Is snoring a danger sign for our cat?
My five-year-old male neutered cat spends a lot of time outside but sleeps at the end of my bed. He’s always snored but now he’s doing it every night. Should I take him to the vet?
This is certainly something worth investigating so yes I would make that appointment.
Snoring is common in most cats, as it is with people. Certain breeds tend to snore a lot, particularly flat-nosed breeds such as Persians, because their nasal and pharyngeal passages are overcrowded and loose tissue vibrates when they breathe.
In others it can be temporary, depending on the sleeping position, and it will stop when they shift.
If snoring worsens or increases in frequency, as with your cat, there are possibilities worth considering.
If he has put on weight and is now overweight, this can contribute to the problem. And there are some additional diseases to think about.
Diseases of the upper respiratory tract are very common in cats. Normally there will be some sneezing or coughing, as well as snoring if the respiratory tract is partially blocked.
A clinical examination will give a good indication of what’s going on, although X-rays are sometimes needed. If an infection is the culprit it’s most likely to be bacterial, secondary to viral or allergies, and more rarely it could be caused by fungi.
Finally, one possibility at this time of year is a grass seed or grass blade stuck in the nasal passage or pharynx. This is surprisingly common and could cause your cat’s snoring.
Diagnosis would require the vet to make an examination under gen
eral anaesthetic, but once the offending object is removed the problem is solved.
My daughter is five and wants a rabbit. Are they suitable pets for young children? Do they often get ill and what are the common problems?
Rabbits have traditionally been considered good children’s pets. However, it is the view of many nowadays that they are actually not suitable for small children.
Rabbits are alert but timid, easily startled by rough handling or loud noises, and may bite in these circumstances. They are fragile and easily injured by being dropped.
Doing your research before thinking about rabbits as pets is very important because many rabbits are poorly kept.
I recommend you take a look at the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund website (rabbitwelfare.co.uk) for the information you need on housing, feeding and all aspects related to health. Rabbits should not be kept in solitary confinement – this is cruel – so keep a pair at least.
A recent article in the veterinary press looked at common problems seen in veterinary practices. It was written by researchers from the Royal Veterinary College in London.
By accessing thousands of records, researchers found overgrown nails, dental problems, soiling of the perineal region, eye problems, parasite and gastrointestinal problems were all common. Most problems listed here are preventable by a combination of good housing for exercise, a proper diet, and regular veterinary checks.
However the researchers estimated a third of the UK’s one million pet rabbits are not registered with a vet, so there is a lot to be done to improve rabbit welfare.