DEAR HELOISE: This is in response to Keith, the retired pastor who would love to have a dog to cuddle with but is unable to walk the dog and lives in an apartment. An adult middle-aged cat would be perfect! Most cats love to cuddle and don’t need to be walked. We are 86 and have always had a cat or two. They have given us much joy! Thank you for a wonderful and informative column!

• Mary C., in Racine, Wisconsin

Mary, unless a person has an allergy to cats, they can make wonderful pets. You’ll find this is especially true for older cats that have mellowed and enjoy comfort rather than roaming the neighborhood. I’ve loved and enjoyed every cat I’ve ever had. It seems like a few readers below agreed with you as well.

• Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: I am shocked no one suggested a cat for the old pastor. They’re easy to keep, require very little food or exercise, often sleep in your lap or bed, and show some affection. A stuffed animal or a big pillow? Please! Not for an old man. Get him a cat. Life is not about fairness; life is about opportunity.

• Tom P., via email

DEAR HELOISE: I never thought that I’d be moved to write to you, but I am just amazed that you told the pastor to get a stuffed teddy bear because he wants but cannot manage a dog. The answer is beyond obvious: He should get a cat. I suggest a mature kitty, about 5 years old or so. He will be rewarded with love and cuddling.

When it comes to care, the kitty should only be indoors and have a litter box with scoopable litter. He may even want to consider adopting a pair of older cats who were together already and get along. It is a wonderful feeling to see two kitties playing and cuddling up.

When it comes to nighttime snuggling, my Albert climbs on top of me when I go to bed and will dismount when I go to the bathroom. He then goes to use his box, and we both return to our prior positions. I cannot express the joy and love that my cats have given me during my life. Now that I am retired and stay home more, it is even better.

To the pastor, go to a shelter or a private cat rescue group and see who bonds with you.

• Jasimi, A Heloise Fan

DEAR HELOISE: I just read the letter saying how hard it is to center the top sheet on a bed. When I take my sheets out of the dryer, I fold the top sheet in half lengthwise, then I continue folding it. When I’m ready to put it on the bed, I open it, and there is a fold mark right down the middle of the sheet. Just use this to center the sheet, and you’re good to go.

• Lynne D., via email

GET THE MOST OUT OF LIPSTICK

Dear Heloise: Having purchased the same lipstick brand and color for almost 40 years, I noticed that the price increase over the years is significant. And once a person can’t put the lipstick on because it’s down to the base, most people throw it out.

But I was curious to see how much lipstick is still left in the base, so I started using a lip brush to get it out. I got more than two months of daily usage out of it. There’s a lot more lipstick as the base is what secures the lipstick without it breaking off when you twist it up to use it.

I read your column in the Daily Sun in North Port, Florida. I also read your column for over 40 years when you were in the Buffalo News. — C.K., in Florida

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