From a farting feline to talkative guinea pigs – your pet queries answered

HE is on a mission to help our pets  . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.

Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm tails.com, has helped with owners’ queries for ten years.

He says: “If your pet is acting funny or is under the weather, or you want to know about nutrition or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”

Q) MY cat Pumba keeps farting during dinner.

He insists on going under the table in the kitchen to do it.

He is on a healthy diet, although a bit overweight.

Would probiotics help?

Natalie Marsh, Todmorden, West Yorks

A) A likely story Natalie, a likely story. Are you sure it’s not you or someone else in your household fobbing it off on poor Pumba?

If not, this seems like a self- fulfilling prophecy, or to use the correct term (I had to look this up) nominative determinism.

You named the cat Pumba after all, what were you expecting?

Anyway, yes, a change in diet may help. One designed for sensitive digestion may be just the thing, and many of those contain pre or probiotics as well as good fibre for a healthy gut flora.

A hypoallergenic diet may be the next approach in case he is intolerant.

Q) I AM looking to get a puppy in the next few weeks but what can I do to keep vet bills down?

Is there a comparison site type place to find the best deals?

Should I consider a veterinary plan or would I be better taking my chances and not getting pet insurance at all?

Sarah Clarke, Thirsk, North Yorks

A) Don’t get a puppy unless you can afford unexpected bills is my best advice.

Vet fees may seem high, but we are spoiled in this country with the NHS picking up our medical treatment.

If you saw the bill for human care, you would realise vet care is very good value indeed.

All of the equipment, drugs, treatments, staff wages, building rent, services and salaries have to be charged for in bills.

But I take your point, unexpected bills can come at just the wrong time.

You are best off getting pet insurance if you don’t have money set aside for your new dog.

Or if you do have that emergency fund, some people prefer to put the same money they would spend on pet insurance into a savings account for their pet.

Research your breed and take care with pedigrees prone to health conditions.

Choose a responsible breeder that does health tests. Check out puppycontract.org.uk for information.

Q) HOW do guinea pigs communicate and how do you know if they are happy and like you?

Together with my nine-year-old twins Catherine and Lisbet I have two — Peanut and Butter.

We want to make sure they are totally content.

They seem pretty chilled and the girls are very gentle with them.

Caitlin Dark, Bournemouth

A) Two good signs are if they make excited noises, chirrups and squeaks, when you and your daughters appear.

And if they will voluntarily approach you for strokes or handling.

The secret to achieving that relationship where they are happy and content is pure bribery.

Find tasty treats they love and reward them frequently. Gentle handling helps too.

It really is that simple.

Q) WHY does my four-year-old cat Luna lick me all the time?

It’s like she’s trying to groom me.

She does it to my two girls Amy, five, and Laura, seven, too.

Rachel Clifford, Scunthorpe, Lincs

A) A sign of affection, I reckon. That’s pretty cute in my book.

It’s a behaviour called allogrooming, where cats who are usually related to one another lick and groom each others’ coats as a bonding behaviour.

When you have a single cat in a household, the humans become their clan and this behaviour continues.

I strongly recommend you don’t return the favour by licking Luna.

Not hygienic, a soft brush may help.

Star of the week

CUTE Meg brings peace and happiness in her work as a therapy pet.

Along with owner Jo Kaddish, from Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, the nine-year-old Cockapoo has volunteered for charity Pets As Therapy for five years.

The pair visit the brain injury rehabilitation unit and physio departments at Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath and hospice St Peter and St James in Wivelsfield Green, East Sussex.

Jo says: “Stroking her has is an excellent way to exercise damaged limbs. It’s referred to as ‘Meg’s Magic’.

“She is happy to be patted and cuddled by everyone. When we walk into the room, everyone’s face lights up.”

See petsastherapy.org/information/support-us.

Does your pooch topple your tree?

WHEN it comes to causing the most carnage at Christmas, beagles and golden retrievers are worst, a Paws and Claws survey reveals.

But Jack Russells are most likely to rip open presents, border terriers are gifted at stealing festive grub and poodles excel in toppling the tree.

The survey, conducted by Pets At Home, reveals that despite 71 per cent of owners saying their dog has unleashed Christmas chaos, 56 per cent still buy them a gift.

And 27 per cent of pets get their own stocking.

Crimes against Christmas trees loom large, with 20 per cent of owners admitting theirs has been felled by a naughty pet, 18 per cent say their tree has been scaled and 14 per cent say their pooch has used it as a loo.

Also on the naughty list are bauble-breaking pets, those who get entangled in lights and those who nab the turkey from the table.

Pets At Home vet services director Dr Samantha Butler-Davies says any gifts containing food, such as chocolate, should be kept hidden from pets and wrapping tape should be avoided.

She adds: “Tinsel and ribbon can also be risky as they are dangerous if ingested, potentially causing blockages.”