Welcome to Petplan’s blog, a space where you can read up on the latest pet-news, find out interesting facts and tips about keeping your pets happy and healthy, and share your views on hot topics.
Q: We recently bought a male British Shorthair cat. We've always had our kittens spayed or neutered by around six months old, but we've been told that pedigree cats need to develop all their pedigree characteristics first. Is this true?
A: Breeders will have all sorts of advice when it comes to treating their kittens, but one thing that obviously goes against 'breeding' is to neuter. Your British Shorthair should reach maturity by six months and will continue to grow even if you castrate him at that time. In my opinion, the benefits of neutering outweigh any potential concerns and male cats of around that age can begin to stray, fight and scent mark - not attributes that many owners will desire for a house cat. Take your British Shorthair to the vet at six months and decide together what is best for him.
Scott Miller, vet
Q: We have a new rescue Jack Russell Terrier who won’t stop peeing in other people’s houses. He is a lovely dog – but will wee at least once everywhere we go! It’s really embarrassing. Please help!
A: Your dog is marking territory with his scent, a problem in male dogs who may not have had the best upbringing or been well house-trained. Patience and training will go some way towards helping with this problem, but I would strongly suggest having him castrated if he is not already.
This will help reduce the level of the male hormone testosterone, which plays a role in encouraging your new dog to cock his leg on new surroundings.
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