What’s causing my cat’s upset tummy?

MY cat Ollie is 16 and recently he’s been vomiting a bit. Not constantly, but more than before. Does he need to visit a vet?

YOU do need to get Ollie checked by a vet to see what’s going on. Ongoing vomiting can be due to tummy issues like inflammatory bowel disease, or even something more serious like a problem with Ollie’s metabolism or organs. Keep a diary of how frequently this happens, what Ollie is eating, whether he’s going to the toilet OK, and any changes you notice in his behaviour. This will help your vet to pinpoint any issues. As pets get older they can become prone to a number of health issues, so we advise regular check-ups – every six months is ideal for cats over 12. This ensures that any problems are picked up as early as possible, which can increase the chances of successful treatment if any illnesses are diagnosed.

MY kids’ hamster, Dora, is always escaping from her cage, even though she has lots of toys and things to play with. How can I stop her doing this?

IT’S important that any home for a pet is safe and secure – if small pets escape they can be faced with lots of dangers. Putting a strong metal clip on the latch to the cage door may help. If Dora is chewing her way out she may need a home that is made from more sturdy material. Also consider why she is trying to escape – could she be unhappy with her cage? It should be big, with multiple levels, places she can dig and it needs to be cleaned at least weekly. Keep it away from radiators, direct sunlight,

draughts, and busy or noisy places (including speakers), as these can all be stressful. Try swapping her toys, chews and tubes about each week so there is always something new to explore. For more ideas visit www. pdsa.org.uk/ hamster-health

I’VE booked my dog into a kennel for this first time, as I’ll be away for a week this summer. How can I make it as stress free as possible for him?

STAYING in a kennel for the first time can be an unnerving experience for a dog, but there are things

you can do to help it go smoothly. A good quality boarding kennel will be clean and comfortable, and will require proof of up-to-date vaccinations. A kennel that is reasonably close by will avoid the stress of a long journey. Check if they allow you to bring your dog’s own basket, bedding and toys, as this will help him feel more at home. The staff should also ask you about your dog’s usual routine – sticking to this will help to minimise the stress of being parted from you. Write everything down for them, including details about your dog’s diet (bring a supply), usual playtimes, grooming, plus any likes and dislikes. With a bit of preparation your dog will enjoy the holiday as much as you enjoy yours!