Test your knowledge of feline facts with our fun quiz.

1. Domestic cats spend what percentage of their lives sleeping?

a. 37 percent

b. 45 percent

c. 70 percent

d. 56 percent

2. Which of the following is the only big cat capable of purring?

a. Leopard

b. Cheetah

c. Cougar

d. Jaguar

3. True or false? A cat's taste buds do not have receptors for sweet flavors.

4. Which of the following treatments can help cats suffering from idiopathic cystitis (a bladder infection)?

a. Providing interactive toys and tall cat trees

b. Keeping the litter box very clean

c. Reducing stress

d. All of the above

5. True or false? The ability to respond to catnip is genetic.

6. What are the names of the two cats who pull the chariot of the Norse goddess Freya?

a. Loki and Thor

b. Bygul and Trjegul

c. Huginn and Muninn

d. Geri and Freki

7. Cats have been associated with people for how long?

a. 10,000 years

b. 5,000 years

c. 7,500 years

d. 2,000 years

8. What term is used to refer to cats with extra toes?

a. Multidigital

b. Phalanges

c. Polydactyl

d. Metatarsals

9. When you hear that familiar hacking sound in the middle of the night, your cat is getting ready to bring up what?

a. A dead mouse

b. Bile

c. A trichobezoar

d. A bolus

10. Which of the following is the most common pattern seen in cats?

a. Calico

b. Tabby

c. Tortoiseshell

d. Bicolor

Answers:

1. (c) Domestic cats spend approximately 70 percent of their lives sleeping, which works out to 16 to 18 hours a day. Now, if we could only get them to sleep the same hours we do, we might all get some good rest.

2. (b) Cheetahs are the only big cats capable of purring. We think of cats purring when they are content, but they also purr when they are injured, giving birth and even dying. Interestingly, the sound frequencies of the purr may promote healing.

3. True. Cats don't have a sweet tooth. As far as we know, they are the only mammals that lack the receptors for sweetness. That's just one of the ways in which they are unique.

4. (d) We don't know why cats develop idiopathic cystitis -- the word "idiopathic" means "unknown" -- but enriching a cat's environment by providing places to climb and interesting toys, and reducing stress by keeping to a regular schedule and keeping the litter box scrupulously clean are some of the things that can help to decrease the incidence of the problem.

5. True. Approximately two-thirds of cats have a special receptor that allows them to respond to nepetalactone, the active ingredient in catnip. Kittens don't develop a response to catnip until they are 3 to 6 months old.

6. (b) Freya's cats are nameless in mythology, but fantasy author Diana L. Paxson named them Bygul (bee-gold) and Trjegul (tree-gold) in honor of Freya's associations with honey and amber. Legend has it that today's Norwegian forest cats descend from Freya's gigantic cats, which were said to be so huge that not even Thor could lift them.

7. (a) It has long been thought that cats were domesticated as recently as 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, but new archaeological evidence suggests they have been our companions for closer to 10,000 years. They had a commensal, or mutually beneficial, relationship with people -- living near them, but not with them.

8. (c) Cats with extra toes are referred to as polydactyl. The word comes from the Greek polydaktylos, poly meaning "many" and daktylos meaning "toe." Perhaps the most well-known polydactyl cats are found at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida.

9. (c) Trichobezoar is the scientific term for, yes, a hairball.

10. (b) Tabbies are tops among cat lovers. The striped pattern comes in many different colors and serves as effective camouflage. When the sun shines just right on some solid-colored cats, you can see underlying tabby markings.

Q&A

Gallbladder disease seen

more often in dogs

Q: My senior cocker spaniel has been diagnosed with something called "gallbladder mucocele." Is it common for dogs to have gallbladder problems? -- via Facebook

A: It's unusual for dogs to develop painful gallstones the way people do, but we are starting to see dogs with gallbladder mucocele more frequently. It's a blockage that typically occurs in middle-aged or older dogs. The average age of a dog with a mucocele is 9 years old. Your cocker is one of the breeds that seems to be predisposed to the condition; Shetland sheepdogs are another.

We're not sure exactly what causes gallbladder mucocele. It's a disease that we only began to recognize in the past couple of decades and that used to be considered rare. Interestingly, it seems to occur in clusters in certain parts of the country. Some of us never see a case, and others might see a half-dozen or more cases a year.

One of the jobs of the gallbladder is to store bile, which has a digestive function. Mucoceles occur when the gallbladder wall starts secreting a thick mucus into the bile, forming a sludge and making it difficult for the normally liquid bile to flow out through the bile duct. The backup of bile causes the dogs to become jaundiced and develop other symptoms, including lethargy, appetite loss and abdominal pain. An ultrasound exam gives us a definitive diagnosis, because a gallbladder in this state looks a lot like a cross-section of a kiwi fruit.

If it looks as if the gallbladder is about to rupture, the veterinarian removes it surgically. For an older dog who isn't having any problems and isn't obstructed, the veterinarian may take a wait-and-see approach, managing the condition with medication and regular physical exams and ultrasound scans. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

A new Grinch? Grumpy Cat

stars in holiday TV special

-- Grumpy Cat fans, grab your popcorn and settle down in front of the TV on Nov. 29 for the Lifetime broadcast of "Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever." Time magazine says the feline Internet sensation is bringing a touch of bah-humbug to the holiday season in the story of an overlooked pet-store cat with a sour outlook on life, a 12-year-old girl named Chrystal, who is the only person who can understand and communicate with the cat, and how they save each other -- and a dog -- on Christmas Eve. Aubrey Plaza from "Parks and Recreation" voices the, er, grumpy feline.

-- Madrone Coast Farm in Felton, California, became the first farm to earn the state's wildlife-friendly certification. That's due to the presence of Luke and Leia, Maremma sheepdogs who ward off predators, such as mountain lions, who threaten the property's sheep, ducks and chickens. Maremmas are Italian livestock guardian dogs who bear a resemblance to their cousins the Great Pyrenees from France, the Kuvasz from Hungary and the Anatolian and Akbash dogs from Turkey. Maremmas weigh 65 to more than 100 pounds and are best suited to homes where they can make use of their livestock-protection abilities.

-- A visiting golden retriever saved the lives of his host family when he alerted them to a fire in the middle of the night by bumping the bed and running in circles. Teddy's owner, Barbara Van Zandt, was traveling overseas, so she had left the dog with family members in Livonia, Pennsylvania. While they lost their home, the family and their other pets are alive, thanks to Teddy's quick action. The Livonia Fire Department presented Teddy with a badge for his collar and a plaque recognizing his deed. "It was a matter of real heroism," says fire department president Lari Whiting. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Cats have some unusual characteristics. How many of them do you know? Position: Main Story

Caption 02: The Maremma is a rare breed with a mind of its own and a protective nature. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

Three useful behaviors to teach your cat

We know what you're thinking: Cats can't learn tricks.

Not so. Cats are highly intelligent and many of them are amenable to learning tricks -- or, as cats would put it, teaching you to give them treats.

But why train a cat? Doesn't that take away from their inherent "cattitude"?

We like to think of it more as enhancing their lives. Cats are smart and active, and training provides them with mental stimulation as well as a physical workout. It helps you and your cat learn to communicate more skillfully, adding a new dimension to your relationship. And it's just plain fun.

Kittens pick up tricks more quickly because their brains are more elastic, but cats of any age can learn new behaviors. All you need is a clicker, some aromatic treats your cat can gulp down quickly, good timing and a little patience. Here are three easy tricks to teach your feline Einstein.

-- Sit. This is a great trick to teach cats who have a habit of jumping on guests' laps uninvited or chasing people and attacking their legs. It's also the foundation for teaching stay, sit up and wave.

Start by holding a treat just above your cat's head. As his nose goes up to sniff it, his rear automatically goes down into a sit position. The instant he sits, click and give a treat. Click and treat any time you see your cat sitting, whether you've asked him to or not. As you do so, give a name to the action -- "Sit" -- and praise him for it -- "Good sit!"

Once he learns to sit on cue (cats don't respond to commands, you know), you can have your cat sit as an alternative to things he might do that annoy you. For instance, if your cat likes to sprawl across your desk while you're working, make it rewarding instead for him to sit at your feet or on a chair next to you.

-- Come. This may be the easiest trick to teach, believe it or not. Every time you set down your cat's food bowl, make an easily repeatable sound: ring a bell, jingle your keys or whistle a tune (don't use the clicker for this trick). Your cat will quickly associate that sound with mealtime and respond instantly to it.

Learning to come when called can save a cat's life. If you need to evacuate your home because of a fire or other emergency, it saves valuable time if your cat comes when called.

Sound advice: Always reward your cat when he comes to you, and never call him and then do something he doesn't like, such as giving him a pill or taking him to the veterinarian.

-- Touching a target. This is useful because it can help you direct your cat to certain areas.

Use a target such as a pencil with a large eraser on the end or a narrow bird perch. Put a small amount of wet food on the end of the target and show it to your cat, holding it just far enough away that he has to reach forward to get the food. As soon as he touches the target with his nose, click and give him a treat. Gradually extend the distance the cat must come before touching the target.

Once your cat will touch a target, you can use it to teach him to spin in a circle, jump through a hoop or go to a specific place.

-- Tip for success. Keep training sessions short, no more than two or three minutes at a time, since cats have short attention spans.

Q&A

Low platelet counts

are big trouble for dogs

Q: My dog's stool is black, and I noticed when I was grooming him that his body was covered in bruises (he's white, so it's easy to see his skin). My veterinarian did bloodwork right away and says it's something called thrombocytopenia. What can you tell me about this condition? -- via email

A: Thrombocytopenia is what we call it when the body has an abnormally low number of blood platelets (thrombocytes). Normal platelet counts are 180,000 to 200,000. Anytime platelet counts are less than 40,000, spontaneous bleeding can occur in the gastrointestinal tract (which is why you saw black stools and bruising on the body) or in the urinary tract, brain or lungs. It's a good thing you took your dog to the veterinarian right away because internal bleeding can cause dogs to die quickly if they don't receive a blood transfusion.

To figure out the cause of the low platelet count, veterinarians do what's called a differential diagnosis -- you probably heard this term if you were a fan of the television show "House MD." It's a process of elimination that might involve an abdominal ultrasound and chest X-rays to rule out cancer, a test for common tick-borne diseases in your area and a blood chemistry panel.

Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is the destruction of the platelets by the dog's own immune system. We don't necessarily know why this happens, but this life-threatening condition can usually be treated.

Dogs with this condition are hospitalized in the intensive care unit and receive corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs to stop the body from attacking itself, and drugs to stimulate the bone marrow to release immature platelets more quickly than normal. In a best-case scenario, dogs usually respond to treatment within three to five days. The condition can be managed, but not cured. Dogs need lifetime medication to control the disease. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

To save cats' lives,

knock on hood

-- Mr. Biscuits, a cat in East Falls, Pennsylvania, nearly died after crawling into a car engine to get warm. The driver was unaware of his presence until he arrived at his destination and discovered the cat, who was severely burned over at least a quarter of his body. Mr. Biscuits, who earned his name by kneading his paws as the veterinarian cared for him, is facing surgery and skin grafts, but he survived, unlike many cats in similar situations. To prevent such accidents, especially with winter coming on, thump your hood a few times or honk your horn before starting the car to dislodge any feline trespassers.

-- If you see a dog who resembles a retriever with a curly coat, don't assume he's a Labradoodle. He may be an unusual breed called a curly-coated retriever. The curly, as he's nicknamed, was developed in the 18th century and is one of the oldest of the retrieving breeds. Bred to hunt pheasant, quail and grouse and retrieve waterfowl, the curly is a wickedly smart independent thinker. His coat has small, tight, crisp curls. (Don't blow-dry it unless you want him to look like a Chia Pet.) The coat sheds a little year-round, with a heavier shed twice a year.

-- Researchers at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Starkville are studying the influence of blood platelets on cancer and healing. The MSU researchers are the first to characterize the full complement of proteins that make up the canine platelet proteome. By knowing what a normal, healthy platelet contains, they can compare it to platelets from patients with cancer to identify which proteins might play a role in cancer metastasis, says associate professor Kari Lunsford. Changes in platelet proteins may one day be used as a simple blood test for early detection of cancer or cancer metastasis in humans and dogs. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDIT

Caption 01: The easiest way to teach a trick is to "capture" a behavior a cat does normally by rewarding him whenever he does it. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: The curly-coated retriever is described as a busy, challenging breed, but with the right person or family, he is a smart and funny companion. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

EIGHT REASONS TO CONSIDER A SENIOR PET

By Kim Campbell Thornton

She flies down the hall to greet me, mouth open in a toothless grin. She chivvies our other dogs out of the way when treats are on offer, no matter that they are two and three times her size. She rocks nose-work class. If it weren't for the gray on her tiny pointed muzzle and the almost complete lack of teeth, you would be forgiven for thinking she's a much younger dog.

When we adopted Gemma almost two years ago, the shelter estimated that she was 12 or 13 years old. Even if they were off by a year or two, that means she's now at least 13 or 14. You couldn't tell it by me. She has a heart murmur that's being monitored by our veterinary cardiologist, but otherwise she's in good shape, based on her latest lab work. Her teeth were rotten when she was pulled from the shelter, but the rescue group that took her in paid to have them removed, all but the two lower fangs. It doesn't slow down the rate at which she scarfs her food.

What possessed us to adopt a dog who, I must admit, was less than attractive at first glance, not to mention up there in years? As far as I'm concerned, we would have been crazy not to. Gemma embodies all of the rewards of adopting a senior dog or cat. Adopting a golden oldie has more benefits than you might realize:

-- They are a known quantity. You know their personality and that they're not going to get any bigger.

-- They are restful. If you want a pet to hang out with you while you watch TV or read, a senior is the way to go.

-- They aren't necessarily inactive. Gemma is the only dog I've ever had -- including the retired racing Greyhound -- who takes me running, at least for the first five minutes of our walk.

-- They are usually housetrained. They've lived in a home and they know the drill, whether it's going outdoors to potty or using a litter box. Every once in a while you meet one who isn't, but older dogs can learn just as quickly as youngsters if you take them out consistently, keep them on a schedule, and don't give them the opportunity to make mistakes. For older cats, simply putting a litter box in an accessible place and keeping it clean usually does the trick.

-- They are wise in the ways of the world. Older animals are observant and they know how to learn, either by watching other animals in the family or from picking up on your cues. Watching them and seeing what they know and how they apply it to their new life is fascinating. (Gemma clearly came from a home where burrowing under the covers at bedtime was a regular occurrence.)

-- They come with a senior discount. Many shelters reduce or waive the adoption fees for older pets. An "older" pet may be one as young as 3 years old. Some veterinarians may offer reduced exam rates for adopted seniors.

-- They give us the opportunity to save a life. Older animals face a lot of rejection for no good reason. They often fit easily into a home because they are already experienced at living with other animals and people. And they can have more good years left than you might think.

-- They give us the gift of their love and joy. Some people say that older dogs are grateful because they know you gave them a second chance. Maybe that's true. All I know is that Gemma makes me laugh every day. That's priceless.

Q&A

Cat's tongue-lashing

causes bare spots

Q: I know cats are good at grooming themselves, but my cat is taking it to extremes. He's licking himself so hard that he has some bare patches. What could be the problem? -- via email

A: We call these cats fur mowers. The short answer is that your cat may be licking himself bald because he's itchy, in pain or upset about something. Itching and pain can occur for many different reasons in cats, so you and your veterinarian will need to do some detective work to narrow down the cause.

Start with a medical history and exam. The area or areas where your cat is licking may offer clues. For instance, if he's licking at the base of his tail, he may have infected anal glands. If he's licking at a joint, it may be a signal that he's developing arthritis.

For the medical history, your veterinarian will want to know what food and treats you give the cat, what grooming products you use, whether you give him any medications or supplements, any changes in his routine or in the products you use in the home, and so on. This information may help differentiate between an allergy and a behavior problem. He may be anxious about something going on in his environment, such as a conflict with another pet, or a change in the home, such as a new spouse or baby.

During the physical exam, your veterinarian will check the entire body for obvious causes, such as fleas or other external parasites, as well as swelling or signs of pain. It may be necessary to order lab tests to check for diseases such as hyperthyroidism, which can cause excessive licking. Skin scrapings or fungal cultures can also help to identify itchy skin problems.

Once the cause is identified, your veterinarian can prescribe an appropriate treatment. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

You don't mess

around with them

-- A man who jumped the fence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue last month and ran toward the White House made it only about 20 yards before he was taken down by Secret Service K-9s Hurricane and Jordan and their handlers. The man kicked and punched the dogs, but the two Belgian Malinois prevailed with bites to the suspect's arms, back, chest and knee. In addition to misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and unlawful entry, the man faces two felony counts of wounding a law-enforcement animal. Hurricane and Jordan sustained minor bruising and were cleared by a veterinarian to return to duty.

-- No, this cat didn't stick his claws into an electrical outlet. He's a Selkirk rex, a curly coated breed with an easygoing nature. The Selkirk, named after Montana's Selkirk Mountains, is an example of a cat breed developed when someone found and took an interest in a cat with a natural genetic mutation -- one for a curly coat. The first known cat with the mutation was born in 1987 to a feral cat in Montana. She was found to carry a "rex" gene, which causes hair follicles to become oval instead of round, producing hair that curls instead of growing straight.

-- Pet-friendly policies in the workplace improve morale and productivity, reduce stress, and even improve employee health and working relationships. Those are the findings of several studies on the subject, according to an article by Lisa Evans in Fast Company. Office dogs facilitate conversations between employees, leading to more trust between them, and give employees an incentive to get up and take a walk, which has health and creativity benefits. People who bring dogs to work also have lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Office dogs even have marketing benefits, because consumers appreciate their presence. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDIT

Caption 01: Her happy nature helped Gemma quickly charm her way into a new family. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Playful with a bit of a silly streak, the Selkirk rex is an outgoing cat who loves a lap and is smart enough to learn to open doors and drawers to get what he wants. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2