Veterinarian answers questions about pets: hamster marathon runner and grief of a cat.

According to The Sun: He has a goal to help our pets  . . . and is ready to answer your questions.

Sean, the chief vet at the pet food company tails.com, has been helping pet owners solve their issues for ten years.

Sean McCormack, chief vet at tails.com, promises that he can 'help maintain the happiness and health of pets' Getty

Questions and Answers

Q) Our hamster Ronnie runs on his wheel for hours. Is this good for him?

I take him out in an exercise ball every day, but he has a lot of energy.

BEN HORN, Launceston, Cornwall

A) Yes, unfortunately, most hamsters do not have enough space and stimulation in their cages.

In the wild, hamsters can travel long distances and live in complex burrow systems.

Since they can't go far in cages, their wheel becomes a true center of activity — not only for burning off excess energy but also for releasing happiness hormones.

I always recommend cages that can be connected with tubes; the more complex the setup, the better. Also, change toys and furniture for novelty.

Additionally, create a closed space or room where you can let Ronnie out for a walk in the evening, of course, under supervision.

Q) Do you think it's safe to give my 17-year-old cat Pickles general anesthesia, or is he too old?

Our vet says everything should be fine. He has a benign growth, but it is growing.

SCOTT DORMAN, Edinburgh

A) I can't give an exact answer without an examination of Pickles a week before the procedure or even on the day of the operation.

I recommend doing blood tests to check organ function and other indicators that may indicate a higher risk or the need to adapt some aspects of anesthesia.

No animal is 'too old' for anesthesia, as age is not a disease; their health and well-being are always individually assessed.

I have performed serious surgeries on cats over twenty years old, and they have all gone successfully.

Preoperative checks are the best way to assess risks and explain the pros and cons that only your vet can articulate.

Q) After my mom Linda passed away a few weeks ago, her cat Heathcliff's behavior has changed.

He isn't eating as well and is meowing at night.

I'm giving him lots of cuddles, but is he grieving?

LIZ JONES, Warwick

A) I'm very sorry to hear this.

Loss of a loved one is always hard, and Heathcliff is suffering too.

Cats and dogs actually grieve.

The bonds our pets form with people are truly unique in the animal world. When that bond is disrupted by loss, our pets experience emotional pain.

Meowing, like cries for the missing person, is common. Appetite may decrease, and some animals may appear more tired or withdrawn.

Others may become more clingy, seeking attention from other family members.

The good news is that animals usually grieve faster than we do.

Q) What do you think about the TikTok trend of owners dousing their dogs with ice water?

This seems like ice challenges for pets.

Is this really a good idea?

I can't believe people do this.

SHERY COX, Sevenoaks, Kent

A) This is one of the dumbest trends I've seen regarding pets.

Imagine shocking your pet, who should love and trust you, just for the entertainment of strangers online.

Dogs do not understand why they are doused with cold water.

Many of these videos show animals shocked and scared.

Some of these people should not have pets if all they see them as are entertainment props.

Star of the Week

Provided

FRANK, a Bengal cat, refuses to sit on his owner's lap and prefers to settle on her chest.

Owner Becky Harris, 38, from Sudbury, Sussex, says: 'We always joke that Frank definitely does not like sitting on my legs.'

'When I sit down, he absolutely refuses to sit on my lap. He just perches on my shoulders or chest.'

'He purrs loudly, just before he falls asleep.'

The nine-year-old Bengal cat also peeks into the mailbox, waiting for the postman.

Becky laughs: 'He's a real character. I thought only dogs love to run to the door when the postman arrives!'

DOG BUCKET LIST

Find out about the top ten activities you can do with your pet

A list of ten activities to enjoy with your dog has been created – and hide and seek took the top spot.

The pet insurance company Petgevity.co.uk compiled this “ultimate list” based on a survey of 2000 owners.

Spokesperson Kerry Willikom noted: “At Petgevity, we know that pets are not just animals – they are family. Creating memories together is key to a happy life for both the owner and their four-legged friend.”

The survey also showed that nine out of ten pet owners believe that spending time with their dog improves their well-being.

However, nearly half (43 percent) spend less than 30 minutes a day interacting with their pets, explaining this by work commitments (64 percent), family matters or looking after children (31 percent), and bad weather (25 percent). Here are the top ten activities:

1. Play hide and seek
2. Catch bubbles in the park
3. Visit a pet festival
4. Drop by a dog-friendly restaurant or pub
5. Go on a car trip
6. Have a meet-up with other pets
7. Give a massage
8. Try dog pizza
9. Have a photoshoot with your pet
10. Create a piece of art using paw prints

Pets hold an important place in their owners' lives, so interacting and engaging in activities with them can greatly improve their mood. Despite being busy, it's worth finding time to reinforce relationships with four-legged friends, which in turn can impact their health and happiness. Creating shared moments helps to foster mutual respect and love between owner and pet.