You can actually train your cat to travel well with a little effort. First, get your cat used to a halter and leash. Have her wear it a few minutes at a time. Eventually venture outside, praising your cat and offering treats. Next, sit in the car with her without the engine running. Then, place her in her carrier in the car and take a short trip, gradually lengthening it.

Start stopping occasionally and walk her in her halter, as you would for a rest stop. Bring a portable litter box on the trip for your cat to use in or out of the car. Remember: plenty of food, treats, and water. And do not forget to get your cat microchipped and tag her before hitting the road.

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

Many get stolen around Halloween so it’s best to keep your cat, black or white, inside. By keeping them indoors, you also protect them against potentially unruly mobs of trick-or-treaters and Halloween decorations that are easy to get caught in.

Keep your cat confined and away from the door as it is easy for an over-stimulated, confused cat to rush outside when you’re handing out candy.

Indoors, cats should also be kept away from decorations. Things like tinsel can be deadly if ingested. Keep all candy securely safe in a cupboard, as chocolate and many of the ingredients in candy like candy corn and licorice are dangerous to your cat.

Because Halloween is loud and chaotic and sometimes obnoxious, consider using a flower essence like Rescue Remedy to help calm your cat. And be sure to take time to check on your cat and assure him it’s only one day and night of nightmarish revelry.

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

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.

According to a Tufts study, cats exposed to second hand smoke are much more likely to develop lymphoma cancer. It’s also thought these cats are more likely to develop feline oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), lung disease and eye irritation. So, it’s best to stop smoking, smoke outside or at least smoke in a room where your cat is not allowed.

And, if catch your cat taking a puff, remind him of the dangers to his health.

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

Lucky for your feline gourmand, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center site keeps a whole list of toxic and non-toxic plants online. Visit it for the lowdown on specific plants and flowers. Or, if you think your kitty’s already been snacking in the greenhouse, call the hotline at 1-888-426-4435. They’re open when you need them, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – a $60 fee may apply.

Woof Report is a free weekday email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products & more! Sign up at www.woofreport.com or become a Facebook Fan.

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.

Even though some cats like to drink out of the toilet and others have even been trained to actually use it, it’s a good idea to close the lid on the toilet seat at all times.

This is especially important of you’ve got little curious kitties around the house. They are the future, after all. We’ve got to do what we can to protect them.

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.