Other articles by Connie Bloom:

Put litter box in convenient spot for kitty Why does my lab groom kitty? Unfortunately, the leather sofa is most likely ruined Their religious art comforts grieving pet owners Food upgrade may curb dog's constant sheddingConsider rescue puppy before pet store Eye, other surgeries more popular Dock jumping a joy for dogs and their owners Stray-cat birth control not considered viable Special eye drops may help dogs with cataracts

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PAINTED HILLS PEDIATRICS
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Q I was always told that when a dog rubs the top of his nose on the ground in an upward motion that this was what wild dogs would do to cover up the food for some later date. — J.M.D.

I think you got it wrong in a past column when you said the Spitz mix that rubbed his nose in front of his dish was reveling in the joys of suppertime. — K.S.

A Thanks for the muzzles up. The ritual is called caching, said animal behavior consultant Ken McCort.

"When canines in the wild kill something and they're not hungry and don't eat it right then, they'll cache it," to eat later.

When a dog has eaten enough, he might dig in the dish, or nose prod at the dish or flip it.

"I've even seen dogs bring a throw rug to put on top of it. It's a throwback to wild predation," McCort said.

Rituals such as these are self-rewarding, because they trigger an endorphin release. It's not exactly a soft-shoe, but it's definitely a form of celebration for the bounty.

Q I understand that clumping cat litter is dangerous for cats because they lick the chemicals off their paws. — M.Q.

A It's best to avoid clumping cat litters that contain sodium bentonite, said veterinarian Nan Decker.

Sodium bentonite is the agent that causes the clumping, swelling to many times its original size. It has been implicated in the cause of both human and animal diseases.

"Although there is a lack of scientific evidence that proves these particular litters to be potentially harmful, anecdotal evidence has linked the use of these litters with lung and intestinal problems," she said. "For my own cats I use a completely natural cat litter made from wheat. The boxes are very easy to scoop clean and there is very little odor or dust."

Decker also likes the natural pine and corn litters.