SEATTLE, WA - The following reader questions were answered during a combined meeting of experts in animal behavior -- the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (www.dacvb.org) and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (www.avsabonline.org) -- at the Conference of the American Veterinary Medical Association here on July 10.

Q: Can anything be done to curb a cat's hunting behavior? Our Maine Coon is an amazingly successful hunter. Given the opportunity, she slips outside through the doggy door. Or she cries pitifully to go out. She brings home chipmunks, birds, baby squirrels, even snakes. We tried a Catbib (designed to set a cat off balance, making it difficult to hunt). I can't accept the idea that her behavior is natural and I should let her continue to kill. -- S.D.M., Richmond, VA

A: "You can allow her outside, but inside the safety of cat fencing," says veterinary behaviorist Dr. Laurie Bergman, Norristown, PA. "Birds, chipmunks and squirrels can't get in, and your cat can't get beyond the fencing to hunt them. Yet, your cat still gets to exercise outside."

Several manufacturers sell cat fencing: www.purrfectfence.com, (888-280-4066); www.catfencein.com, (888-738-9099); www.catfence.com, (888-840-2287). Kittywalk offers a component playground for cats (www.kittywalk.com,; 877-548-8905) by connecting tunnels and playhouses. Kittywalk is one of several manufacturers of strollers to tote cats around 'the hood.' Cats can also get a taste of the outdoors by taking their people for walks on a leash and harness.

Dr. E. Kathryn Meyer, president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, Gaithersburg, MD, adds, "Also, make certain your home is an enriched environment for the cat. Provide food in various places using food-dispensing toys (so your cat can 'hunt' indoors), provide vertical space, and offer the kinds of toys that hang from doorways."

Bergman and Meyer suggests two resources: "The Cats' House," by Bob Walker (Andrews and McMeel, Kansas City, MO, 1996; $16.95) and the Indoor Cat Initiative, www.vet.ohio-state.edu/indoorcat.htm.

Q: When I come home, I'm greeted enthusiastically by my 9-month-old Puginese (Pug/Pekingese mix). As soon as I walk in, he grabs a toy, runs around the house with it for five or 10 minutes, making an excited, crying sound. When our dog visits a friend's dog who doesn't like other dogs, and is territorial and growls, he does the same thing (carrying a toy in his mouth and vocalizing). Why? -- A.C., Las Vegas, NV

A: "Lots of dogs exhibit this behavior," says Dr. Gerrard Flannigan, a veterinary behaviorist in Greensboro, NC. "In my experience, the mouthy retrieving breeds - who like to have objects in their mouths anyway - most often do this. Herding dogs do this, and tend to be more vocal. But any dog of any breed or mix might carry around an object to feel comfortable, as a kind of security blanket. Clearly, your dog is excited when you come home, and may not know what else to do - so he celebrates with a favorite toy."

In the case of visiting your friend's dog who doesn't like other dogs, Flannigan says whining with a toy in his mouth is your dog's appeasement gesture, which might be induced by anxiety. But why bring your dog to see another dog who doesn't enjoy canine friends in the first place? Such visits may be placing undue stress on your dog, and perhaps might even put your dog at risk of being bitten.

Q: Riley, our 7-year-old indoor tabby, has been licking himself to the point that his abdomen and the inside of his hind legs are bare. The vet found no fungus or infections. She said Riley has a compulsive behavior problem. What can I do to discourage him before I wind up with a bald cat? -- E.C., Clarks Summit, PA

A: Dr. Valerie Tynes of Fort Worth, TX, said that according to a recent study of cats with problems similar to what you describe, 70 percent turned out to have a medical explanation. Tynes advice to is to visit your vet again to have Riley carefully checked for parasites. If he checks out, place Riley on an anti-inflammatory drug or a novel food trial. If he improves, the problem isn't primarily behavioral.

However, Tynes explains, if the licking began due to a physiological problem, constant repetition may have turned it into a habit.

It's essential that you enrich Riley's environment, regardless of what - if any role - behavior may be playing. "We know that when an environment isn't enriched, stress may more likely occur in cats," says Tynes. "We know there's a link between stress and illness in all animals. In cats, one example is the link between stress and inappropriate elimination. We know in people, there's a link between stress and dermatological problems."

If the licking, or some component of the problem, does turn out to be a compulsive disorder, see a veterinary behaviorist (www.dacvb.org) or a veterinarian interested in animal behavior (www.avsabonline.org).

Q: Our neighbor's Labrador Retriever runs through out yard, pooping. Is there some product, like a special whistle, that would keep him out? -- E.B., Orlando, FL

A: Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Laurie Bergman of Norristown, PA, doubts a whistle would "have the intended effect." "Listen, the dog is just doing what dogs do," adds Dr. E. Kathryn Meyer, president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, Gaithersburg, MD. "And dogs don't have a clue about property lines. This isn't a dog behavior problem; it's a people behavior problem." Bergman suggests talking with your neighbor about a creative compromise. One idea, for example, might be to allow the dog in your yard, but only if the neighbor picks up. Of course, there are probably leash laws where you live, as well as nuisance laws (after all, it is your property the dog is squatting on). So, the law is on your side.

It’s easy to find an expert in animal behavior near you, Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (www.dacvb.org) or American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (www.avsabonline.org).

©Steve Dale, Tribune Media Services