There are even bubble machines for pets – like this one here. Or use a kid’s bubble machine. And make sure to use non-toxic bubbles. You can also make your own solution with 2 cups non-toxic dishwashing liquid, 6 cups water, 3/4 cup white Karo syrup.

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

Why does this simple herb have such a hold on cats? There is a chemical in catnip that mimics the effects of a pheromone. It is nontoxic to cats and has some good uses – it can act as a stimulant and encourage activity, it can be used in training, and, for some cats, it actually mellows them out.

Of course, if your cat is climbing the walls or trying to fly, you might want to cut back for awhile.

For those of us who like to hit up a little catnip every now and then (and keep in mind that’s only about 60% of us), we like it fresh. So if you’ve got a bag of old stuff in the closet that’s been there for several months… toss it and buy some new stuff. Such an action will be highly appreciated.

All you have to do is have your human flick a treat, or a piece of kibble, across the room. Works best on hardwood or tile floors! Your job – run after it and find it, then eat it. I know, it’s tough work, but someone’s gotta do it!

“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.

Apples grow on trees, I think, and I am not too sure what a PC is, or what a laptop is, for that matter. Heck, the way I see things I AM THE ONLY LAPTOP you need to concern yourself with… EVER.

I do understand that these boxes that you stare into and peck at with your fingers somehow make it possible for you to buy me foods and treats and toys and still have a little something left over for yourself, but it doesn’t mean that you have to sit in front of it all night long. Pssst! Hey buddy, I am over here!

Turn off your computer and play with me every now and then. Or just sit with me and pet me. Or heck, I’ll even let you brush me if it means time with ME, ME and more ME. Believe me when I say that those so-called LOLcats and cute little kitty vids have nothing on me. Shut it down and get over here. I AM THE REAL DEAL and there’s nothing more stress relieving for both of us than a little one-on-one hang out time.

We’ll both be purring in no time at all… trust me.

So my human buddy will sometimes take one and attach it to a string and then tie it to a doorknob, so that I can lie on my back underneath and bat the heck out of it. Purrty fun!

Just make sure that you don’t tie up anything that has any closed loops or circles of fabric that you can get stuck in. Stick to soft fabric balls or little stuffed animal thingies.

OK! Can’t stick around! Lots of playing to do – see ya!

Cats love to chase the plastic caps from bottled water – a free toy! And many cats will play fetch with you. Mine will chase a balled up piece of paper and bring it back. Took a while for him to get the idea, but once he did, his understanding of “fetch” is better than the dog’s.

And if you buy more than one pot at a time, put the extras in the fridge. They’ll keep for weeks in there if you water them every four or five days and let the water drain out before you put them back in the fridge.