Dear Heloise: Every year, we see cats and dogs in our clinic who suffer anything from a sore mouth to organ failure because they chewed on a plant- usually an indoor plant. Here's a list of the worst offenders and most dangerous houseplants for pets:

Anthurium Begonia

Chinese evergreen Dracaena (aka dragon tree) Snake plant

Aloevera Sago palm Dieffenbachia English ivy Schefflera Ficus

Fiddle leaf fig

Either place these plants up high, or better yet, don't grow them in your yard. Your cat or dog doesn't know any better, but you do.

- Kathy, in Oregon

THE CAT'S BATH TIME

Dear Heloise: Most people assume that all cats hate baths. While it's true that some do, the ones who don't raise much of a fuss were bathed as kittens. I always started my cats out with baths as kittens and bathed them about once a month. It kept their fur clean, and as they grew older, they knew that they'd get a bath and were used to it.

Bathing a pet also removes saliva from their fur, reducing allergies at the same time.

- Thomas F., in Greensboro, North Carolina

RESCUE PETS

Dear Heloise: My mother raised show cats (copper-eyed white Persians), and they were sweet cats with lots of personality. However, if I were to go to a rescue shelter and select a cat, I'd pick just an everyday gray tabby. They can be funny, sweet, playful and healthy.

Many show animals are inbred and often have physical problems because of this. Some of the nicest pets that I've ever had were rescues.

How about your other readers? Have they got any interesting stories about their rescued pets?

-A Cat Lover, Via Email

PERSONAL SAFETY HINT

Dear Heloise: Lynn, in Vermont, suggested not giving service personnel a car fob that has your house keys attached. I go a step further for safety. At every gas station, I lock my car while pumping gas. My friends are surprised when I mention this, but how easy would it be to have someone open your front passenger door while you're occupied? And what's normally on the front seat? Usually, your handbag.

- Jean, in Arkansas

Jean, this is a good idea. I usually have my shoulder bag with me across my body while I pump gas. A close friend of mine locks her purse in the trunk of her car before she leaves her garage. She doesn't usually get it out unless she needs to get gas or shop.

-Heloise

Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.