Heloise: Limit tuna fish for your pet cat

Dear Heloise: My family and I are the owners of a 20-year-old female cat named Princess. Of course, being a cat, she loves tuna. I was wondering how safe canned tuna for humans is for cats.

Paige H., via e-mail

According to our friends at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a tiny bit of tuna given once in a while is OK. But, if Princess were to be fed only tuna, it could mean big trouble for her. Cats need vitamin E, and she also would be missing out on calcium, sodium, iron and copper, among other nutrients. So, to answer your question, I know cats love tuna fish, but please only give it in moderation, if at all.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Shirley Hefele of Dunbarton, N.H., sent a photo of her son’s 85-pound Ridgeback, Hannah, and her 2-year-old, 25-pound, tricolor beagle, Missy, curled up comfortably on the love seat. Shirley says: “My son usually occupies the love seat, and at times, one dog or the other commandeers the second seat. The dogs share a lot of things — even bones, treats and toys — but vie for this seat next to my son. When my son got up, Missy saw her chance and occupied his seat.”

To see the doggie duo, visit www.Heloise.com.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Your recent column indicating the use of newspaper to remove an unpleasant smell from a freezer reminds me of another use for shredded newspaper. Years ago, when my indoor cat was declawed, the vet said not to use cat litter for several days lest the cat’s paws get infected from the litter. It worked so well in eliminating any odor that I continued to use the newspaper. It was economical, green and very effective.

Marilyn F., San Clemente, Calif.

A green hint indeed, but please note that newsprint may rub off on white or light-colored cats.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have two little dogs. One is named Sunshine, and one is named Rainbow. So we have Sunny and Rainee. Keep up the good work. I always check for your hints in The Washington Post.

Carole Gee, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: During this past winter, our pets were inside much of the time, and when our cat wanted to go outside, he didn’t realize the glass sliding door was shut. He almost broke his neck. Please remind your readers to put decals down at the level of your animals so they can see whether the door is open, therefore avoiding an injury.

Gayle Merritt, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: To keep my pets from tearing up the toilet-paper rolls, I spray the flat ends and the inside of the cardboard core with really strong cologne. My pets don’t like strong smells like that. It also makes the bathroom smell good.

Cat Lover of Texas

King Features Syndicate