A cat tree works towards fulfilling the kitty cat’s need for different vertical levels and hidden spaces and provides climbing, chasing and scratching opportunities.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

The questionnaire is fairly long but it’s also very thorough and informative. It considers current age, weight, physical activity, diet and feeding practices, health care, behavioral issues, social interaction, possible disease and health conditions, and safety. It also provides detailed information about your answers and some interesting cat data such as the fact that 35 to 45 percent of cats are obese.

I am proud to sat that my cat Ed is 13.1 years younger than the average cat age for his breed (mixed). Considering that the average cat lives 15 to 17 years, he should be around another nine years or so, especially if I start brushing his teeth.

Kelly is a pet writer. She lives in the Boston area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat.

You can actually train your cat to travel well with a little effort. First, get your cat used to a halter and leash. Have her wear it a few minutes at a time. Eventually venture outside, praising your cat and offering treats. Next, sit in the car with her without the engine running. Then, place her in her carrier in the car and take a short trip, gradually lengthening it.

Start stopping occasionally and walk her in her halter, as you would for a rest stop. Bring a portable litter box on the trip for your cat to use in or out of the car. Remember: plenty of food, treats, and water. And do not forget to get your cat microchipped and tag her before hitting the road.

Kelly is a pet writer. She lives in the Boston area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat.

Some cat owners would say it’s shameful to own a cat who does these things but those of us with such cats know differently. These cats tend to be very affectionate and trainable and have a good sense of humor. Not that there’s anything wrong with the traditional feline. The seriousness of their dignity is often good for a laugh. Among the breeds that tend to act more dog-like are the Burmese and Siamese.

If your cat acts like a dog, you are not alone. There’s even a group here at Catster for those people. But, we must ponder: how do we know it’s not actually dogs that act like cats?

Kelly is a pet writer. She lives in the Boston area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat.

The best thing you can do is to block off the sides of the refrigerator. Some people duct tape a strip of cardboard (or something more attractive) down the sides of the fridge, blocking the cat’s access to the motor area behind.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

Many get stolen around Halloween so it’s best to keep your cat, black or white, inside. By keeping them indoors, you also protect them against potentially unruly mobs of trick-or-treaters and Halloween decorations that are easy to get caught in.

Keep your cat confined and away from the door as it is easy for an over-stimulated, confused cat to rush outside when you’re handing out candy.

Indoors, cats should also be kept away from decorations. Things like tinsel can be deadly if ingested. Keep all candy securely safe in a cupboard, as chocolate and many of the ingredients in candy like candy corn and licorice are dangerous to your cat.

Because Halloween is loud and chaotic and sometimes obnoxious, consider using a flower essence like Rescue Remedy to help calm your cat. And be sure to take time to check on your cat and assure him it’s only one day and night of nightmarish revelry.

Kelly is a pet writer. She lives in the Boston area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat.

When choosing a cat costume, make sure it is not restrictive in any way and, usually, with cats, less costume is more. Avoid anything on their head or anything that covers their face. At Petsmart.com, you can some good costumes at a low price, such as a pink tutu. Though modeled by dogs, many of the pet costumes at Halloween Street can work for cats, such as the lady bug or angel. You can also search Google Images for “cat halloween costumes pictures” and get lots of creative ideas. And, if you really want to freak your cat out, dress up as a cat yourself – he’ll wonder where such a huge feline came from.

Kelly is a pet writer. She lives in the Boston area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat.

The “Danger List” is so long (it’s in “The Cat Bible,” if you’re curious) – and cats are naturally drawn to greenery – that the only way to be really safe is to make sure that you designate your potted plants as “off limits” to your cats.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

If he does it when you’re in the kitchen preparing food, you may be able to discourage him by saying “no” very sharply and loudly while clapping your hands together to drive him off. Make sure you are not feeding him little snacks while you’re cooking, because that simply teaches him to jump and beg.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

A kitten needs a greater quantity because he has a tiny stomach and a fast metabolism that burns the fuel up quickly, leaving him ready for more food more often.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.