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.

There are Maine Coons who will go into the shower their people; other cats will play in a washtub filled with water or a wading pool outside, so if you’re lucky enough to have a kitty cat who enjoys water sports, give him a place to indulge!

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.

But what about play time? Most of us would play all day if we could, so we’re really appreciative of any dedicated play time you can give us. Make a point to schedule play time with your cat for the same time every day – that way he or she will have something to look forward to while you’re off bringing home the bacon!

Tailer is a cat from Sweden. You can follow him on Twitter here.

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.

Toys that require your interaction with your cat are great for bonding. Feathers on the end of a string on a pole is a great toy as is a laser toy. Treat balls also are fun. Playing also keeps your cat’s hunting skills in shape in case he needs to get that annoying fly.

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 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.

The solution? Choose shades and blinds that go up and down, and stop at the sill. Keep them raised up and out of paw’s reach until you need privacy. If cords are too tempting for your feline, consider remote controlled window shades that lift and lower with the push of a button.\

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.

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.

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.