Stunned by the Groomer’s Surprise
I was absolutely taken aback when I got my dog back from the groomer—it felt like he might have been switched during his appointment! HE is on a mission to help our pets… and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, the head veterinarian at the tailored pet food company tails.com, has been assisting pet owners with their queries for a decade now. Sean McCormack, the head vet at tails.com, promises that he can help keep pets happy and healthy.
Cat Conflicts: A Reader’s Dilemma
A reader asks for help with two cats who have grown up together and now keep fighting:
Q) Our two tortoiseshell cats, Willow and Blossom, are five-year-old sisters, and recently they have become increasingly hostile toward one another. When they were tiny kittens, they would curl up together, enjoying each other’s company. As they matured, they stopped this behavior but would still lay close to each other. However, over the last 18 months, their relationship has deteriorated significantly. It’s as if we now have two completely different kitties. If they walk past each other, they start fighting—fur flies everywhere, and the screaming is absolutely horrific. Is there anything we can do? They have separate food and water bowls and have access to the cat flap at their leisure.
—JACKIE CROZIER, Croydon, South London
A) Has anything changed in your household? Cat behavior can be subtle and sometimes difficult to interpret. I would recommend reflecting on various factors within your home and the external environment. Consider the locations of litter trays, feeding and resting areas, increased visitors, or perhaps a new cat in the neighborhood that could be causing anxiety, which they are projecting onto each other. To start, minimize competition for resources such as toileting, feeding, and sleeping zones. A pheromone diffuser and calming spray could also be beneficial. If the situation does not improve, it may be wise to consult a qualified animal behaviorist who specializes in cat behavior to observe them in action.
Feeding Outdoor Fish
Q) When should I begin feeding my outdoor fish again? I know they eat less during the winter months, but now that it’s warming up, they should start to become more active.
—SAM BRYANT, Launceston, Cornwall
A) It’s still a bit chilly, so it’s not quite time yet. There isn’t a specific date for feeding; it largely depends on the weather and seasonal changes. When we experience consistent warm spring weather for a week or two, you can gradually reintroduce feeding. Keep in mind that there is natural food available in ponds as well. More harm is often done by overfeeding, which can pollute the water, than by underfeeding. Start with a small amount and observe if your fish show signs of hunger.
Managing Pododermatitis in Cats
Q) My seven-year-old cat has been diagnosed with pododermatitis that affects her front feet. She is hardly going outside and often sits in the window, alternating between holding her feet up. I’ve been applying aloe vera gel to her pads three times a day. She was prescribed steroid tablets for five weeks, but they haven’t helped, and her blood tests came back clear.
—PATRICIA WRIGHT, Nottingham
A) You didn’t mention if her paw pads are ulcerated and cracked or just swollen. If there are no open sores, applying aloe vera gel may not be necessary. Steroid treatments often need to be continued for several months to see a positive outcome. There are various steroid medications and antibiotics that may help manage this immune condition, so it is important to discuss further treatment options with your veterinarian.
Natural Remedies for Constipation in Dogs
Q) Despite being in great shape, my 14-year-old Jack Russell gets constipated from time to time. I have visited a vet, but the costs of consultations and treatments are burdensome for me. Surely there must be a natural way to prevent Kipper from becoming constipated?
—BRIAN PALIN, Telford, Shrops
A) Is Kipper getting enough fiber in his diet? This could be a contributing factor. At tails.com, we can adjust the fiber levels in his food to meet his specific needs while also addressing his nutritional requirements based on his age, breed, lifestyle, and weight. Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] explaining your situation, and our team would be happy to set up a free trial of a tailor-made blend for Kipper.
Star of the Week
Meet Max, a Bengal cat who had a terrifying brush with death after eating coffee grounds. Last March, while exploring owner Tim Frederick’s garden in Enfield, North London, Max collapsed. Tim, a road safety specialist, and his wife Zoe rushed him to the vet, where he was treated for hypothermic shock. The coffee grounds, which are commonly used as tree fertilizer, are toxic to cats. Tim remarks, “We have plenty of outdoor space for them to exercise, but I suspect it was our banana trees that caused the trouble.” Thankfully, Max is now back to his lively self, and the couple managed to avoid a hefty vet bill thanks to their policy with animal insurer agriapet.co.uk. Their two sons, Theo, ten, and Leon, seven, are now keeping a close watch on both pets.
Celebrities Join the Search for Gracie
CELEBRITIES are lending their voices to the search for Gracie, a rescue dog who played a crucial role in helping her owner overcome prostate cancer. When Gracie, the Dachshund cross, went missing, former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh retweeted the appeal to return her to her owner, Mickey Anthony, 54. Mickey, from Bristol, who was supported by the charity Prost8, describes Gracie as his lifeline: “She’s the reason I got through cancer. She kept me fighting, believing there was life after diagnosis.” Gracie went missing last September while Mickey and his wife, Gaynor, 56, were on holiday, leaving her with a dog sitter in Pershore, Worcestershire. Mickey set up the #BringGracieHome campaign on X and was heartened to see influential figures like Kym, who lost her father to prostate cancer, along with Neville Southall and producer Jane Fallon, retweeting his appeal. Gracie is black and grey, has long hair, and an adorable underbite. Mickey is offering a reward and urges everyone to keep an eye out: “Please help bring Gracie home.” If you can assist, please email [email protected].
Win a GPS Dog Tracker!
Want to keep tabs on your furry friend? One lucky reader will win a PitPat GPS Tracker, worth £159, which provides real-time information on your dog’s location, activity, weight, and more. Additionally, two more readers could win a PitPat Dog Activity Monitor, valued at £49, which tracks your dog’s exercise, rest, and weight. To enter, send an email with the subject line PITPAT to [email protected] by April 14. For more information, visit pitpat.com/sun.