TRAINING BASICS & GOOD NUTRITION

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COUNTRY PETS

By Emily Miller

Now that we are approaching the time when autumn slides into winter, your pets are most likely entering their most comfortable time of year. Parasites are dormant, the temperatures are pleasant for furry creatures, and the air is crisp and cold. Dogs love to rout in the dirt for new and interesting scents. Cats enjoy this time of excellent hunting, as mice and other rodents are out squirreling away food for the winter. s

Fall is the best time to take walks with your animals. Free from the heat, you can enjoy the outdoors together. Hiking is great with your dog, especially when she or he can carry food and water in a dog backpack. The cooler temperatures mean longer bike rides with Toto in tow, though be careful of the pavement wearing down the pads on your dog's feet. Cats love to walk, too, though at a slower pace. Learn to appreciate nature from the distinctive feline perspective.

As a side note, I would like to take the opportunity to thank people for writing me. I love to hear from you, and I'd love to hear from more of you. I do my best to answer your questions—if not in the column, then by letter. No question is silly. Ask!

Dear Ms. Miller:

I have adopted a little kitten named "Tonto" (I first thought she was a he.) I have had her for almost three weeks and she is driving me mad! The problem is that she is always biting, scratching, and attacking. I care for her very much, butshe makes it difficult for me when she starts that darned biting. The truth is, she can be very loving but all too often the biting begins anew. I do want to keep her. What can I do to get her to stop? Please help me!

—S.R. Kitcher

Dear S.R.:

That's a tough one, because cats are not always immediately responsive to behavioral training. I don't know how old Tonto is, nor at what age she was taken away from her mother, but I will do my best.

First, I want to share my own experience with you. My cat, Sam, was a complete jerk as a kitten. He scratched and bit, as you have described, as well as attacked my ankles continually. I can understand your frustration. Two things helped Sam (and me). First, we moved to a house where I could let him out to explore and hunt; second, he grew up.

If you live in a place where you can't let Tonto out, or if you feel she is too young to venture into the great outdoors, there are still a few alternatives. You can give Tonto a playmate, since cats are frequently happier in pairs. They often enjoy the social interaction. You can also try getting Tonto to play with a scratching post, balls, string, or a Cat Dancer toy. Finally, negative reinforcement during the behaviors you want to discourage can help. Keep a squirt gun or plant mister nearby and vocally tell her "No!" while misting her with water.

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