My cat has started urinating away from her litter tray. My vet couldn’t find any medical reason for this and suggested it was behavioural. I’ve tried everything – but nothing helps. What can I do to break this cycle? Catherine

Dear Catherine, Sometimes cats stop using their litter tray because they have had an unpleasant or painful experience. Cats develop a strong preference for a certain type of litter as kittens, so are reluctant to use an alternative if it’s changed.

Try changing the litter tray. Choose a different colour, one with a hood or without, alter its location and offer an additional one.

Cats are very clean and like a fresh litter tray, so as soon as it gets soiled clean it out immediately. If your cat still won’t use the litter tray despite you making changes it would be worth seeking help from an accredited pet behaviourist (www.apbc.org.uk).

My rabbit is really grumpy! She’s started growling and running at me, sometimes baring her teeth, she’s well otherwise. I’m scared to go near her, what can I do? Jo

Dear Jo, Rabbits show aggression sometimes due to fear, pain, hormones or frustration. Get her checked by a vet to make sure this behaviour isn’t pain related. Your vet may suggest neutering if they feel her behaviour is due to hormones.

Bunnies are happiest living with at least one other neutered rabbit in a large hutch with a run where they can dig, run and hide - but be sure it’s rabbit proof as they’re expert burrowers! Make sure your bunnies have plenty of toys and activities to help prevent boredom.

A rescue centre can help pair your bunny with a friend of their choice. You’ll need to make sure she’s vaccinated before you do this.

You can find further information on rabbit behaviour and aggression at www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources.

Alfie, my Labrador, has two lumps on either side of his mouth. They are about the size of a pea and look a bit like boils, but they don’t seem to be causing him pain and he’s eating and drinking as normal. Will they go away themselves? Chloe

Dear Chloe, it’s best to take Alife to your vet to have these lumps checked. They will examine Alfie thoroughly and assess the lumps to decide whether they are likely to be significant.

Depending on the findings of this examination, your vet may suggest some further tests.

One option is taking a sample from one of the lumps, for examination, using a needle and syringe.

However, it may be that your vet concludes they are nothing to be concerned about and would be best left alone and monitored for the time being.

PDSA is the UK’s leading vet charity. We’re on a mission to improve pet wellbeing through prevention, education and treatment.

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