Cat-proofing the home
Dear Readers: Descendants from the wild, cats are jumpers and naturally curious. This can be a problem around the house. Here are some hints to make your home safer for your cat:
n Breakable knickknacks and antique treasures should be secured.
n Houseplants are tricky — they can be poisonous.
n Keep the lid down on the toilets.
n Lock up chemical cleaners and medicines that can be ingested.
n Unplug electrical cords and wrap them to prevent chewing.
n Close the clothes dryer to keep kitty out — it’s a warm space.
n Keep claws neatly trimmed.
Cats will always explore, but making their home turf safer is smart. — Heloise
PET PAL
Dear Readers: A reader in Big Timber, Mont., invites us to meet Boltz. Boltz is a beautiful 1-year-old border collie who has the cutest half-white and half-black face, and he is comfy, snuggled up against the couch. To see Boltz and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” — Heloise
STINKY SHOES
Dear Heloise: After surgery, my sheepskin slippers and one pair of special shoes were all my doctor would allow me to wear. In time, both were stinky.
I use a fragrant deodorant soap to shower, so I had several new, unopened bars. I placed a fresh bar in each slipper. Now my shoes have a lovely fragrance.
I thought others might be surprised, and this could reduce stinky footwear. — Naomi in Montana
MAKEUP MANEUVER
Dear Heloise: If you’re like me, I first put on my makeup, then the top I’m wearing that day. I put my head in facing the back and then turn the top around, and put my arms in the sleeves. No makeup on my top all day! I do the reverse to remove the garment.
I never miss your articles in the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader. — Joy C., Ozark, Mo.
FRAMING SEED PACKETS
Dear Heloise: Several weeks after moving into a new apartment, I was stymied by what to hang on a long, narrow wall in the kitchen.
While in the hardware store, I noticed seed packets, with photos so beautiful that they seemed to be painted.
I bought eight of them, got small black frames and WOW! The wall looks spectacular! — Shannon B. in Dallas
WARM WALKER
Dear Heloise: On chilly mornings, I toss my sweatshirt in the clothes dryer for a few minutes. This helps me stay warm before I am warmed up. It works for hats, gloves and socks, too. — John K. in New York
If you’ve got your furry friend with you, toss the dog’s sweater in, too, to keep him warm! — Heloise
NO UNWANTED GERMS
Dear Heloise: With flu season here, everyone using a gasoline-pump handle needs to consider: You’ve got over 100 hands with you. Clean your hands to avoid receiving unwanted germs.
Keep up your great articles! — Dan W., Costa Mesa, Calif.