HOT TIPS : KEY TO CUTE CAT BEHAVIOR MAY BE IN THE STARS.

Byline: Barbara De Witt 

First it was the P-word (polyester), then blue nail polish, and now Miz Hot Tips is seeing those floating heart necklaces again in fashion mags. But if you still have any doubt that the '70s are groovin' again, read on. Sun-sign chatter has become such a deal with the ``Friends'' age group that there's a book on how to tell what sign your cat is.

In ``Zodicat Speaks'' (Viking; $12.95), by a tabby named Dr. Zodicat, you'll learn how to chart your pet's astrological course and learn some insider stuff such as why Fluffy likes to groom herself all the time and why Big Red could care less, but loves dropping dead mice at your feet. Among the catty little tips you'll get in this coffee table-type book are that Sagittarian cats love to wrap both paws around your neck when picked up; Virgo cats are so anal-retentive that they'll clean up the cat box after other cats have used it; and Aquarian cats love sharpening their nails.

It's a must-have for cat-lovers who can't resist looking at their horoscope in the newspaper, even though they claim it's all nonsense. (Hey, if it's going to be a four-star day, why miss it?)

Body billboards: Did you happen to see that recent Movieline magazine cover with Jamie Lee Curtis? She had ``Chicks Rule'' written in lipstick across her chest. And Julia Roberts sported a ``Love'' message on her midriff for the cover of Entertainment Weekly. For those who'd like to call attention to their own buffed body parts, the lipstick used by both stars is Fran Wilson's Moodmatcher lipstick. According to makeup artists, it lasts a really long time (about 12 hours) without smudging, and is really cheap at only $2.75. Look for Moodmatcher lipstick at Longs Drug Stores, Drug Emporiums and Walmart stores.

For other stuff that celebs like, check out the goods at the Beverly Hills Basket Co. The personalized gift-basket service has sent all kinds of theme baskets to Hollywood's A-list, including a basket of chocolate dog bones to Arnold Schwarzenegger. To order, call owner Tina Rappaport at [phone].

Beyond Starbucks: Sometimes status is less about the coffee brand than the mug you drink it in. Having tired of her plastic Starbucks mug and ready for some coffee mugs and teapots with some creative clout, Miz Hot Tips has discovered a cool new place called B.K. Handin Designs, 3953 Laurel Grove Ave., Studio City, where artist-owner Barbara Handin makes charming pottery that looks inspired by Disneyland's teacup ride. She has six designs to choose from, or she'll create one just for you. And she serves coffee, which you can sip while she paints. Prices start at $19 for a mug. P.S.: You also can see her pottery at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills, Back on the Beach restaurant in Santa Monica and the set of Kathleen Turner's new yet-to-be-named sitcom from Disney.

The Demi-doll: Demi Moore is starring in two movies featuring her as the curvy babe that she is, but in Disney's ``Hunchback of Notre Dame'' she's simply a cartoon. Yet her body has inspired a new Mattel doll, Gypsy Dancing Esmeralda, with a good likeness of the voluptuous brunet star. Children can make Esmeralda dance to her own Gypsy music by moving her left arm up and twirling her. Price is $22 at toy stores.

It's in the bag: Lovers of mesquite-grilled meat no longer have to go in search of mesquite wood for their big barbecue. Miz Hot Tips has discovered that rancheroo flavor now comes in a bag - The Food Smoker Bag - at Crate & Barrel and Barbecues Galore stores. The portable, recyclable, three-ply aluminum cooking bag for only $3.95 contains natural wood chips and sugar, and can be used on the barbecue without any drippy sauce to mess up the grill. Other flavors are apple, hickory and alder.

MEMO: Hot Tips appears every Saturday. If you have a hot tip on a new product or place, write to Barbara De Witt, Daily News Features Department, P.O. Box 4200, Woodland Hills, Calif. 91365-4200.

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Photo: (1--2) no caption (Demi Moore/Esmeralda)