made with dried fish flakes), though most of us don’t keep those on hand. If your cat has a sweet tooth, try something made with molasses!

There is no certain prevention for S.T. but having your cat checked for heart disease on a regular basis may help. If it does strike, don’t blame yourself. It is known as the “silent killer in cats” for a reason.

“Letting the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it back in.” - www.surfersam.com

And many, many bad ones. Best, perhaps, not to laugh at your cat the next time his ear is accidentally rolled back. And avoid tickling. He may just decide to tickle back with open claws.

But how many cat lovers are going to do that, especially with the threat of a howling beast? You might, instead, try to keep kitty awake during the day. If you’re not there, you can invest in a electronic cat toy that will keep going to entice him, such as this one. Or you can invest in a small dog that likes to keep cats on their toes.

Cats don’t always land on their feet and can get hurt even if they do, so never toss a cat to test flying skills. Also - distractions, such as a bird out an open window, can confuse them and make the fall dangerous. Luckily, cats seem to often know when it’s best just to “hang in there” until the fire department arrives.

According to Vet Info, it is possible to give cats aspirin in very low doses. It is recommended that 10mg/lb of body weight or one of the 81mg adult chewable aspirin tablets be given, whichever is less medication. Aspirin stays in a cat’s system for 72 hours(!) though, so dose infrequently. Too much aspirin can be toxic, as can any amount of Acetaminophen, so skip the Tylenol and Excedrin.

And, as with every medication, make sure you talk to your vet first.

While some cats will sit quietly while you clip, most are apt to behave, well, like a cat. To restrain your cat yourself, place your lower arm across his neck as he lies on his side on your lap. If he fights this, you can try a cat muzzle. Using cat clippers, work fast. Always take off less if you’re not clear where the quick is.

Some people swear by cat restraint bags, which makes your cat into a mummy. Just be aware that while you may get the job done using one of these, there’s a chance your cat may never forgive you.

Start with the dog on a leash. Introduce them in neutral ground if possible, not the cat’s private space. Let your cat peruse this new creature and, yes, even swat at him or run away.

When everyone is relaxed, try unleashing the dog. Keep something like a water bottle nearby to squirt away any problems. Make sure that when your cat’s around the dog, he has someplace high to jump to or a door to run through. Cats and most dogs can get along with a little patience. But always put your cat’s safety first.

Never fear, there’s a new type of house available for a fraction of the price - the cardboard cottage. These houses are naturally attractive to cats for scratching and hiding. They can even climb in them. Two choices under $40 are available here and here. These are easy to assemble and you cat will thank you, as he plays in the cardboard box it came in.

So, can we train our cats to roll over? It’s tough since, unlike dogs, cats have no master and thus are not eager to please. To entice your cat, try using treats. It’s good to start with simple things like “come.” Another simple trick is “up,” where the cat stretches up on his hind legs. Whatever the trick, the key is not to force them to do anything. Cats have to be convinced it’s worthwhile.

After all, they prefer to get us to jump through hoops for them.