Dear Heloise: What's the best way to clean the litter box? - A Reader, via email
Cats are extremely sensitive to strong odors, so scrub the empty box with an unscented, mild detergent. Using ammonia or other strong-smelling products could cause the cat to stay away. Rinse well to remove all the soap, then dry. Empty and clean it at least once per week. - Heloise
P.S. A light dusting of baking soda at the bottom of the pan can help absorb and neutralize urine odor.
Pet Pal
Dear Readers: Gloria H. in San Antonio shared two pictures of her 14-year-old, deer-headed Chihuahua, T.J., who is a frequent visitor here at Heloise Central.
He's looking earnestly at Gloria in one picture, and he's patiently waiting for "Santa Paws" in the other picture, catching a snooze on the office dog pillow while decked out in his tacky Christmas pajamas. He is a great addition to the crew in the office!
To see T.J. and our other Pet Pals, visit Heloise.com and click on "Pet of the Week." Do you have a furry and funny friend? Email a picture and description to HeloiseHeloise.com. - Heloise
Hint From Him
Dear Heloise: It's still chilly here in the East. I make homemade "breeze blockers":
Method one, for doors inside the house: You'll need a full leg of old nylon pantyhose and two cardboard cores from gift wrap. Insert the cores into the hose and tie off the end. Slip this under the door so that one tube is on one side of the door and the other is on the other side.
Method two, better to use for doors to the outside: Fill a knee-high knit sock with uncooked rice. Tie it off and wedge it against the bottom of the closed door.
Here's to warmer homes and lower heating bills! - Don J. in Philadelphia
Who Knew?
Dear Heloise: Some prescription drugs come in a bottle with a childproof cap that can be turned over and used as a screw-on cap. Who knew? - Margaret H., Sebring, Fla.
A New Focus
Dear Heloise: I've been a larger-sized person my whole life, and I used to feel ashamed. I'd compare myself to everyone else, and I would hide under baggy clothes. This is bad on so many levels, and I finally realized it! Wearing clothes that are too big for me makes me look even BIGGER than I am!
And a curvy hip or tummy is nothing to be ashamed of. Of course I eat healthfully and get exercise; some people are just bigger than other people, and that's OK. It's time for women to stop apologizing for who they are and to just BE! - Holly I. in San Antonio
Buying Bananas
Dear Heloise: I buy my bananas in varying degrees of ripeness, to last throughout the week. - Deborah in New York
King Features Syndicate