DR BRUCE CHARD

contact@northharbourvet.co.nz MY daughter and her two children are coming for a twoweek visit. Unfortunately she is allergic to cats and I have two. I shall board the cats while she is staying but what else can I do to minimise a reaction?

People who are allergic to cats react to the protein in cat saliva, urine and cat dander, dried skin cells. Humans show allergic signs such as red itchy eyes, sometimes a skin rash, sneezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Your daughter will probably have a supply of antihistamine tablets which she should start taking before visiting. Ban the cats from the bedroom she will use and thoroughly clean the house using a hepa filter with your vacuum cleaner and steam clean the carpets. Move any cat toys and beds out of the house and hopefully these combined measures will make her visit a comfortable one.

We have a 17-year old fox terrier called Jinx. He has trouble seeing us when we take him to the beach and gets upset when he can’t find us. He still eats well and mostly manages to control his urination and bowel movements. How can we make him comfortable for the last period of his life?

Jinx has reached a great age and from your observations he still has a reasonable quality of life. It is important to manage his environment to keep him as comfortable as possible. Take him for a daily walk to the beach but keep him on a harness so he is close to you and can hear your voice. If he is reluctant to walk take him in a cart or short trips in your car. Difficulty on slippery floors can be prevented with rugs. Make any changes gradual to avoid stressing him. Feed him a balanced senior pet food – you may find he prefers moist food rather than dry kibble.