Pet Questions and Answers

A If budgies hear human words from an early age they may start to copy them. This is most likely if they are less than six months of age and if they hear short, simple words that are repeated and clearly spoken.

But budgies are happier in the company of another budgie to "chatter" to so we would recommend that two are kept together. They are less likely to mimic human words, but will communicate with each other.

Q Is it OK to give my cat freshly cooked tuna and what else should I include in his diet?

A The most reliable way of giving a cat all the nutrients they need in the right amounts is to feed a complete commercial cat food. One of the best ways to achieve the correct balance of nutrients is to feed according to "life stage". This means feeding a different diet according to whether your cat is a kitten, adult or senior. For example, kittens need more calories because they are so energetic.

Several leading brands offer different foods for the three life stages, so buying these is a good way of ensuring your cat gets the nutrients he needs.

Because complete foods contain all the nutrients your cat needs, if you feed extra food there is a risk that your cat will become overweight or obese. This leads to health problems such as diabetes. If you want to feed tuna occasionally, as a treat, this is OK, but reduce the amount of food your cat gets in his main meal on those days.

Q One of my cats has gone missing and we're worried about how this may affect our other cat, though to be honest he doesn't seem to have noticed! How can we deal with this?

A You should contact local veterinary practices, pet shops and animal rehoming centres to see if your cat has been found. If your cat is microchipped this will increase the chance of you being reunited.

The best thing you can do for your other cat is to ensure you continue to interact with him as much as you always did and keep his routine the same to minimise his sense of disturbance.