The Mysterious Case of the Green Mice...PLUS: Cats Who Smoke

Wrap mice in plastic before they turn green

I don't know who comes up with these lists, but today is supposed to be National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. Go figure! I mean, aren't we supposed to do that more than once a year?

In any event, after some intensive research on the subject, I'm passing on some valuable information that can help you, Kitty, and hubby/partner/whatever have a refrigerator you can be proud of...with food that's appealing and less likely to send you to the emergency room:

1. I was right. You are supposed to clean the box out, say the experts, (yes, there are experts on this) once or month or right away, if you spill something. Duh.

2. To prevent Kitty's dead mice leftovers from turning green which may lead to noxious odors, don't put them in paper bags. Instead, cover with plastic wrap or put in airtight containers.

3. Same goes for stool samples destined for the vet.

4. Always label food in containers with contents and date. For example, "McDuff's snake head/November 2, 2007."

Labelling helps

5. Foods with expiration dates two years or older should be brought to the front of the frig. Those marked "Antediluvian" should be tossed.

6. Remove anything that has fuzz on it or appears fermented (except the Macon Villages). Save these for your kid's science experiments.

Jello with spotted fuzz should be brought up front in frig

7. Keep your frig odors to a minimum with some vegetable-scented air freshener...the ones that let off a spritz every second or so are best.

PLUS.... CATS WHO SMOKE

When you're smoking, it's like your cat is, too. Second-hand smoke is not only dangerous for people, experts say it affects pets as well, and cats in particular. Here's why: Because cats groom by licking themselves, they are taking in the cancerous residue smoke leaves on their fur, which in time, can cause oral and other types of cancers.

So join in the smoke out today. If you can do it for a day....who knows? Think of yourself...think of your puddy.