Pet Q&A: My cat has been coughing a lot recently?

Q My cat has been coughing a lot recently. What is causing her cough and is there anything I can give her?

A There are a few conditions of the respiratory system (lungs and airways) which can cause a cat to cough a lot. These include feline asthma, a parasite infestation (e.g. lungworm), an infection or a tumour that is pressing on the airways. Some of these conditions are more serious than others, and they all require a different treatment approach. To ensure your cat gets the treatment she needs, you need to take her to your vet to be examined.

Q I've bought some new toys for my five-month-old kitten and one of them has gone missing. I'm worried he's eaten it. What should I do?

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A Kitten toys can easily be misplaced, but if you think he has eaten it you should take him to your vet to be checked over straight away. Signs that a pet could have swallowed a foreign object include vomiting, stomach tenderness and pain, restlessness and going off food. These can also be signs of other problems with the digestive system; if a pet shows any of these signs they should be taken to see a vet.

If your vet confirms that your kitten has eaten the toy (which might require X-rays being taken), then your kitten might need an operation to remove it.

Potentially harmful objects should be kept away from young animals, just as you would keep them from young children. Pets should also be insured so that unexpected veterinary bills arising from accidents such as swallowed items can be budgeted for. Owners wanting information on PDSA pet insurance can visit www.pdsa.org.uk.

Q My terrier mongrel dog has very dry itchy patches all over his skin. Is there a cream I can use to treat this?

A A skin condition like this needs to be checked by your vet as there are several possible causes which may require specific treatment. Parasites such as fleas are a common cause and if these are diagnosed a treatment is needed which effectively treats your dog as well as the environment he lives in – in other words, your house.

A skin infection is also possible, as this can cause itching, in which case your vet may prescribe antibiotics.

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