Keep kitty trim
Dear Readers: A recent column addressed dogs’ feeding schedules, and for fairness’ sake, it’s CAT time! Yes, I know, it’s always cat time, on their time!
Just like dogs, experts usually recommend feeding cats twice a day, or what fits your household schedule. The average cat should weigh between 8 and 10 pounds, so they say! But, of course, that does vary, depending on the cat.
The general “look and see” test is to look down at the cat’s backbone, and there should be an indent at the “waist” line. If you can’t feel ribs, or if there is a glob or paunch between the legs, it’s diet time! It may be cute when your cat sits up and that fat roll between the back legs poufs out, but it’s not healthy.
If you want to get your kitty healthy, check with the veterinarian before making changes in food or schedule. Less food and more exercise (just like humans!) typically is the “recipe” for getting Kitty lean.
Your cat CANNOT open the refrigerator door — no scraps or high-calorie people food for your kitty!
Gradually cut down the amount of food — don’t suddenly cut back!
As for exercise, it’s easy! Scratching posts, laser pointers and adopting a buddy for the cat to play with all can do the trick!
Meow, meow, for a streamlined feline. — Heloise
P.S.: Use an old fishing pole, and attach a cat toy to the end of the line. You can cast, reel and get your cat moving.
PET PAL
Dear Readers: Anna in Houston sent a picture of her light-brown, long-haired Chihuahua, Pi, wearing a red Rudolph dress for Christmas. Pi weighed 3.14 pounds at birth, thus the name! Pi (3.14159 and a zillion more numbers) is the ratio of a circle’s circumference related to the diameter.
To see Pi, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” — Heloise
DRY SHAMPOO HOW-TO
Dear Readers: No time to wash your hair, but want to freshen it up a little? Try using dry shampoo. Many are cornstarch-based, which absorbs oil and dirt.
Quick hints: Section your hair and sprinkle or spray a little on the scalp. Massage in, then use a brush from the scalp down to the ends of your hair. Dry shampoo also can add a little body and fullness. Try one — you might be surprised! — Heloise
WRAP IT UP
Dear Heloise: My friends all have different interests, and I like to personalize their gifts. Here’s what I use to wrap them:
Old world maps for world travelers.
Musicians love sheet-music-wrapped gifts.
Kids love the colorful comics in the Sunday paper.
Some scraps of beautiful and heavy wallpaper make elegant wraps.
— Heidi G., Ames, Iowa
SAVE ON UPSCALE COFFEE
Dear Heloise: I added up how much I spend on weekdays on “takeout” coffee: over $120 a month! I buy only one or two a week now, and saved enough (more than $90) to buy a cool pair of shoes. — Sean, via email