For safety, check the fit of pets’ collars

Dear Heloise: We had an incident today. My beloved little Alley Cat was grooming herself. Somehow, she managed to grab her collar, and it ended up around her ears and in her mouth. Thank goodness we were home at the time. She was choking.

Please let all pet owners know to check the collars on their pets. Who would have thought that a collar could pose a choking hazard? I adjusted it to a tighter fit, and hopefully she won’t be in danger again. Deb H., Farmington, N.M.

Meow, and so glad your kitty is OK. We have received and printed many letters about the potential dangers (and benefits) of collars. It is very important to make sure collars are not too tight or too loose. You can check with your pet store or on the Internet for breakaway or elastic collars. Some readers suggest leaving the collar off while at home, but others disagree, because if the pet gets out, it doesn’t have a collar on! So, the decision is yours. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Many times, birds would fly into my windows because of the reflection of the trees and would injure or kill themselves. I would put “sun catchers” on the outside of the windows, and that would help some. However, my neighbor came up with an idea that took care of the problem.

During the Christmas season, she purchased a package of shimmering white tinsel, and with a few tacks, she hung a small clump of strands across the top of the outside window frames. This has totally eliminated the problem. A small price to pay to save the birds. A California Reader, via e-mail

Dear Readers: Elaine Persico of Amsterdam, N.Y., sent a photo of her fluffy white-and-brown cat, Cinnamon, with a pretty blue scarf around his neck. Elaine says: “Cinnamon had dental work done and was drooling quite badly. I tied this scarf around his neck to catch his drooling.” To see Cinnamon, visit www.Heloise.com. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have three small dogs, and they love their treats! But the cost was quite significant. A friend said I should check the stores that sell stuff for a dollar. I was able to buy almost the same type of treats for only $1 as compared with $4 or $5. I am saving money, and the dogs are still happy! Joy Grabowski, New Braunfels, Texas

Just be sure to check the expiration date, and you are good to go! Heloise

Dear Readers: Cats love to play with window-blind cords! To prevent accidents, tie cords out of reach and sight, plus cut any loops or untie loose knots that might tighten if pulled. Take a minute to check all of your blind cords so you can help keep agile and curious pets (and small children) safe from harm. Heloise

• Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate