Q: A houseguest watched me refill my dog’s food and water bowls without washing them, my usual procedure unless there’s obvious grime on them. She pointed out the slime covering the inside of the water bowl and told me it’s dangerous because the slime harbors bacteria that can cause illness. Is she right? Should I…

Q: I notice that many cats have white bellies and some also have white paws, even when the rest of the coat is another color. Are white bellies as prevalent among cats as they seem? If so, why? A: White bellies are indeed common among cats, dogs and other species. Each of my tuxedo cats…

Q: What’s the difference between a tabby and a tiger cat? Is a tabby a purebred cat? A: Tabby is not a breed, but a coat pattern common among purebreds as well as mixed-breed cats, usually referred to as domestic short- or long-haired cats. The classic tabby has a blotched or swirled pattern of dark…