Dear Karen,

My daughter loves animals. She has a cat which roams the house except for our bedroom (I am allergic to cats but enjoy them), two birds in her room, fish in the dining room and a new rabbit which she currently has in a cage in her room, but sometimes takes to the basement. Are there any particular guidelines about pets and Feng Shui?

- J.H., USA

Karen's reply:

A pet in the home can help to revitalize the chi of the space. Problems arise when the type of pet or number of pets is inappropriate to the type or size of the space, or if there are hygiene issues. Children and the elderly, in particular, benefit greatly from having pets in the home.