Simple ways to care for feral cats; homemade soap bubbles

Dear Heloise: To all you cat lovers, let’s not forget the feral cats that may need our help. Yes, they are out there; I have some that come around at night.

Remember to leave fresh water and some cat food outside to help our furry feline friends. There is excellent information on the internet about how to make shelters for them as well. Just type in “How to care for feral cats.”—Darleen C., Omaha, Neb.

Great information, Darleen. Even with the spring thaw, feral cats still need food, water and shelter. Here are a couple of hints from the Humane Society (www.HumaneSociety.org):

Inside whatever cat home you build/use/construct, a pillowcase stuffed with foam peanuts makes good bedding (replace as needed).

Keep drinking water and food available, but away from the shelter; it can spill and dampen sleeping quarters.—Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Helen in Port Aransas, Texas, sent in a picture of her 10-year-old fawn-colored Chihuahua, Ernie, taking a nap on a heart-covered blanket. Ernie is female—Helen named her after the lady who gave her the dog, Ernestine! To see Ernie and our other Pet Pals, visit www. Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a funny and furry friend? Send a picture, along with the pet’s name, age, breed and an amusing anecdote, to Heloise@ Heloise.com!—Heloise

NO BUBBLE TROUBLE Dear Heloise: For a fun spring activity when the grandkids visit, we make soap bubbles! I shave 2 ounces of Castile soap, which is good quality but not too expensive. I place it in a pint jar and fill it with water— which I’ve boiled and cooled.

I shake thoroughly, and let sit until the top of the water is clear. Then I pour off the clear water and add a spoonful of glycerin. Sometimes I add food coloring!

To deliver the bubbles, we use a straw (supervise young children) or an empty thread spool. We play in the yard, or at bath time!—Harold C., Garden Grove, Calif.