HELOISE: Is wet cat food better than dry?

Dear Readers: Which is better to feed your cat: wet cat food or dry? We looked to our friends at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the answer.

The ASPCA says that either form of food is fine for a cat. Just make sure that you feed your animal a good-quality food, and it should be age-appropriate for your cat. Some factors to consider: Wet food has more protein than dry food and is lower in carbohydrates. Cats that are overweight or have diabetes may benefit from wet cat food. An advantage of dry cat food is that it can sit out for longer periods of time without spoiling, so no worries about the cat if you are gone all day at work. Your cat also will let you know which one it prefers!

Heloise

Dear Readers: Frank M. of New Braunfels, Texas, sent a photo of his three dogs — Sister, the black-and-white Chihuahua; Peso, the beige Chihuahua; and Rambo, the miniature rat terrier — taking a snooze. Frank says, “They have to be together all the time, whether they are sleeping or playing.”

To see the Tres Amigos, visit www.Heloise.com.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: When my youngest son recently got too old for his crib, I took the crib-size mattress, and it has become the perfect-size dog bed for my medium-size dog. The crib sheets are ideal, as you can wash them easily, and the plastic covering on the mattress for the baby also keeps it clean for my dog. You would not believe how comfortable my dog looks lying on it!

Kirsten Smith, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: One evening, the wind blew over the recyclables container in our driveway. A short while later, in the twilight, I saw an animal stumbling around aimlessly in the backyard. When I got a flashlight, I saw that it was a pet cat with an empty can stuck over his head.

One of the empty cat-food cans was not thoroughly rinsed, and he was trying to get the last bits from the bottom. Luckily, I saw and released him before he staggered into the street or wandered off to heaven only knows what fate. Now, after rinsing the recyclables, I flatten all cans and plastic jars that might tempt animals so that they can’t get their heads lodged in them.

Lee Steup, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: For those who are having problems with cats in their flowerpots and gardens, I tried this last year to see if it really works, and it did. It kept the cats out. Spread a layer of red mulch on top of the dirt. This spring, I cleaned out the beds and replaced the red mulch again, and have had no more problems.

Betty, via e-mail

King Features Syndicate