Cat is lonely as schools go back

OUR TWO- YEAR- OLD neutered female Siamese cat has these last few months become very attached to our seven- year- old daughter. They have spent most days together during lockdown. Now that my daughter is back at school the cat is very restless and keeps meowing very loudly all day.

THIS is a very common problem currently. Your cat is showing typical signs of separation anxiety, and although the constant meowing can be very irritating, things could be worse.

Some affected cats will become destructive, scratching and damaging furniture or themselves. Urinating on beds is another frequent problem.

The problem is thought to occur more commonly in hand reared kittens, or those taken from their mothers before eight weeks of age.

This could lead to over- attachment to their owners. A strong bond has developed over the summer with the cat getting used to constant company.

Unsurprisingly she is upset with the loss of her best friend. It is important therefore not to show impatience or irritation.

This will only make matters worse. The cat is anxious and stressed and any perceived punishment would only make matters worse. There is no quick fix but changing the cat’s routine to lessen her dependence on your daughter is the way forward.

Distract the cat with treats in an activity ball before your daughter leaves the house and provide toys and climbing perches.

A pheromone diffuser, such as Feliway, mimics the calming substances produced by mother cats for their kittens and may help.

MY EIGHT- YEAR- OLD Jack Russell terrier has developed a swelling below his right eye and it is discharging. He doesn’t seem too bothered with it and we have just been bathing it. Is this something we need to bring to the vet’s attention?

IT IS worth getting your vet to have a look at this, as it may be a tooth root abscess. A discharge in this area is usually associated with an abscess involving the fourth premolar tooth in the upper jaw, commonly known as the carnassial tooth.

It is the largest tooth, with three roots. Above these is a large sinus and if infection develops it cannot drain through the carnassial tooth.

Infection builds up and erodes the bone in the cheek area and this bursts through, accounting for the swelling and discharge you have seen.

There are other causes of facial swelling in this area but the one I have mentioned is the commonest. I have seen many of these swellings, which are called malar abscesses. It is good that your dog hasn’t been bothered by it, because many dogs will have toothache and will be reluctant to chew on hard objects.

To confirm the diagnosis an examination under anaesthetic is needed, possibly with X- rays to confirm which tooth is involved. The most common treatment is removal of the tooth to allow drainage, which should resolve the problem and relieve any pain.

David Grant MBE was a vet at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital for Animals. Email questions to him at pamperedpets@ express. co. uk. He is unable to enter into individual correspondence.

DISCHARGE: Swelling below dog’s eye could be an abscess