ASK DR. SCHELLING

Dear Dr. Schelling,

My cat, Butch, likes to go outside a couple of times a day for about 5-10 minutes and sit on the porch. He stays in a fenced-in area and never ventures far, plus I keep an eye on him, so I allow him this time outside. My only worry is that it is very cold and snowy here right now. Should I be concerned about letting him continue this daily routine?

You ask a very good question and a lot depends on exactly how cold and if there are winter hazards present that might harm Butch.

Please read this important article on Cold Weather Tips for Cats.

Music My Pet Audio CD Collection

Available in two versions, holiday or classical, Music My Pet makes listening to music enjoyable for both you and your pet. Sit back and relax while the soothing melodies flow through the room, bringing peace and harmony to you and your furry friend. Produced by Tom Nazziola, a performer on Disney's award-winning Baby Einstein, these musical compositions appeal to all ages and species.

Tiger Dreams Luxury Beds

Made from ultra-soft faux fur in a variety of beautiful colors and prints, these luxurious beds are sure to please any cat. Make them feel like a king or queen, and watch them comfortably sleep the day away in their own special bed. Finally, you won't have to worry about fur-covered furniture. Available in a 24"x19" square plush bed, 3-way convertible trundle bed or elevated beddy ball. Any of these fancy yet functional beds will keep kitty off your sofa while keeping him purrfectly happy.

Interactive Toys for Two

The best toys are ones that can be enjoyed by both you and your cat at the same time. Build a lasting bond with your kitty while giving him the exercise he needs and the playtime he craves. These wand toys let you excite your cat without getting clawed. The PURRfect Feather Cat Toy entices kitty with floating feathers. It even comes with a free replacement feather so the fun can last even longer. If your kitty is a nature-lover, try Bird on a Wire. Its bright colors and realistic shape will be a huge hit.

Entertaining Toys: Sit Back and Enjoy!

After a long day of work, playing with your cat may be too much work. Instead, just flip the switch and enjoy the entertainment. Undercover Mouse is a soundless, mobile mouse that moves in random beneath a small nylon cover. It quickly and quietly grabs kitty's attention and keeps it. The Fling-Ama-String is a pendulum-style toy that hangs on any door knob. With two speeds, it's perfect for cats of any size or athletic level, and will have him pouncing and swatting endlessly. For a toy that keeps changing, get Cat Tracks. Watch kitty pounce around, chasing the constantly-moving ball. Mix the pieces around for a new arrangement of fun each and every time.

Cute Holiday Catnip Toys

For the pickiest cat, stick with catnip this holiday season. Naturally enjoyed by cats of all ages and sizes, catnip toys are a healthy way to grab kitty's attention and keep it. Watch him pounce, toss, snuggle and play with his toys for hours on end. We've gathered a collection of the cutest catnip toys to stuff their stockings with this Christmas, all made with high-quality, organic catnip without any additives or fillers.