Vet Pete Wedderburn has the answers

When I took on a rescued 11-year-old cat, he was fine at first but he then began to bite my hand, only when I was lying on the bed with him. After a deep bite (I had to go to the doctor) I returned him to the rescue, but I miss him as he was very affectionate otherwise. Can you help?

MD

Some cats are ultra-sensitive, and can be very specific about what they like and dislike. They may enjoy having the top of their head and body petted (cats groom each other in these areas) but they often dislike having other areas touched, and some even react aggressively. I suspect that when this cat lay on your bed, he may have looked as if he was inviting a tummy tickle whereas in fact he didn’t like being stroked there. It’s hard to regain confidence and trust after a cat has bitten you like this, so it may be better to try again with a different cat.

Our spayed 10-year-old red setter bitch has had a mild incontinence problem which was controlled by daily Propalin syrup for years. Recently the drugs have stopped working, despite the dose being increased and adding in hormonal treatment recommended by our vet. Now her rear end is wet every morning, and she hates wearing nappies. What else can we do?

MD, WEST SUSSEX

You could ask your vet for a referral to a surgical specialist, depending on her general good health. There are various operations that can be used to improve the closure of urinary sphincters, including physically relocating the neck of the bladder, inserting an adjustable hydraulic sphincter or even procedures such as injecting collagen fillers or Botox-like nerve blockers. No method is 100 per cent successful and it’s a difficult decision, but a conversation with the specialist will make decision-making clearer.

DON’T BE DOGFISHED

“Dogfishing” happens when someone is misled by a dodgy seller into buying a dog which is not what it seems, with hidden health and behaviour issues surfacing later. This can lead to serious animal welfare problems. Dogs Trust has launched a campaign to combat this: dogstrust.org.uk/dogfished

RESCUE PETS

Marshall (above) is a handsome five-year-old Bengal cross cat. Independent and liking attention on his terms, he wants a quiet, rural adult-only home. Call Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre, Wingletang, on 01822 810215.

To view outcomes of rescued pets, see petethevet.com/ rescues

Send queries to petsubjects@telegraph.co.uk or tweet @PeteTheVet. All sick animals should be taken to a vet