DEAR JOAN: I have a beautiful cat that I met outside. I believe she's lived outside the first two or three years of her life. She eats sleeps and stays inside with me while I'm home, only thing is she goes out to use the bathroom.

New Pet Pal LogoI live in a one room studio. I am excited to be moving to a one bedroom I'll be renting in someone's house. They said I can bring my cat along!

They have a big backyard, but they also have a dog. I want to train my cat to use the box; I don't know if she'll get it.

We have snow outside so I haven't been able to scoop up anything after she goes. Any advice on how to make this move and transition for us?

A concerned mom, Queens, N.Y.

DEAR CONCERNED: Your cat might have spent some time outdoors, but it seems obvious she likes being inside. Making the transition from outdoor cat to indoor kitty actually is easier when you are making a big move yourself.

When you are in your new place, set up a litter box in a quiet, private corner of your room. Place your cat in it, but don't make a big deal of it. Just set her in, talk to her and praise her. If she jumps right out, that's fine. She now knows where the box is and will use it, we hope, when the time is right.

You might want to keep her in your room for a few days so she can adjust to her new home. Cats like taking change in small bites, and by keeping her in the room, she'll be more likely to use the litter box.

Unlike dogs that need to be housebroken, cats seem to have a natural instinct to use the box. If she goes outside the box, don't scold her. Just clean it up to remove the stain and odor, and keep trying.

I don't expect you'll have any difficulties, but if you do, check with your local pet food store. There are products you can spray or sprinkle on the litter to encourage the cat to use it.

As your cat is more accustomed to going in the great outdoors, you could try filling the box with dirt or sand from outside and gradually transition to commercial litter.

DEAR JOAN: I recently spotted a strange flock of birds near Castro Valley on Crow Canyon Road. I looked them up on the Internet and what I came up with was guinea fowl from South Africa. Have you heard about them or have any information on them?

Paul, Bay Area

DEAR PAUL: Guinea fowl may have originated in South Africa, but many people raise guineas in this country for the eggs, meat and entertainment value.

My mom used to tell about having to entertain her younger cousins when they came to visit. When she'd get tired of playing with them, she'd offer them a nickel if they could catch one the guinea hens her parents had. Her cousins would then race after the birds, which were way too fast to be caught. The cousins had a great time, the guineas enjoyed the chase and my mom could do whatever she wanted and keep her nickel.

Although guinea fowl are not native here, there are flocks of the birds around, probably escapees from farms and backyards. These birds stick together so if one leaves, they all follow. Fortunately, guineas don't really need us — they forage for bugs, roost in trees and are adept at escaping from predators and annoying cousins.