The Galway Independent together with the Galway SPCA has launched an educational programme in an effort to reduce cruelty to animals. Each week we will put together questions from the public on animal welfare. These questions will cover all animals.

This week, we will revisit cat flu, which has shown a marked increase lately.

If your cat or kitten has not been vaccinated then your vet should do it immediately.

The signs to watch out for are sneezing, sore eyes, runny nose and sometimes cough as well as dehydration. If you think your cat or kitten is showing signs of any of the above, it is vital you get it to the vets immediately, as it is life threatening.

Next up we have that horrible little horror, the tick, which can be found on any animal. Ticks are a wingless parasite that bury their mouth into the skin of your pet. It feeds once a year and then drops off laying its eggs in the ground. They eventually hatch, climb grass, and jump on the first meal that walks by. You should be very careful in removing it and make sure the mouth comes away with the rest of the tick. If not, your pet may get an infection. A quick spray of flea treatment should do the trick or some vaseline. If you are not sure, we would advise going to your vet for advice.

A few quick bits of news for you.

It has now been shown that cats with an owner who smokes are at higher risk of developing feline lymphoma.

The latest research has shown that cats are at higher risk of developing diabetes, especially male neutered overweight cats.

You can now get a wormer in a sachet that you can mix in your pet?s food. Check pet shops and vets for the product.

If you have a question, contact us by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or send a postcard to Pet Peeves, c/o GSPCA, St Augustine St, Galway.

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