HELOISE Computer cord almost caused catastrophe

Dear Heloise: My family recently experienced a very scary event. We, like most families, have a computer, cell phone and charger with cords, wires, etc. What we never thought about was the danger they might impose.
Our sweet 3-year-old tabby cat almost strangled herself on one of these cords the other night. Evidently, she thought it was some yarn and decided to play with it, but it wound up getting wrapped around her neck. Luckily, we were home and heard the commotion, thus we were able to save her.
Heloise, remind your readers that besides the usual, there is a new danger from computers with all of the wiring they require. Marti Fabac, San Angelo, Texas
You're right -- cords do pose a safety concern for our precious pets. It might be a good idea to keep the door shut to the room where the computer is located to keep "kurious kitty" out. Thanks for passing along this caution. Heloise
Dear Readers: OK, readers, here's a question to test your Heloise pet-hint IQ: If you have a fish aquarium in your home and you want to spruce it up, can you do the following: take those pretty seashells you found at the beach and put them in your home tank?
So, what do you think? Yes or no?
The answer is NO. You should not put them in the tank, because they could have bacteria on them that could contaminate the water. If you want to put shells in your tank, you should buy ones that are designed for use in home aquariums. You sure wouldn't want to hurt your little fin friends. Heloise
Dear Readers: The Barnetts of Palestine, Texas, sent in a photo of Spooky, an American bulldog they have had for seven years. They got him when he was 6 months old, and he is one of the family, just like a big baby (120 pounds).
The photo shows Spooky cooling off in a goldfish pond. He stays nice and happy this way. Visit www.Heloise.com to see Spooky in the pond!
Send your favorite, unusual pet photo to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I wanted to buy a scratching post for my cat, and I was shocked that they were so expensive. So I decided that I could make one and save a bundle!
I made a base with a piece of wood (envision a Christmas-tree stand) and then securely attached a 4-by-4 wooden post about 2 feet tall to it. Then I covered the entire thing with some carpet scraps. My cat loves it! Diane R., Minneapolis
Great way to recycle some old wood and carpet! Here's another cat hint from Ann H. of Springfield, Mo.:
"I have a use for the airtight diaper-disposal system. I have three large cats. I keep one (disposal system) beside the litter box and simply scoop the contents daily into the system. Cuts down on odor and lessens the complete litter-box changes."
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate