When planting your herb garden, why not throw in some catnip (Nepeta cataria) for your cat? It's available at most local garden centers or online.
Having access to a fresh crop of catnip will make your cat very happy. The fresh catnip will be more potent and appealing than the bags of dried stuff you buy at the pet store. It's the smell of it that they love. And they particularly flip over a sprig of fresh catnip with a bud or flowers on it.
Catnip, a member of the mint family, is a perennial herb that can be grown in a mostly sunny spot with good drainage. It also does well in pots.
Don't forget that you can sprinkle some catnip on a scratching post and place it near a sofa or chair your cat has been sinking his claws into. The addition of the catnip just might keep your pet off of your furniture for a change.
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With warmer weather comes a crop of new fleas. Fleas are not only annoying, they can transmit diseases. Keeping pets indoors is, of course, the best way for them to avoid fleas. However, sometimes the pesky bugs find their way inside anyway.
Consider taking steps to keep those annoying little creatures off your pet and off you and your furnishings:
• Wash pet bedding frequently in hot water.
• Comb your cat or dog with a metal comb.
• Steam-clean your carpets on a regular basis.
• If you suspect fleas in the house, detach and seal your vacuum bag after you finish cleaning and take it outside into your trash can, making sure to put the lid on tight. If you have a bagless vacuum, empty the dirt cup frequently into a bag, seal it and remove to a covered trash container outdoors.
• Consult your vet about safe ways to treat your pet for a flea infestation.
Exercise is just as important for dogs as it is for humans.
A new book, "Canine Sports & Games" by Kristin Mehus-Roe (Storey Publishing, $17), provides all the information you need to begin a new fitness regime with your poodle or Portuguese water dog. There are physical guidelines, safety tips and goals. And there are lots of games described in detail with rules and regulations, if you want to play by the book.
There is a great chart to help you find the right sport for your dog's personality. So, if your dog is curious or adventurous, you might try dock jumping or sledding, according to the author. And you'll find out how to cope with your senior dog's arthritis. Just as in humans, moderate exercise is a good thing to help ease joint stiffness versus becoming a couch potato.
Doing it together will strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
