DEAR JOAN: A loved one has an active adult cat, and she allows him to jump up and walk all over the kitchen counters and dining table.
She insists the cat is not “dirty” because he cleans himself thoroughly. I say that cat litter and traces of urine and feces from the litter box remain on the cat’s paws, which then get transferred to cooking and eating surfaces.
As things are, I am most uncomfortable eating at her house now. My question is, are cats that clean and should they be allowed and encouraged on kitchen counters and dining tables?
— L., Cupertino
DEAR L.: Cats themselves are very clean animals, spending the majority of their time self-grooming. But that doesn’t mean they are antiseptic and sterile.
All living creatures carry around with them an assortment of bacteria. If we stopped to think about it, we’d probably wrap ourselves in plastic wrap and avoid allowing anything or anyone to come in contact with our bare skin. But not all bacteria is bad or harmful.
Cat mouths are cleaner, generally, than those of humans and dogs. We have about 600 different types of bacteria in our mouths; cats have around 200. Cat saliva is also pretty special stuff. It can help overheated cats to cool down, and it contains certain enzymes that can help with wound healing and pain in cats, but those properties aren’t good for human injuries.
Licking of paws won’t necessarily remove the germs and general ickiness that comes out of litter boxes. However, if your loved one wipes down counters and tables with adequate soap and water or an antibacterial cleaning spray before preparing and serving the food, there isn’t much risk for you.
That said, it’s a good idea to discourage cats from climbing around kitchen counters and dining room tables. Beyond good hygiene, cats could be at risk for getting into things they shouldn’t, such as harmful foods or hot pans and burners. Of course, cats don’t discourage easily.
DEAR JOAN: Birdseed is expensive. If I find seed that is 5 years old, is it safe to use?
— Julie Hartley, Wichita, Kansas
DEAR JULIE: Bird seed does have a shelf life. Depending on the type of seed, it can be stored for six months up to two years.
There are a couple of problems with buying and using old seed. The first is that the feed will eventually mold and mildew, and feeding it to the birds can make them sick.
The other is economics. Birds like fresh food and even if the seed hasn’t gone bad, it will be less appetizing, and they aren’t likely to eat much of it, which is sort of wasting your money.
You might find it more economical to buy higher quality seed, even though it costs more. You will find it lasts longer because it has less filler. Birds tend to root through the lower quality food and toss it around looking for their favorite bits, emptying feeders faster.
Seed should also be stored in air-tight containers, and seeds that have gone bad should be placed in plastic bags, sealed and disposed of.
While cheaper seed is OK, cheap 5-year-old seed probably is not.
Animal Life runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.