Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Critter Corner by Frances Goodman

Do you sing and dance for your pet?

Do you talk to your pet in a special voice? Do you sing or dance for your pet?

If so, you're not alone. According to a survey by the American Animal Hospital Association, 65 percent of pet owners who responded said they have sung and/or danced for their pets.

Some said they have created little jingles they sing to their pets at supper time.

It seems we humans are not as inhibited around pets as we are around people. We can count on them to be honest and non-judgmental, which is not always true with others of our own species. So it's easier to be ourselves around our pets.

Here are some other interesting results from AAHA surveys:

More than 82 percent of pet owners surveyed admitted talking to their pets in a special voice:

More than half (53 percent) have taken off work at least once to tend a sick pet.

At the office, 43 percent have a photo displayed of their pet, whether pooch, cat, bird or lizard;

And here's the one I like: If they were stranded on a deserted island and could choose only one companion, 50 percent of respondents said they would choose a cat or a dog rather than a human.

The surveys are conducted by AAHA through its membership from across the United States and Canada.

For years we have known about a High Desert animal welfare group known as Local Rescue. Its web site at www.localrescue.com features photos of adoptable pets from area shelters, and has other valuable links. The non-profit group is made up of volunteers who want to help stop the pet overpopulation crisis and help shelter pets find homes.

They're still doing their good work, but have recently changed their name to North Star Pet Assistance, for "guiding pets home." Local Rescue founder Gina Downey is still the director, and the web site address is still the same.

Now we know why the cat doesn't always like to use the litterbox. We're doing something wrong. According to Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, keeping the litterbox clean is of utmost importance. Here are some additional guidelines:

• Most cats prefer unscented, finer-textured litter, at a depth of one to two inches;

• Most cats prefer an uncovered box that lets odors escape and allows a 360-degree view of their surroundings;

• We should have as many litter boxes as cats in the house, plus one;

• Overweight and large cats need bigger boxes.

• Most cats prefer a location that is quiet, private, separate from their feeding area, and easily accessible 24 hours a day.

Here's another safety note. Cat experts say never to use clumping litter with kittens. They play with it and may swallow it, which can cause serious intestinal problems.

See you next time. And thanks for caring.

For questions, comments or news items, email Frances Goodman at crittercorner@highdesert.com .