Cocoa addresses dry food.

"Dear Cocoa,
I am a young one and not completely up on all of the world news yet; however, I was terribly curious about something and hoped you could help.  My mother hunted for me and my siblings.  She fed us hot, raw, sweet meat that gave us strong muscles and great minds.  Now that I am in the home of my pet, they are only offering me dry, coarse, flavorless chunks of something that has a vague meat taste.  I tried eating the raw stuff, but they were quite upset about it and would only offer me tidbits after it had been dried out and ruined.  I don't know if I am supposed to cherish the dry stuff or if I am supposed to fight for the sweet stuff.  Can you help mne?

Signed No Sweet Meat"

"Dear No Sweet Meat,

Image by Hans

Unfortunately, when we decide to move in with a pet, we give up the luxury of swreet meat in favor of safety, warmth, attention, and sleeping when we wish.  However, keep on trying with the raw meats that mke us so strong because your pets will eventually get the message and share with you before they ruin it.  Until then, take heart in knowing that they are giving you a warm, safe, protected, dry, comfy place to live without stress.  And if that isn't enough, try scooting out the door to catch fresh meat on your own. 

Heres's hoping for the best for you.

Signed Cocoa"

Cocoa would like to remind his readers that cats are normall curious and love the outside.  If your cat goes out even only occasionally, you should ensure you have used flea and tick protection on them.  1-800-PETMEDS has a great selection with huge savings.

Cocoa addresses the addition of young children:

“Dear Cocoa,

I was quite content in my home with my two pets that catered to my every whim; until about two years ago.  At that time they brought this loud smelly creature that appeared to be a miniature of themselves, but that did nothing but cry and sleep.  At first I was curious, then I knew it wasn’t anything I needed to worry about, so I left it alone.  But now, the creature is moving around on its own and…and…oh, it is so hard to talk about, but it won’t stop picking me up!  I have screamed and yowled and struggled and squirmed; and the pets sometimes come and set me free, but lately they haven’t been.  I don’t want to hurt it because it smells like a kitten (much like my own a few years ago), but it is getting way out of hand.  What can I do?

Signed Tired of Being Picked Up”

“Dear Tired of Being Picked Up,

You do have a problem, one that all of us face when we have accepted a home with pets who have human kittens.  Yes, I know they didn’t have the human kitten when you joined them, but, things change.  You have two choices at this point, well, actually three.  One, put up with it.  Two, yowl louder, sort of like the kitten was really hurting you.  Three, leave and find a new pet home.  Sorry, but when it comes to human kittens, like our own babies, you must learn to compromise until they are big enough to understand.  Of course, you could always hide every time the human kitten is about, but that might cut into your relaxing, eating, and sleeping time.  Good luck, and keep you whiskers alert.

Signed Cocoa”

When introducing a new baby into a home with cats (or cats into a home with children), be careful to allow for the fact that the cats do not like to be picked up by the little ones.  Although most will try not to hurt the baby or young child, accidents may happen.  Be sure to watch closely when cats and children interact and instruct the children on how to be careful with cats, or any animal.  Also allow the cat an area that is "kid free" where they can feel comfortable.  --  Cocoa's Editor.

Cocoa addresses pet cuddling:

“Dear Cocoa,

I am presently hiding under the bed behind several boxes because I can’t get my pet to stop trying to cuddle me.  She grabs me every time I walk by and squeezes and pets me until I think I will barf on her shoulder.  I know I should enjoy the pets, and sometimes I do, but mostly I want to run and jump and play.  How do I teach my pet to let me alone until I want to cuddle?

Signed Doesn’t Want to Cuddle”

“Dear Doesn’t Want to Cuddle,

I know how you feel.  Several of my pets were the same way; however patience is your best weapon  right now.  Whenever your pet picks you up, struggle and make sure she knows you do not want to be there.  When she has left you alone for awhile, then you can climb on her and purr (works every time, believe me).  Eventually she will get the idea (it is so hard to train humans because it takes sooooo long for them to understand); however she will learn, eventually.  Then you can race around all you want and she will leave you alone.  PS:  only use claws when necessary to free yourself because you don’t want to hurt them unless the issue becomes a dangerous issue for you.

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa talks about the big box humans live in--

“Dear Cocoa,

I have been an outside cat all my life, roaming from one family to another and moving on when I wish.  I have often wondered about the human population.  Why do they choose to live in such huge boxes?  Doesn’t it take a long time to heat up with their body heat, especially since they don’t have much fur to speak of?  I mean, unless I have crawled into their huge bed and under the heavy clothes they use, I can’t get ever get warm.  I prefer it outside where I can crawl into a hole in the dirt and stay warm.

Signed Cold While Inside”

“Dear Cold While Inside,

You are correct that it takes time for the human body heat to warm the large boxes that they use; however our pets believe that they need a lot of things to survive.  They can’t carry that stuff when they are traveling around, so they use the box to store them.  I personally feel that they should just grab some of that cloth they use to cover themselves and hunt like we do.  They would be much happier that way; however, they may not fit in some of the holes that we do.  And they don’t have sharp claws and teeth like we do.  Perhaps it is better for them to use the big boxes after all.

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa talks about why felines are superior:

“Dear Cocoa,

I am a young cat, only a day away from my mother, and I have a lot of questions about just about everything.  However, the one that even my mother couldn’t answer was this:  Why are felines superior to humans?  I mean what makes us superior?  All mom could say was that we are, but I, being dreadfully curious (as my mother put it), wanted to know why.  Please help.

Signed Young and Curious”

“Dear Young and Curious,

First, welcome to the world little one, I am so pleased that you chose to ask me your question.  It is a great honor to have the younger generations write to me, and I am proud to answer your query.  Your mother is correct in telling you that we are superior in every way to humans, however not many felines know why.  The answer to that is this:  how many species do you know are intelligent enough to get humans to feed, love, care for, and pamper them without asking for anything in return?  I know canines are cared for as well (and some humans actually prefer canines-go figure), but canines are pathetic in how they fall all over themselves trying to please the human.  Felines don’t have to-they just sit back and wait for the pampering to begin because it always does. 

I hope this answers your questions little one, and I hope your humans are great at pampering.

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa thought you would like to know what the latest devices for pampering your felines were, so he suggests that you head over to ebay, or Petco for some great ideas.  Happy Pampering!

Cocoa addresses the human interest in books:

“Dear Cocoa,

My pets have this habit of opening up something (I think they call it a bok) with lots of fun pages to play with and they hold it out on their lap for me to play; but when I do, they push me away.  Why?  I don’t understand why they offer it and then push me away.  Are they trying to tease me or make me mad?  Is this a way for them to try to assert authority they don’t have?  Please help me understand this.

Signed Mix Bok”

“Dear Mix Bok,

Bok or Book as the humans say

Your pets are performing a ritual that many pets perform when they are tired and bored.  They open these items (yes they are called boks or books, I think, is how they refer to it) up and stare at them for hours.  I don’t know why, but I do know it calms them down and makes them sleep.  My advice to you is to get back in there and fight for your rights as their feline.  Sit on them, sit on the bok, play with the pages, slap at their hands, anything to get their attention.  Once you have gotten them to pay attention to you for a bit, then you must lie in their lap and possessively touch the bok with one paw just so they know you are still there.  This will show them who is boss.  Good Luck, I know you will do well.

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa addresses the outside:

“Dear Cocoa,

I spent the better part of my growing up outside.  I learned how to fight for what I needed and I learned how to hunt for food.  I figured out how to find shelter when it rained and snowed, and I figured out how to get humans to feed me now and then.  However, one human took me in when I was too sick to fight.  They brought me to a man with a white coat who poked and stabbed me repeatedly and then stuffed something down my throat.  I was furious, but I was too sick to fight back.  After that visit, I feel much better; BUT the humans won’t let me go back out!  What do I do?  I mean it is warm with plenty of food and no fighting, but--outside--no rules--no barriers--and no men poking you.  You’re free to run, chase, fight, or just lay around.  Please help!

Signed Pining for the Outside”

Dear Pining for the Outside,

Brrrrrrrrr

Are you crazy???!!!??  Every feline worth anything knows that living inside with pets to take care of you is the best life you can get.  Why would you want to go back out there where you might get sick again or someone bigger than you takes your food, or, whatever might happen.  Stay inside and wallow in the pampering.  If the opportunity arises, you could scoot out for a bit of a romp, but don’t go too far and be ready to get picked up rather quickly and taken back.  Your pets are the best thing that ever happened to you, enjoy it. 

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa addresses the bed issue:

 “Dear Cocoa,

I have been reading your column from day one, and I very much appreciate the information you have imparted so far; however, I have a question that you have not covered.  Why do our pets sleep on such big beds, and why are they upset when we try to share the bed?  My pets have this giant bed that sits up off the floor (with plenty of play room underneath) and enough room on the bed itself for all of us to cuddle right up close together.  But, when we felines take over the bed, my pets get angry and start pushing and shoving us trying to get us off of it.  I mean, we usually sleep during the day, but my pets tried to keep us off the bed even when they weren’t using it.  Can you answer these questions for me and give me some advice as to how we can teach our pets to leave us alone when we are sleeping?

Signed Being Shoved Off The Bed”

“Dear Being Shoved Off The Bed,

I have handled similar incidents myself.  First, the pets think that by sleeping off the floor they are warmer; and they are quite right.  The bed is warm and toasty because it doesn’t sit on the cold floor.  Second, pets believe that they have the right to keep us felines off of their bed (no way) because we get fur on the bed when we lay there--DUH!  Without the fur, the bed would not be as warm.  As far as teaching your pets, this will be a long, drawn-out process, but I am certain that you can handle it because you are feline.  First, don’t give up.  Get on the bed as often as you can.  Roll all over the bed from top to bottom.  Have all of the other felines in the house do the same.  Once the bed is covered in hair, your pets will give up trying to keep you off the bed because they will realize how much warmer it will be; then wait until they fall asleep and cuddle up on them.  When they wake, it will be too late to shove you off.

Keep your chin up and don’t let anyone give up!  Good Luck,

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa talks about the box with moving pictures:

“Dear Cocoa,

My pets are very quiet humans.  Then tend to eat a lot, without sharing (can you believe that), and they like to sit in a room staring at a box with a glass covering things that move.  I have seen rather strange things in this box including felines that seem quite content.  I did, at first, try to catch some of these things, but they were protected by the glass.  Can you tell me what this box is?  Will I become one of its inhabitants (this is what I fear the box is-old things my pets no longer want to deal with). 

Signed Worried About The Box”

“Dear Worried About The Box,

TV

First of all, the box is, as you have surmised, filled with items that our pets no longer wish to have hanging around.  They put them in these boxes for safe keeping.  The felines that are in the boxes, however, are not real, but stuffed or robotic in nature.  You, my friend, will not end up in the box because you are alive AND you are the ruling force in their lives.  You can chase the things around in the box, but you won’t catch any so why put out the energy.  Of course, if you enjoy it, then have fun.  I have found that when I block the box front from my pets, they tend to pay more attention to me and cuddle me on their laps.  Try this trick for a bit of cuddle time. 

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa addresses felines and their uniqueness:

“Dear Cocoa,

I think I am in big trouble!  I was feeling kind of lonely because my pet was doing their usual playing in the inside rain.  I went into the room where the rain was falling and I thought the drops looked interesting so I, uh, I jumped into the rain.  To my surprise, after the initial shock of getting wet, I actually enjoyed chasing the drops around the giant bowl.  My pet yelled at me to get out, but then they got out and sat there watching me play.  I enjoyed it so much that the next time they went to play in the rain I got in with them and had a ball. 

Am I in trouble?

Signed All Wet and Loving It”

“Dear All Wet and Loving It,

Shower

No, you are not in trouble!  Just because you are a feline doesn’t mean you can’t be unique.  In fact, because you are a feline, you must be unique in every way.  Therefore, there is nothing wrong with liking something unusual.  I have known felines who like to eat chocolate; lie in puddles; sleep in the snow; and eat snacks with their pets.  Nothing a feline does is wrong.  We are, after all, the beginning and the end of everything.  Glad you are enjoying some of the uniqueness of being a feline.

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa answers a question about a difficult family:

“Dear Cocoa,

I followed your advice to romp at night (given to Sleepless on July 19th) thus keeping my pets up longer.  I’m sorry to say it backfired dramatically.  Instead of enjoying the increased romp time, my human pets fussed and complained, and kept glaring at a thing that makes horrible sounds when it is sleep time for me.  I think they called it an alarm cluck.  It may be some kind of mechanical chicken or something.  They took away the toys I most cherished (as if they have that right), and actually banned my presence from the sleep room. 

Signed WHAT NOW?”

“Dear What Now?,

Your pets are being difficult by trying to pretend that they are the owners and you are the pet.  Don’t take that lying down!  If you do not exert your authority over them now, it will only become worse (you may find yourself outside or caged on occasion).  Go through your stockpile of ‘lost’ toys and find another that makes noise; then try again.  When the pets ban you (I assume they closed the door and it insultingly had no opening for you), play with and against the door itself.  Use a silent toy and bang it against the door, or you could drag a rug or something to put against it for an early morning trip.  The worse your pets get, the more you should do.  If they do, horror of horrors, put you in a cage, be sure to howl all night long as loud as you can (this will not only teach them not to put you in there anymore, but will draw other cats from the area to add their own voice).  Once they get the message that you are in charge, they will settle down to a much nicer routine and the house will be contented once more.

I hope it helps,  PS-take your cue from the Hovercat below:

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa addresses the issue of sleeping:

“Dear Cocoa,

I stumbled upon your blog and wondered if you could answer a question for me.  You see, I, being a full-blooded feline, take many naps in the wonderful hot sun and sleep whenever I can to conserve my energy for when it really counts (like my nighttime romps with the other felines).  My pets, however, rarely sleep.  In fact, when I was a tiny one, the pets my mom had would sleep during the night hours and be up all during the day (weird schedule, I know); however, these pets barely sleep during the night (they move about and jump all over the bed tossing the covers here, there and everywhere) and never sleep during the day.  How am I to get any rest after a long night of romping, if they won’t lie still?  Besides, I can’t figure out how they continue to function without sleep.

Please can you help?  Any workable suggestion would be welcome.

Signed Sleepless (sort of)”

“Dear Sleepless,

I definitely feel your pain.  Just like any other animal, our pets do have some strange behaviors.  I know that you love to cuddle with your pet when you are ready for sleep after a long night of romping; however, I fear you will have to learn to live with their scent instead.  During the day, sleep on their pillows or under the covers where they tossed all night.  At least you will have their smell for comfort while you sleep away the daytime hours.  As far as the night is concerned, the only solution I have for you is to romp in their sleep room.  This will keep them up longer and thus allow them to sleep when you are ready to snooze your way to more energy.  I have found that the toys that make noise are the best for this type of work since they make more noise than I do jumping and climbing on things. 

Good luck with your pets.  I hope this helps.  Perhaps once they have had a good night’s sleep they will feel more like a cat and thus be a better pet. 

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa addresses the lack of fur on human pets.

“Dear Cocoa,

I just recently moved in with a family of 5 and their 2 older pets.  I am a young one, but I thought my mother had taught me well.  I guess I was wrong, because I have no idea why our pets are missing sooooo much hair.  The others in the family have their own ideas, such as a rash of mange or too much cleaning; however, I would like to know the real reason.  Can you help me out with this? 

Thanks in advance,

Signed Curious about Fur”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphynx_(cat)

“Dear Curious about Fur,

I was in the same boat as you, way back when I was just a little slip of a feline; but I have learned much since then.  For instance, the reason our human pets have little to no fur is not because of any disease or excess cleaning; it is because they are naturally born that way like our cousins the Sphynx cat.  I know, that is hard to believe, but why else do you think we are so badly needed when it comes to humans.  They have no fur, can’t catch their own food, can’t clean themselves, and don’t know how to stay warm on cold nights without artificial heat. 

Thanks for writing,

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa answers the question of the big chair with a hole in it.

“Dear Cocoa,

Perhaps I am being, well, silly, but I have seen my pets doing something that totally baffles me and my curiosity has finally gotten the best of me.  Can you tell me why my pets sit on that giant seat with a hole in it?  I hear strange sounds and can smell waste, but, really?

From Microsoft Office

Signed Wondering”

“Dear Wondering,

It is as you suspect, your pets are using the big chair with a hole to deposit and bury their waste.  For many years I tried to teach them to go in the waste box like we do; however, they seem to have a problem stooping over the box (and they don't really fit inside the covered boxes at all).  Additionally, they never seem to know how to bury the offending odor .  I know they are aware of the use of the waste box because they clean it for us regularly.  However, since the large chair does at least bury the odor (for the most part) I have given up and allow them their waste choice.  Hope this helps you better understand your pets and their habits.

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa addresses an answer to the inside rain answer:

“Dear Cocoa,

I have heard my pets say that they play in the indoor rain to get "clean".  While this seems highly improbable to me, I must admit that I never see them licking their paws to wash, (except occasionally the tiny ones, who appear to lick everything).  Further, I never hear them trying to remove fur balls, although they admittedly have indecently less fur than I.  Is this even possible?  What do you think?

Signed Anonymous”

“Dear Anonymous,

While I do understand that some felines can understand some of what their pets are trying to say, (me included) I doubt they actually meant they were getting clean.  You see, we are the only ones who can clean a human pet properly; and, as I’m sure you know, it is a monumental task.  So, though they may have indicated that they were getting clean; and yes, they do have an indecent lack of fur to be sure (which is why it is so important for us to care for them properly), I am certain they are just playing to work off some of their energy.  Hope this helps.

Signed Cocoa”

Why do pet babies stay so long with their mother?

“Dear Cocoa,

I have been wondering about this ever since my family broke up and found homes for themselves.  I don’t know if you can answer this, but please try.  My brothers, sisters, and I were very anxious to get away from our mother as soon as possible.  We followed all of her instructions and within just a few short weeks we were ready to become owners in our own homes.  Yet, our pets, I noticed, not only spend weeks, but years, with their mothers.  Why?  As soon as I could eat on my own I was out of there!  Don’t they want to be on their own as soon as possible? 

I hope you can explain this to me because I’m not the only one wondering about it.

Signed Independent”

“Dear Independent,



http://pixabay.com/en/baby-care-child-cute-hand-face-20339/



I noticed this phenomenon very early in life as well.  After careful study and research, I have come to the conclusion that pet babies can rarely survive on their own.  Even once they reach maturity, they are in need of guidance and assistance.  Even the oldsters have to seek assistance from others.  Pets, my friend, cannot live on their own; thus they need us more than ever!

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa addresses inside rain.

Cocoa wanted to share one of his
baby pictures with you.
I hope you like.

“Dear Cocoa,

When I was an outside dude, I walked in the rain and snow when I had to and took shelter whenever I could find it.  About 6 months ago, I acquired pets that allow me to go in and out whenever I want.  The food is good.  The house is warm when the air outside is cold.  The beds are dry and warm.  But I have been concerned with a habit that my pets have; and, though I have tried to interfere and stop them, I have been unsuccessful.  You see, my pets get in the rain, sometimes more than once a day, voluntarily!  And what’s more, they make the rain in the house!  I do not understand; rain is cold and wet and horrid on the skin.  Why are they doing this?

http://pixabay.com/en/bath-bathroom-bright-chrome-clean-2192/

Signed Concerned in Maine”



 “Dear Concerned,

Don’t trouble yourself about your pets’ habit of getting in the rain.  You see, pets are, well, not quite as intelligent as us felines and they often do things that do not make sense.  I have fully investigated this particular phenomenon; and I have found that pets do this thing because they like to play in the water.  Yes, as crazy as that seems, it is true.  Pets have no real responsibility except to keep us felines happy, so they use their spare time to do crazy things.  I have actually seen pets put their babies in the water!  How crazy is that? 

I would counsel you to allow them their fun when they do those crazy things, since they won’t be as happy about waiting on you if you don’t.  So, find yourself a nice warm sunny ledge and take a long cat nap while they are playing in the water.  That way, you might not feel so upset about it.

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa had decided to address a few rules about living with pets.

“Dear Devoted Readers,

Recently, I have received hundreds of letters asking me how to treat our pets to get the best back from them.  I thought I would write a blanket answer to all of you out there with questions about this subject:

First, your pets are your friends.  You must treat them with respect and TLC in order to receive the very best they have to offer.

Second, your pets are not too bright.  Sometimes you have to PUSH your point in order to get the idea across to them.  Be forceful, but as gentle as possible, remember, their skin is very thin!

Third, your pets often believe that they are in charge, not you.  This will change in time, just be patient with them.

Fourth, your pets need to be reminded that you are around when they are experiencing sadness or stress.  When you feel that familiar pattern of ignoring you or pushing you away, be sure to make yourself as much of a pain as possible to get their attention focused back on you.

Fifth, your pets love to play rough, but tend to get angry when you get rough back.  When this happens be sure to teach them a lesson by getting the roughness in before they do.

Sixth, your pets don’t always remember to clean your potty boxes.  Gentle reminders, left on their pillows or in the linen closet, will get the hint across very nicely.  Just be sure to go into hiding once you deposit your reminder.

Seventh, your pets forget things at times, especially when your water needs changing or you need more food.  Be sure to get on things where you know they don’t want you to be in order to remind them.  If that doesn’t work, tip what is left of the water onto the floor and swat your bowl until it is directly under their feet.

Well, Dear Readers, I don’t want to bore you, so I will end here.  I hope I have answered most of your questions.  Feel free to send me more or to resend if I missed something.

Your loyal Answer Cat,

Cocoa”

Cocoa talks about feline family ties:

“Dear Cocoa,

My pets and I have been living quite well in a roomy apartment where I have my own room and plenty of sunny windows.  I thought I was in heaven.  Then the other day, my pets brought this other cat into the house.  At first, all she did was yell at me and warn me not to come near her.  I was happy with that, and gave as good (if not better) than I got.  But I was not happy with the fact that she wanted to use all of my stuff. 

Finally, being the bigger and better cat, I relented and gave her a good sniff.  I was nearly knocked over, because I knew that scent.  It was the scent of the female that had given me food when I was young.  I never expected to smell that scent again, I mean who does?  No one wants to feel like a baby again, right?  So what do I do now?

Signed Crowded”

“Dear Crowded,

Ah, the joys of being a grown up and taking on the responsibilities of an adult feline.  You will have to make a decision, Crowded.  Do you want to go back to a comfortable serine life that you share with a bad memory, or do you want to get back your own? 

No one wants to live with their mother, and no one wants to have to put up with her screeching at them like when they were young.  Choose carefully, however, because your pets, despite the fact that you rule, are still bigger than you and will often react unpredictably.  To keep the peace, you might need to ‘accept’ this female back into your life despite the horrid reminders it will give you.  Try to forget the smell and treat her as you would any other stranger.  That will make it much easier to enforce boundaries and show that you rule!

Hope this answer helps.  Good luck.

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa addresses the question that affects every cat throughout the world-what do pets do with the stuff they take out of the potty box?

 “Dear Cocoa,

I know you have probably answered this one a thousand times, but I can’t remember what you said, so here I go asking again: Why are pets constantly taking the waste stuff out of my potty box and bagging it up?  I mean, I like my potty box clean and all, but I thought it should be tossed out the window or something, but they actually KEEP it!  Why?

Signed Really Confused”

“Dear Really Confused,



They are allowing it to
ferment once they
remove it-and then they
reuse it.

I have indeed answered this one before, however I fear I may have been wrong in some part of that answer.  I once believed that pets disposed of the waste as part of their idolization of us as their owners; however, I now find that some pets, not all mind you, but some have actually begun to store the waste in large cans.  These cans have covers and seem to be extremely well sealed.  What happens to the waste after they have let it ferment in the cans?  Well, from what I have learned from my own pets, they actually, now don’t panic, it’s not your fault, they use it to line the large can outside-I believe for insulation purposes. 

Hope this clears up any confusion you have.  Don’t worry, your pets are doing what all pets are doing; idolizing you as their owners!

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa takes on the question of our pets’ food:

“Dear Cocoa,

I am a young feline trying desperately to learn the ways of my human pets.  Today, the first day I was strong enough to begin exploring my new home, my nose picked up the delectable odors of raw meat.  I raced to the room where the scent was the strongest and was hit with a horrible sense of heat and danger.  My pets, I’m sorry but this is what they were doing, they were sticking that beautiful raw meat into a box that was so hot I could feel my fur begin to smoke.

WHY?  Why would they ruin a beautiful piece of meat by putting it into that hot box?  When the meat came out of the box it was brown and smoky and smelt burnt; totally ruined!  But my pets ate it and seemed to like it?!?!?! 

Can you please explain this to me?

Signed Loss of Good Meat”

“Dear Loss of Good Meat,

I was confused as a youngster myself when I saw my pets putting perfectly good meat into a hot box that ruined it; however, I have since learned that their systems cannot process the raw meats (whatever that means) and so they are forced to put it in the box before they can eat it.  You might want to go on an online site called Wikipedia and look up the word 'cooking'. 

You will not be able to change this behavior in your pets, so you might as well just learn the warning signs so you can stay as far away as possible until it is over: 

1.      The smell of raw meat fills the room with the hot box

by PDPhotos

http://pixabay.com/en/roast-filled-meat-main-course-3470/

2.      Someone is in the room with the hot box and they are using weird utensils that they call pans

3.      Someone is placing the meat on a ‘pan’

4.      Go hide as far from the room as possible because the smell will make you sick!

Hope this helps,

Signed Cocoa”

Cocoa thought that you might be interested in a few cooking ideas, so he wishes to suggest eBay or Amazon for cookbooks that you will love to use over and over again.  His favorites are the Betty Crocker Cookbooks , which can also be found on eBay and Amazon, because they give you ideas on how to do the things suggested in each recipe. 

Cocoa addresses the cloth with funny colors.

“Dear Cocoa,

I have been with my family for many years and they have some very strange habits that often confuse me.  Take their latest habit:  I love to play with things, it keeps me strong and fit, right?  Well the other day they brought out these huge cloth things with funny colors and things that looked like the bright lights in the sky.  I chased the cloth as they walked because it was fun.  Then, when they put the cloth on a pole and left it dangling, well, I figured it was my own private play-scape.  But they pulled me away and stuck me in that stuffy old house instead.

Can you explain this to me? 

Signed Very Confused”

“Dear Very Confused,

Your family is celebrating a holiday for them.  They put up cloths with colors that represent their holiday.  When those cloths come out, I fear it angers them when you play with it, sorta like when those pesky kittens grab up your favorite ball and run off.  Just keep in mind that these things are important to them, and I don’t think you will have any more trouble.

By the way, I believe that the celebration this time was a celebration for their Country’s Independence, (if the cloth looks like the one here) but don’t quote me as I can’t be absolutely certain.  Things are always changing with our human pets.

Signed Cocoa”

PS:  HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!