If you haven't met a rabbit kept in the house as a pet, I guarantee that you have no idea how engaging, entertaining and affectionate these pets can be. I know, because I've long been a fan of house-rabbits and have kept them off and on for several years now.

What do most people not know about rabbits? That these animals who are a popular pet for children are an even better pet for adults. Once liberated from the confinement of a backyard "hutch" and provided with a safe and secure indoor environment, bunnies really shine. They're playful and adorably willful, trainable and even amenable to using a litter box. They're quiet pets that fit perfectly into quiet households.

And, yes, they're very cute.

Even better, there's always a good selection of bunnies available from shelters or rescue groups. If you really want to make a bunny happy, adopt a pair of them, since rabbits love company.

Forget small wire-floored cages and boring diets. Here's how to keep your rabbit healthy:

-- Housing. Your rabbit will need a home base of a small pen or large cage with food, water and a litter box. Rabbits do well with a plain cat box filled with a shallow layer of recycled paper pellets, covered with a layer of fresh grass hay. You don't scoop a rabbit box -- you change it completely, every day. (The ingredients you toss are great for your compost pile.)

Because some rabbits can be chewers, you'll want to make sure that any rabbit-friendly area has electrical cords tucked away, and deny access to the legs of nice furniture and the corners of good carpets.

-- Nutrition. Fresh water needs to be available at all times. For food, you can use high-quality commercial rabbit pellets for a base diet, or you can also skip the store-bought route and feed your rabbit a good variety of fresh leafy veggies and an unlimited supply of fresh grass hay. If you go the pellet route, your rabbit should still get as much fresh grass hay as he wants, and still offer fresh leafy vegetables to complement the pellets. Treat your rabbit, too: Bunnies love little bits of fruits and root vegetables.

If you have storage space, hay is cheaper by the bale and lasts for weeks in a cool, dry location if protected from the elements. And stop throwing away veggie trimmings from meal preparation -- give them to your rabbit!

-- Health care. Get your rabbit spayed or neutered. In addition to keeping your rabbit from reproducing, you'll have a better pet. Unaltered rabbits can have behavior problems such as aggression and urine-spraying. Your rabbit will need a wellness check, just as a cat or dog would, and a good rabbit vet will help you catch little health problems before they become big ones.

Check with your local rabbit rescue group for the names of veterinarians who are known to be good with rabbits.

-- Exercise and play. Make sure your rabbit is allowed time outside the cage or pen every day. If you can't manage letting your rabbit roam at will indoors, block off a single rabbit-proofed room. A secure, supervised area outside is fine as well, but don't leave your rabbit unattended. Rabbits can be scared literally to death by cats, dogs and even jays and crows.

Rabbits love toys. Cat toys, dog toys, hard-plastic baby toys and even the cardboard tubes from inside toilet paper and paper towel rolls are fun for rabbits. Cardboard boxes stuffed with hay and treats are also fun for bunnies.

Once you've gotten the hang of rabbit care, think of adding another such pet. Rabbits are social animals and do very well in pairs. For more information, check out the House Rabbit Society (rabbit.org).

Q&A

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about this Q&A section)

Q: I just got married. My husband has a cat, which is great because I have always had a cat, but was cat-less after my sweet Miranda died. I would like to get a kitten because Harry likes my husband best, and I want a cat who likes me best. What's the best way to keep Harry happy when a new baby arrives? -- via e-mail

A: If you take over feeding Harry and also dedicate time to playing with him, you'll probably rise up in his list of priorities. You may even top your husband in Harry's affection. You never know!

But I'm real believer in "the more the merrier," so I think you should still add a cat. Living with more than one cat doesn't have to be contentious. The trick to domestic harmony for co-habiting felines is to introduce -- or reintroduce -- them slowly and carefully. You might also ask your veterinarian about a product called Feliway, which mimics the scent of feline pheromones and makes many cats feel more relaxed in stressful circumstances.

Prepare a room for your new kitten with food and water bowls, and a litter box and scratching post that needn't be shared. This room will be your new pet's home turf while Harry gets used to the kitten being around.

Take your new kitten to your veterinarian first, to be checked for parasites such as ear mites and contagious diseases such as feline leukemia. When you're sure your new pet is healthy, the introductions can begin.

Bring the kitten home in a carrier and set him in the room you've prepared. Let your resident cat discover the caged baby, and don't be discouraged by initial hisses. When the new cat is alone in the room, close the door and let him out of the carrier. If he doesn't want to leave the carrier at first, let him be. Just leave the carrier door open and the kitten alone.

Maintain each cat separately for a week or so -- with lots of love and play for both -- and then on a day when you're around to observe, leave the door to the new cat's room open. Above all: Don't force them together. Territory negotiations between cats can be drawn-out and delicate, and you must let them work it out on their own, ignoring the hisses and glares.

Since your husband's cat got used to having you around, it's a pretty good bet he'll adjust to a kitten, too. If you decide to adopt an adult cat instead of a kitten, the introductions may be a little more difficult, but with patience going from a one-cat home to a two-cat home will usually work out in the end. – Mikkel Becker

THE BUZZ

Dogs keep owners

busy with walks

-- Dog owners walk an average of 23,000 miles with their pet during the animal's lifetime. A study commissioned by the U.K. insurance company Esure reports that the average owner walks his or her dog for eight hours and 54 minutes per week, going 36 miles per week, which adds up to more than 1,800 miles per year and nearly equals the circumference of the Earth in the average canine life span of 12.8 years. They don't go far racking up the miles: 41 percent of dog owners walk with their pets around the neighborhood, while 42 percent choose a local park to walk their dogs. And they don't all go willingly, with 15 percent of owners saying walking the dog was the worst part of owning one.

-- Once one of the most notable equine regions in the country -- Pimlico, after all, was the site of the historic Sea Biscuit-War Admiral race -- Maryland's horse population is in decline. The Maryland Horse Industry Board notes that the number of horses in the state has decreased 7 percent from 2002 to 2010.

-- One of the most accomplished veterinarians in U.S. history was Frederick Douglass Patterson, who was graduated from Cornell in 1932 and eventually became the third president of Tuskegee University. He also developed the Tuskegee Airmen program and was instrumental in establishing the United Negro College Fund. In the segregated South, Dr. Patterson made it possible for African-Americans to follow in his footsteps by founding Tuskegee's veterinary college. Before the founding of the veterinary school at Tuskegee, Cornell and Ohio State University led the country with the most African-American veterinary students. -- 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.

Eating problems in cats too often get dismissed -- thrown under the general heading of, "What do you expect? Cats are finicky."

But cats are prone to a variety of eating issues that can make simple feeding a permanent or even life-threatening issue.

If your cat is simply off food for a day, there's no reason to worry. A simple upset stomach or a stressful change in his environment could be the culprit. And she might not be off food at all: If your cat has access to the outdoors, she could have eaten somewhere else -- off a neighbor's porch or at an all-you-can-catch rodent buffet.

But a persistant lack of appetite needs to be taken seriously. You can outlast any dog in a food duel -- sooner or later, a healthy but fussy dog will eat just about anything. A cat, however, can stop eating completely, a situation that may trigger hepatic lipatosis, an acute liver problem that can turn fatal.

If you have a finicky cat, it's essential to work with your veterinarian and to know these tricks to get your cat eating:

-- Fresh is best. Cats may be the original food snobs: In addition to having strong likes and dislikes, they often turn their noses up at food that's been sitting around too long. This can be especially true of canned food, which does get pretty unpleasant when left sitting out. Instead of leaving a day's worth (or more) of food out, offer your cat small portions, fresh from the packaging. If he doesn't eat it after 30 minutes, try again in a couple hours.

-- Serve warm. Warming your cat's food amps up its flavor and aroma. A few seconds in the microwave will do the trick.

-- Break out the good stuff. Over the years, some of my veterinary clients have had a simple "Is my cat sick?" test they rely on at home. If the cat won't eat a regular meal, they chalk it up to a fussy day; but if the cat rejects her favorite treat, like a bit of roasted chicken or a smidge of meaty baby food without garlic salt and onions, then they know to call the veterinarian. No one knows your cat better than you do, and if she suddenly rejects a food she has been willing to beg for all her life, you'll know your cat has troubles worth taking seriously.

It's one thing to be finicky, but something else entirely when your cat starts losing weight. If lack of appetite is an ongoing concern with your cat and she's lost a half-pound or more, ask her veterinarian about the possibility of a medication to stimulate her appetite. Some antidepressant and anti-anxiety meds can help switch a cat's appetite from the "off" position back into "on."

And if that doesn't help, your veterinarian can work with you to get to the root of the problem, and treat the underlying condition that will return a normal appetite to your now-healthy cat.

Q&A

Puppies need guidance,

not physical punishment

Q: There's so much conflicting information out now about raising a puppy. Some of it seems old-fashioned and some too permissive. What do you recommend when it comes to letting a puppy know she or he has done something bad?

A: Every puppy needs to be guided on the road to good behavior, and along the way many a puppy strays off the path into trouble. The best way to avoid problems is to set up your home and your handling of the puppy so his only choice is to do what's right and get praised for it.

But what if your puppy makes a mistake? A verbal correction, properly timed and correctly delivered, is usually all you need. Speak low and sharply, but don't yell at your puppy.

Here are two more ways to send a clear message of disapproval:

-- Distract and redirect. Especially useful for the young puppy, this technique stops a behavior you don't want and guides the puppy to one that's acceptable. For example, if your young puppy is chewing on your nice leather shoes, make a noise to startle and distract him -- slap the counter or clap your hands -- and then give him something you do want him to chew on, such as a toy. When he takes it, praise him for redirecting those sharp puppy teeth.

With older puppies, you can often stop a bad behavior by asking for a better one, and praising him. Ask a puppy who's jumping up to "sit," and praise him or give him a treat for doing so. Tell him once, and if he doesn't mind you (to be fair, be sure he understands what you want), gently guide him into a sit, and then offer some praise and a treat.

-- The timeout. Puppies thrive on your attention, even if it's negative. The timeout removes this reward. This technique is especially good for a puppy who doesn't want to keep his mouth to himself, a bad habit for any dog to get into where people are concerned. When the puppy starts nipping, tell him "no," and then clam up, pick him up and put him in a crate or other small, safe area for a few minutes. Ignore the cries and whimpers. After a few minutes of quiet, let him out without fanfare and let him hang out with you gently for a while. The message: When the teeth touch skin, it's "game over."

If your puppy has been running around for a long time and just seems bratty, he may be tired. If that's the case, put him down for a nap in a crate or small area, along with a chew toy. Again, ignore his fussing. Chances are, he'll be asleep in a few minutes.

The best thing for your puppy is to find a group puppy class, so your puppy gets the socialization she needs and you get the training guidance you need. Ask your veterinarian for a referral. – Gina Spadafori

THE BUZZ

Program gets students

to help pet lovers

-- Colorado State University has a program that combines pre-veterinary students with elderly and disabled pet owners who need help keeping their pets at home. Students are responsible for walking dogs, scooping litter boxes and driving the home-bound owners' pets to the vet's office. The program, called Pets Forever, was created in 2008 and helps train students in the care of dogs in a home setting, while allowing the challenged pet owners to keep their pets when they otherwise may not have been able to do so.

-- The United States has about 500 to 600 nonprofit and private organizations to take in and re-home unwanted horses. Many of them also provide feeding assistance programs in their communities. The economy has made keeping a horse difficult for many people, and rescue organizations are trying to prevent horses being sold to "kill buyers," who send the animals to slaughterhouses north and south of American borders.

-- When the weather gets cold, wild birds can use a little help, and many people are happy to oblige. According to the American Pet Products Association, 52 percent of all households feed wild birds. Among people who keep pet birds, that number is even higher, with 70 percent of bird-keepers also putting out food for wild birds. -- 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.

Study after study shows that people are not only crazy about pets, but they also love to spend money on them -- even when money is tight.

We're certainly not arguing against buying that perfect dog collar or cat toy, but we do want you to know that you don't have to buy a lot of things for your pets to care for them well.

In fact, some of the best gifts you can give your pet don't cost any money at all and require only your attention. In this week's Valentine's Day spirit of giving the best to those we love, we offer a few suggestions that will make you and your pet happier and healthier -- and may even save you money in the long run.

The gift of health. Preventive veterinary care can spare your pet from suffering and may also catch little problems before they become life-threatening (and expensive). Develop a healthy relationship with your pet's veterinarian, starting with regular "well-pet" examinations. These visits are no longer about "shots" -- most vaccinations are no longer recommended on an annual basis -- but rather about catching and correcting problems as they develop. A dental examination is part of that well-pet visit, and follow-up preventive care may require a dental cleaning under anesthesia. A healthy mouth not only keeps your pet free of pain -- imagine eating with rotting teeth and infected gums -- but also spares your pet's internal organs from struggling to combat the shower of bacteria from an infected mouth.

The gift of fitness. By now we've all read the news that pets have their own obesity crisis. The reasons are similar to ours -- too much food and not enough exercise. But pets can't open the refrigerator on their own or hit the drive-through: They need our help to get fat. Cut back on the treats, and get your pet moving. You can use your dog's enthusiasm for a daily walk to help get yourself in shape, too, which is the message of "Fitness Unleashed: A Dog and Owner's Guide to Losing Weight and Gaining Health Together" (Three Rivers Press), Dr. Becker's book with human physician Dr. Robert Kushner.

The gift of time. Many pets spend most of their lives alone, while our busy lives keep us from home. While much of this alone time is unavoidable -- someone has to work for food and shelter, right? -- some simple changes will give you more time with your pet. Skip some of your TV or computer time, and play fetch with your dog or get out the laser pointer for your cat. Look for opportunities to include your dog on family outings.

The gift of training. A well-trained pet has a better, closer relationship with his owner because they speak a common language and spend more time together. If your pet has behavior problems -- from house-training to aggression, from leash-pulling to furniture-destruction -- ask your veterinarian for a referral to a local trainer or behaviorist.

The gift of safety. Be sure your home offers a safe, secure environment for your pet. Inside the house, garage and basement, keep cleaning supplies and other troublesome household chemicals out of reach, and clean up spills promptly. Cats are drawn to warm spots, so make sure to keep the door on your clothes dryer shut. Choose plants inside and out that aren't toxic. Finally, because your pet can become lost even with the most careful prevention, be sure your pet has a collar with current ID, and a microchip as a backup.

Got all the basics covered? Good for you! You can now celebrate by going out and buying your pet something special, just because.

Q&A

Don't loom over

your little dog

(This week, I'm sharing some of the questions and answers from my recent guest appearance on the Allan Handelman radio show (ifitrocks.com) -- Dr. Marty Becker.)

Q: I have a Yorkie/Pomeranian mix I rescued a year ago. When she wants to get in the chair or bed with me and I go to reach for her she steps back several steps so I end up getting up and picking her up. It seems like a trust issue. Any suggestions?

A: I'm not sure it is a trust issue -- you're probably looming over her, and it's intimidating to her. It might be better to get a ramp and pat the spot (your lap, the bed) where you want her to go, and let her get there herself.

Q: I have a golden retriever mix who takes a mouthful of food out of her dish and carries it to a different part of the house to eat. Why is she doing this?

A: It's not that uncommon. She might feel a need to "hide" or "store" a bit of food based on past experiences, she might be physically uncomfortable eating out of her bowl (for instance, some dogs with neck injuries or arthritis are more comfortable putting the food at a different height than it's offered), or it might not be something we'll ever be able to explain. To rule out that it is a health problem, though, please have your veterinarian check her out.

Q: We have two miniature schnauzers, both male. One loves to bite and chew his skin and has terribly smelly skin. Should we bathe him once per week?

A: Very likely, but I think a comprehensive physical exam by his veterinarian needs to be part of the plan, and soon. He may have an underlying condition, such as hypothyroidism, which would need to be diagnosed and treated.

A visit to a veterinary dermatologist isn't out of line, either, since there could be secondary yeast or bacterial infections, or a skin barrier defect, all of which need to be addressed.

In the PetConnection for Jan. 31, a word was left out in the question and answer section. The corrected sentence should read: "Reputable, responsible breeders rarely breed a female more than twice before spaying her."

THE BUZZ

Pet-on-pet predation

always a concern

-- Accidents can happen even to the cautious. One disaster that's all too common in a multipet household is a biting incident between a predatory animal (cat or dog) and a prey one (bird, hamster, rabbit). A bite is a genuine medical emergency, even if the pet who has been bitten seems fine afterward. Dogs and cats have bacteria in their mouths that can develop into a deadly infection in a bird or other prey animal. For many of these, a prompt trip to a veterinarian and a course of antibiotics will mean the difference between life and death. Nights, weekends -- no matter when it happens -- a bitten bird or rabbit needs help, fast. Never assume your dog or cat won't bite your rabbit or bird. The prey-predator wiring can be very difficult to short-circuit. Keep these pets safely apart at all times.

-- Veterinarians and horse-rescue organizations have teamed up for a statewide effort to geld horses in California. At a time of economic difficulty, the overpopulation of horses is a problem that low-cost clinics are hoping to address. The goal is to castrate 100 or more horses in 2011, and if the program proves successful, to expand it on a national level. Veterinarians are volunteering their time for this important work.

-- Wildlife researchers are using dogs to improve wildlife surveys. Dogs are seen as a non-invasive alternative to wildlife surveys because they are able to search out scat of animals, which can be used to identify various species, and even individuals within the species. A female Labrador was trained to detect mountain lion, bobcat and domestic cat scat, and a pit bull was trained to detect red fox, gray fox and kit fox scat.

-- 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.