Pet’s Corner Q&A

I get quite worried about letting my cat outside these days in case she goes near a busy road. How can I keep her safe?

Many cats enjoy venturing outside, as they can explore their natural instincts and roam to their heart’s content.

Sadly, however, there is a risk of them being injured or killed in road traffic accidents. Although it’s difficult to eliminate the dangers altogether, there are things that you can do to help keep your furry friend safe.

Keeping your cat indoors at night can help, as this is when drivers’ visibility is at its worst.

To encourage your puss to return before dark, try to feed them at dusk so they get used to coming home at this time.

You can also purchase reflective and light-up collars to improve your cat’s visibility during the evenings, particularly when the days get shorter over the winter months, but just ensure the collar is one with a break-away feature.

---

My rabbit has quite long fur, do you have any advice on how I should groom him?

Rabbits take care of most of their grooming themselves, but sometimes benefit from a helping hand.

How often you should groom them is dependent on the breed.

Longer haired rabbits require daily brushing to prevent matted fur, while those with medium or short hair only need brushing once or twice a week.

Rabbits should never be put into a bath of water, as it can send them into shock. Instead, if they become dirty, use a damp cloth to clean them, making sure to dry them thoroughly.

If your rabbit’s fur is matted, book in with your vet team who will be able to show you how to remove matting safely and how to trim his claws if needed.

---

 

With the weather starting to warm up, I’m worried about my guinea pigs getting too hot. What can I do to stop them overheating?

To prevent your guinea pigs from overheating, ensure they are not in direct sunlight.

If they are kept indoors, close the curtains during the hottest part of the day, and use an umbrella to keep outdoor enclosures covered with shade.

It’s also essential that your furry friends have access to plenty of fresh, clean water throughout the day to keep them hydrated.

Pears and apples (avoiding the pips as they are poisonous) make hydrating treats, but don’t give your pets too much.

Don’t be tempted to give your furry friends a cold bath, as this could send them into shock.

Instead, making your own ice pack can help to cool your pets down – freezing a water bottle and putting it into a sock should do the trick.