I have twin female rescue kittens that have been vaccinated and neutered. One is excitable, falls over a lot and is very cautious about jumping from chair to chair, while her sister will jump from our landing into the hall without any concern. Should I be worried?
Fran Hook, by email
This might be normal — in the same way some people are clumsier than others — but it could be a sign of more serious problems. Infection with feline panleukopenia virus in the womb or in early life (or vaccination with the live virus during pregnancy) can lead to development problems in the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for balance and co-ordination. Exposure to certain toxins during pregnancy — one treatment for ringworm, for example — can also affect brain development, and there are inherited lysosomal storage diseases in cats. Anything affecting blood-sugar or calcium levels, or any abnormalities in blood circulation through the liver, can affect brain function. Ask your vet to check them over. Many wobbly or ataxic kittens learn to adapt, though.
I have a peach-faced lovebird, about eight years old, and she seems constipated. I am reluctant to take her to a vet due to the stress it would cause her. What would you advise?
Peter Hodgman, by email
Check under her tail: some birds get poop stuck there. Soak the area with warm water before cleaning it away. If not, she could be trying to pass an egg, so put her in a warm room, coat her vent with lubricant gel or olive oil and gently lower her bottom into warm water for 15-20 minutes. This is a potentially life-threatening situation, so a vet might need to x-ray her. Sick birds lose heat and get dehydrated easily, so keep her warm and give drops of an electrolyte solution by mouth (Lectade, Glutalyte or even Dioralyte will do). Remember, these birds need a diet of fruit, vegetables, flowers and cereals, not only seed mixes.
Andrew Prentis is head vet at the Hyde Park Veterinary Centre (hydeparkvet.co.uk). If you have a question for him, email vet@sunday-times.co.uk
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