Q:
I have no family other than my cat. I would like to provide for her
in my will. What is the best way of doing this?
A: When considering including a pet in
a will, bear in mind that money or possessions cannot be left directly
to an animal. Legally speaking, pets are v iewed as “personal
property” rather than living beings. In many states, a person
can leave money to a pet’s guardian, but may only request, not
direct, that the funds be used for the pet’s care. In other states,
trust funds designed specifically for pet care are allowed. When planning
for your pet’s future, consult your veterinarian and an attorney.
Q:
I recently adopted Chloe, a terrier-mix, from
the pound. She is absolutely hyperactive, and I can’t seem to
get her to calm down. Is there any hope?
A:
For the hyperactive pet, plenty of exercise is recommended. If you
can’t exercise as much as your overly-active pet, teaching your
companion to play “fetch” will often help to relieve excess
energy. Also, introducing a second pet into the household may help.
For extreme hyperactivity problems, your vet may recommend medical
treatment.
Q:
I am a first-time cat owner. What kinds of toys
are best for cats? A:
Generally, if
something rolls, a cat will chase it and play with it. Cardboard tubes
from toilet paper or paper towels make great disposable toys. Empty
spools of thread will also inspire hours of play, as will balls of
aluminum foil or the rings from around the lids of gallon milk jugs.
Lightweight foam balls from the pet store which can be batted around
and easily picked up are also favorites. Whatever toys you choose
for your cat, keep safety in mind. Strings or ribbons can be swallowed,
leading to intestinal blockage, and some toys small enough to be fun
for a cat might be also be small enough to be swallowed by a dog.
