Dear Fisher,

I’m an inside cat but sometimes I get to go out on the patio with my people. I have to be supervised. That’s what they say. I love all the flowers and plants out there, but they fuss at me whenever I try to nab a bite. They say some plants are poisonous, but how do I know which are good and which are bad? They know I don’t always remember the rules so maybe they should get rid of the poisonous plants?

Waldo

Dear Waldo,

Keep in mind that your humans buy plants because they are beautiful on the patio, and they do supervise you so you won’t get into trouble. However, severe weather conditions can cause humans to bring outside plants inside. They are usually under some stress when that happens and they might forget about the seriousness of exposing you to plants that are dangerous to your health. You will have to exercise discernment.

Campaign for CATNIP! Imagine it and expect it…and when it shows up as a “special treat” on the patio, make sure to show a great deal of appreciation. Don’t hold back on silly antics that make them laugh. Cuddle up to them and show off your loving nature. That should guarantee a steady supply of catnip and then you must leave the other plants alone. And do not forget!

Go to http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/comlist.htm for an extensive list of plants.

As a back up, cut this out and stick it on the refrigerator door:

The Animal Poison Control Center is a unique, emergency hotline providing 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week telephone assistance to veterinarians and animal owners. There is a $50 consultation fee paid by the animal owner, veterinarian or product manufacturer.
Animal Poison Control Center 1-888-426-4435.

Your friend,

Fisher

Dear Fisher,

I love summertime and the road trips I take with my family, but sometimes I cause a few problems for them and I need advice. It’s the same routine every time. We are all excited about the trip. Usually I am the one bouncing up and down and getting the most excited because they are all happy and busy and planning and all.

I am in and out of the house “supervising” the packing of the car and making sure there is no chance I get left behind. I get more pets and scratches because I am pretty much in the way and they don’t seem to care. I love that!Then about three or four hours into the trip, it happens. All of a sudden my stomach just turns and “oops and AAAAAAARRF” and now I made a mess in the back seat. I never have this problem on our short trips. What can I do?

Bosco

Dear Bosco,

Thanks to your remarkable description of your problem, I can fully understand your concern. The solution is really quite simple, but you will have to get your family in on it. It is very common for humans to overcompensate for any possible missed meal times you may encounter while traveling long distances. They only want the best for you – whether you ask for it or not. Their solution is usually to load you up with an extra big breakfast just before that early break away out of town. This process naturally disrupts your own normal intake and output, if you know what I mean. The timing and the excitement add to the problem, although those should not be changed. Somehow you will need to refrain from eating up everything they put in front of you. Remember, just a small snack plus all the excitement is plenty to get you through at least the first four hours. If they do not notice the improvement on the first trip, they will surely notice it by the second, or no later than the third. They will then become involved and helpful in making your plan a success.

Your friend, Fisher

A little light music goes a long way…

Dear Fisher,

It’s me – Mork, and I am kinda embarrassed to write to you with my problem but I need to solve it. It’s rainy season again and when my family is out working and I am home alone during the day, the thunderstorms scare me silly. What can I do to calm myself?

Mork

Dear Mork,

You do not have to feel embarrassed about your fear of thunder and loud noises. It is much more common than you may realize. I have friends in the same situation and they find comfort in listening to the radio all day. One I know of prefers talk radio (he did not say which station, and I wonder what that might lead to if he all of a sudden goes political on us), and another friend loves classical music. They report this makes them feel like they are not alone and the sounds offer them something to think about besides their own fear. This might be a bit of a trick, but there is a wonderful radio station you can get from a computer if you have access. It is all about us!!! Try to check it out: http://animalradio.com/

I also want to add here that summertime fireworks shows are not really a treat for most dogs. Sometimes that experience alone can lead to fear of thunderstorms.

Your friend, Fisher

As a definite happy-go-blogging cat, my life has taken another turn. My column is now appearing in print and online newspapers. This is major for me, and it is such a pleasure to join the world of community newspapers where we can all connect. 

My blog format is changing a little - back to my original plan of having you critters write in with your issues. I will still have room for stories and photos and probably add some favorite videos and pix. Oh, and also if you have an event coming up, by all means WRITE! askfisher@gmail.com We are all a travelin’ bunch these days, so you never know who from Florida may end up in Iowa to take in your event. Isn’t life grand?

New set of rules for condo living

Dear Fisher,

I live with my people in a nice home with a great big yard. Last weekend my people left town for a few days and I was sent to stay with some cat’s people in their condo. At home I hear noises and I bark. In the condo, it seemed to make the people nervous. The people were always nice to me and I know they really liked me, but I need to know what condo rules are in case I get invited back there some day.

Goofy

Dear Goofy,

Before I say anything else, I want to commend you for being polite enough to even ask about condo rules for dogs. Not all dogs would think of that. Since I am also a condo dweller, I can tell you that barking inside the condo is not a good idea. When you visit again and get to know the area, you will not feel quite so anxious about all the noises outside. When they take you to the park, feel free to bark, but not at another dog. It is probably his “back yard” and that would be impolite. Just wait until you and your handler are off to yourselves and let out a hearty bark. I am thinking that will give you a good barking fix for awhile and no one will get too nervous about what the neighbors might think.

Your friend, Fisher

Getting attention at dinner time means concentration, discipline, patience

Dear Fisher,

A few weeks ago, I became the product of a broken home. My housemate, Boots, went with one human and I am with the other. What a mess! It is sad and confusing. But now, it has gotten worse.I am very hungry! Boots always did the complaining and keeping track of dinnertime. For so long, I never had to say a word. I don’t even know where to start. I never knew it, but I am shy and self-conscious about making a lot of racket. It isn’t my nature. So now, the human forgets to feed me. Yeow! What should I do?

Samantha

Dear Samantha,

I am not too mouthy either, and I have the most success getting what I want by using mind control - oh yes – we all have it! Here’s how it works:Sit in front of your food dish and posture yourself so your head is halfway down to the point where you would start eating. Stare at your bowl. Try not to move anything and by all means, do not feel self-conscious. The longest I have ever had to hold the position was 4 minutes and 17 seconds. (I could do that because I wasn’t actually starving – you aren’t actually starving, are you?)Your brain waves are at work signaling “something” is different. You will be noticed and you will be fed. Repeat as needed, not to exceed twice a day for two weeks. If you don’t get results in that time, please write back and we will work on a new solution.

Your friend, Fisher

Send me questions to askfisher@gmail.com. Make sure to attach a picture with your question. I look forward to hearing from you.