Pete Wedderburn has the answers

Vet

We recently had to take a neighbour’s cat to the vet at 10.30pm because it had collapsed. It had been ill for some time, but its owner had declined to have it treated. What could we have done differently?

PT, SURREY

It was kind of you to look out for this poor cat. Talking to the owner, as you did, is always the best first step. If this is not effective, it is worth giving the RSPCA (rspca.org.uk) a call if an animal is suffering. One of their inspectors will visit the owner, give advice and explain their legal responsibilities. The RSPCA can then help them to care for their cat or offer advice on next steps.

My nine-year-old ragdoll cat, Daphne, always used the garden as her lavatory. A month ago, a fox came into our house. After this, Daphne started messing indoors. She was given a litter tray, which she uses, but she still goes elsewhere. What can we do?

AW BY EMAIL

Cats need to feel secure to do their toileting. The fox has upset her confidence. Use multipe litter trays and put them out of sight of windows and doors, so she can use them in privacy.

BEG FOR A BUG? Yora, the world’s most sustainable dog food, is made from 40 per cent insect protein, and may appeal to ethical pet owners. We’ll have to see what dogs think. (yorapetfoods.com)

RESCUE PETS Galvin and Garth are four-year-old male cats who are looking for a home together. Call The Cat & Rabbit Rescue Centre, West Sussex on 01243 641409 (crrc.co.uk). To view outcomes of rescued pets, see petethevet.com.

French author Yann Moix, 50, a former winner of the Prix Goncourt, has caused outrage by saying that he is “incapable” of… (a) Loving a woman of his own age (b) Reading Proust (c) Getting over himself

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