My Pet World: Recent books explore how dogs think

By Steve Dale, Tribune Content Agency on Dec 4, 2014

Mostly, though, dogs talk to us non-verbally. And whether they vocalize or not, dogs are always communicating, even if we don't realize it.

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Q: Can cats really become addicted to catnip? Mine certainly seem to be. -- B.H., Chicago, IL

A: Thus far, I've never heard of a cat visiting the Betty Ford Center to overcome catnip addiction. In fact, many cats offered catnip daily seem to build up a resistance to its effects. You're better off offering catnip every other day or irregularly.

Nepeta cataria, or catnip, is a perennial herb in the mint family. Catnip plants can grow to be three feet high. The chemical compound that attracts and affects cats is called nepetalactone. Researchers aren't sure of the neurological explanation, but it's thought that catnip mimics feline "happy" pheromones and stimulates receptors in the brain that respond to those pheromones. When eaten, however, catnip may have the opposite effect: The cat may become very mellow.

Over half of all adult cats respond to catnip by rolling, flopping around, rubbing, running amuck and/or meowing. A small percentage actually become aggressive, and should not be given catnip. Kittens and about a third to 40 percent of adult cats don't respond at all, for reasons unknown.

Catnip is legal in all states, including a new product, a one-ounce jar of Dr. Meowsky's Medicinal Medical Grade Catnip, from www.barkerandmeowsky.com, home grown in the USA; $.9.95.

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Q: I'm looking for a special dog feeder, and hoping you can help. I'm having our kitchen re-decorated and want a water dish that matches my decor. I did some Internet surfing but couldn't find a thing. Any tips? -- C.L., San Diego, CA

A: Mike Heene, of Des Plaines, IL, had a similar redecorating problem, so he created his own stylish dog feeders. Each individually made feeder features wide-rimmed, stainless steel bowls. The bowls, 32-ounce to 96-ounce, are embossed with paw prints and come in a variety of colors. The powder-coated finish protects against wear and tear.

There are many styles, including one in peach-colored Italian iridescent glass with mother of pearl glass paws and distressed white marble edging. In fact, several styles feature marble. Prices range from $150 to $500; http://www.mikescustompetdesigns.com/.

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