My Pet World: Dogs may not have a specific language, but they do know how to communicate

By Steve Dale, Tribune Content Agency on Oct 29, 2015

Of course, there are many excellent brands of manufactured food and choices, but as people have individual nutritional needs and preferences, the same is true to for our pets. At the end of the day, the right choice is the one your pet thrives on.

Having said that, like many things in life -- yes, paying a bit more may mean a higher quality. It may mean better marketing, too -- so I understand your question about navigating the noise.

I believe Merrick is an excellent option, and in my experience pretty affordable, so perhaps consider another pet store or a pet superstore, which may be less expensive. Royal Canin offers a diet specific to Yorkshire Terriers. I am all for clipping coupons.

Truth is I am not the one to ask -- your veterinarian is the right person to consult. Your veterinarian, or sometimes a certified veterinary technician within the practice, will know you and your pet -- and understands pet nutrition.

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Q: My sweet older cat doesn't want to accept our new kitten. She's been chasing after her as if she wants to kill her. The kitten is trying to be friends, but he won't let that happen. I started the kitten in a separate room with the door closed as you suggest. And also, the kitten eats my other cat's food. I can't police the food all the time. I want my cats to be best friends. What can I do? -- F.S., Buffalo, NY

A: It sounds like you went about all this the right way, but perhaps you introduced your older cat to the kitten too quickly. In any case, start all over. Restrict the kitten to one room in the house. Naturally, place the kitty's food and water dishes, litter box and various toys in that room. Visit and play with your kitten often. Your kitty should be eating separately, and on a different diet than your adult cat, anyway.

Use a Feliway MultiCat diffuser in the kitty room, and at least one in the rest of the house (likely two or three depending on the size of the house; each diffuser covers about 700 feet). Feliway is a copy of a calming pheromone, which knocks anxiety down a notch, and is made specifically for this purpose.

Meanwhile, rotate blankets and toys, so your older cat smells the kitten's blanket and toys and your kitty smells your older cat's stuff. Also, after about 10 days, allow your kitten to wander the house and your older cat to tour the kitten's room for about an hour.

When it's finally time to introduce them, do so gradually; for only 15 to 30 seconds at a time. For these short times the cats are together, give them a reason to like one another, like tuna or sardines -- the heavy artillery comes out. They'll be paying more attention to the food than one another; and hopefully will associate the amazing treat with each other. For example, if every time you saw me, I gave you $100 -- over time, you'll want to see me often.