CHECK IN WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN FOR CAT'S NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE

This week's column is an excerpt from the just-released book, "Your Cat: The Owner's Manual." To get the entire first chapter free, visit www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker.

Nearly everything about your cat's anatomy suggests her genetic heritage to hunt, and hunt well. Her feet are designed for silent stalking; her claws can hook anything and won't let go; her teeth are long, pointed and razor-sharp.

So what do you feed a creature who is so obviously designed to fend for herself?

Choosing a cat food should be simple business, but with so many options available, it can be tricky to find the right diet for your cat's best health. Even after 30 years of practicing veterinary medicine, I have to admit I sometimes find myself a little staggered by today's pet food aisle.

When I was a kid, we fed our cats in the barn from a 50-pound bag of generic, feed-store kibble. Now, I go to the grocery store that sells my own food, and see row upon row of dry, canned and even refrigerated fresh foods for felines -- something for every taste, dietary need and preference.

As a consumer, it's great to have choices. But you have to be able to sort through your options, weigh costs vs. benefits, and know how to compare to do your cat justice. After all, selecting a healthful, appropriate diet for your cat and feeding right-sized portions is one of the most important things you can do to ensure her good health and longevity.

Knowing how your cat's nutritional needs differ from your own may help put her very distinctive dietary requirements in perspective:

-- Must have meat. The feline system is designed to depend on the consumption of other animals to survive and thrive. Unlike humans and dogs, who are omnivores and can stay healthy on a variety of diets, cats are "strict" or "obligate" carnivores. Just like their distant cousins the lion, the tiger and the cheetah, house cats not only prefer meat, they can't maintain good health without it.

-- Pound for pound, cats need far more protein. A cat needs more than double the amount of protein per pound of body weight that a person requires. And even though we omnivores can meet our protein requirements with non-meat foods like dairy products, nuts and beans, cats don't have that luxury -- animal protein is the only kind that fulfills their nutritional needs. If a cat doesn't get enough protein in his diet, his body will actually break down his own muscle tissue to get the nutrients he needs.

-- Cats sponge vitamins and amino acids from their prey. There are some nutrients that an omnivore can produce or convert from food that cats have to get ready-to-use from their diets. Unless your cat is dining on a whole, fresh vermin several days a week, you need to provide a diet that provides these nutrients in usable form.

-- Many cats don't get thirsty. Cats are descended from desert hunters, and many scientists believe this is the reason they don't seem to have a strong thirst drive. In the wild, this isn't too much of an issue -- any fresh prey a cat would catch is mostly made of water. In a world of indoor cats eating dry kibble, however, this can become a big problem. Cats need plenty of water, whether they drink it directly or get it from their food. Without enough water in their diets, cats are susceptible to urinary tract problems. To help prevent problems with dehydration, make sure your cat absolutely always has fresh water available. A better solution is a pet-sized water fountain -- these encourage your cat to drink more, and more often.

Your cat's veterinarian is the best resource for advice on choosing a food that's best for your pet. Whether you shop for pet food in a grocery store, pet boutique or big-box retailer, your veterinarian will be able to point you in the right direction.

Q&A

Dog park rules keep

the fur from flying

Q: I got into it with someone at the dog park two different times over breaking the rules on bringing my daughter and our poodle mix in. Seems to me that if it's a public park, it should be open to everyone. What do you think? -- via email

A: I think the safest dog parks are that way because of sensible rules for their use. You need to respect those rules, because if you don't, it's your child and your dog you're putting at risk.

Here's the rationale for three common rules at dog parks:

-- Children. Some who are looking for an outing with both their children and their pets want dog parks to be open to children. Proponents of "child-free" dog parks argue that children -- who tend to behave in ways that encourage dogs to chase -- could get knocked down or bitten. If a child gets hurt, the dog will get blamed, they say, so it's better to leave children outside the gates.

-- Small dog/big dog. Some small dogs think they're big dogs. Some big dogs think small dogs are edible. The clash of attitudes does not work out well for small dogs. Many dog parks are now adding a separate area that's just for small dogs. That's a far better plan.

-- Unneutered male dogs. Young male dogs who have not been altered are generally more territorial and more likely to fight. And even well-behaved unneutered dogs are often goaded by neutered ones. Not good, in either case.

Of these dog-park controversies, only the small dog/big dog issue seems to be easily remedied to the satisfaction of all sides. While arguments continue over who should be allowed in, savvy dog-park users sensibly vote with their feet, taking their animals out whenever any situation starts to develop that could spell trouble. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Flea and tick control

safer for people, too

-- Keeping fleas and ticks off your pets is undeniably good for their health. New research suggests it's good for yours, too. According to Vetstreet.com, a team at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine has connected the Bartonella infection to rheumatoid illnesses in people. Bartonella is a bacterium found in fleas, ticks and other biting insects. The team's study, published in the current edition of Emerging Infectious Diseases, showed 62 percent of nearly 300 people suffering from a variety of rheumatoid illnesses were found to have antibodies against Bartonella, and 41 percent had DNA evidence of the bacterium in their blood. The majority also had contact with dogs and cats. The study makes controlling parasites a high priority for pet lovers, so talk to your veterinarian about effective parasite control for your pets -- and, by extension, you.

-- Tired of cleaning up hairballs? Add some fiber to your cat's diet. A little bit of canned pumpkin -– plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling -- added to your pet's regular meals will help the fur ingested by grooming to pass through the digestive system, instead of being thrown up onto your carpets. Combine it with canned food for palatability, or mix it with a little water from canned tuna or clams.

-- While occasional cross-species theft by the cat from the dog's food bowl isn't a cause for alarm, giving dog food to cats long-term isn't a good idea. That's because dog food may lack a substance cats can't synthesize on their own -- taurine. The lack of taurine in the feline diet can lead to heart problems and blindness. -- Mikkel Becker and Dr. Marty 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 affiliated with Vetstreet.com and 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.

GOOD PLANNING AND GOOD FENCES CAN KEEP EVERYONE SAFE AND HAPPY

Animals and plants are always near me, by choice. But some plants are poisonous, and even those animals who don't eat plants seem just as intent on otherwise destroying them by sleeping on them or digging them up. That means I have spent a great deal of time protecting plants from animals, and vice versa.

This month, I'm giving up a suburban home for a very small farm, with room (and more important, zoning) for my two boarded horses, my chickens and ducks, as well as three dogs and a cat. There will be approved plants for eating -- pasture! -- and plans for a massive veggie garden as well.

Right now, it's all raw dirt and broken-down fences. Both are going to change, and soon.

Fortunately, I've spent years balancing the needs and safety of animals and plants, so I know what to do. Fencing is a big part of the equation, but that's not all of it. And since most people just want their dog to leave the landscaping alone, here are the tips that can help make that happen for everyone, no matter how big your yard:

-- Exercise your dog

Dogs who don't get daily exercise are likely to expend that energy and cure their boredom by doing things people don't like -- digging, chewing and barking. Dogs who are well-exercised are more likely to sleep while you are gone. When you leave, you should also offer your dog alternatives to choosing his own amusements: Provide him with a chew toy, such as a Kong -- stuffed with something delicious, like peanut butter.

-- Work with your dog's habits

Observe how your dog uses your yard, and plan accordingly. For instance, many dogs consider it their duty to run the fence line, leaving a well-worn trail where many people hope to put flowers. Instead of fighting with your dog, go with his natural instincts. Place your beds and plantings away from the fence line, and let him do his guard-dog patrolling behind those plants.

-- Give your dog a yard of his own

A side "relief" yard where messes and digging aren't ever a problem can allow your dog to be a dog, especially when you're not around to supervise.

-- Redirect digging

You can keep many dogs from digging if you keep them exercised, limit their access to dirt, and make the digging experience unpleasant. Sometimes, putting the dog's own stools in the hole and covering them with dirt will deter him. Many dogs won't dig if their own mess is under the surface. Another option is giving your dog a dig zone. While hardly clean fun, it is good fun, especially for dogs who are happiest with their noses in the dirt and their paws flying.

-- Put special plants in safer places

Raised beds and hanging planters are the place to put your most precious plants. In borders, put the plants that can take being stepped on in front. Want a good dog-friendly plant? Mint is perfect. This plant is nearly indestructible and greets each assault with a wave of fresh mint smell.

-- Fences are your friend

While there's a lot you can do with yard layout and plant selection, if you're planning a dedicated veggie garden, pick a pretty fence to go around it. At my current home, a four-foot fence that wouldn't be enough to contain my large dogs safely on the property is plenty high enough to keep them out of the tomatoes.

It'll be a long, long time before my new home has the gardens and plants I dream of. But with some basic guidelines in my head, there will be happier animals and fewer setbacks along the way.

Q&A

Reptiles not best

for young families

Q: My husband has a bearded dragon he has kept since college. We're expecting our first child, and I think "Iggy" needs to find a new home because of salmonella. What do you think? -- via email

A: Reptile pets can be wonderful, easy-care companions for all ages, but families do need to take extra precautions with them.

Because most, if not all, reptiles carry salmonella in their digestive tracts, these pets are generally not recommended for homes with children under 5 or with family members whose immune systems are compromised. For other homes, the risks can be greatly reduced by properly handling these pets. The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians suggests these basic safety precautions:

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

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

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

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

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

The ARAV stresses that the precautions do not mean reptiles shouldn't be kept as pets, but rather that by following basic common sense in handling them, the potential for human health problems can be kept to a minimum. For more information, visit the ARAV website (arav.org). -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Trendy pets getting

more 'people' names

-- According to Vetstreet.com, the trendiest names for cats are Lola and Dexter; for dogs they're Lola and Bentley. Stella, Cooper, Izzy, Loki, Marley and Nala are also on the upward trend. The least trendy? Brandy and Dakota for dogs, and Katie and Bailey for cats. You also won't get any hipster points for naming your dog Cleo, Scooter, Sheba or Pepper, or your cat Tigger, Whiskers, Snowball or Sebastian. Vetstreet notes that, overall, pet lovers are choosing "people names" over monikers that describe physical characteristics, such as Hershey for a chocolate Labrador or Shadow for a black cat.

-- Gentle, constant pressure has been shown to calm infants (think of "swaddling") and autistic children. A handful of companies have created garments for dogs that apply pressure to keep them calm during thunderstorms and other stressful events, with good results. One such company now has created a similar garment for cats. The Thundershirt comes in three sizes, sells for $40 through many pet-supply retailers and is said to calm cats to make veterinary visits and other stressful events easier on everyone. After you get the shirt on, that is.

-- Hunting behavior in cats is very controversial, especially if the prey are songbirds or endangered rodent species. Some cats hunt, some cats don't, and it has more to do with what a cat learned from his mother than from the rumbling in his belly. Plenty of well-fed cats are very active hunters. Putting a bell on your cat has little effect on his ability to hunt. Turning him into an indoor dweller is the only way to protect wildlife from your cat -- and to protect you from his thoughtful "gifts" of dead mice and birds. Managed colonies of altered feral cats are best relocated when endangered species are at risk. -- Mikkel Becker and Dr. Marty 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 affiliated with Vetstreet.com and 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.

DON'T ASSUME DOGS KNOW THE RULES FOR WATER SAFETY

Warm weather came early this year to much of the country, and that means lakes and rivers -- and even swimming pools -- are already being enjoyed by dogs who love to swim. But every spring, as my field-bred retrievers (who happily swim year-round) greet new dogs at the river's edge, I see dogs at risk of drowning.

Most times, some caution on the part of their owners would prevent any problems. The keys to water safety for dogs: prevention, preparedness and awareness.

Prevention

No dog should be given unsupervised access to a backyard pool or a neighborhood pond or creek. Swimming pools are best fenced-off for safety. And if that's not possible, they should be equipped with alarms that sound when the surface of the water is broken by a child or pet falling in. Escape ramps are a great idea, but it's better to prevent pets from getting in unsupervised in the first place.

Prevention also includes teaching your pet what to do when he's in the pool. Dogs don't understand the idea that the steps are on one side only, and they may tire and drown trying to crawl out the other side. If your pet likes to swim, work with him in the pool to help him learn where the steps are, so he can get out easily. Tip: Put contrasting paint or tape on the fence behind the steps to give your dog a visual clue he can count on.

Finally, obedience training is extremely important. Your dog should come when called, even while swimming, so you can call him back before he heads into deeper water or stronger currents. Emergency shortcut: Always carry extra retrieving toys. A dog who's heading out into a dangerous area after a ball or stick can often be lured back to shore with a second item thrown closer in. It's no substitute for training, but it could save your dog's life.

Preparedness

Before letting your dog swim in any natural surroundings, survey the area for safety. Rivers and oceans can change frequently, and an area that was safe for swimming one visit can be treacherous the next. Consider currents, tides, underwater hazards and even the condition of the water. In the late summer, algae scum on the top of standing water can be toxic, producing substances that can kill a pet who swallows the tainted water. When in doubt, no swimming. Better safe than sorry.

One of the best things you can do is to take courses in first aid and CPR for your pets. Many local Red Cross chapters offer these classes, and some veterinarians may also teach them in your community. A dog who's pulled out near death from drowning may be saved by your prompt actions -- if you know what to do.

If your dog isn't much of a swimmer, or is older or debilitated, get him a personal flotation device. These are especially great for family boating trips because most have sturdy handles for rescue if a pet goes overboard.

Awareness

Be aware of your dog's condition as he plays. Remember that even swimming dogs can get hot, so bring fresh water and offer it constantly. When your dog is tiring, be sure to call it a day. A tired dog is a good dog, but an exhausted dog is in danger of drowning.

Be particularly careful of young and old dogs. Both can get themselves into more trouble than a healthy adult dog with lots of swimming experience. Young dogs can panic in the water, and old dogs may not realize they aren't as strong as they used to be. Keep them close to shore, and keep swimming sessions short.

Swimming is great exercise and great fun for all, and with these few simple precautions you can keep the cool times coming, with safety in mind.

Q&A

Kiddie pools perfect

for cooling hot dogs

Q: My Lab mix loves to wallow in her kiddie pool. Do I need to treat the water for her to be safe if she drinks any? -- H.R., via Facebook

A: No, it's better if you don't. Just keep the pool clean and the water fresh. And always supervise the pool's use to prevent any accidents.

Small pools made of hard plastic are perfect for dogs of all sizes, providing a tummy-cooling wallow for an overheated retriever or a safe way to wade for a swim-challenged pug.

Kept clean and stored in a covered spot for winter, a kiddie pool will last for many seasons. Be sure to choose the hard-plastic variety; the inflatable kind doesn't hold up well to dog claws.

You'll find the hard plastic pools will last much longer if you empty them and store out of the sun. While they're not that expensive to replace, why spend money you don't have to? With sensible, minimal care, I've had pools last five years before the plastic cracked. If you empty the pool between uses and store, you won't have to worry about your dog drinking anything nasty from the pool. It doesn't hurt to wipe the inside with a brush or sponge before rinsing clean.

Drinking the water isn't the only problem with a kiddie pool: Standing water is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and toxic algae. Rinse clean after every use and refill with fresh water every time and the pool's water will be safe for your dog, and inhospitable to unwanted bugs and toxic scum. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Spay-neuter programs

target the underserved

-- The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates a population of more than 150 million cats and dogs in the United States. Most studies note that around eight out of 10 of these pets are altered.

The success of spay-neuter programs falls short in two areas: feral cats and the kind of large, tough-looking dogs favored by some tough-looking young men. Animal advocacy and veterinary groups have been tailoring programs to address these populations, offering free spays and even paying some owners or caretakers for bringing an animal in for surgery.

-- Dogs are not good at keeping themselves cool, and they rely on us to keep them out of trouble. Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, no matter how happy your dog is to participate when it's warm. Even in the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of trouble: Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog who needs help. Get to a veterinarian, immediately.

Older, obese or short-nosed dogs are less heat-tolerant, and all dogs need constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water.

-- Senior dog diets are popular, with 43 percent of Americans claiming they have fed their dogs age-oriented food. However, only one-third of those pet owners have consulted with a veterinarian about which senior diet their aging pooches should eat.

The needs of senior dogs vary greatly, with some requiring a greater percentage of protein in their food, and others requiring more carbohydrates. -- Mikkel Becker and Dr. Marty 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 affiliated with Vetstreet.com and 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.