Around the world, cats are welcome members of monastic communities

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

When I walked onto the grounds of Gachen Lama Khiid at Erdenetsogt in Mongolia's Khangai Mountains, nearly the first thing I saw was a cat sunning himself outside the temple. Cats are not especially popular as companion animals in Mongolia, but when I thought about it, the cat's presence made sense. I confirmed my suspicion later as I drank salty milk tea with the monastery's head lama.

"Is it common for monasteries to have a cat?" I asked.

Our guide, Batana Batu, translated his response. Yes, he said. The cat is there to protect food stores from mice.

Cats have served as pest control at temples and monasteries throughout the world for centuries. Egyptian temple cats were trained to hunt snakes and rodents, reported fifth-century Greek historian Herodotus.

In Cyprus, at the Monastery of St. Nicholas of the Cats, snakes overran the island after a drought. The monastery's patron, the future St. Helena, had 1,000 cats brought in from Egypt and Palestine to kill the snakes.

An unknown ninth-century Irish monk wrote a poem about his cat, Pangur Ban, that we still read and appreciate today:

"I and Pangur Ban my cat,

'Tis a like task we are at:

Hunting mice is his delight,

Hunting words I sit all night."

Medieval monks prized cats not only because they warred against mice to protect food stores, but also because they prevented mice from nibbling on the manuscripts the monks labored to create. The occasional inky paw print on a page was less destructive.

Nuns in convents were forbidden to have pets such as dogs and monkeys -- a rule they frequently broke -- but there was one exception. The 13th-century "Ancrene Wisse," rules for nuns, notes in the section titled "On Domestic Matters": "You shall not possess any beast, my dear sisters, except only a cat."

Between 1306 and 1467, Exeter Cathedral had a succession of official cats. A penny per week was budgeted to supplement the diet of the cat, who was otherwise expected to chow down on mice and other pests. The north transept wall still has a hole (an early cat door?) through which the cat could enter and exit.

Several cat breeds are reputed to have originated as monastery or temple cats. The legend behind the Burmese is that Buddhist monks regarded the shorthaired brown cats as embodiments of gods.

The Birman, once known as the Sacred Cat of Burma (now called Myanmar), is said to descend from cats that were companions to temple priests in the northern part of the country.

The story goes that a priest named Mun Ha, accompanied by his beloved white cat, was praying in the temple beneath the golden statue of the goddess Tsim Kyan Tse, whose eyes were represented by brilliant sapphires. Marauders in search of treasure broke in and attacked the priest. As he lay dying, the cat rested his paws on Mun Ha's head and faced the statue. Suddenly, his white fur became tipped with gold, his legs darkened and his eyes changed from yellow to deep sapphire blue, but his paws remained pure white. The next morning, the remaining monks awoke to find that all the cats had undergone the same transformation.

In France, the Chartreux was once known as the monastery cat associated with Carthusian monks at the Grande Chartreuse monastery near Grenoble. The blue cats were believed to have originally come from Syria, brought to France in trade or by returning Crusaders in the Middle Ages.

The cat's mousing prowess is surely what gained him entrance to contemplative life, but undoubtedly his tranquil nature and love of solitude earned him a permanent home.

Q&A

Stop barking

with new habits

Q: One of our dogs always barks and growls when he sees other dogs. My husband yells at him to try to get him to stop. I know that's not the best response, but what should we do instead? We try to drag him away, but that's not always possible.

A: It can be embarrassing when a dog starts to bark at other dogs, especially if they haven't done anything to provoke him. Your husband's reaction is normal, but as you say, it's not very effective. Neither is dragging the dog away (or picking him up if he's a small dog).

In fact, both of those responses can increase the likelihood that your dog will bark at other dogs, especially if he's barking out of fear. Punishment can escalate his anxiety and teach him to associate other dogs with negative consequences. Dragging him away can make him think that his barking is working because it removes him from the presence of the other dog, causing him to bark even more the next time he sees a strange dog.

Instead, work with a trainer or behaviorist to teach your dog an alternative response, such as sitting and looking at you when he sees another dog. You can also pair the sight of another dog with rewards, such as treats or play with a favorite toy. Both of these techniques can help your dog develop a positive reaction toward other dogs and relax in their presence.

It's also important for you and your husband to remain calm when this behavior occurs. The anxiety that you undoubtedly feel when you see another dog approaching travels right down the leash to your dog and can contribute to the likelihood that he'll start barking.

You can learn more about managing reactive dogs at fearfreehappyhomes.com.-- Mikkel Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Cats are smart

about their food

-- Cats are not simply obligate carnivores -- meaning that they must have meat in their diet -- but hypercarnivores, requiring a 1:1 ratio of energy from protein to energy from fat. When given a choice, cats choose foods with an appropriate balance, even if that food choice doesn't smell or taste as good as others. They need meat protein because they're unable to process plant proteins for energy. A 2016 study found that cats instinctively avoid new foods to lessen their risk of stomach upset. So your finicky cat? He's just looking to eat right.

-- Don't forget to include your dog, cat, bird or other pet in your estate plan. A pet trust -- legal in all 50 states -- allows you to set aside funds for an animal's care, administered by a trustee. Pet trusts can take effect during an owner's lifetime -- if he or she becomes incapacitated or moves into a nursing home, for instance -- or on death. The trustee disburses payments to a designated caregiver on a regular basis. In most cases, a pet trust ends when the pet dies or after 21 years, but pet trusts can be set up for longer periods for animals with long life expectancies, such as parrots or tortoises.

-- Does your dog wolf his food? Eating too quickly is a common canine problem, especially among Labrador retrievers, beagles, basset hounds, cocker spaniels, corgis, dachshunds and pugs. It can lead to gassiness and may even contribute to the development of gastric torsion, or bloat. To encourage your dog to eat at a more moderate pace, place some clean, smooth stones -- too large for him to swallow -- in his food dish so he has to eat around them. You can also purchase food bowls with built-in obstacles that will force him to eat more slowly. -- 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.

Rare breeds are attention-getters. Here’s the bite-size version about some you may have seen on the street

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

You’re walking down the street and you see a dog like none you’ve ever seen before. What is that breed? Many of us have had that experience at one time or another.

More people are taking an interest in rare or unusual dog breeds, importing them after seeing one in a photo or movie, bringing them home from a trip or seeking out the few breeders available in North America. Some owners share what they’re like to live with.

-- Alaskan klee kai

If you see what looks like a miniature husky, you might have encountered a klee kai. This relatively new breed was developed in the 1970s and 1980s by a breeder in Alaska, using Siberian huskies, Alaskan huskies, schipperkes and American Eskimo dogs. Klee kai are sweet and active but cautious in new situations or toward new people, says petsitter Terry Albert, who has one as a client. Their double coat needs to be brushed weekly, and yes, they shed. Klee kai come in three sizes based on height: standard, miniature and toy.

-- Cirneco

The Cirneco dell’Etna, a small Italian sighthound from Sicily, is naturally athletic -- we know one who’s a dock diving star -- and friendly to boot. The Cirneco (cheer-NAY-ko) has a short, easy-care coat that needs only a weekly brushing. Cirnechi (the plural of the breed’s name) think training is fun as long as you keep sessions short and provide treats, praise and play. When not chasing rabbits or other furry animals, they love curling up on soft furniture or bedding.

-- Kooiker

Beyond the obvious attraction of the kooikerhondje’s pretty silken white-and-red coat accented by black earring tassels and a plumy white tail is the appeal of her lively and affectionate character, says breed expert Betty Dalke Wathne. Sensitive and intelligent, they are highly trainable. Devoted to family, kooikers can be a little fierce when alerting to strangers and impulsive when their prey drive is engaged. The best family for a kooikerhondje will have some dog experience and be willing to put time into training.

-- Mudi

This medium-size Hungarian sheepdog is smart and active, a good watchdog and a talented athlete. Mudis have a medium-length double coat, wavy or curly, that’s easy to groom. Being a herding breed, mudis can be barkers. Breed enthusiast Pamela Sturtz says, “I love their smaller size and the merle coloring. If they didn’t have such a piercing bark, they would be perfect.”

-- Polish lowland sheepdog

This delightfully shaggy herding breed, called Polski owczarek nizinny in his homeland (PON for short), is loyal, smart and easy to train, but he’ll take over if you give him half a chance. They can also be a bit stubborn and determined, says expert Carol Oliver. The long double coat requires regular brushing.

-- Portuguese podengo

Hailing from Portugal, this sighthound comes in two coat types and three sizes: pequeno (the one you’re most likely to see), medio and grande. Both smooth and wire-coated dogs are easy to groom. Karen Sage, who has wire and smooth pequenos, says they are loyal, biddable, happy and comical, with a moderate energy level. “Mine make me laugh constantly,” she says.

-- Silken windhound

Gentle, friendly and affectionate, silkens are quintessential sighthounds who love to run a bit (only in safely fenced areas) and nap a lot -- always sharing your sofa or bed with you. Owner Carla Wilson-Leff describes them as “cats wearing dog suits,” and owner Linda Strauss says, “They are very smart and use their eyes to communicate in complex and subtle ways.” Beware: Some are high jumpers.

-- Stabyhoun

These striking dogs with the black head, black and white coat and plumy tail are considered national treasures in their homeland, the Netherlands. They have strong retrieving, pointing and tracking skills, making them great at dog sports. Ari Goerlich’s stabyhoun, Rimke, has earned an astonishing 105 titles to date in eight dog sports, including dock diving, rally and nosework.

Q&A

Pilling a cat

can be doable

Q: Argh! I have to give my cat a pill every day. Do you have any tips on how to get it down her?

A: Every cat owner dreads this day, but it doesn’t have be a struggle for you or for your cat. Here are some tips to help you be successful.

If you’re dealing with a pill, the first thing you might try is the “sneak” technique: putting the pill inside a tasty morsel of meat, cat food or cream cheese -- whatever your cat loves. It should be something she doesn’t get every day. Offer one bite of the treat plain -- no pill -- then one with the pill, followed by another plain piece to sweeten the deal. When the sneak method works, it’s easiest on both of you.

Ask your veterinarian about having medication compounded into a flavored liquid or chew; think tuna or chicken. Another option is transdermal delivery through a patch on the skin.

When your cat turns up her nose at treats or scratches off patches, though, you have to go with a hands-on approach. Snuggle your cat into your left arm (reverse this if you’re a lefty), place your hand over the top of the muzzle in a C shape and squeeze gently so the mouth opens. Gently pull down on the lower jaw for a wider opening. Place the pill in the mouth as far back as you can, then gently close the mouth and stroke your cat’s throat to encourage swallowing. Follow the pill with a treat or a sip of water to make sure the pill doesn’t get stuck in the esophagus. You’re done!

Practice the mouth-opening motion, followed with a tiny treat, before you ever have to give a cat a pill so she learns to enjoy the handling. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Cat population

takes downturn

-- There aren’t as many pet cats in the United States as there used to be. Feline population numbers have been revised downward by the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine from 74 million in 2014 to 58.4 million in 2018, a decrease of 21%. Why is the CVM counting cats? The estimates, based on information provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Department of Agriculture, help the CVM determine “minor-use” drug needs for major animal species, including cats, dogs, horses and chickens. Minor-use drugs are used to treat diseases or conditions that aren’t common or occur only in certain locales.

-- It’s toad season in south Florida. The invasive amphibians (Rhinella marina), which go by the names cane, bufo, marine or giant toads, secrete a skin toxin that’s lethal to dogs who have the misfortune to lick or bite them. Get your dog to the veterinarian quick if you see excessive drooling, red gums, vomiting, disorientation, incoordination or seizures. They can die within minutes if left untreated. Keep pets away from standing water, ditches, streams and canals, where the toads are most likely to be found. This type of toad is also seen in the lower Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas.

-- You’ve heard that foraging -- by way of puzzle toys -- is important for the mental well-being of dogs and cats, but did you know that birds need foraging experiences, too? It’s a way to help animals perform natural behaviors -- in this case, seeking food -- that aren’t really possible for them in our homes. You can find puzzle toys for parrots and other pet birds for sale at bird stores or online. You can also make them yourself by hiding your bird’s favorite treats in half-covered bowls or wrapping food in pieces of paper and placing them in the cage or play gym for your bird to tear up and enjoy. -- 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.

Leash laws exist for a number of reasons. Here’s what you need to know

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Have you ever been asked to leash your joyfully romping dog while on a trail or in a park?

What was your response? Embarrassment at being called out for your scofflaw behavior, followed by annoyance or anger? Why shouldn’t your nice dog be allowed to play off his leash? Maybe it’s during a time of day when the area is mostly deserted. He’s not hurting anything, and he wouldn’t attack anyone; he’s a good dog. He might even be one of those rare dogs who come instantly to a recall cue, even if they’re having fun chasing a squirrel.

Maybe you say, “Don’t worry; he’s friendly,” or “My voice is the leash,” or “He doesn’t bite.”

Please don’t go there. Your dog’s personality or behavior isn’t at issue.

Leash laws exist to protect others: other people who might feel threatened by your dog; other people with dogs on a leash who might feel threatened by your dog; other people with children who might be frightened by dogs; other people with poultry or livestock that could be harassed or killed by your dog; other animals and birds -- in protected areas or not -- who might be threatened or killed by your dog.

Loose dogs scare people who don’t like being jumped on or who have allergies. They can knock over toddlers or seniors in a second before you can call them off or leash them.

People who don’t like or are afraid of dogs have just as much right to enjoy parks and trails as people who love dogs. And they have the right to enjoy them without fear of being assaulted by loose dogs, friendly or not.

Dogs walking on-leash with their people also have the right to enjoy streets, trails and parks unmolested by off-leash dogs.

Farmers lose livestock to loose dogs. Off-leash dogs kill poultry, pet rabbits, pet cats, small dogs and wildlife. They stress ground-nesting birds or destroy their eggs. They disturb the healthy ecology of natural areas.

The presence of off-leash dogs causes wildlife to move away from their normal habitat, reducing their ability to eat, reproduce and rest normally. They must expend more energy to seek food, with fewer places to find it. The resulting stress affects reproduction and growth and suppresses the immune system, increasing vulnerability to disease and parasites.

If your loose dog causes an accident, injures someone or damages property, you can be fined or found negligent in a civil suit.

All of these are reasons why leash laws exist. Known as “running-at-large statutes,” they regulate the safety of dogs and humans and help to prevent accidents, in much the same way as seatbelt laws or child car seat laws. They are primarily local ordinances, although two states -- Michigan and Pennsylvania -- have statewide statutes requiring dogs to be under control when off their owners’ premises.

Cities, towns and counties can establish leash laws with conflicting requirements. Leash laws might be in effect only at certain times of day (between sunset and sunrise, for instance) or during certain seasons, such as bird or wildlife breeding periods or, in beach cities, during the summer tourist season.

It’s up to you to know the laws in your area and abide by them, depending on where you are. It’s easy to give the city or county code office a call to find out what regulations apply where you live. Or you could read the signs posted at park entrances or trailheads.

Just because you don’t believe your dog will cause any harm doesn’t give you an “ignore-the-law” card. Politely being asked to leash your dog isn’t an assault on your freedom.

Don’t get defensive.

Here’s all you have to say, in a friendly tone of voice: “Of course, sorry about that. Sunny, let’s get your leash on. Enjoy your walk!”

Q&A

Rabbit virus

affects pet bunnies

Q: I heard recently about a virus that is spreading in wild rabbits. Can my pet rabbit get this disease? How can I protect her?

A: It’s definitely a concern for America’s 6.7 million pet rabbits, although as yet it doesn’t appear to be widespread.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 is a calicivirus (not a coronavirus). It causes hemorrhaging and has a mortality rate of approximately 80%. It has a rapid incubation period of just one to two days, and can spread quickly through direct contact with infected rabbits or indirect contact with contaminated objects, food or water. The sturdy virus can survive indoors for 10 to 19 months, and rabbits can shed the virus in urine and feces for up to four weeks after infection. Adult rabbits are at greatest risk.

While it primarily affects wild rabbits and hares, the virus threatens pet rabbits, too. (Humans and other animals do not contract this virus.) Signs of disease include fever, appetite loss, unusual nervousness, incoordination or excitement, and difficulty breathing. Some rabbits die suddenly, within 12 to 36 hours.

No treatment is available, but if there has been an outbreak in your area (California, New Mexico, New York, Ohio and Washington have seen outbreaks in wild and domestic rabbits), ask your veterinarian about availability of a vaccine. One is approved for use in Europe, but it requires special approval by states, which can’t be requested until there is a confirmed rabbit death from the virus. Pet rabbits in Europe are vaccinated for this virus at 10 weeks and then annually.

The best protection is to keep your rabbit indoors and avoid outdoor playtime. Rabbits who live outdoors should be in hutches off the ground, but they are safer inside. For more information, visit the website of the House Rabbit Society. The USDA also has advice. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Prepare pets for

being home alone

-- If you’ll be going back to work soon -- or even not-so-soon -- your pets may need an adjustment period to get used to your absence. An article at FearFreeHappyHomes.com offers tips: Consider hiring a dog walker so your dog gets used to walking with someone else. Take some walks while your dog stays at home. When you’re gone, leave the television or radio tuned to a nature show or talk show so pets can hear friendly human voices. Give a puzzle toy filled with treats or kibble before you leave to keep your pet’s brain occupied.

-- Invasive mussel species such as zebra and quagga are a big problem in lakes and rivers, but a former shelter dog named Puddles aims to make sure they don’t take hold in Washington state’s Columbia River, still free of the invasive mollusks. She’s trained to sniff them out on boat bottoms so they can be eradicated before populating waterways and changing their ecology. Trained mussel dogs can save states millions of dollars in cleanup. Puddles is employed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and was trained as a mussel-detection dog by Mussel Dogs in Oakdale, California.

-- Cats make an appearance in many different words and phrases. The catbird takes its name from one of its calls, which resembles the mew of a cat. Catcalls are the whistles, shouts and rude comments made by audiences when they don’t like a performance. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the cat’s meow -- or in some cases, the cat’s pajamas -- refers to anything considered outstanding. Both phrases date to the 1920s. A semiprecious gem called cat’s eye -- usually chrysoberyl or chalcedony -- is so called because of the way it glows, like a cat’s eyes in the dark. -- 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.