Vet Pete Wedderburn has the answers

My 14-year-old bedlington/ whippet cross is now completely blind. Her head must be black and blue because she bumps into so many things, even in the house. My local vet did not recommend treatment. Is it not possible to remove cataracts in dogs?

GF, EAST SUSSEX

You are correct that cataract surgery for pets is now widely available, carried out by vets who have specialised in acquiring the training, skills and equipment to do these complex but highly successful operations, which can instantly restore pets’ sight. However, there are many other causes of blindness as well as cataracts, and not all dogs with cataracts are suitable candidates for surgery. Ask your vet for a referral to an eye specialist so that you can have a detailed opinion on the best option for your elderly friend.

We adopted two kittens this time last year. Sadly the boy kitten (Kingsley) died recently after suffering from an autoimmune disease. Would it now be a good idea to get our little Kiki (the surviving kitten, a female) another kitten as a playmate? At the moment she seems to be a bit lost without her buddy…

HE, CARDIFF

Cats are usually solitary, independent-minded creatures, and if a new cat is thrust into an established cat’s territory, incompatibility is common, and this can result in both animals being stressed, with unwelcome consequences such as fighting and indoor urination. The exception to this is when kittens from the same litter go to a home at the same time: in these circumstances they often become friends for life. For Kiki now, the results are unpredictable: it may be a good idea for you to consider fostering a kitten at first, with a view to only keeping him/her on for the long term if the two get on well together.

CHOOSING THE PERFECT KITTEN

Twenty animal and veterinary organisations have come together to create the Kitten Checklist, aimed at equipping prospective owners with guidelines on adopting or buying a kitten. It’s available to download at thecatgroup.org.uk, free of charge.

RESCUE PETS

Snowball and Marble are affectionate mature male cats who’ll make great family pets. Contact Celia Hammond Animal Trust on 020 7474 8811 or visit celiahammond.org

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