I listen to Sonya Fitzpatrick almost every Tuesday on Sirius Radio 102. Sonya is an animal intuition expert and on her show she chats away with all sorts of animals both here and in spirit.

I have learned a lot about my animals by listening in on her conversations. I thought I would share her message for some major talking points she tends to reiterate on her shows:

Remember that animals, particularly cats’ and dogs’ sense of smell is a thousand times more acute than ours. What you may think is a wonderful scent – like that floral carpet cleaner – may be quite irritating to animals. And that may explain why the cat just went on the carpet that you just cleaned.

There are all sorts of natural remedies for your pets ailments, and there is a book called The Nature of Animal Healing, by Martin Goldstein D.V.M. that she highly recommends. (Apparently Dr. Goldstein also has a show on another Sirius channel but I have yet to catch it.) If traditional medications are not helping your pet, you may want to give some animal alternative medicine a try.

All dogs want is to be with you, food, and exercise. If you have behavior problems with your dog, a daily vigorous walk works miracles! Of course Sonya also touts the benefits of pet food that does not contain any by-products, stating what goes in those by products is truly horrifying and may contribute to illness in your pet.

Dogs and cats and birds like blue. It is their favorite color. If you buy them new pet bowls, or a new mat, bed, collar, or blanket – make it blue, please!

And speaking of pet bowls – there can be jealousy afoot if you happen to buy one pet a new item and not any other animals in the home. Make it a rule that if you buy one pet a new bowl, then you need to buy ALL of your pets a new bowl. This greatly contributes to peace within the animal kingdom in your home.

Some animals like being the solitary animal in the home, but most like the company. Before you run out and get a companion for your animal, consider your pets personality. What sort of pet would IT want, if at all?

ALWAYS spay or neuter your pets! This year the animal shelters were turning away cats as they simply were just too full. Really, any more spaying and neutering isn’t all that expensive, and if you happen to have a vet who is pricey look for another one in your area that is more reasonable, or call the local shelter and ask them about any free spay and neutering programs in your area. Lots of vets volunteer for these programs.

Follow the above guidelines, and your pet will give you back that love all the more…except for your cat, but she will love you in her own way.