Simple tips keep holidays festive for pets, too

Heloise

Dear Readers: How can we keep our pets safe when they are around our holiday decorations? Here are a few suggestions:

• Live plants such as holly and mistletoe can be ingested and cause stomach upset. Artificial plants are a better bet.

• Don’t hang shimmery tinsel. It catches the light, but cats like to catch it, too, and they may ingest it, which can cause digestive problems.

• Make sure the Christmas tree is secure and can’t be knocked over and fall on your pets.

• Real candles are an accident waiting to happen — look for flameless ones.

• Be vigilant for loose wires and broken glass ornaments.

Holiday fun and safety for your pets can go together! — Heloise

P.S. Fatty, spicy, rich, sugary foods and alcohol are not healthy and should be kept away from pets.

Dear Heloise: When my mother was older and living alone, she came up with an excellent security idea. She went to the thrift store and bought a used pair of size 16 or 18 tennis shoes.

She got them a little dirty and left them on the porch outside her door. Anyone seeing them would hesitate before bothering her. — Jim B., Dana Point, California

Dear Heloise: I have a surefire way to cut onions without tears: Before you start cutting onions, put on swim goggles. I don’t mind looking a bit silly because I don’t have any tears! — T.L., Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Readers: In need of some holiday cheer? Perhaps a visit to these places is in order:

• Garland, Texas

• Santa Claus, Indiana • Eggnog, Utah • Partridge, Kansas Not feeling it? Head over to Humbug, Arizona! — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have another use for baking soda. I take aqua yoga classes at the local community center, and I noticed my hair had a buildup. When I went for a haircut, the beautician told me it was chlorine.

She told me to add a bit of baking soda to my shampoo. I did, and no more chlorine buildup. I color my hair, and it didn’t affect it.

— Maryann G., via email

Dear Heloise: Our two cats are indoor cats that do not go outside. Both are rescued males that were born to a feral mother. My wife wants to have them neutered and get their shots, but I think that’s unnecessary since they do not go outside. What do you suggest we should do? — Frank J., Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Frank, get your pets neutered and have the vet give them their shots. If one of them got out, it could father a litter of kittens, and the world does not need any more stray kittens. Neutered male cats are usually cleaner and less aggressive. The shots protect your pet from diseases transmitted by other animals. Your veterinarian will let you know which shots you need, then follow his or her advice. — Heloise

Heloise answers letters only in her King Features Syndicate column. Write her at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 782795000 or send a fax to 1-210-HELOISE.