From office-going kittens to anxious dogs after a house move – 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.” Sean McCormack, head vet at tails.com, promises he can ‘help keep pets happy and healthy’ After Myleene Klass was spotted taking her kitten to work, a reader asks if cats can really adapt to office life Credit: Getty Q) SINGER Myleene Klass was seen taking her kitten to work in a special ventilated carry bag. I’ve heard of bringing your dog to the office but what are your thoughts on cats coming to work? Sheridan Cox, Sevenoaks, Kent Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! SEAN SAYS: I suppose it can appear to work for some cats and owners, but I’d ask is there really a need to do so? It depends on the individual cat. Unlike dogs, most cats are creatures of habit and territory, and many find new environments stressful. They also like their own company for some of the day, unlike dogs who often attach to us like velcro and crave company. A calm, confident kitten or very sociable adult cat may adapt to occasional outings in a secure, well-ventilated carrier, like the one you saw. However, busy offices, noise and unfamiliar smells can be overwhelming for others. If a cat appears relaxed, eating and behaving normally, that’s a good sign. But for many cats, home really is where they’re happiest. Most read in Money Q) WITH the weather getting hotter, what do you recommend to keep dogs cool this summer? Are there any pet essentials? JESS PHILLIPS, Chester SEAN SAYS: When temperatures climb, prevention really is better than cure. Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler, and always avoid hot pavements, which can burn paw pads. Fresh water, plenty of shade and good ventilation are the essentials. I’m also a fan of cooling mats, paddling pools, frozen enrichment toys and ice cubes hidden inside treats for dogs that enjoy them. Never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes. If your dog becomes excessively panty, lethargic or unsteady, seek veterinary advice immediately, heatstroke is a genuine emergency. Q) I ONLY let my cat Merlin out in our garden as I worry about cars and him getting lost as well as felines decimating the bird population. Do you think cats can be happy with a catio and house? I have lots of toys, comfy places and high-up spots. SHARON BROWN, Bexley, Gtr London SEAN SAYS: Absolutely, many cats live very happy, fulfilled lives indoors, especially when their environment is enriched as Merlin’s sounds. A catio provides safe outdoor stimulation without the risks of traffic, getting lost or wildlife predation. The key is stimulation and variety, and it sounds like you’ve got that covered. Q) MY mixed breed dog Mo cries when he’s left home alone. We have just moved house. What can we do to stop him crying? He has his own rest areas, plenty of toys to play with and we even talk to him on a camera. CATH WOOD, Guildford, Surrey SEAN SAYS: Moving house can really unsettle dogs, and Mo sounds like he’s struggling with the change and developing some separation anxiety. Talking to him through the camera may actually be confusing him a little, because he can hear you but not understand why you’re not there. The key is helping him learn that being alone is safe again. Build up very short absences gradually, leaving before he becomes distressed and returning calmly. If you are really struggling I highly recommend a qualified animal behaviourist. You can find one on the accredited organisations websites, just search for CCAB, APBC or ABTC. STAR OF THE WEEK Jose the German Shepherd puppy has become a loving companion for owner Venice while her partner works overseas – and has one unusual habit of licking people’s knees Credit: supplied JOSE the German Shepherd is a leg man, according to his owner, as the five-month-old puppy likes to lick people’s knees. Venice Goh, 26, says he’s been a great companion while her partner Ollie Woodhouse, 23, works overseas in Malaysia in the energy sector. Venice, a lawyer, from Putney, South West London, says: “Jose has helped me when I miss Oliver. He’s so loving. But he’s definitely a leg man – or pup!” “He always cheers me up. He’s one of seven siblings and Ollie and I chose him as he has such a friendly character and he loves a cuddle. “He’s turned us from a couple into a family. “But I think he’s going to be a big boy, judging from the size of his paws.” WIN: £250 PJs voucher for you and pup PYJAMA brand Peter Alexander is offering a £250 voucher to spend on sleepwear for both you and your pup. RESCUE BUNNIES HOPPING FOR NEW HOME The RSPCA has urged owners to neuter pets after 99 rabbits were rescued from a garden where uncontrolled breeding left their owner struggling to cope Credit: RSPCA THE RSPCA is highlighting the importance of neutering pets after 99 rabbits were found in a garden with their owner struggling to care for them all. The bunnies were living in hutches and home-made pens as well as loose after uncontrolled breeding had caused numbers to spiral out of control. The well-meaning owner from Tyne and Wear is said to have saved them from social media sites for years after they were advertised as unwanted pets. Continental giant cross breeds, mini loops and lionheads aged from babies to eight years old were rescued by 20 of the charity’s officers and volunteers. They have been taken to the charity’s rehoming facilities and fosterers up and down the country. An RSPCA spokesperson said: “Sadly rabbits are the most likely small pet to be abandoned and the large number rescued from this incident exacerbates the high number we’re already looking after. “We hope that Paws and Claws readers who have fully researched what these animals need, may be able to give some of these rabbits a loving forever home.” Prospective adopters can find out more at rspca.org.uk/findapet. Comment now