What makes your tabby tick? Three new books answer your questions about cats

We at Pet Connection have always suspected that cats are aliens who have enslaved us to do their furry bidding. They train us to feed them, scoop their litter boxes and be their sidekicks -- when they want us to be.

Cats are the most popular pets in the United States, with between 74 and 96 million of them sharing our homes. More than half a billion have colonized the world. And yet, they are still alien to many people. Fortunately, three authors have taken on the challenge of revealing the secrets of cats in all their infinite variety.

Abigail Tucker grew up with cats, but it wasn't until she became a mother herself that the science writer began to explore the lure of the cat, struck by her daughters' absorption with them. With her cat Cheetoh as muse, she explores feline natural history, behavior and relationships with humans in her book "The Lion in the Living Room."

There are lots of theories about why cats and people joined forces. Usually, it's related to cats protecting food from vermin. But when cats came indoors as companions, it was a real game-changer. Tucker's exploration of the results of that move, in the chapter "Pandora's Litter Box," is both funny and fascinating. Other chapters address wild cats, feline evolution, the war between cats and birders, feline genetics, exotic cat breeds and more.

Whereas Tucker gives an overarching view of the little hypercarnivores, cat expert Ramona Marek has written a guide to living with them successfully. Marek says the biggest mistake people make with cats is believing the myth that they are self-sufficient, aloof and solitary.

"This notion leads to cats being thought of as 'disposable' or able to survive on their own," she says. "Cats are domesticated companion animals who depend on us for food, social interaction and health care. We need to uphold our end of the domestication process."

In "Cats for the GENIUS," Marek offers readers the opportunity to "create a paw-sitive relationship with your cat from the start!" With advice on everything from A (acquisition) to V (vocalizations), she educates new owners about cat habits and needs they might never have considered. For instance, she says people are often surprised to learn that cats prefer to have food and water in different areas. They don't know that cats are true carnivores with specific nutritional requirements. "Catification hacks" help them set up their homes in ways cats will like.

"By recognizing normal feline behavior, we can accommodate the home environment to fit their needs, which helps build a stronger, positive human-animal bond, keeping more cats in homes and out of shelters," she says.

For a more specialized take on feline foibles, award-winning author Dusty Rainbolt talks to veterinarians, veterinary behaviorists and cat consultants about the No. 1 -- and No. 2 -- cat behavior problem: inappropriate elimination. In other words, not using the litter box.

In "Cat Scene Investigator: Solve Your Cat's Litter Box Mystery," Rainbolt takes readers through the detective work necessary to figure out which cat is the culprit in a multipet home, why he's breaking cat law by peeing or pooping outside the box and how to send him to rehab instead of death row. Often, he's not misbehaving at all, but reacting to a treatable medical problem or a conflict with a person or other pet. Rainbolt's tips address how to identify and resolve issues and, best of all, how to get rid of the stain and stink.

"Litter box behavior is complicated," Rainbolt says. "It's like a mile-long mathematical equation. There are a lot of potential variables. But once you figure out what the variables are, you can solve the problem."

Q&A

Don't brush off

pet dental care

Q: I have a greyhound, and I know from past experience that they get a lot of tartar buildup. What's the best way to care for her teeth? -- via Facebook

A: You're not alone. Greyhounds, cavalier King Charles spaniels and other toy breeds, and many other dogs have a strong tendency toward periodontal disease. By the time they are 2 to 3 years old, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some level of dental disease, and it only gets worse throughout life if they don't get good home care and regular professional cleanings. Nasty breath that could knock a horse over isn't normal; here are some things you can do to prevent it and keep your dog's mouth healthy.

I say this all the time: Brush your dog's teeth every day. If you're not sure how, ask your veterinarian for a demo. Using a soft-bristled brush or even just some gauze held at a 45-degree angle to the tooth, clean the teeth with a circular motion. Use flavored pet toothpaste to improve your greyhound's acceptance of the process. Avoid using toothpaste made for people; it contains ingredients that can upset your dog's stomach, since she swallows instead of spits.

If your dog is reluctant, do one tooth, praise her and give a treat. Come back later and do another one, followed by praise and a treat. A dental chew or treat serves double duty by rewarding your dog and working to remove plaque or prevent it from developing into tartar. Eventually, your dog should come to accept having all of her teeth brushed at once.

Some dogs are not good candidates for teeth brushing. If that's the case with your dog, ask your veterinarian about dental chews, sealants and other products that may help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Canine warmups

prevent injury

-- Are you warming up your dog before you take him for a walk or run, or head into the agility ring or a nose-work trial? You might be making a mistake if you're not, especially if your dog has been crated for any length of time beforehand. Before asking your dog to do something that requires enthusiasm and muscular effort, Cindy Otto, DVM, a veterinary sports medicine expert, recommends first having him do some sits and downs, active stretches and a little trotting around, followed by a good rubdown to get the blood flowing.

-- All cats are black and all cats are tabbies, says feline expert Joan Miller. What the heck does that mean? Turns out that whether you see the tabby pattern depends on whether the cat carries the agouti (ticked) gene or the non-agouti gene. A solid-colored cat with a non-agouti gene will sometimes show the tabby pattern at birth or in sunlight. If you look at a black cat in sunlight, you can often see the underlying stripes well enough to tell if he's a mackerel tabby or a classic tabby. Cats who are ticked tabbies don't show any stripes.

-- The "Birdie Bus" in Phoenix takes parrots for a ride -- to a new home. It's a mobile adoption unit that takes birds in need of a home around town so that potential adopters can meet them. "A lot of people don't realize there is such a thing as bird rescue," says Ginger Duplisse, president of Ginger's Parrot Rescue in Gilbert, Arizona. Riding in the bus is also an enriching experience for the birds, giving them a chance to socialize and to interact with humans. Besides adopters, the organization welcomes volunteers and donations. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

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.

Things to know about flying with dogs or cats in the cabin

By Kim Campbell Thornton

I ran through the Denver airport, pulling Harper's carrier behind me. Luckily for both of us, it was on wheels. A 1 1/2 hour delay at our point of departure had made for a close call in catching our connecting flight.

Flying with pets in the cabin can be fraught with challenges. Will the collar and tags set off the metal detector at security? Will the bag fit beneath the seat? Which has more under-seat space -- a window or an aisle seat? Harper and I have navigated all of these issues and more on recent flights to visit family for the holidays and compete in a nose-work trial.

At check-in, I gave my confirmation number as well as Harper's and received a receipt for her prepaid fare. Keep it handy. I had her rabies certificate as well, but no one asked to see it.

The first hurdle was getting through security. If you're traveling with a dog, cat or other pet, don't try to send him through the X-ray machine in his carrier. You must take him out and walk or carry him through the metal detector. A soft carrier that zips open at the top makes it easier to remove your pet comfortably and safely. Have a leash on him while he's in the carrier so you have full control. Run the carrier through first so it will be waiting on the other side.

Harper and I didn't set off any alarms when we walked through the metal detector, but a random swabbing of my hands for traces of explosives resulted in a full-body pat down and check of our bags. The TSA agent explained that it's not unusual for people traveling with dogs to be selected for this testing. I held Harper on her leash while they tested her bag. Then they had me put her in it while they performed a pat down on me and tested my other bags.

Once on board, Harper's carrier wheeled easily down the aisle. I ponied up for "economy plus" seating to make sure we had plenty of space for her carrier. I chose a window seat so I didn't have to worry about anyone accidentally kicking her bag or a food cart running into it, but Jill-Marie Jones, who travels frequently with her Jack Russell terrier Scribbles, prefers aisle seats for ease of access and a quick exit off the plane.

The carrier fit well beneath the seat. Once we were airborne, I partially unzipped the top so Harper could stick her head out if she chose. The flight attendant brought a cup of water for her to sip. I also had a collapsible rubber bowl attached to my purse with a clip to use for food or water.

As we ran through Denver International to our next flight, we passed one of the relief stations that many airports have installed for the needs of traveling pets. That's thanks to a U.S. Department of Transportation ruling requiring terminals serving more than 10,000 passengers daily to have a post-security pet-relief area. For our return trip, I installed the free Where To Go app on my phone to make finding one just a tap away. Some travelers with pets bring pee pads for use in bathrooms or quiet areas.

Harper has always been a good traveler, but it had been seven years since her last flight. She was a little nervous in the airport because she wasn't used to being in that type of carrier, but she settled down on the plane and slept through all the flights. You might say she completed the trip with flying colors.

Q&A

Maturity brings

pup size surprise

Q: When we got our goldendoodle puppy, Walker, the breeder said he would probably weigh about 30 pounds at adulthood. He's 100 pounds! What happened? -- via email

A: That's quite the size difference! As you've discovered, it's not always easy to predict what size a puppy will be at adulthood, although there are some factors that can help you make an educated guess.

As you may have heard, a puppy's paws can be a predictor of size. Pups who will grow to jumbo size tend to have jumbo-size paws at an early age.

Size can also depend on whether the mother was the larger or smaller of the parents. Puppies generally grow to be approximately the same size as their mother.

Another tip is to look at a pup's overall proportions. Awkward, gangly puppies with big heads and long tails probably haven't grown into their bodies yet. There's a good chance they will be large at maturity. Puppies who are going to be small in adulthood look properly formed at an early age.

When it comes to goldendoodles, one point to consider is whether the poodle partner in the mating is a miniature or a standard. It sounds as if your pup had a standard poodle parent instead of a mini. Between them, standard poodles and golden retrievers can weigh from 45 to 75 pounds (males are bigger).

Goldendoodle size can vary widely. They typically come in three size ranges: 15 to 30 pounds, 30 to 45 pounds and 45 to 100 pounds or more. One way to estimate a pup's future size is to add the weights of both parents and divide by two. But because goldendoodles are a crossbreed, traits such as size aren't always predictable. Their size at adulthood is often a guess, not a guarantee. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

New app calls vet;

sends reminders

-- With the tap of an app, Bay Area pet owners can summon a house-call veterinarian and keep tabs on their pets' veterinary history. For $45 a month, subscription-based Fuzzy provides two wellness visits annually, including services such as microchipping, heartworm testing, annual fecal exam and vaccinations, and monthly home delivery of parasite preventives. Owners can also review and share a pet's health records and will receive electronic notices that a teeth cleaning is due or reminders to give parasite preventive. The company plans to add other markets in 2017.

-- Syrian cats and dogs in war-ravaged Aleppo had a refuge, thanks to the kindness of ambulance driver Alaa Aljaleel, who cared for animals unable to go with fleeing owners. Last month, a bomb struck the sanctuary, killing at least two cats and a dog. Aljaleel's home was also hit, but he was not injured. Donations to the shelter can be made through its Facebook page, Il Gattaro d'Aleppo (Italian for "the cats of Aleppo"). So far, more than 4,000 donors have helped the shelter provide food, warmth and care for nearly 200 cats and some dogs. Donations also benefit humans and have provided three wells and two ambulances.

-- No one knows for sure which breeds were used to create the Bedlington terrier, but the breed with the lamblike appearance shares some similarities with Dandie Dinmont, Kerry blue and soft-coated wheaten terriers. The first dog to carry the name Bedlington terrier was Ainsley's Piper, born in 1825, known for his hunting prowess well into old age.

Quick in mind and body, the Bedlington has a moderate energy level, a happy-go-lucky personality and the independent streak typical of terriers. He needs a trim every four to six weeks, plus maintenance grooming twice a week. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker.

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.

A portrait of a beloved pet can bring you happiness every day

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Have you ever admired the portraits of dogs and cats that you see in museums? Immortalizing a pet on canvas isn't just a thing of the past or something for the wealthy. You can commission one yourself to commemorate a special event, such as a dog earning a championship or a sport title, or simply to capture the likeness of a cherished companion. A pet portrait can also be a special gift to a family member or friend.

"I have many pictures of my animals," says Jenn Prendergast of Tracy, California. "Several friends over the years have given them. I feel honored that they made them, and it honors the memory of my beloved pets."

Finding a pet portrait artist is as easy as asking around at local pet boutiques, getting referrals from friends or looking up artists on the AKC's Museum of the Dog registry. Before you choose someone, look at many different styles of dog portraits. Decide if you like a whimsical look or something more formal.

Consider the pros and cons of different media as well. Acrylics and oils look different than watercolors. Pencil art looks different from paintings. Oils and acrylics on canvas or board don't need to be under glass, but pastels, watercolor and pencil art can be damaged by water, so they need protection.

Interview the artists before you hire one. Questions to ask include the size and price, whether it will be matted and framed or unframed, how long it will take, whether you can see a sketch beforehand, what medium the artist will use (some work in more than one), and if the artist guarantees satisfaction.

"I always say I will do it over if they don't like it," says Terry Albert of Poway, California, an award-winning artist whose work has been exhibited at the Museum of the Dog. "Once I had to make a tabby cat browner instead of gray, and once a black Lab just didn't come out the way they envisioned it. The second version in both cases was a hit."

Costs can range from as little as $50 to five figures. Price depends on the medium (oil, pastel, watercolor, charcoal or pencil), the demand and the artist's reputation.

Oils are usually most expensive, often starting at $1,000 and rising from there. Price can also vary by such factors as the number of animals in the painting, the size of the canvas and the complexity of the background. Expect to pay a deposit, with the balance due upon completion.

Cavalier owner Cathy Remoll Torres has an oil painting by artist Dominique Oboyski of her beloved dog Jake, who died three months ago.

"Dominique asked permission to paint him years ago when she was working on painting cavaliers," Torres says. "Years later, she was clearing inventory and offered to sell it to me at a cost I could afford -- it was too expensive for me when she originally painted it. I jumped on the chance, and the painting now hangs in my bedroom."

If you find an artist who works in your area, he or she may meet your dog in person to get an idea of his looks and personality. Otherwise, plan on providing several photographs in different poses. A written description of your dog can help as well. Is he serious or funny? Does he have any quirks? How does he look at you when he wants something? All of these details can help the artist produce the perfect painting.

A portrait of a pet is an everlasting tribute to a friend. When an artist captures an animal's essence, the pleasure a painting brings is immeasurable.

"I have always thought my dogs and cats were true, moving works of art," says Janet Velenovsky. "Having a talented person make that a reality is the logical next step."

Q&A

Teach pup

not to jump

Q: My 5-month-old puppy loves to jump up on me when I come in the door. It's not too bad now, but he's going to be pretty big when he grows up. How can I break him of this habit? -- via Facebook

A: It's really cute and endearing when puppies jump up on us, but you're right: All too soon, they get big enough that the habit of jumping up on people becomes not just annoying, but sometimes downright dangerous. If you're small or you have a toddler or a senior in your household, your dog could knock them down and hurt them.

There are a couple of ways you can deal with this behavior. One is to teach your dog to always sit when he greets people. The other is to teach him to jump up only with permission.

To accomplish the first, stay calm when you enter the house. Greeting your dog should be a routine event, not a matter for excitement. Come inside and put away your keys and coat. Wait until you are away from the front door before acknowledging your dog. If he tries to jump up, turn away, but never yell at him or try to knee him in the chest. Then ask him to sit, and reward him with praise and a treat when he complies. Your dog can learn very quickly that sitting gets him more and better attention than jumping on you.

To teach your dog to jump up only when you ask, dress for the part in clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Pat your chest and say "Up!" When you want four paws on the floor, say "Off" (not "Down"). If he tries to jump on you without an invitation, turn away and say "Off." Make sure friends and family follow the same routine so he doesn't get confused. -- Mikkel Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Packing for pets?

Here's your list

-- Going on the road with Max or Molly this holiday season? Pack their bags with the following items to make travel a breeze. A collapsible or folding water bowl is lightweight and takes up little space. Look for a soft-sided carrier that expands on both sides so your pet can stretch out at your destination. A quick-dry microfiber towel will help you clean up any accidents or spills in your car, hotel or guest room. Don't forget a bottle of enzymatic stain and odor remover. Of course, plenty of poop pickup bags are a must. Finally, include a current rabies certificate and other vaccination or titer records.

-- Something new you can share with your pet: rising health care costs. Spending on pet health care rose about 60 percent between 1996 and 2012, compared to about 50 percent for humans, according to annual data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey. During the same period, the number of veterinarians nearly doubled, and the number of physicians grew by 40 percent -- "significantly faster" than in other sectors. Finally, high end-of-life spending is common: For humans it was more than double than during a "regular" month; for dogs, it was nearly 3 1/2 times higher.

-- How cats manage to land on their feet after falling is a question that has fascinated physicists for more than a century. The mystery went unsolved until 1969, when the International Journal of Solids and Structures published a paper titled "A Dynamical Explanation of the Falling Cat Phenomenon," which addressed the surprisingly complicated problem of forces and motion. Even today, scientists still debate the mechanics of the cat flip, or cat-righting reflex, as it's known. It may just be, says University of North Carolina at Charlotte physics professor Greg Gbur, that cats do whatever works in the moment. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

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.