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.

Cats will jump into the refrigerator when the door is open and the person, who is oblivious, will shut the door without realizing their pussycat is inside. Learn to be aware of where your cat is when you’re opening the refrigerator and always check inside before you shut the door.

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.

While cats all like to play with cords, kittens are especially vulnerable because they play with things by putting them in their mouth. If a kitten chews an electrical cord she can get burned or cause a house fire. If she gets tangled up in window blind cords she can get trapped and strangle.

Make sure to always keep all types of household cords out of the reach of your little kitties.

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.

One solution is to find someone who will take the cat in during remodeling. That might not be ideal, so it’s better to set aside a room as a cat sanctuary during the construction process with a note on the door that says “DO NOT OPEN” so that no construction person accidentally opens the door and lets the cat out.

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.

We do know that spaying and neutering cats makes them calmer and more affectionate, in addition to offering many health benefits.

If your cat, male or female, isn’t as cuddly as you’d like, consider these points which may make her more open for a hug:

1) Don’t force your affection on your cat. Chasing her and putting her in a headlock to pet her will only distance her.

2) Respect her space. Don’t crowd her on the bed or insist on carrying her around.

3) Be quiet and calm around your cat. They pick up on emotions.

4) Don’t tease your cat. They have very refined souls and know how to hold a grudge.

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

Cats reach into the bowl to touch the water and often can lose their balance on the seat. Once a cat falls into the toilet he may often be unable to exit because the sides are slippery and he cannot get a grip on the seat from below. He may struggle to the point of exhaustion and drown. Keep toilet seats down at all times to avoid this tragedy.

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.

Attach the string to the wire, the feather to the other end of the string and make it dance in front of your cat. Then pull the feather around the room until he catches it.

Another idea is to use a sack or medium cardboard box. Put some light material, like a sheet over it, leaving enough space for your cat to slink under it into the box. Tap on the closed end of the sack or box and then the side, then the back again. Do this for awhile and your cat will be tuckered out from trying to catch the sound.

An old sock that smells like you works wonders, too. Add catnip and tie it off – your cat gets two smells in one.

If you cat IS finicky, try out each of the types of toys – you’re sure to pique his interest with one of them.

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

There are products available that you can spray on your furniture to deter your cat. No-Scratch and Bitter Apple are nontoxic and don’t damage fabric or wood. Scratch Strips which are sticky like tape, are unpleasant to cats. There’s also an electronic alarm that startles your cat when he comes close, claws extended. If you have a particularly diligent cat, there are slip covers. You can always remove the shredded specimen, or your cat, when company comes over.

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

Some human drugs – such as antidepressants and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and Baclofen (a muscle relaxant) – can sicken or even kill your feline so keep medications off counter tops and securely stored in a cabinet or drawer. If both you and your cat are on medication, avoid mix-ups by keeping the vials in separate places.

Maryann Mott is a pet journalist and author. Her books and articles can be found at Petwriter.com and you can follow her on Twitter here.