From a cat sleeping in a box to a mouthy pup – 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.

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This week Sean helps a reader with a cat sleeping in a box[/caption]

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 Biggles, six, won’t go in his bed and insists on sleeping in a cardboard box.

Do I just give into his whim and supply him with boxes?

Why is he doing it?

Jade Brown, Newcastle, Tyne & Wear

A) Yeah, give in. Cats know their own minds, so who are you to dictate aesthetic preference or soft furnishings of choice?

They like what they like and often that’s a sense of enclosure and seclusion, rather than the softest surface or most luxuriant material.

Biggles demands boxes, preferably an endless supply.

But remember Jade, you are his servant, not his master.

Q) I’VE been told insects, including stick insects, make good pets for kids.

What do you think?

I have a seven-year-old son, Mark, so he’s old enough to learn how to handle them.

I want my kids to learn about the natural world.

What insects would you recommend?

Pete Smith, Bradford

A) Stick insects make great pets for kids. I often recommend them if children are interested in nature, or in having a first pet.

They’re easy to keep, don’t smell or take up much room, and have the quirky novelty value kids love to demonstrate to visitors.

Indian or prickly stick insects are the most common and are an easy beginner species.

Giant African land snails and giant millipedes also fit the bill.

There are some great tutorial videos now available on YouTube which Mark can use to do his research.

As a kid who had a real menagerie of pets over the years — and very tolerant parents — I’m a strong believer in encouraging these early interests in nature and wildlife.

Q) OUR three-month-old puppy Kiki is really mouthy.

His nips hurt sometimes – and I am getting conflicting advice.

Some say to say “Ouch” sharply, while others suggest doing nothing so as not to excite them into thinking it’s a game.

What do you recommend?

Emily Castle, Middlesbrough

A) This is normal puppy behaviour at this age, and I get it.

It’s very annoying and persistent, and sore at times. But puppies explore and play with their mouths.

It’s how they learn how to interact with their canine family, and after they leave Mum, their new human family too.

It’s often confusing to them not being allowed to play bite.

At times people are pushing them around or presenting their hands as playthings for example, then getting annoyed when they play bite.

It’s important not to punish them, but you can use a verbal cue like a little yelp to signal they have bitten too hard and then abruptly stop play.

If your puppy is getting too excited, the behaviour can get worse and be difficult to stop, so removing yourself, or pup, from the situation can help.

Q) I HAVE been looking after my friend’s dog Toby, who is a nine-year-old shih tzu.

I have had him for eight weeks, love him to bits and have spoiled him rotten.

When he goes back, will he be upset without me? I’m dreading it!

Rita Bischoff, Bolton

A) Oh no, Rita! It sounds like a clear-cut case of YNADIYL — You Need A Dog In Your Life.

Toby may be upset when he leaves, but dogs are resilient and he’ll get back to his normal routine in no time and recover just fine.

It does make me think though there’s probably a wonderful little dog just like him in a rescue or rehoming centre, somewhere near you, who deserves a second chance in a loving new home such as yours.

Star of the week

CAMILLA Parker Bowles can never be accused of being shy and retiring.

Whenever anyone new comes to the home the 12-year-old Shih Tzu either gets frisky with a cushion to get attention or steals her owner Davie Moodie’s glasses and refuses to hand them back until the visitor fusses her.

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Shih Tzu Camilla Parker Bowles[/caption]

David’s wife Jenine of Haslemere, Surrey, said: “Camilla may have a posh name but she can be quite unladylike when she has new visitors to show off to.

“But we wouldn’t have her any other way and everybody loves her party trick.

“She is certainly the star of the show in our house.”

Rocky’s the greatest

SYLVESTER Stallone’s boxing movie character has inspired hundreds of pet owners to call their furry friend “Rocky”, Paws and Claws can reveal.

A new survey analysed more than 50,000 pet names, including those of dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, to reveal the most popular choices from the big screen.

Rex

In second place was Loki, from the Marvel series, followed by Marley, from tearjerker Marley & Me.

Remy, Koda and Lady, from Disney movies, also made the top ten.

The research was carried out by pet-sitting platform trustedhousesitters.com.

Angela Laws, from the site, said: “I think Barbie and Ken will grow in popularity in the next year.

“And I wouldn’t be surprised if we see pets with names associated with new blockbuster hits including The Super Mario Bros Movie, Wonka and Oppenheimer.

“So 2024 may bring more Marios, Wonkas and Luigis into the rankings.”