Dear Heloise: The comments people make in your column are always so helpful. The HINTS FOR ANIMALS are especially so.
Some cats can tell right away if there is medication in their canned food, and they will turn up their noses and march off without eating, or they simply lick around it.
I have found two foolproof methods that I alternate if I have to give medication daily, and even the cleverest of cats never seems to catch on.
There's a cat treat on the market to prevent hairballs. It has a sticky gel center that is just big enough to stuff with a small pill. The cats think the treat is delicious and swallow it and the pill all in one bite.
For variety, I sometimes put their pill in a little ball of liverwurst sandwich meat or cream cheese; again, it's sticky, they think it's a great treat, and I know for sure they get their medicine! Good luck, kitty owners. — Nancy in Billings, Mont.
Meow! Some cats are smarter than others, but anything is worth a try. — Heloise
Dear Readers: Roy Anderson has a picture-perfect squirrel feeder. It's a little bench and wood table with a corn cob sitting on the table top. The unusual thing? This feeder also holds a soda can with a straw. A photo shows a squirrel actually drinking water from the straw!
Visit my Web site at www.Heloise.com in order to see the cute squirrel. — Heloise
Have a problem with pigeons at your bird feeder? Don't put corn in with the birdseed, as pigeons are attracted to corn. Seed thrown out of the feeder and scattered on the ground below will also attract pigeons.
Dear Readers: If you are planning on traveling by air with your pet, don't wait until the last minute to find out the rules.
All major commercial airlines have regulations, some even as to the types of carrying cases needed for pets. There will be some paperwork to fill out before pets can travel within the United States.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends calling your veterinarian and also the airline to find out what is needed. Basically, the pets need all their shots and an up-to-date health certificate.
One good hint: Put a card with your name, address and a phone number of someone to contact taped on the inside and outside of the carrying case with your pet. — Heloise
Send a money- or time-saving 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 HeloiseHeloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column. © King Features Syndicate Inc.