For problems with staining around the eyes, consult your vet before using any cleansers or solutions. A solution recommended by many breeders that can be mixed up at home is an eighth of a teaspoon of boric acid and 8 ounces of water. Shake it up and wet the cotton ball. Be careful not to get too much boric acid because it can irritate your kitty's eyes.

If your cat's knots are really severe, they will probably need to be cut/shaved off. (Note: this might leaving unattractive bald spots depending on the location of the knots.) Either make an appointment with a local groomer to have the knots shaved, or you can attempt to cut them out yourself if they are not close to the skin.

Now if your cat is badly knotted all over, you might want to consider getting him/her completely shaved - leaving the fur about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch for insulation. That way your cat will be able to grow a brand new coat, and you will be able to maintain it from the beginning. For additional grooming tips, visit the

• Before touching the cat, soak your hands in normal handcream.
• Avoid plastic brushes or combs as well as wire slicker brushes. Instead, use metal and teflon coated.
• During grooming, lay a wet paper towel on the fur.
• By an anti-static spritz (sold in pet stores).
• Lightly rub down the coat with a fragrance-free dryer sheet.

If stress is involved, you may see other behavioral or physical changes as well, such as, weight loss, fearful behavior, or changes in eating or sleeping habits. Punishment is not a way to resolve a litterbox problem. First, check with your veterinarian. Health problems can cause litterbox problems.

It has been said that booby traps, placed in the location of the soiling, may discourage pets from repeating the behavior in the same location again. Tricks include two-sided carpet tape, which pets don't like to walk on, a string of empty soda cans, small alarms set off by motion, balloons set up to pop against a tack on the wall if bumped by the cat, and mouse traps set upside down provide a quick, safe scare to the cat. Pet owners should consult their veterinarian before setting up any traps.

Some information above came from Feline Housesoiling (Acme Pet).

The microchip consists of a tiny tube (the size of a large grain of rice) that is inserted under the skin always on the left side at shoulder height. The process is a very quick, cheap, and painless. It carries a number in it that will identify the owner by name and address. The database also contains other relevant information, such as the cat's health problems. For example, if your lost diabetic cat got picked up, her condition could be treated. All veteranarian offices and animal shelters are supposed to have a reading device for the microchip so animals can be easily identified.

(This information came from Birgit F., Myriam G., Lana E., Mary B., Cara B., Nina K., Line C., Viki R., & Janette C. and can be found in our May 2001 Newsletter.)

It is easier to let a groomer or even a vet handle it for you. Since not all vets or groomers will be able or willing to do it, here are some basic instructions on how to do it yourself.

1. Start by grooming the cat thoroughly giving special attention to the rear end. Thus the fur gets untangled, and the cat gets used to you being busy in that area.
2. Use very sharp, small scissors. Start around the backside and lift the fur with a comb to avoid accidentally cutting into the skin. When you trim, leave the fur about 1/2 an inch long.
3. Then trim the back part of the upper-rear legs and the underside of the tail leaving about 3 or 4 inches in length.

(This information came from Birgit F.)

• A little while before you depart, remove your cat's food and water. This will reduce the risk of an accident while on the road.
• Line the carrier with baby diapers. It makes for a soft and comfortable ride and also helps in case of accidents. (Cover the diapers with a sheet or large towel. This will prevent the cat from clawing up the diaper and in turn ingesting pieces of it.)
• Please watch the temperature in the car. If it gets too hot, it can be dangerous for your cat.
• Always have water available.
• Bring a small amount of food along if it's a long ride.
• Put a familiar toy in the carrier with him/her.
• Talk to your cat often. He/she is bound to be upset, and your voice will be soothing to him/her.
• If possible, stop every hour or so for a few minutes. Take this time to remove your cat from the carrier and give him/her some reassurance and attention.