Pet World: Why do some cats bite and what to do about it?

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Dec 9, 2020

To address your second question, there are covers you can mount on the wall to keep your cat from unrolling the toilet paper. You also can put the toilet paper on the roller, so the paper has to be pulled from the back of the roll, making it harder, but not impossible, to pull on. You also can place it out of your cat’s reach, like in a basket on the counter or on the tank of the commode.

Dear Cathy,

About two months ago, our five-year-old Golden Doodle refused to go out on walks. She is slightly timid but has been eager to go out most of her life. We've tried everything, anxiety pills, treats, etc., but nothing works. I have narrowed it down to cars and their sounds. I read your column about the dog afraid of household noises. I'm wondering about the noise machine. I've never seen one but I'm wondering if I should try one or is there some other approach you would try?

—Dick, Tucson, Arizona

Dear Dick,

If there is no health problem, then something scared her during a past walk. Stick with the calming supplements and buy an Anxiety Wrap or Thundershirt for her to wear on the walks. The first time she wears it, take her outside, but not for a walk, to let her get used to it. She should begin to feel more confident outside again. When she does, try to take her for a walk. The noise machine works great in the house to block outside noises and could provide some calming energy for her prior to her walk.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)