There are those who can't seem to understand why others threaten to "rid" those problem cats. Usually some owners of pets. Yet those who have to deal with other's pets, which is what cats are, who continue over and over to destroy and leave filth on other's own private property is a nuisance. There are some that should not own pets, that do not care what is done to neighbors. Those same people are the ones who have no say in what can or can't be done to remove those problems. What happens with these pets come down to the owner. Control them or don't. Would you let your children run free to trash and urinate on other people's property? If so, maybe others will return the favor to you and your home. Since it is apparently no problem there.

grainlady, I didn't know about phytates in oatmeal; knew they were in wheat. If soaking gets them out, don't you need to drain off that water full of phytates and replace it with fresh? For my whole childhood I was "made" to eat oatmeal and hated it. The glutinous quality always got me. My mom would put a big chunk of butter on there (double yuk), maybe some cinnamon, even jam she tried. Hated them all. When I found I liked Cream of Wheat (a little) I was allowed to switch to that; could only get that down with chocolate chips tossed on and allowed to melt. As an adult my brother switched to steel-cut oats but I don't care for those either. Then making oatmeal once for my Dad at my house I found out what the problem was: overcooking. Now I actually like it. I use regular oats and cook it in the microwave for 2 minutes a bowl, just so it's soft enough but hasn't started releasing the gluey stuff. Now I cook it with dried cranberries in it and add 2 T of ground flax seed. The flax seed adds a LOT to the flavor: to me it tastes sort of like ground almonds. Then top off with a scant half teaspoon of maple syrup: a little goes a long way; it has so much flavor that you barely notice that amount of sweetness.

I bought some garlic from WGG last year, they have very reasonable prices and good quality. I have been waiting impatiently for a few months to see when they will start taking orders for this year! dcarch: I would suggest using an Asiatic variety such as Korean Mountain or Asian Tempest for making black garlic. The Asiatic varieties are generally short storing which is probably why the black garlic curing/aging process was invented in the first place. A Turban variety might make a good substitute if you can't find any Asiatics.

MOIST KITTY CAT MORSELS 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey 1 small carrot, finely grated 1 tablespoon grated cheese 1 teaspoons brewer's yeast 1 teaspoon dried catnip 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon tomato paste Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium sized bowl, combine he meat, carrot, cheese, brewer's yeast, catnip and breadcrumbs. Add the egg and tomato paste and mix well. Using your hands, roll the mixture into walnut-sized meatballs and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes until the meatballs are brown and firm. Cool the meatballs completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These freeze well. This makes about two dozen. BLAND DIET FOR FINICKY FELINES 1 cup chicken, boiled or micro-waved 1/4 cup fresh broccoli, steamed and mashed 1/4 cup cooked carrots, mashed steamed chicken broth Mix ingredients with enough chicken broth to hold together. This same recipe can be used with fish (broil or microwave until it flakes.) You can also vary the recipe by adding rice or other vegetables. Yield: 1 KITTY TACO You will need: 1/2 lb. ground beef 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon corn oil 1 corn tortilla, cut into kitty-bite-size pieces 1/2 teaspoon bone meal 1/2 teaspoon brewers' yeast 1/2 teaspoon iodized salt 2 tablespoons cheddar cheese, grated Heat skillet and start browning ground beef. When the meat is golden brown, stir in tomato paste, corn oil, chopped tortilla, bone meal, brewers' yeast, and salt. Stir until heated through. Cool and serve topped with grated cheese. Yields 2-3 servings. Store unused portions in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. This may be fed to your cat once or twice a week. Mixing 1 teaspoon of mineral oil with your cat's food once or twice a week will help prevent hair-balls and constipation! TUNA TREATS (alternative to cat treats) Makes approximately 60 treats:; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup nonfat, dry, powdered milk 1/2 can tuna, in oil OR 1/2 cup cooked chicken, chopped into small pieces 1 tablespoon vegetable oil OR cod liver oil 1 egg, beaten 1/4 cup water Catnip (Optional) Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease cookie sheets with cooking spray. In large bowl, mash the tuna (or chicken) into smaller pieces. Then add flour and milk. Mix well. After all is mixed, pour in water and oil. Mix well again. Next beat egg in seperate dish until egg gets a foamy texture. Add to mix. Mix well. The dough mix will be sticky, so don't worry. Using your fingers, shape dough into small bite size balls - about the size of a marble. Put balls on greased cookie sheets. Flatten balls with hand. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove treats from oven wait five minutes and turn treats over so other side will cook. Bake 10 more minutes or until golden brown in color. Place treats on cookie rack to cool. Cool for 15 minutes. NEVER give treats to your pet right after cooking. You can add the catnip in the recipe or sprinkle on top of treats. They like it either way. Store in air tight container and store in refrigerator or cool dry place. FISHY KITTY PUDDING 1 cup fish 1/2 cup hot water about 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Shred fish. Warm in water. Add breadcrumbs. Stir until thick. Then cook about a minute or two in microwave-safe bowl on HIGH. Serve warm. May also be put on dry cat food as a dinner treat. SALMON NUGGETS 2 small cans Salmon 2 cups oatmeal 1 cup whole wheat flour (or substitute) 1 cup cornmeal 1 Egg 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup chicken broth Mix all of the above ingredients together in a bowl. Knead and add more flour or broth to form a dough. Roll out to a thickness of 1/4" and place on a non-stick baking sheet. Use a knife and score the dough horizontally, then vertically to make a grid of squares about 1/4". Don't score the dough all the way through. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour or until fully baked and crisp. Let cool, break into bits and store in an airtight container. Excellent treat for cats, as well as dogs! REMEMBER to either refrigerate or freeze all natural treats to avoid spoilage and possible insect infestation. CAT COOKIES 7 oz mashed sardines 1/4 cup dry non-fat milk 1/2 cup wheat germ Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix ingredients. Roll into 24 small balls. Place on greased cookie sheet and flatten with a fork. Bake at 350 degrees F until brown. Makes two dozen cookies for your kitty cat. KITTY'S CLAM BAKE 1 teaspoon clam (or tuna) juice 1 can cat food (any kind) Add the clam (or tuna) juice to one can of cat food. Mix well. Microwave for 5-8 seconds. Remove and chill. Serve! TUNA KITTY TREATS 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup nonfat powdered milk 1/2 can tuna, in oil or 1/2 cup cooked chicken, chopped into small pieces 1 tablespoon vegetable or cod liver oil 1 egg, beaten 1/4 cup water Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl, mash the tuna (or chicken). Add the flour and powdered milk, mixing well. Stir in the water, oil and egg, mixing well. Mixture will be sticky. Shape mixture into 1/2-inch sized balls. Place on greased baking sheets. Press balls to flatten. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. Remove treats from oven; let sit 5 minutes and then turn treats over and bake another 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack. Store in an air tight container in refrigerator. And, Step1 Gather the ingredients you'll need and preheat your oven to 350-degrees. Step2 Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Knead lightly until it forms a thick dough. Step3 Roll out the dough on a large, floured surface to -inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into small shapes. Many pet or specialty stores carry cookie cutters just for pets. You can adjust the size of the treat based on your cat's size and needs. Step4 Place the cut treats on a greased baking pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Step5 Cool the cat treats to room temperature and store them in an air tight container or bag for future use.