Don't let cat shred paper

Dear Heloise: My cat, Shadow, was ruining the toilet paper — unrolling it, shredding it and biting the roll. I cut the middle section out of a clean 2-liter soda bottle so that it was the same width as the tissue roll. Then I cut a slit down the whole length of the cylinder. This is easy to slip off and onto the roll of tissue, and Shadow can't get to the paper. I decorated it by applying stickers and writing "Shadow Buster" in permanent marker. — Sue in Reading, Pa.

Cats and toilet paper do seem to be "playmates"! We tested this in Heloise Central and found that you can leave the clear "sleeve" on and it's still easy to grab the paper. It might not be stylish, but it works. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have an idea for a gift for those who are hard to buy for. Christmas is coming! No more knickknacks or nightgowns.

For those with unaltered pets, you can pay for them to be spayed or neutered. Everyone wins. The pets are healthier, "Aunt Martha" doesn't have to worry about what to do with unwanted kittens or puppies, and you'll feel great because you have decreased the animal overpopulation problem. —Sherry Fleming, Beverly, Ohio

This is a nice gesture, but please be sure the recipient is receptive to this gift. You could also get a gift certificate from the veterinarian's office to pay for other pet health needs. — Heloise

Dear Readers: Eileen Floyd of San Diego sent a photo of her 3 1/2-year-old dog, Barney, holding his favorite toy, Willie the gorilla.

Eileen says: "Barney was 8 months old when we brought him home from the San Diego animal shelter. He is a mixture of bichon frise and cocker spaniel, and has big brown eyes that get him anything he wants. He has a nice disposition and loves everyone. He is a very good boy and brings us much joy." — Heloise

Dear Readers: Did you know that antifreeze can be fatal to your cat or dog? So, if you change your own at home, be sure to completely clean up any spills immediately. The liquid is sweet and pets will ingest it, so please use caution.

If you spill any antifreeze, quickly clean it up using absorbent paper toweling. Place the soiled toweling into a metal container with a lid, like a coffee can, and dispose of properly. Then wipe off the area well with a damp paper towel. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: During the summer months, I hang flowering baskets on shepherd's hooks around the yard. I have found they are also handy to hang bird feeders on.

Sit back and watch the fun. — Marion from Maine

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