HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I am hoping you can assist me with a question about my cat, Patches. She is an indoor/outdoor cat, and we are moving to a new home to take care of in-laws. I would prefer her to be strictly indoors, so that she would always be safe. Can I train her to stay inside and become an indoor cat? My ve t sa i d to just do it, and eventually she will quit crying when she learns I’m not going to let her out.

Can you give me any pointers? — Cheryl in San Antonio DEAR READER: Moving can be upsetting and stressful. As far as her “wanting” to be outside, of course she wants to. She has been doing so, and now she can’t. You’re a loving and responsible owner, knowing it could be dangerous. She may not come back.

Set up some “distractions” for her: a scratching post and new toys. An elevated, carpet-lined perch by a window will let Patches look outside and keep watch about what is going on. I once saw a large motor home with a pop-out “cat window.” The owners had attached a large wire cage, with carpet on the bottom, to the window. The cat went through the window “outside” to sit and watch the world go by, but was safe.

She may try to sneak out when a door is open, so do be sure that everyone in the house keeps an eye on her. Maybe distract her when you leave. She will fuss and make noise, but you must stay the course.

Indoor cats generally are healthier and live longer, so she most likely will have more happy years with you.

While on this subject, please do be sure that your cat is microchipped, and that you register your contact information on a pet recovery database service such as homeagain.com so you can be more quickly reunited. Anyone moving with pets should get new tags and update contact information.

DEAR HELOISE: My wife and I eat breakfast or lunch out several times a week. We meet up with friends, have a nice meal, and there’s no cooking or cleaning up.

Here’s how we save a bundle of money: Drink water rather than tea or coffee. A cup of coffee can run $2.50, and iced tea the same. We each order a salad and an appetizer sometimes, and not expensive entrees. It adds up. — Dennis and Dixie, Washington