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Landsberg says to deal with any medical issues, while at the same time addressing the cats' apparent cognitive decline as best you can. You could ask your veterinarian about a drug called Anipryl (a drug for dogs which some veterinarians will also use for cats) which might slow the cognitive decline.

Regarding the constipation, talk with your veterinarian about supplementing the cats' diet with canned pumpkin or Metamucil, and consider trying a veterinary prescription diet. Fish oil supplementation might bolster the cats' brain health.

Also, engaging the cats -- simply calling them to come to you and getting a response -- offers both brain exercise and physical exercise. As they're capable, and if they're willing, light play is also good.

"The more litter boxes you have the better," adds Landsberg. "Even if the cats forget where they are, they may stumble upon one. Make sure the boxes are easy to get into, as most 20-year-old cats have some arthritis."

Plastic storage containers meant for sweaters (available at hardware and big box stores, or online) make good alternative litter boxes. Cut down the sides so the cats can step inside easily. Even a cookie sheet with raised edges can work. With all the specialization going on these days in the pet industry, I wish a manufacturer would create a litter box for older cats.

"Continue to offer plenty of TLC," Landsberg adds.

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Q: I can't get my 8-month-old dog to stop chewing on everything. Meekah chomps through her toys and has chewed up a part of the wall molding. I know the problem is separation anxiety, though she's alone only an hour before my wife comes home. An American Eskimo Dog, Meekah is a great watchdog, but the chewing is a big problem. What can we do? -- D.W., via cyberspace

A: "How do you know your dog truly has separation anxiety?" asks Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the behavior clinic at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA. "Perhaps she was never taught how to behave in the house with people away; just given too much freedom at too young an age without supervision. The value of crate-training is that the dog can't get into trouble. Maybe Meekah is just bored, and entertains herself chewing. She's at an age where she's likely teething; it feels especially good to chew."

Dodman continues, "Definitely, this dog needs to see a professional to determine what's really going on. (The problem) may be separation anxiety, but it may not be."

In other words, it's important to pinpoint the cause of your dog's chewing before you can solve the problem.

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