Sean McCormack, head veterinarian at tails.com, addresses reader pet queries, offering advice on gerbil behavior, cat howling and hunting, and a senior dog’s changing eating habits.
One reader questioned their gerbil’s winking, which McCormack believes is likely due to eye irritation from bedding. He recommends a mix of Carefresh, compost, and straw, while avoiding dusty sawdust or wood shavings. He also addresses the issue of a rescued cat, Vinny, who howls at night and brings in mice. McCormack suggests Vinny might be seeking attention or exhibiting natural hunting instincts. He advises keeping cats indoors at night for their safety and to minimize their impact on wildlife, and using bells on collars to deter hunting. Finally, McCormack reassures an owner concerned about their eight-and-a-half-year-old cockapoo, Bonnie, who skips breakfast but eats heartily at night. He attributes this to a slowing metabolism and suggests adjusting to Bonnie’s preferred schedule as long as she maintains a healthy weight.
Betsy, a rescued whippet cross, finds a forever home after a long wait at an RSPCA shelter in Middlesbrough.
Betsy, rescued at four months old after being abused, spent 18 months at the shelter before being adopted by Tom Horrocks. Despite Tom’s part-time wheelchair use, Betsy quickly adapted to her new home. This heartwarming story underscores the importance of patience and finding the right match for rescue animals.
A competition offers readers the chance to win a Squishmallows pet bed.
Five lucky readers can win a large Squishmallows pet bed, valued at £49.99. These ultra-soft beds are designed for both cats and dogs. Details on how to enter are provided, encouraging reader participation.
Cats Protection offers advice on making 2025 a fulfilling year for your feline companion.
Cat behavior officer Daniel Warren-Cummings emphasizes the importance of play, providing climbing opportunities, watching for signs of stress, managing weight, and scheduling regular vet check-ups. He highlights the need for cats to express hunting behaviors, even through play, to reduce aggression. Climbing opportunities contribute to a cat’s sense of security. Recognizing signs of stress, such as inappropriate urination, wide pupils, excessive swallowing, and ear changes, is crucial for addressing underlying issues. Warren-Cummings also stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and scheduling regular veterinary visits for preventative care and early detection of potential health problems, given cats’ tendency to mask pain.
Detailed insights into each of the veterinarian’s responses and the featured stories.
McCormack’s advice on gerbil bedding highlights the importance of creating a comfortable and stimulating environment for these small pets. His response regarding the cat’s behavior addresses both the owner’s concerns and the wider issue of cats’ impact on local ecosystems, offering practical solutions like keeping cats indoors at night and using bells. His reassurance to the cockapoo owner emphasizes the individuality of pets and the need to adapt to their changing needs as they age. Betsy’s adoption story emphasizes the resilience of animals and the rewards of adopting shelter pets. The Squishmallows competition adds a fun element for readers, while the Cats Protection advice provides valuable insights into cat behavior and well-being, promoting responsible pet ownership.
Overall, this compilation of pet advice, heartwarming stories, and reader engagement initiatives provides a comprehensive resource for pet owners and animal lovers alike. It blends practical advice with heartwarming narratives, fostering a sense of community and promoting responsible pet ownership. The veterinarian’s responses address common pet owner concerns, while the rescue story and competition add elements of interest and engagement. The advice from Cats Protection provides valuable guidance on enhancing the well-being of feline companions.
