Last week, I had TWO articles published at the amazing Paw Nation site--one on playtime and how to interact with your cat, and the very next day a second article. But I was on the road last Thursday at a writers conference (check out the Ebooks Helpful Links List) and somehow missed giving a shout-out that it'd been published. So this is a belated thanks (once again!) to the fine folks at Red Room who introduced me to the Paw Nation fur-fanatics, and help me spread some kitty (and puppy) love.

"Going" outside the litter box is the top cat-behavior complaint of cat owners. Litter-box problems lose cats their homes and lives. But cats use urine and feces to "talk" to owners, even if humans misunderstand the stinky message. Cats have logical reasons for inappropriate behavior. Understanding the reasons they snub the box often reveals easy fixes that will keep your cat's aim on target. Here are five common reasons cats miss the box, and how to improve their aim.

It's that time of the season when girl kitties and dawgies pick the lock with their rabies tags, shimmy out the window, and get all lovey-dovey with furry Romeos. . . . and I sell a boatload of kitten books as a result. If you have a new puppy, visit me over at my new puppies.About.com site where you'll find all kinds of free pup-centric information and can share stories and pictures of your special fur-kids. You can also check out the latest Ask Amy "Whats Up with Wags" video at my Bling, Bitches & Blood blog.