PDSA Weekly Vet Q&A - 9 April 2024

Dear PDSA Vet, I have an indoor cat, named Simba, does Simba need to have a microchip if she doesn't go outside? Thanks, Nikki 

Hi Nikki, as of 10 June 2024, all cats, no matter if they go outside or stay in will need to be microchipped by law. Even if your cat prefers the indoor life, microchipping is still necessary. There's plenty of ways cats can sneak outside or nip out through an open door or window.  By June, it will be law regardless of whether your cat remains indoors or not. More information about microchipping can be found here: www.pdsa.org.uk/microchipping-cats  

Dear PDSA vet, my dog, Shadow seems to have piled on weight recently. Does he need to eat less? Thank you, Alex 

Hello Alex, you will need to know Shadow's ideal weight, and your vet will want to body condition score and weigh him to work this out. Your vet may advise changing to a diet food, this can make weight loss much easier for you both. They'll also be able to advise you on any changes that you may need to make to Shadow's exercise routine. If the weight gain is really sudden, its best to get a check-up booked in to have Shadow looked over to make sure there isn't anything else going on. More info on weight can be found here: www.pdsa.org.uk/weighup  

Dear PDSA Vet, I want to change my cat's food to a different brand, how is it best to go about this? Oscar 

Hi Oscar, if you want to switch your cat's food, do it gradually over a couple of weeks to prevent any issues. Avoid sudden changes (unless advised by your vet), as it can cause tummy upsets or refusal to eat. It's best to introduce a new food in small amounts over a few days. If adding the new food goes well, then slowly increase the portion of the new food whilst decreasing the old food. Once your cat is consistently eating the mix of the new food with the old for at least a week, start phasing out the old food. 

Dear PDSA Vet, my hamster, Luna, has started pawing at her eye and it appears to be covered with a crust. Is her eye infected? Thanks, Laura

Hi Laura, there could be a number of causes for Luna's eye issue, but she definitely needs to get checked over by your vet. It could be Luna has an eye infection, and there may even be something stuck in there that she can't get rid of. As hamsters can be very wriggly it can be difficult to keep them still enough to examine them properly. As such don't try to look, touch or remove anything from Luna's eye yourself, as hamsters are very delicate creatures and the last thing you want to do is accidently cause her any more issues. Best to get her checked over straightaway, and your vet will be able to diagnose and appropriately treat the issue. Hope Luna is better soon! 

For more information visit pdsa.org.uk  

PDSA is the UK's largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn. Support from players of People's Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information.