Use only lukewarm water (hot water can be counter-productive and stimulate more dander production) and a mild cat shampoo. Some of the cat shampoos on the market are even soap-free. Bathing every other week will condition the skin and hair while removing dander and saliva. Keep the water flow warm and gentle and eventually your furry friend may even look forward to bath time!

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.

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.

It’s easy to create a safe, outdoor enclosure on your porch or lawn so you can finally feel the wind in your fur. Complete with zippered doors, nylon netting for ventilation and visibility, and weight bags for stability, the Funhouse is tougher than it looks. It’s even safe for small dogs that need a temporary space or a breath of fresh of air, too. Find it at 
www.amazon.com/Feline-Funhouse.

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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.

But indoor cats can crave the outside as well. Luckily, there are a few ways you can accommodate. For one, there’s the cat harness. At first, you may be dragging your kitty around but he’ll eventually learn to walk with it. Then, there’s the cat stroller. Yet another option is the enclosed cat run. However you do it, your indoor cat will thank you for the breath of fresh air.

made with dried fish flakes), though most of us don’t keep those on hand. If your cat has a sweet tooth, try something made with molasses!