Should we take in feral cat?

AQ

We are feeding a very hungry and timid feral cat in our porch, as it won’t come into the house. We feel we could give it a good home and tame it but my sister, who visits regularly, is asthmatic and allergic to dogs, so I’m worried it could cause issues. What should we do? It sounds as though you have set your hearts on homing this cat and there is no doubt that you would be an ideal fit for this timid stray.

However, if all else fails, another solution would be to get your local cat rescue centre to take it in and over time build its confidence in people so it can be rehomed successfully.

Your sister could already know if cats are a contributing factor to her asthma. Or if she is uncertain, it would be sensible to seek some advice from her GP, especially if the asthma tends to be severe when she is in contact with dogs.

The allergen produced by cats is in their saliva and is called fel-d 1.

It is spread throughout the coat during grooming. A reaction such as itchy eyes or an asthma attack occurs if a person who is allergic strokes the cat then touches the face near the eyes, or comes in contact with fine hairs floating in the environment.

After your sister has spoken to her doctor, then it will be useful to contact your vet.

However there is a diet for cats that is a possible solution. It neutralises the fel-d 1 allergen, making a reaction far less likely.

Q

Our 14-year-old whippet has started licking our cushions and upholstery. She’s fit and eating well, but has a mucus discharge from her nose. Our vet has not found a cause. What do you think?

AIt could be that the two problems are related. It is more than a coincidence that they should simultaneously present themselves.

Licking of cushions has been described as a sign of boredom in some dogs, or as a means of soothing anxiety and stress. When behavioural problems are ruled out by a vet, then an underlying disease is possible.

In one survey I reviewed, 14 dogs out of 19 that were licking excessively had an underlying gastrointestinal disease.

Various ailments were diagnosed, from delayed stomach emptying to irritable bowel syndrome.

Recently, gastroesophageal reflux has also been described in dogs, with acid in the mouth, perhaps provoking licking.

The type of nasal discharge may offer more clues.

If it is totally clear then it is often caused by an allergy. This is not impossible in a 14-year-old dog but would be unusual.

A discharge that is thick and not clear suggests a nasal infection. I would be asking, if the two conditions are related, which one is the primary cause?

Nasal infection might have an underlying dental problem, which would cause oral pain.

Other diseases, such as gingivitis and pharyngitis, are also painful.

Things might have changed since your last visit to the vet so I would recommend another consultation for this intriguing problem.

It may be worth checking for dental diseases before investigating more complicated gastrointestinal disorders.

David Grant MBE has been a vet for more than 50 years. Email questions to him at pamperedpets@people.co.uk