DEAR HARRIETTE: My home has been overtaken by the stench from my husband’s ratty workout sneakers. He has had these sneakers since college, and he refuses to get rid of them. It’s disgusting, and all of my pleas to put them in a box or gym bag have been ignored. I have tried plugins, scented candles and air fresheners, but years of stench have overpowered the house.

I think my husband has such a strong connection to his old workout clothing from college because he secretly hopes it’ll help him get back to the shape he was in. I don’t want to stage an intervention over smelly sneakers, but I do want to get past this phase of coming home to a reeking house. – Stinky Sneaks, Bowie, Maryland

DEAR STINKY SNEAKS: Put the sneakers in the wash with strong detergent and bleach. Do not put anything else in with them unless you have other smelly workout clothes that match the sneakers. This should clean them and also rid them of odor. There is an outside chance that you will need to wash them more than once. The sneakers will get cleaner and may show a little more wear because of the washing machine, but ultimately you may reach a compromise.

Beware: Your husband may not be happy, but you can point out that at least you didn’t throw them away!

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DEAR HARRIETTE: Upon my aunt’s death, I received her cat to take care of. She loved Tiger, and I was the most willing to promise that I would look after him when she passed. Now that I have Tiger in my home, he keeps running away! He is overweight, diabetic and 14 years old – not the recipe for an outdoor cat.

He runs away at every opportunity and has learned to open screen doors. I don’t have the time or energy to chase this cat for hours every day. I keep Tiger because I wouldn’t want to disrespect my aunt and her wishes, but he is too much of a handful. What can I do with this cat to make everyone happy? My husband and children are indifferent. – Fat Cat, Silver Spring, Maryland

DEAR FAT CAT: Your aunt’s cat might be escaping because he is looking for your aunt. Since they were together for years, he may be mourning her. Or he may be out of sorts because he is in a new home with new people.

Consider investing in an alarm collar for the cat to wear that will let you know his whereabouts when he runs off. As you may know, cats tend to be aloof, so it is not unusual for the cat to wander off. The challenges that you face include his potentially getting lost and sick. If you have to administer medicines regularly, this could be dangerous if you cannot find the cat.

If you feel that Tiger’s health and safety are in jeopardy, you may want to consider giving him up for adoption. You may be able to find a family who would have the time and patience to give an aging cat the love and attention that he needs.

— Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.