I live in an area not too far from a big regional park. I'm always seeing "lost cat" signs, and I suspect coyotes are killing my neighbors' cats. (That's one reason why I keep my cat in at night.) I know you've mentioned this before, but maybe it's time for another warning.
– P.G., via e-mail
Coyotes are everywhere, and they are just as happy to eat pets as wild animals.
Work with your neighbors to remove or move food sources that attract coyotes, such as pet food left outside, garbage cans that aren't securely closed or compost piles. If food sources are denied to them, the animals will move on to a more promising area.
Large dogs are not at high risk of attack, but small dogs and cats are tempting to coyotes. The only way to keep cats truly safe is to turn them into indoor-only pets, since a free-roaming cat is not safe day or night.
For small dogs, do not let them out unsupervised, and walk them on leashes to keep them close to you. While there have been incidents of dogs being taken off the end of the leash, most coyotes won't want to get that close to a human to risk it.
And try to avoid letting any of your dogs out at night if you can.
While these steps will not completely protect your pets, they will reduce the risk from these ever-more-common predators.
I want a Christmas tree, but my cat can't resist the decorations. Suggestions?
– T.D., via e-mail
Cats love to follow motion, pouncing on toys as if they were prey. When stringy substances are eaten, however, they can bind up in a cat's intestines and often must be surgically removed. Strings that are electrified, such as power cords and lights, offer even more hazards.
If you can't keep your cat away from the tree – by keeping him out of the room when you're not around, for example – then I'm afraid the danglies can't be part of your holiday décor.
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