Tips on acclimating a cat to a new litter box

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

My mother fell recently and broke her shoulder. Naturally, it was her right arm that took the blow, so she’s having to do many things not only one-handed while she recuperates, but also with her non-dominant hand.

One of those things is scooping the litter box. A neighbor took care of Mom’s cat, Tracy, while she was hospitalized and undergoing physical therapy, but Mom came home last week and needed to start doing things for herself. My husband and I arrived to help the following day, and the first thing I suggested was that we purchase an automated litter box to eliminate or at least reduce the difficulty of that chore.

We chose one that was uncovered, since Tracy was already used to that type of box. It senses when the box has been used and has a rake that slowly moves across the litter to sweep waste into a receptacle. The tray with the receptacle is replaced every 20 to 30 days. For cats who prefer a modicum of privacy, a covered version is available. Top-entry automated boxes are available as well. They can be good choices for cats who tend to scatter litter.

To accustom Tracy to her new box, we placed it next to her original one -- which my husband had emptied and replaced with a new liner and litter -- and filled it with the non-clumping blue crystals that serve as litter. Tracy christened it immediately, but she’s still using her old box as well.

We are “seeding” the new box with small amounts of poop from the old one. The goal is for the odor to attract Tracy to the new box so she will begin using it. Cats are extremely scent-oriented -- as much as or even more so than dogs -- so this should help her adjust to the new toilet area. Other cat lovers suggest mixing a small amount of the former type of litter with the new litter until Tracy adjusts to the change.

Equally important, we don’t want to stress her by taking away the old box entirely. In fact, the rule of paw for litter boxes is that there should be one per cat, plus one more. That means Tracy now has the perfect number of litter boxes. She’s an “only cat,” so she doesn’t have to share either box with other felines. If there were additional cats in the home, I would place each box in a separate area to ensure that one cat didn’t try to ambush another.

Both boxes are located in an area away from human traffic and far from food and water. Nearby, Tracy also has a tall chair in front of a window so she can keep an eye on what’s going on outdoors. All of those things are important to cats when they are choosing a place to pee and poop.

One advantage of a self-cleaning litter box is that the cat learns that a clean box will always be available. Cats are fussy about bathroom cleanliness -- aren’t we all? -- and they like knowing exactly when the litter box will be clean. If your cat supervises while you scoop and then immediately uses the box, now you know why.

So far, Tracy seems satisfied with her new setup, even if she isn’t using the new box exclusively. And with helpers around the house, Mom hasn’t had to do any scooping yet, so that’s a plus for her. Even if she does have to scoop the box on her own after her kids leave, we’re hoping that time and effort spent on the chore will be halved. Bonus: Tracy loves hiding out in the empty box that held her new toilet.

Q&A

When should pups

go to new homes?

Q: How old should puppies be when they go to their new homes? The breeder we’re talking to is offering to let us take our new puppy when she’s 6 weeks old. Will that ensure a better bonding experience?

A: Run fast and far away from that breeder! While the age at which it’s best for pups to go to their new homes varies by breed or type of dog, no puppy should leave mom and littermates before 8 weeks of age.

It might seem as if getting a very young puppy would improve your ability to bond with her, but research shows that young pups still have a lot to learn about proper dog behavior from interactions with their mother and littermates. They learn about behavioral expectations from an older dog -- mom -- and appropriate social skills -- don’t bite too hard! -- from littermates. They also learn other perceptual and motor skills.

Puppies taken home at 8 weeks or older have fewer behavior problems later in life, according to a study by Italian researchers published in the journal Veterinary Record. They looked at dogs who went to new homes between 5 and 6 weeks of age and between 8 and 9 weeks of age. Puppies who were older at the time they left the litter were less likely to be destructive, bark excessively, show fearfulness on walks, react fearfully to sounds, or be possessive of food, toys or other objects.

Responsible breeders send puppies to new homes when they are 8 to 12 weeks old. Puppies in that age range are more mature and more likely to sleep through the night. That makes them easier to housetrain.

Breeders of toy dogs, especially, prefer to keep pups until they are 12 to 16 weeks old to ensure that they are sturdy and confident enough for their new home. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Oklahoma program

helps horses in need

-- A horse rescue program in Edmond, Oklahoma, helps people place horses they can no longer care for. A partnership between Nexus Equine and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has so far taken in more than 50 horses and donkeys whose people no longer have the resources to keep them. The pilot program gives owners peace of mind, and helps ensure that the animals find new homes if their health permits. The goal is to develop a national plan based on information gathered from this and similar programs elsewhere.

-- It’s been known for years that greyhounds have difficulty breaking down certain drugs, which means they must be anesthetized with care. Scientists at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine who discovered the genetic mutation in greyhounds have now learned that the rare anomaly occurs in other breeds as well, including borzoi, Italian greyhounds, whippets, Scottish deerhounds, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and even some mixed breeds. The findings were published earlier this month in Scientific Reports. The researchers are now working to create a simple cheek-swab test to detect the mutation and determine an individual dog’s sensitivity to certain anesthetic drugs before surgery. Owners of golden retrievers and greyhounds who are interested in having their dogs participate in a one-day study can email courtlab@vetmed.wsu.edu for more information.

-- Cat Eva went missing after Hurricane Irma hit Florida in 2017, and her family never knew what happened to her. But thanks to a microchip and efforts of the Hillsborough County (Florida) sheriff’s department, the lost cat was reunited with her family last month. Appropriately enough, Eva sought shelter at the sheriff’s office district headquarters on Christmas Eve. Deputies took her to a veterinarian, who scanned her for a microchip, enabling sheriff’s deputy Katelyn Kotfila to contact the owners and arrange the reunion. -- 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, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets 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.

Log your dog’s activities and photos, find first aid tips and pet-friendly hotels, save money and more with these 8 petcentric apps

Andrews McMeel Syndication

We don’t know about you, but one of our perpetual New Year’s resolutions is to become better organized. Another is to keep better track of our pets’ care. Both -- and more -- can be accomplished through apps aimed at dog and cat lovers. Here are eight to help you maintain pet records, know what to do during emergencies, plan pet-friendly trips and even have a little fun.

Remembering when to give medications is one of the most important chores a pet parent can have. An app called 11pets allows you to set up schedules for giving parasite preventives and other medications. Other features include the ability to track pet care tasks such as nail trims, baths, brushing teeth, and checking and cleaning ears; log weight; and record incidents that may be important to discuss at veterinary visits.

Another app, Dog Buddy, lets owners record milestones; organize photos; list medications, dosages and frequency; have veterinary contact information immediately available; monitor mealtimes; and more. Other uses include reminders for upcoming veterinary visits or training sessions and canine first aid tips.

Pet First Aid from the American Red Cross describes what’s normal for dogs and cats, the ABCs of first aid (airway, breathing, circulation), and what to do for everything from allergic reactions to wounds. The app covers how to prepare for emergencies, what to know about traveling with pets, fire safety, toxic substances and even how to know when it’s time to say goodbye. “The app is easy to navigate and contains veterinarian-approved tips and info to render aid to injured cats and dogs,” says Arden Moore, master certified pet first aid/CPR instructor and founder of Pet First Aid 4U. “The download is easy on any device, and there are updates when new info arises. I highly recommend this app to all my Pet First Aid 4U and my Pro Pet Hero students.”

A more specialized app, Cardalis, monitors respiratory rates for dogs with heart disease. An increased rate can signal onset of congestive heart failure. Tap the heart symbol to start it and tap again with each breath until the timer stops and gives a count.

Saving money on prescriptions is good for pet health and wallet health. You might be familiar with GoodRx discount coupons for your own medications, but did you know they’re also available for pet medications? Medications you may be able to find at a lower price include Rimadyl, diltiazem, Onsior, gabapentin, insulin, Clomicalm, Reconcile and parasite preventives.

Road dogs need BringFido. More than a directory of pet-friendly lodgings, it also points traveling dog lovers to restaurants, attractions and events that welcome dogs. “If there is a problem with your reservation through their app, they will put a person on the problem to fix it,” says Rebecca Barocas, who travels with her dog Anja to nose work trials.

Flying with your dog? Don’t go without Where To Go, which marks dog potty areas in U.S. airports. Airports that service more than 10,000 passengers each year must provide pet relief areas in every terminal. Since many dogs who fly are assistance or service dogs, the app also features “Working Like Dogs,” a podcast by Marcie Davis and her service dog Whistle. Topics such as dental care are of interest to all dog owners.

Not every dog or human likes dog parks or has access to good places to exercise. Whether you’re in your hometown or traveling with your dog, Sniffspot can help you find a place for your dog to play, hike or train for an hourly rental. They range from yards in private homes to indoor temperature-controlled training facilities to fenced acreages, some with lakes and trails. Only one booking is allowed at a time at each location -- unless you’re hosting a playdate with known dogs -- so it’s perfect for dogs who prefer to play on their own.

Q&A

Calico cat no-go

for breeding

Q: I’ve just adopted a rare male calico cat, and I’m thinking of breeding him. Is that a good idea?

A: I hate to burst your bubble, but although male calicos are rare, trying to breed one will be a bust.

Approximately 1 out of every 3,000 calico cats is male, according to a study at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine, but they are generally sterile. According to feline genetics expert Leslie A. Lyons, Ph.D., that’s because calico or tortoiseshell males may have abnormalities in the X and Y (sex) chromosomes that lead to fertility problems.

Calico is a color pattern, not a breed. The orange, black and white coloration is governed by genetics. Any cat, male or female, can be orange, but in males the color is nearly always expressed in the tabby, or striped, pattern.

The gene that determines how the color orange displays in cats is found on the X chromosome. Female cats have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y chromosome. For a cat to be a calico, the animal must have two X chromosomes, which means a calico kitty is going to be female the vast majority of the time.

When the calico pattern exists in a male, it’s because the cat has the unusual circumstance of three sex chromosomes: two X, one Y (male). If both X chromosomes carry the calico blueprint, you’re looking at one rare cat: a male calico. These unusual XXY animals, typically the result of faulty cell division, are called Klinefelter males, after the doctor who first described the condition.

If you have a male calico and think you can make money breeding him, you’re probably going to be disappointed because of his likely sterility. Enjoy him for the rarity that he is. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Who is that

bearded dog?

-- The next time you see an unusual curly-coated dog walking down the street, don’t assume he’s a doodle blend. He could be a barbet (bar-bay), the newest member of the American Kennel Club’s Sporting Group. The name comes from the French word “barbe,” meaning beard, and the French breed -- a water dog whose job is to retrieve waterfowl -- is thought to be the ancestor of such breeds as poodles, bichons frise, Briards and others. With only an estimated 2,000 currently in North America, the barbet isn’t your typical dog next door, but he’s described as a happy, active, family-oriented dog.

-- A Bernese mountain dog named Truman who received an experimental vaccine for osteosarcoma in addition to amputation of the diseased limb remains cancer-free two years after diagnosis. He’s one of the dogs participating in a number of NIH-funded comparative oncology clinical trials. In a report from the National Cancer Institute, Amy LeBlanc, DVM, director of the Comparative Oncology Program in NCI’s Center for Cancer Research, says, “Pet dogs benefit from what we do because we learn about their cancer and that can ultimately help identify better treatments for them. We see the work that we do as an opportunity to help both dogs and people.” For more information on current veterinary oncology research trials, go to vetcancersociety.org/pet-owners/clinical-trials.

-- Is it difficult to get your pet to the vet? Fuzzy aims to change that. Currently available in San Francisco and New York City, the pet health startup has veterinarians and veterinary technicians available for house calls, as well as unlimited consultations by text or phone. The membership-based service can also mail medications, perform lab services in your home and provide easy access to pet health records. You don’t have to give up your own veterinarian, but Fuzzy practitioners can serve as backup when you have questions or concerns outside office hours. -- 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, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets 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.

Leashes aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s how to choose the right one

By Mikkel Becker

Andrews McMeel Syndication

It seems like the simplest of purchases: a line to keep your dog at your side and under your control. But what you need in a leash is individual to your dog and the activities you do together. Here’s what to consider, whether you’re buying your new dog a leash for the first time or replacing an older leash.

Everyone needs a fixed-length leash. Typically made of leather or nylon, they are usually 6 to 8 feet long, although some are as short as 4 feet. With this type of leash, you know exactly how far your dog can move away from you, and it’s easy to keep him close as you’re crossing a street or if you see another dog or person approaching.

If you have a strong dog who likes to pull or chew, you may be considering a chain leash. These heavier leashes may help to reduce tugging, and they’re not as pleasant for dogs to chew on as leather and nylon. They do have drawbacks, though. A chain leash can pinch hands and skin if you grab it the wrong way. It’s also heavy and loud if dropped, so it may startle your dog.

You may have seen some fixed-length leashes with a second handle set closer to the dog’s neck. Known as traffic leashes, they’re not for everyday use or regular walks, but they come into play in crowded areas or places with lots of distractions. Use them only in these situations, for short periods. The short length of the leash can cause you to pull on your dog’s neck, restricting his airway. It also doesn’t allow your dog the opportunity to sniff and explore, which is an important part of walks for dogs.

Double dog leashes -- two leashes with a shared handle -- or attachments known as couplers can come in handy if you’re walking two dogs at once. They only work well, though, if your dogs have similar walking styles and don’t pull excessively. But if your dogs both have nice walking manners and go at the same pace, these types of leashes can be a great choice. Look for one with a swivel attachment to help prevent the leashes from tangling.

Some people like waist-clip leashes because they leave the hands free to hold a phone or use a clicker and treats more easily. Others like them for running with their dogs. They are best used with dogs who don’t tend to get underfoot, zigzag in front of you or take off at the sight of a squirrel or bunny, causing you to trip and fall. If you want a waist-clip leash, choose one with a quick-release mechanism in case of accident.

Another option is a multifunction leash. One version adjusts to six different lengths and configurations, including a waist attachment or walking two dogs at once.

A long line, which usually ranges from 10 to 30 feet, is a good secondary leash if you are teaching a puppy to come when called, want to give your dog some room to roam while still keeping him in check, or if you participate in dog sports such as nose work or tracking, where a long line can be useful.

A long line is a better choice than an extendable lead. Lots of people like the ease of a flexible leash on a reel, but these leashes are the bane of trainers, veterinarians and the people who are rushed by dogs on them when owners aren’t paying attention. They can cause friction burns and other injuries when used improperly, so I don’t recommend them.

Q&A

Pain cream

toxic to pets

Q: I saw a meme on Facebook saying that Voltaren pain cream is toxic to dogs and cats. Is that true?

A: Yes. Diclofenac, the active ingredient in Voltaren, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat osteoarthritis pain. The topical 3% gel is also used to treat a skin problem called actinic keratosis.

Voltaren comes in a gel/jelly, cream, spray and extended-release patch. If you pet your animal after applying Voltaren without washing your hands with soap and water, or if pets lick your skin where the medication has been applied or chew on the patch, they can develop gastrointestinal ulcers and kidney damage.

Similar products that can cause problems include hormone patches or topical hormone sprays, creams and gels. Pets who ingest these products can experience hair loss, mammary or nipple enlargement, a shrunken penis in males, and bloody discharge or a swollen vulva in females.

A psoriasis cream called Dovonex, which contains a synthetic form of vitamin D (itself a hormone), can cause unusual thirst, appetite loss, and severe vomiting or diarrhea.

To protect pets, wear disposable gloves when applying gels or creams, and toss gloves in an inaccessible garbage can when you're through. The same goes for disposing of hormone patches. Apply creams or gels to areas your pet is unable or unlikely to lick, such as the inside of the thighs. If you're using a spray, wear clothing that covers the treated area. Even if you wear gloves to apply the product, wash your hands with soap thoroughly -- for as long as it takes you to sing "Happy Birthday" twice through -- before touching pets, children or food, including pet food.

Before you apply any product, prescription or otherwise, read the label or package insert to make sure it's not toxic to pets or children if ingested. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Brain scan:

where dogs count

-- A study published last month in the journal Biology Letters found that dogs use a distinct part of their brains -- corresponding closely to number-responsive neural regions in humans -- to spontaneously process basic numerical quantities. Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan dogs’ brains as they viewed varying numbers of dots flashed on a screen. The results showed that the dogs’ parietotemporal cortex responded to differences in the number of the dots. “Our work not only shows that dogs use a similar part of their brain to process numbers of objects as humans do -- it shows that they don’t need to be trained to do it,” says Gregory Berns, Emory professor of psychology and senior author of the study.

-- If you’ve ever sniffed your dog’s paws -- admit it, you know you have -- you probably observed that they smell like corn chips. There’s a reason for that. According to researchers at the Dog Aging Project, the combination of microorganisms that paws accumulate when dogs walk on the ground, combined with sweat from the paw pads, creates the Frito-like aroma.

-- Normally, cats groom themselves using their spiked tongue to moisten fur and then lick it dry, removing dirt and dead hair in the process. Giving a cat a bath may seem contrary to all the rules of successfully living with one, but occasionally it’s necessary. Cats may be bathed before shows or therapy visits to nursing homes, hospitals or other facilities. Bathing removes dander, which contributes to allergies in people. It’s also necessary if a cat has gotten into something sticky or smelly, or if a cat with oily skin attracts dust and dirt. It’s not unheard of for owners to bathe cats monthly or even weekly if they’re sensitive to dander or have cats who leave oily spots on furniture or clothing. -- 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, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets 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.