Dear Heloise: Boy, I cannot say kudos enough to C.H., in Indiana, who wrote about the responsibility that owners should take when getting a pet — any type of pet. I live in town and feed about 25-30 feral cats, some of which I believe actually come from a neighbor to eat. I also have seven that I had rescued, neutered, and given shots but had to keep inside because of their circumstances.

When I can tame a feral cat enough to touch it, I take it to the vet to be neutered, checked for worms and ear mites, and given shots before I turn it loose. Just letting any pet run loose on the theory that it can take care of itself is very wrong. Pets are at the mercy of humans. — Pattie S., Huntsville, Arkansas

Pattie, as a member of a feral cat organization, I understand the problem of getting our pets neutered and spayed. Far too many people don’t do it, and it’s really a shame. A neutered or spayed pet is usually calmer and cleaner than a pet that has not had this simple surgery.

Unlike a human, they do not long to have a family. They go into “heat,” which is nature’s way of keeping the species alive. After their surgery, they no longer have the urge to procreate. They won’t roam the neighborhood looking for a mate.

Personally, I feel that I owe it not only to my pets but to my neighbors to ensure that my pets are neutered or spayed and have their shots. If you truly love your pets, you need to take care that they don’t have a litter that could be hit by a cat, don’t get into fights, or don’t die a slow death by ingesting a poison of some kind. — Heloise

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise@Heloise.com

THREE HINTS IN ONE

Dear Heloise: I have three hints for you:

— Sometimes when I chop onions for a recipe, I end up with too many chopped onions. So, instead of throwing them out, I seal them in a small resealable baggie and place the baggie into a larger resealable bag. Then I place a small open jar into the bag and add 1/4 cup of baking soda into the jar. Next, I reseal the large bag and place it in the refrigerator. There is no odor, and it stays fresh for a week.

After I use the leftover onions, I put the lid on the jar and use the baking soda and dish liquid to clean my cutting boards after each use.

— Sometimes when I’m putting on my nylons, my rough hands snag on the nylons. So, I wear thin cotton gloves or plastic gloves to put on and take off my nylons.

— When I have to dice or mince veggies or garlic, I place a large paper towel on the cutting board and chop everything on it. When I’m done, I simply lift the paper towel and dump everything into the pot. It’s a very easy cleanup! — Rita V., Camarillo, California

Rita, thanks for these very helpful hints. I especially like the third hint because it makes cleaning simple and easy. — Heloise

STOPPING CEMETERY THEFT

Dear Heloise: I wanted to respond to a recent letter from Lynette M., in California, regarding the theft of bronze flower vases from cemeteries. Ask the cemetery to buy cast-iron vases. They have no value (they’re a penny a pound) to a thief, and they will not rust. Make them thin-walled for lighter weight. I, too, am angry about the thieving. — Cliff and Norma H., via email

Cliff and Norma H., this is a great idea. It would cut down on theft, and it simply wouldn’t be worth the thieves’ time and effort to steal the vases. — Heloise