Cats can get heartworms, too

Dear Readers: Most of us know that dogs can get heartworms, but I bet many of you didn't know that cats can contract the disease as well. Yup, and it's nasty!

Heartworm disease is not confined to the Southern, warmer climates. It is in all 50 states. As long as there are mosquitoes, there is a chance of your pet getting heartworms. If a mosquito bites a dog with heartworms, then bites a cat, chances are the cat will get the disease. Indoor cats are at risk, too!

There are pills you can give your cat just once a month to protect it from getting heartworms. Please speak to your veterinarian about this. While we are on the subject -- Don't forget your dogs! -- Heloise

NEW PUPPY

Dear Heloise: I'm a first-time dog owner, and when I brought my puppy home, the owner of the pup's parents gave me a wonderful tip for making little Chelsea's nights with us less traumatic. She gave me a piece of fabric the pups had in their bed and also told me to put an alarm clock in Chelsea's bed.

I wrapped the clock in a soft, small blanket and placed it near her. The ticking made her sleep peacefully. She must have thought it was her mother's heartbeat. -- Karen S., Chicago

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to HeloiseHeloise.com.