ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

I am on oxygen 24/7 and have two cats who have fun chewing holes in my tubing. I have used so much duct tape to patch it; it's crazy. Do you have any suggestions?

— Holly, Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Holly,

To discourage them from chewing, use a pet-safe deterrent spray like Bitter Apple (available at pet stores or online) to make the tubing "taste" less appealing. Be sure to test the Bitter Apple spray on a small section of tubing first. Give it 24 hours and examine the sample piece of tubing again to ensure it doesn't impact the tubing. I think it’s safe and won’t penetrate the tubing but call the tubing manufacturer to make sure.

If this deterrent doesn’t work or is not feasible, covering the tubing with protective materials may help. Some cats dislike the texture of aluminum foil or double-sided tape, such as Sticky Paws, so wrapping sections of tubing in these materials could deter them. However, Sticky Paws tape may collect dirt since oxygen tubing is often dragged along the floor, so aluminum foil may be the better option to wrap it with. While they can bite through the foil, they won’t like how it feels on their teeth.

You can also try protective covers, like split loom tubing, braided cable sleeving, flexible spiral wraps, or fabric cord wraps (available at hardware stores). Look for flexible options that allow the oxygen tubing to remain flexible and maneuverable. PVC pipe, for example, would be too rigid and heavy to work in this instance.

Since some cats chew out of boredom, offering alternative outlets for their chewing instincts might also help. Providing cat-safe chew toys and interactive feeders can give them something more appropriate to focus on. Cat grass or catnip plants are also great distractions that offer a satisfying chewing experience. You might also switch your food bowls for food mats, as licking up the food from the textured mats provides additional mental stimulation for felines.

Dear Cathy,

I have a 14-year-old Bichon rescue that we adopted when he was four. He’s a wonderful dog, but for the past year, he has been pooping in the house. I took him to the vet when this started, and they found nothing medically wrong. The vet suggested giving him an extra walk before bed, but that didn’t help.

Now, he poops inside more often than outside. I’ve tried crating him, but he hates it. I always tell him “no,” and remind him to go outside, but he doesn’t signal when he needs to go out; he just poops. He has always had a habit of pooping when left alone, almost as if it were out of spite. Do you have any ideas?

— Carol, Shirley, New York

Dear Carol,

I want to reassure you that your dog isn’t pooping out of spite. At 14 years old, age-related changes may be making it harder for him to hold it. This isn’t unusual in senior dogs, even if urination isn’t an issue.

To help, take him out immediately after sleeping, eating, or playing — just like you would with a puppy. Increasing the frequency of potty breaks and rewarding him when he poops outside reinforces good habits. Since arthritis or discomfort can make squatting painful, it’s worth checking with your vet to rule out joint pain. Some senior dogs also benefit from slight dietary changes, such as adding fiber or probiotics to help regulate digestion.

You can also try using potty pads in areas where he frequently has accidents. If he has trouble signaling when he needs to go, setting a reminder to take him out at regular intervals can help prevent accidents.

In the meantime, continue with the short, easy walk before bedtime to encourage a final bowel movement. Small adjustments to his routine, along with possible dietary or medical support, may make a big difference for this aging dog.

Dear Cathy,

I am a feral cat feeder, and over the years, I've successfully brought 15 feral cats into my home. With time, love, and patience, they all became wonderful, affectionate companions, sleeping on my bed, sitting on my lap while I watched TV, and truly becoming part of the family.

— “Feral Sheryl,” Huntington Station, New York

Dear Feral Sheryl,

That's wonderful to hear! Your patience and love have given so many feral cats a chance at a safe, happy life. Not every feral cat is a candidate for living inside, but it sounds like you have made amazing progress to suggest otherwise. It sounds like you have a gift with cats. Keep up the great work.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)

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