My Pet World: Soft Paws can soften your cat's ability to damage furniture

Keep those emails and 'snail mail' letters coming. I'm always learning from readers. My knowledge base can't equal the collective expertise of all of you! Also, reflecting back on 20 years of writing this column, I certainly wouldn't have lasted anywhere near this long without your interest and input.

Here's a sampling of recent comments posted at steve@stevedale.tv:

Comment: "Congratulations on your 20 years. I've been following your column from the beginning and have shared your knowledge many times. As a veterinary professional, I've seen you at conferences. Your commitment to animal welfare is undeniable, and so is your contribution." -- B.L., Las Vegas, NV

Comment: "Congratulations on 20 years of pet writing. Your place is special, reaching millions of pet owners, but you also have respect in the veterinary community and in animal welfare. You've always stood up for what you feel is right. A few may briefly enjoy more celebrity, but no one has done more to help pets in such a broad way over so many years." -- C.L., Chicago, IL

My reply: Thank you! Thousands of others help pets every day, particularly at animal shelters and with rescue organizations, in a very hands-on way, along with the veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the trenches, saving lives daily. I just happen to have several platforms through which to communicate, for which I'm very grateful.

Comment: "I thought I might add to your answer about declawing cats. I use soft claws, a product you glue onto the nail, preventing scratching. This does not hurt the cat. The soft claws fall off every 4-6 weeks and you replace them. I order online." -- K.F., Las Vegas, NV

My reply: You mean a product called Soft Paws. And you're right; these temporary nail caps fit over a cats' nails. Cats still go through scratching motions, but the soft caps prevent damage to furniture. They're safe to use, as the adhesive to is the same used in many veterinary procedures. But, as you point out, the caps do need to be replaced about once a month.

Comment: "I'm an advocate of positive dog training, as I know you are. I'm a foster mom for a rescue group, and foster dogs and birds. On several occasions, I've been at events where a group that trains service dogs is present and they use pinch collars. We've had conversations and they get heated. I now just stay away from them; they give me dirty looks when they see me." -- D.H., via cyberspace

My reply: Dog training methods, and the tools used to train, can be emotional issues. A pinch collar is also referred to as a prong collar (with inverted spikes). When the control loop is pulled, the prongs pinch the loose skin of the dog's neck. While use by a professional is acceptable to me, on occasion, I'm far more a fan of body harnesses, head halters (such as the Gentle Leader), or just using a flat buckle collar, depending on the dog. I suspect that group would call me names and give me dirty looks, too!

Comment: "Try Meat tenderizer (unflavored) for dogs who eat their poop. We've used it for our Husky for almost 12 years. Just a light sprinkle on the dog's food will do the trick." -- B.K., via cyberspace

My reply: I offered that advice in a recent column, though it doesn't work for all dogs. Thanks for the reminder.

Comment: "I read your column about the cat that wakes up yowling overnight. My Norwegian Forest Cat, now 17, would yowl during the night. I thought she just wanted attention or was lonely for my other cat, who'd passed away. My smart veterinarian figured out that she was suffering from arthritis. The vet completed a course in animal acupuncture. Chablis has had three treatments and is today a different cat altogether; she acts 10 years younger." -- J.F., Margate, FL

My reply: Your note is incredibly important for several reasons. For starters, you illustrate exactly why I say that anytime your pet displays a change in behavior, contact your veterinarian. Don't assume you know what's going on, don't rely on Dr. Google, and don't even write me. Contact your vet because the problem may be medical - which is exactly what happened with your cat.

Also, we now know that arthritis in cats is underdiagnosed. Cats often don't show any symptoms, or their signs may seem unrelated (such as howling overnight). There are pain relief options for cats. I am so grateful you shared your story.

Comment: "Thank you for raising awareness about animal hoarding. I'm a member of Frankie's Friends, the animal rescue group started by the vets and rescuers that liberated the (cats hoarded at) Tiger Ranch. Keep up the good work!" -- M.S., via cyberspace

My reply: Indeed, pet hoarding seems to be more prevalent today. And there are some who disguise themselves with the name 'rescue,' who are, in reality, hoarders.

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