From an energetic hamster to a very jealous cat – your pet questions are answered

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

Sean, head veterinarian at custom pet food company tails.com, has been helping owners with questions for a decade.

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He says, “If your pet is acting strange or sick, or you want to know more about diet or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”

Question: MY hamster Fluffy whizzes himself on his toy wheel so fast that he often flies away – and then gets back on.

He has a four-story house and he comes out every day to play with our children. He is nine months old.

He seems happy, but should I give him more exercise or do more things?

Estelle Evans, Sevenoaks, Kent

Sean says: Ideally, yes. Wheels are addictive and fun, but they also remind us how active hamsters need to be.

In the wild, hamsters roam long distances every night in search of food, territory and sometimes a mate.

So even the largest commercially available hamster cages do not allow for that natural wandering.

It's a good idea to create a hamster-proof cage with sturdy sides using furniture or objects around the house, or even let Fluffy outside in a room to explore under supervision.

However, first lie on your stomach to make sure there are no hamster-sized holes through which he could disappear, never to be seen again.

Question: BOB, my 18-month-old Labrador, humps other dogs and even the occasional human leg.

Should I give him the cut now because he's a little embarrassed?

Sarah Roberts, Callington, Cornwall

Sean says: With Labradors I would be inclined to wait a little longer, because they are prone to skeletal disorders.

Evidence now shows that there is a benefit to allowing dogs to fully mature with their sex hormones – in Bob's case testosterone – on board.

If you can keep it up to 24 months, it could serve you both well for his future health, while all it will cost you is the occasional embarrassing shrug and apology.

For more serious behavioral problems, earlier castration can help.

It can have a negative effect on anxious dogs, because testosterone gives young dogs confidence.

If you are confused, your vet will be happy to weigh the pros and cons as they know you and Bob best.

Question: Do cats get jealous? Mine hates my new boyfriend.

Spotty spits at my friend even though he did nothing wrong. What can I do to make them friends?

Cara Barnes, York

Sean says: You can't force friendship on cats. It has to be on their terms.

But I think you should dump your boyfriend. Spotty must be on to something.

Just kidding. Encourage your friend to ignore Spotty, don't lean over him or try to make contact, not even eye contact.

Don't disturb him where he rests, and act as if he isn't there most of the time.

Then start dropping or throwing treats. Keep it casual and casual, like they're not even for Spotty.

This way he will create a positive association and perhaps even make contact himself soon.

Slow and steady wins this race.

Question: I'm concerned about overfeeding my guinea pigs Pinky and Perky.

They are 18 months old. I give them each 50 g of mix, hay and a handful of greens. They also get something tasty.

They look a little chunky. Am I giving them too much?

Emma Holick, Emmer Green, Berks

Sean says: It's hard to say without judging them “in hand”.

It may help to book a welfare check with your vet or perhaps one of the vet nurses at your local practice who has a soft spot for small coats. There is always at least one!

Veterinary nurses are the unsung heroes of the veterinary world and one of the areas in which they excel is nutrition and weight management.

If you feel like Pinky and Perky are a little fat, reduce the more caloric dry mix from their diet.

And choose a granular formula instead of muesli, which allows selective feeding of only the sweetest, tastiest and high-calorie pieces.

Star of the week

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SNOWDON the corgi is a dog with a large fan base.

The pup is one of the most beloved clients of talent agency Urban Paws and has done campaigns with Zara, Next, Boden and Madame Tussauds.

Together with her mother Jam and sister Honey, she also filmed for Netflix to promote The Crown.

The trio, who live in Eton, Berks, with owner Sam Cader, 42, are also therapy dogs at Poplars Care Home in Ruislip, North West London.

Sam said: “Whether Snowdon is working with dementia patients or campaigning, she steals everyone's heart.”

CAN A NICE CAT STEAL YOUR HEART?

THIS Valentine's Day Cats Protection has revealed there are almost 1,000 unlucky cost-of-living cat victims looking for a love match.

The charity is “stretched to breaking point” and is caring for more than 4,000 unwanted cats.

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One in three owners (34 percent) are significantly affected by the increase in the cost of living.

Just over a fifth have been abandoned because owners can no longer afford the costs or have moved to rental properties that do not allow pets.

The charity is also waiting for 2,700 cats and kittens to arrive at their adoption centers across the UK – an increase of 33 per cent in a year.

In addition, the charity's many volunteer-run branches care for hundreds more.

Peter Shergold, head of field operations, said: “This is one of the worst situations we have seen in terms of the financial pressure on cat owners.

“They struggle to put food on the table or pay bills.

“Unfortunately, this means that the poor house cat is one of the first things to be given up to balance the books.

“We would really appreciate it if Paws And Claws readers could contact us to see if we have their perfect match.”

To see cats.org.uk/adopt-a-cat.