For some time now, I’ve been warming up to the idea of only writing about animals and plants. I’ve always believed that those who like animals also enjoy flowers—even though they might find it hard to take care of one or the other, or both.

Having become an expert in raising cats (I have 43 on my resume) and having explored the cultivation of plants (I have 88 potted plants at home, a number that grows by the day), I can say that I’ve learned a few tricks.

Throw a slipcover on your sofa in order for animals and humans to live in harmony. Put a papaya on your window sill to attract thrushes. Spray water mixed with cloves on your garden to keep the dogs away. Sprinkle salt on your flowerbeds and get rid of snails. In the summer, water your Jaboticaba tree every day to get sweeter fruits. And be patient with orchids because one day they’ll start liking you and give you beautiful flowers.

These and other tricks are available on the newly launched Whiskers, Snouts and Roots blog. It was supposed to be named Whiskers, Snouts, Roots, Antennae, Paws, Feathers, Furs, Horns, Leaves, Flowers and Roots, but the marketing people said I was having delusions of grandeur and asked me to go a little less crazy.

Since I am a little disobedient, I warn you that this will be the coolest blog on animals and plants that I have ever written. And if that is not enough to convince you to check it out, let me tell you that Whiskers, Snouts and Roots, will have promotions for books, products, and related items for chlorophyll, feather or four paw-bearing species.

Check it out, will you?