DEAR JOAN: A liked one has an energetic grownup cat, and he or she permits him to leap up and stroll all around the kitchen counters and eating desk.
She insists the cat will not be “dirty” as a result of he cleans himself completely. I say that cat litter and traces of urine and feces from the litter field stay on the cat’s paws, which then get transferred to cooking and consuming surfaces.
As issues are, I’m most uncomfortable consuming at her home now. My query is, are cats that clear and will they be allowed and inspired on kitchen counters and eating tables?
— L., Cupertino
DEAR L.: Cats themselves are very clear animals, spending nearly all of their time self-grooming. However that doesn’t imply they’re antiseptic and sterile.
All dwelling creatures carry round with them an assortment of micro organism. If we stopped to consider it, we’d most likely wrap ourselves in plastic wrap and keep away from permitting something or anybody to return involved with our naked pores and skin. However not all micro organism is dangerous or dangerous.
Cat mouths are cleaner, typically, than these of people and canine. We’ve got about 600 several types of micro organism in our mouths; cats have round 200. Cat saliva can be fairly particular stuff. It may possibly assist overheated cats to chill down, and it comprises sure enzymes that may assist with wound therapeutic and ache in cats, however these properties aren’t good for human accidents.
Licking of paws received’t essentially take away the germs and common ickiness that comes out of litter bins. Nevertheless, if your beloved wipes down counters and tables with ample cleaning soap and water or an antibacterial cleansing spray earlier than making ready and serving the meals, there isn’t a lot threat for you.
That stated, it’s a good suggestion to discourage cats from climbing round kitchen counters and eating room tables. Past good hygiene, cats may very well be in danger for moving into issues they shouldn’t, comparable to dangerous meals or sizzling pans and burners. In fact, cats don’t discourage simply.
DEAR JOAN: Birdseed is pricey. If I discover seed that’s 5 years previous, is it protected to make use of?
— Julie Hartley, Wichita, Kansas
DEAR JULIE: Chook seed does have a shelf life. Relying on the kind of seed, it may be saved for six months as much as two years.
There are a few issues with shopping for and utilizing previous seed. The primary is that the feed will finally mildew and mildew, and feeding it to the birds could make them sick.
The opposite is economics. Birds like contemporary meals and even when the seed hasn’t gone dangerous, it is going to be much less appetizing, they usually aren’t prone to eat a lot of it, which is type of losing your cash.
You would possibly discover it extra economical to purchase increased high quality seed, though it prices extra. You will discover it lasts longer as a result of it has much less filler. Birds are likely to root by the decrease high quality meals and toss it round in search of their favourite bits, emptying feeders quicker.
Seed also needs to be saved in air-tight containers, and seeds which have gone dangerous needs to be positioned in plastic luggage, sealed and disposed of.
Whereas cheaper seed is OK, low cost 5-year-old seed most likely will not be.
