From a winking gerbil to a howling cat – 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 gerbil Gremlin winks at me. Should I wink back?

There’s nothing wrong with his eye. Is his behaviour normal?

Rita Cox, Sevenoaks, Kent

A) I had to read that twice. You certainly can wink back, I don’t think it will do any harm or alarm Gremlin.

I suspect it may be less a bonding or social behaviour, and more of him clearing an irritation from his eye, perhaps.

It may be related to what bedding you keep him on. For gerbils, a deep bedding layer they can tunnel and burrow in is important.

Carefresh or similar compressed paper, compost and straw is a good mix.

Because they are burrowers, they are more prone to particles irritating the eyes.

What to avoid is very dusty sawdust or wood shavings alone.

Q) Vinny, the rescue cat we took in recently, is very vocal, espec­ially howling during the night.

He is also bringing in mice nearly every night. Will this calm down as he settles in more? Is there anything we can do to deter him?

He is about 14 months old and we have had him for three months.

Gill Greenwood, Manchester

A) It’s hard to know if this is just Vinny’s vocal outgoing nature, or if he is distressed in any way.

Perhaps he is just doing a good job of training you, his minions, to let him out at night when he shouts loudest.

In terms of hunting, again this is very much instinctive and depends on the individual. Some cats become obsessed and really enjoy hunting, others can’t be bothered.

As a vet, I do worry about the impact our cats have on local wildlife and ecology.

One cat killing two or three mice per night or birds per day for fun, multiplied by the number of cats per street has a huge impact on local ecosystems.

It’s advisable to keep cats in at night — for their own safety and to reduce impact on wildlife — as well as to put bells on their collar so it’s harder for them to remain silent when hunting.

Q) I have a lovely, small, eight- and-a-half-year-old cockapoo named Bonnie.

She is so lively, but a few months ago she wanted to keep going out in the garden all evening. Then during the night she was sick several times, bringing up just grass.

After two visits to the vet, they suggested taking her off dry food and going over to tinned dog food, with a bit of cooked chicken on top.

She has had this every day and night with a small carrot (her favourite food) but lately she ignores her breakfast and eats most of it at night times.

She is still very lively and we go out twice a day for long walks. I can’t understand why she doesn’t eat in the mornings. Please can you suggest anything?

Ted Clark, Congresbury, Somerset

A) Just like us, some dogs are simply not keen on breakfast.

Bonnie is also eight-and-a-half, so her metabolism is slowing down so she’s probably not as bouncy and energetic — although being a cockapoo perhaps that doesn’t apply.

In any case, as long as she is maintaining a healthy weight and body condition score then I would say just get used to the schedule she chooses and feed her accordingly.

You can learn how to body condition score a dog on our tails.com YouTube page. It’s a great way to monitor that your pup is maintaining a healthy weight at home.

Star of the week

IT’S a new year and a new life for Betsy.

The whippet cross was rescued at four months old by the RSPCA in July 2023, after being beaten by her owner.

But as 50 of her companions were rehomed, one by one, sweet-natured Betsy became the longest-staying guest.

Now, after 18 months at the Middlesbrough shelter, she has been adopted by Tom Horrocks.

Tom, 38, from Stockton-on-Tees, Co Durham, says: “I couldn’t believe she’d been waiting for a home for so long.

“I use a wheelchair part-time, but Betsy soon got used to it.”

Emma Cosby, from the shelter, says: “We had all grown so fond of Betsy, but we couldn’t be happier that she’s found a wonderful home.”

HOW TO MAKE 2025 THE YEAR OF THE CAT

GIVING up already on those New Year resolutions?

Instead, channel your good intentions into having a fab year with your feline, with advice from Cats Protection.

Its cat behaviour officer Daniel Warren-Cummings says: “Why not make commit­ments to your cat to help them have an amazing 2025?”

Play is key as cats need to display hunting behaviours, even if the prey is a ping-pong ball. This also reduces aggression, says Daniel.

Cats love to climb, and shelves, trees and walkways are great spots for them to play on. “Being able to view surroundings from up high helps them feel safe,” he adds.

Owners should also watch for signs their cat is unhappy. Peeing outside their litter box, wide pupils, excess swallowing and flat or twitching ears could signal your cat is stressed.

And with research showing a third of owners have overweight pets, cut back on snacks. Lastly, to ensure a happy 2025, they need regular vet check-ups.

Daniel says: “Cats are very good at hiding pain. It’s important to get them checked regularly and make sure they’re up to date with vaccinations and routine treatments.”