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.
Sean McCormack, head vet at tails.com, promises he can ‘help keep pets happy and healthy’
Who is brushing Larry the cat in this heat? Credit: Crown Copyright
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) WHO is responsible for brushing Larry the Downing Street cat?
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He may be old, but shouldn’t he be getting a daily brush in this weather? I suspect Keir Starmer has other things on his mind.
Does No10 have a designated cat handler? It bothers me.
PAW-SOME
Pets at Home rival to DOUBLE stores to over 250 – as ‘target locations’ revealed
PAWS & CLAWS
From feeding the birds to cats hating rain – your pet queries answered
Janet Davenport, East London
Sean says: Larry has several members of staff at No10 looking after his day-to-day needs but as far as I’m aware, there isn’t an official Chief Feline Grooming Officer.
Larry, who is around 18 to 19 now, would benefit from regular brushing, especially in warmer weather and as older cats often become less flexible.
It helps remove loose hair, prevents painful mats and reduces hairballs.
But given his very important role as Chief Mouser, I’m sure he enjoys being thoroughly pampered.
He’s the only long-standing resident of No10 in recent times who consistently lands on his feet!
Q) BRANNY, my whippet, has a heart condition, but he’s still keen on his daily walks and is doing well.
Apart from keeping his weight down and taking the vet meds, can you suggest any supplements or foods that can help prolong his good life?
Sandy Smith, Sevenoaks, Kent
Sean says: It’s great to hear Branny is still enjoying life — that’s always the priority.
Alongside his prescribed medication and maintaining a healthy weight, certain dietary tweaks can help support heart health.
Low-sodium diets are often recommended and some dogs benefit from omega-3 supplements, taurine or L-carnitine, but these should be discussed with your vet first.
Not every supplement suits every condition. Gentle, regular exercise as he’s already enjoying, is beneficial. And you’re clearly doing all the right things to keeping him comfortable.
Q) MY puss Porridge is crazy for catnip. Is it good for him?
Someone said you can grow it in the garden. Is that a good idea? Why does he go nuts for it?
Shelly Barnett, Grimsby, Lincs
Sean says: Catnip is perfectly safe for most cats and many adore it. The active ingredient affects receptors linked to mood and behaviour, which is why Porridge goes bonkers for it.
Rolling, zooming and silliness are all normal responses. Some cats become very relaxed while others get playful and excitable.
You can easily grow it in the garden. At garden centres it’s called Nepeta or catmint and there are multiple varieties.
Not all cats respond genetically, but those who do usually have a wonderful time. Think of it as the feline equivalent of happy hour.
Q) HOW can I stop Pepper, my Labrador cross, digging holes in my flower beds?
He lies in the hole like a cat that’s got the cream afterwards. How can I divert his energies? He has two good walks a day.
Sarah Edwards, Leeds
Sean says: For Labradors and their crosses, digging can be hugely enjoyable, and with Pepper proudly lying in the crater afterwards, he clearly feels very pleased with himself.
Rather than constantly fighting it, try redirecting it. Some owners create a designated digging patch where digging is allowed and rewarded.
More scent games and enrichment can also help channel that busy Labrador brain. He’s not being naughty, he’s being wonderfully doggy. We can forget that dogs should do dog things.
Star of the week
Rabbits Venus and Serena are our stars of the week Credit: Supplied
ON the last day of Wimbledon today, two rabbits called Venus and Serena are hoping to find their forever home.
The friendly Lionhead pair have been waiting in RSPCA care for almost two years since being born during the tennis tournament in 2024.
The bunny’s pregnant mum, Celeste, was rescued from an empty dog crate and had suffered terrible neglect.
Manchester and Salford branch manager Susie Hughes said: “This year, with Venus and Serena Williams having returned to the big stage, we hope these wonderful bunnies will find an ace new home.”
Apply at https://shorturl.at/ZAaqZ.
WIN: Wifi bird feeder kit worth £250
ENJOY a bird’s-eye view of our feathered friends thanks to this giveaway.
One reader will receive a FeatherSnap smart bird feeder worth £159.99, a year’s subscription worth £49.99 and a £40 bird seed voucher.
With motion cameras, solar charging and AI bird identification you can keep an eye on your garden visitors wherever you are.
For a chance to win, send an email headed FEATHERSNAP to sundaypets@the-sun. co.uk by July 26. See uk.feathersnapcam.com. T&Cs apply.
Adder attacks on dogs on rise
Adder attacks on dogs are up Credit: Supplied
DOG owners are being warned of a 20 per cent rise in adder bites – the UK’s only venomous snake.
Skye, an 18-month-old Labrador is one of the victims reported to pet insurer Agria this year.
With treatment, most dogs make a full recovery, but in some cases the venom can cause serious illness and even death.
In April, a spaniel died of a suspected bite in Anglesey. A number of people have also been hospitalised due to adder bites.
Claire Esler, an oncology consultant, from Loughborough, was taking Skye for a walk in May when she encountered the snake in some grass.
Within an hour, Skye was panting, drooling and her mouth became swollen.
A vet found she had been bitten on her lower gum but after steroids, anti-inflammatories and anti-venom medication, Skye recovered.
Agria App vet Lars Mortensen said: “Adder bites should always be treated as an emergency. To reduce the risk, stick to well-used paths and avoid long grass or sunny banks where adders may be basking.”
Claire added: “Agria settled the £1,967.86 claim really, really quickly.”
For more information, visit agriapet.co.uk.
