ASK THE VET

Q: I have an 11-month-old male cat. How do you get knotweed and matted hair out of him? He is quite fluffy but not really fluffy. DANIEL Thompson, North Shields

A: The first point I would make is that Japanese knotweed is specifically mentioned in the Wildlife and Countryside Act and allowing this weed to spread is a criminal offence. Furthermore, given the invasive nature of the weed, it is classified as “controlled waste” under the Environment Act, making it difficult to dispose of. I would try and prevent access of the cat to the knotweed where possible and if it is on your land, you are likely to have a legal obligation to prevent this from being spread by your cat. In terms of grooming, the earlier you introduce a brush or comb to your cat the better. Make it a positive experience and if the cat is showing signs of getting fed up, you are better to stop and come back to it in a few hours to prevent your cat developing an aversion to grooming.

The first grooming session should be no longer than a few minutes and you can slowly increase this over time.

Start by having the cat on a stable surface such as your sofa and try stroking and giving treats to relax the cat.

Until he is used to grooming, use a soft brush and allow your cat to sniff it and rub against it if he wants to. Talk gently and reassuringly throughout. Try and groom him a small amount daily to prevent the matted hair accumulating. This process is likely to take time. If your cat is heavily matted, getting him groomed under sedation by your vet initially may help ensure the ongoing grooming experience is a positive one.

Please note that advice in this section is for general guidance, and if your pet is very unwell you should contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible as this advice does not replace the need for a clinical examination of your pet.

Rory Thomson is part of the team at St Clair Veterinary Care in Croft Road, Blyth. If you have a question, fill out the online form at chroniclelive.co.uk/askthevet