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A: "Any time there's a change in behavior, I think medical," says veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kersti Seksel, of Sydney, Australia.

"While cats don't get diverticulitis, there are several other possibilities, including inflammatory bowel issues and kidney disease," she adds. Sometimes cats with kidney disease will both urinate and defecate outside the box. Urinary tract infections can be challenging to diagnose, and even treat, because they may come and go. Stress may or may not be a factor to worsen the situation. Definitely, your cat requires a very thorough medical workup."

If your veterinarian can't figure things out, consider seeing a feline specialist (www.catvets.org).

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Q: Our dog will not drink from a metal dog bowl. We have to give him water from a paper cup. When we're all at the dog park, it doesn't seem to matter what he drinks from. What's going on? -- J.B.M., Las Vegas, NV

A: Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Lisa Radosta, of West Palm Beach, FL, comments: "Perhaps, it's not so bad that the dog drinks out of paper, (but) maybe paper bowls would be more practical than paper cups. If that doesn't work for you, perhaps your dog won't mind plastic or ceramic bowls."

Another idea: Fill a metal bowl with tasty chicken bullion or Gatorade. Then, gradually offer less bullion or Gatorade and more water.

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Q: We own two 3-year-old poodles. Boogie eats to live, and Lucie lives to eat. Lucie, though, is a perfect lady. The problem occurs at 4:30 a.m. or earlier, when Boogie wants out of her condo. She starts to bark and whimper non-stop. We're tired. Can you help us get more sleep? -- L.P., Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

A: Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Marsha Reich says the trick is to determine what Boogie is communicating. Does he need to go potty? Is he hungry? Is he merely seeking attention?

"Anytime there's a change in behavior, strongly consider the chances there may be a medical explanation," says Reich, of Silver Spring, MD.

If your dog is hungry, adding another meal before bedtime is a good idea. But you also don't want Boogie, who apparently loves food, to become overweight. In fact, based on your description, that may already be the case. Speak with your veterinarian about how much and what you're feeding Boogie to determine if he's really hungry.

Assuming your pup checks out medically, consider enlarging his crate or putting him in an exercise pen instead. There, with more elbow room, provide a bathroom by offerng pee-pads, a large litter box or plastic storage container (like a the kind you'd store sweaters in) with a litter made for dogs (available online and in pet stores).

If it turns out Boogie is barking for attention -- or has "trained you" to feed him in the middle of the night just because he can -- your best option is to simply ignore him, which might mean ear plugs for you.

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