Dawn dish detergent, the miracle product rescuers use to clean oil-coated birds, will also work for your cat, if you use this procedure: Put the detergent on your cat’s fur before you get him wet. Massage it in for several minutes. By using the detergent before you wet your cat, the oil will get bound up in the soap rather than just causing the soap and water to slick off without touching the oil. Rinse your cat’s fur with warm water until no more suds come out.

My reader reported that this technique worked like a charm, and her kitty’s fur was clean after the first try.

Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people.

In general, the best approach is a very gentle one at first. Let your cat get used to scratching her chin softly, then try the back of her neck and behind her ears. Eventually, try long strokes down her back. Avoid petting the fur against the grain and watch out for the stomach which has a sensitive spot called the “farfel.” Petting can be enjoyable for both cat and owner but if she isn’t digging it, try again later.

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

White cats are particularly vulnerable. Though it may be difficult to keep kitty out of the sun, you can apply small amounts of sunblock to sensitive areas.

“Soft Paws” are vinyl nail caps that are glued on to your cat’s existing nails. They look like a cat’s nail, but they’re hollow. They are easy to apply and cats tolerate them extremely well. They’re available in clear as well as designer colors.

Your cat can continue to scratch to her heart’s delight without damaging anything, and she can walk on your leather sofa without leaving claw marks. Put them on your cat’s hind paws to help prevent self-inflicted damage from scratching. And, it’s an excellent alternative to declawing.

Keep in mind that if your cat is losing hair in conjunction with obsessive grooming behavior that’s not a result of fleas or ringworm, it could be indicative of an underlying internal condition. In those situations, your cat should be examined by a vet.