple precautions such as keeping pets healthy and parasite-free greatly minimize the risks, as does frequent hand-washing, which everyone should be doing anyway, pets or no pets.

It's important to note that pets are not the only source for many of these diseases -- in many cases, improper food handling is a bigger risk for illness for most people. We prefer to tell people: "Reduce the risk and keep the pet," because on balance, pets are still proven to be good medicine for people, and we support that. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Dogs' noses hold

scent for analysis

-- Dogs typically sniff an average of five times per second. And when they sniff, each nostril pulls in a separate odor sample. The separate sampling helps dogs to track by allowing them to determine direction. A dog's olfactory recess retains scent particles even after the dog exhales.

-- Proper use and disposal of medications is an essential wildlife protection issue. Active ingredients in items such as birth-control pills have been known to disrupt the development of frogs and alligators. Antidepressants leaking into water systems is causing serious damage to shrimp populations, giving such a rush of serotonin that their normal danger responses are inhibited. Shrimp exposed to Prozac are five times more likely to swim out of safe water and into areas where they are exposed to predators.

-- Horse owners need to keep a close eye on their animal's care at the boarding stable. A survey of boarding stables by Livery Yard Working Group in the United Kingdom turned up poisonous plants in 21 percent of the sample; other physical hazards, 20 percent; reported injuries, 13 percent; inadequate food or water, 11 percent; no access to fresh water, 10 percent; poor hoof care, 10 percent; and physical abuse, 6 percent. The results were reported in the United States by the website veterinarynews.dvm360.com. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

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 many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.