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.

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.

I assumed this was some sort of expression of his love for me and it may be. Cats groom each other as a sign of comfort and bonding (you’re unlikely to see two cats who despise each other grooming each other). Especially if your cat is kneading and purring while doing this, it is likely to be a sign of contentment and acceptance. Or, it could be the shampoo you use – you never know with cats.

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 hairball time. Almost all cats get hairballs, some more often than others. Long-haired cats like Himalayans tend to be most prone.

There’s not too much you can do once your cat has a hairball. You can gently push on his stomach to help get it out. But prevention is best. Try feeding a food specially formulated for hairballs, try Petromalt on a regular basis or try a home remedy such as pumpkin. Even brushing his teeth can help to keep them at bay.

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.