Help and advice for every animal-lover Whis my neutered cat always fighting? Ask the vet
OUR three-year-old neutered male cat is always fighting with the other cats in the house. I’ve tried plug-in pheromones, but it hasn’t helped. I thought neutering was supposed to stop this kind of behaviour? NEUTERING is really important in preventing unwanted litters of cats but it tends to only help with fighting associated with tom cats that and clash over female cats to mate with. It’s possible that stress from living in a multi-cat household is causing your cat to get upset. Cats like their own space, so being around other cats can cause rivalry over bowls, beds and litter trays. Always supply at least one of each of these per cat, plus an extra one. Spread them around the home so all of your cats can have a bit of privacy and can live more peaceful lives. It may be worth trying a specific pheromone diffuser for multi-cat households too.
WE have a three-yearold terrier, Paddy, and he has developed a red eye and sometimes his eyelids stick together. I’ve been bathing his eye with cotton wool and lotion to clean it up, but it keeps coming back. What else can I try?
IT sounds like Paddy has something going on with his delicate eyes that would require treatment. Your vet will be able to check the pink fleshy area around the eye but also the eye itself to make sure there are no ulcers, foreign objects or infections present. It’s best not to use any human products on his eye as this could be the cause of further irritation.
As eye conditions can quickly get worse, I’d recommend getting Paddy
PRETZEL is a cornsnake who arrived in the care of the Scottish SPCA after he was found straying and is now ready to search for a new home.
Pretzel would benefit from an experienced owner who has the correct set up for him and the time to continue to build his confidence with handling. Although Pretzel is referred to as a male, he has not been examined so may be male or female.
If you think you could give Pretzel the home he needs, call the Glasgow centre on 03000 999 999.
checked over as soon as possible.
MY cat Buster follows me everywhere I go, even to the local shop. I’m worried he will have an accident or get lost. SOME cats like following their owners around and this is thought to be due to them having a strong bond with us. In most cases, cats will only follow us for a certain distance before they feel that they have roamed too far from home.
But if Buster is following you to hazardous places, such as busy roads, you are right to be concerned. This behaviour isn’t easy to stop and you may need to keep him indoors when you leave so that he can’t follow you.
Make sure that he has toys and climbing trees so he can look outdoors and stay stimulated while you’re out. If this doesn’t work, your vet may be able to help or recommend a pet behaviourist for expert advice.
MY gerbil seems to be drinking a lot more than usual and is off his food. His fur has also started to look quite greasy and smells a bit. What should I do? THERE are many conditions that could be causing these symptoms, some of which can be very serious or painful so it’s best to get your vet to give him a check over.
Give your vet as much information as possible about when this started, whether it was gradual or happened all of the sudden and the exact changes that you’ve been seeing.
Send your questions to askthevet@pdsa.org.uk. To find out if your pet is eligible for free PDSA treatment, call 0800 7312502. Glasgow PDSA PetAid Hospitals: 1 Shamrock Street (0141 332 6944), Muiryfauld Drive, Tollcross(0141 763 0800).