The Pet Owners Corner

March 31, 2026

Dear Cattalker: I don’t know if this is an OK question for here. I have boxes out for stray cats in our area. I hear conflicting remarks about what to put in them for warmth: hay or straw, which is better? Jean C.

Dear Jean: CFA is here to help all cats, so your question is just fine. The rule that is easy to remember is “Hay is for Horses and Straw is for Strays.” The reason is hay tends to collect moisture and mold, while straw dries more quickly and keeps the area drier. Thank you for helping the strays in your area.

 

Dear Cattalker: My elderly mother wants a kitten, but our shelter will not allow her to adopt a kitten. I am perplexed, as the companionship should be great for her. Rose R

Dear Rose: I cannot speak for your shelter, but in general it is not a good idea for elderly people to adopt kittens. Kittens are active and tend to get under our feet often. As we age, our sense of balance becomes less and the tendency to fall is greater. A kitten underfoot is an accident waiting to happen. However, an older cat should be a perfect companion. Cats that are 2 years plus are more settled and while still very playful, make much better company for our senior citizens. A retired breeding/show cat from a breeder or an adult shelter cat would be absolutely perfect.

 

 

Pet Owners Corner is designed to answer common questions that pet owners may have. Answers will be simple and straight forward. No questions are too silly to ask; if you have that question, others probably do as well. No medical advice will be given because diagnosing and treating is not possible without a proper veterinary examination.

You may send your questions to: Cattalker2024@gmail.com