QUESTION: We have a 15-year-old cat who has taken to messing all over the house and we would like to know how to have her stop this as we don't want to put her to sleep or give her away. Do you have any solutions? Thank you. Elspeth, Brandon
ANSWER: It is sad to see pets age and behave in ways that are out of their control. Unfortunately just like humans, muscles weaken with time and there is nothing that can be done about mishaps which are very likely quite embarrassing for the poor cat. Begin by speaking with your vet about possible medications or other medical solutions. You may want to consider putting a diaper on her/him, (that's what we did when we had a similar problem with our dog). Patience and understanding are the best remedies for this situation.
"A cat has absolute emotional honesty; human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not." -- Ernest Hemingway
QUESTION: We have visitors from Australia and our guest leaned against one of our trees and got tanglefoot on his cashmere sweater. Please help. I am amazed at how much you know. Thanks in advance. Maureen, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Tanglefoot is much like tree sap; sticky and messy. Unless the care label instructions say "dry clean only," apply mayonnaise to the area and wipe tanglefoot. Follow up with a combination of dish soap and water. Clean according to care label instructions. You can also use cooking spray or WD-40, however make sure to ventilate and conclude with dish soap and water so that no residue remains on fabric.
QUESTION: I'm wondering if you have any tips of an easy (and natural) way to keep mould off of the inside of shower curtain liners. Thanks. Tanis, Winnipeg
ANSWER: To get shower curtains really clean: Add one cup (250 mL) vinegar to water when laundering in the bathtub or washing machine. Or spray with one cup (250 mL) rubbing alcohol, one cup (250 mL) heavy duty detergent and one cup (250 mL) water. Let soak for five minutes and scrub. Taken from Household Solutions 2 with Kitchen Secrets.
Speaking of shower curtains:
-- Don't throw away that old shower curtain! During the winter, cover your car's windshield with a section of the curtain (cut to fit) and secure with magnets. This isn't practical when there are howling winds but works well in balmier winter evenings.
-- Use old shower curtains as a picnic tablecloth or as a drop sheet when painting or sanding.
-- An old shower curtain gives added insulation to drafty windows -- especially in the basement -- if you hang it up behind the curtains.
-- If you're refinishing furniture or involved in some other messy project, protect your clothes with an apron made from an old shower curtain. Taken from Household Solutions 3 with Green Alternatives.
Fabulous Tips of the Week:
-- Want to freeze hamburgers? Save the plastic from individually wrapped cheese slices and use them between the patties.
-- If you buy convenience meals for the microwave or oven, many of them include microwave-safe containers that are reusable. Save them and when you make a large meal, make a couple of frozen TV dinners with the leftovers. Taken from Household Solutions 3 with Green Alternatives.
I enjoy your questions and tips. Keep them coming.
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestselling Household Solutions series. Her website is www.householdsolutions.org. You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., ROA 0C0.
