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All the latest pet health advice to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Pet Advice

Age-appropriate nutrition for dogs

When it comes to choosing your dog’s food, you’ll need to think about health, age, size, breed and lots of other factors. As you’ll notice when you’re out shopping, there are lots of options out there when it comes to dog food!

This includes dedicated puppy food, food for dental disease, diet-formulated kibble and more.

We’ve put together a quick guide on choosing the right food for your pet’s nutritional requirements and life stage, so you can make sure your four-legged friend is eating the correct diet.

It’s really important to choose the right diet for your dog.

Keeping on top of pet nutrition is really important at any life stage. Feeding your dog the optimal diet for their age and any medical conditions can make a huge difference to quality of life and even life expectancy.

There are different nutritional guidelines for each of a dog’s individual life stages – from puppy right through to senior. Put simply, you shouldn’t be feeding the same food to both puppies and senior dogs. Just like with humans, different ages need different nutrients and food groups.

There are a few things you should generally look out for when you’re out shopping for pet food. Of course, depending on your dog’s health status (including allergies and intolerances etc.) you might need to look for or avoid specific ingredients.

The right food to suit your budget and your pet’s health

Guidelines for choosing between different types of dog food

Knowing how much to feed your dog is just as important as what you feed them. Again, every breed and life stage will have different requirements, and things like activity level and individual health conditions will play a part too.

As a rule of thumb, follow the guidelines on the packaging to figure out how much you should feed your dog. Particularly for growing pets or those undergoing weight loss, take note of the weight recommendations – you should be providing the suggested amounts for your dog’s target weight.

How much food should I feed my dog?

To make sure your dog is getting a well balanced diet, it’s a good idea to weigh out small meals and individual portions. This way you can be sure that your dog isn’t getting fed too much or too little. Of course, you’ll still be offering the occasional treat as well!

Generally, sticking to a feeding schedule and dividing the overall amount into about two to three smaller meals is recommended. Not only does this encourage regular and healthy digestion, but it can help to build a routine for you and your pet.

Providing a well balanced diet

For most breeds, puppies and younger dogs will need to be fed a specific diet to help them reach a healthy weight. Food for puppies is enriched with specific nutrients and often optimised for specific breeds. 

For example, if you have a toy breed or similar, try to look out for ‘smallbreed puppy’ options. Similarly, large breed puppies will benefit from a 
tailor-made food.

Food that’s designed for younger dogs is tailored to their nutritional requirements. For example, too much of certain minerals (including calcium) can have an impact on bone growth and development.

The breeder or kennel you got your puppy from may have started feeding a certain variety of food. It’s recommended to change to a complete puppy diet over the duration of a week if this is not what they are currently being fed. 

Puppies are best fed between three to four meals a day to begin with, to make sure they’ve got enough energy throughout the day. This can be reduced to two meals a day as your dog grows up. 

Of course, as your puppy gets older, the amount of food they need is going to change too. Make sure you’re feeding the right amount for your dog’s growth stage, and consider decreasing the number of times per day you feed them.

What to feed a puppy

Adult dogs will often have a wider variety of foods available to them, once they’ve grown out of the need for puppy-specific food. There are specific adult dog food varieties for different breeds, neutered dogs, and working dogs too. 

For generally healthy dogs, you should be able to follow the feeding instructions on the packaging of your chosen food. If your dog needs to eat fewer calories to lose weight, or has a medical concern, you might need to choose a particular food. The vet at your local clinic can help with canine nutrition recommendations.

What to feed an adult dog

When you should switch from puppy food

Once they’ve matured and grown out of that puppy stage, it’s time to start thinking about feeding your dog adult food. It’s important not to rush the move from puppy to adult dog food. Changing too quickly, or all at once, can cause a change in appetite or even slight stomach upsets. To try and reduce this, make the change gradually – though don’t worry too much if there is still a bit of a transition period.

How do you become a sustainable pet owner?

If you’re worried that your cat or dog may be suffering from an allergy, it’s a good idea to head to your vet to complete a pet allergy test kit. Common allergy symptoms in pets may include:

<ul>
    <li>Excessive-itching-and-scratching-of-the-skin</li>
    <li>Skin-rashes-especially-on-the-feet-ears-bottom-belly-and-face</li>
    <li>Patches-of-fur-loss</li>
    <li>Licking-or-biting-a-particular-area-for-long-periods-saliva-can-cause-brown-staining-on-the-fur</li>
    <li>Itchy-eyes</li>
    <li>Runny-nose</li>
    <li>Mood-changes</li>
    <li>Scabby-or-sore-skin</li>
</ul>


A cat or dog allergy test can be very effective in identifying the underlying cause of allergy symptoms and helping to diagnose atopic dermatitis (a skin condition typically caused by inhalation of pollen, mould spores, dust and other allergens) but is less reliable for food allergies. 

Allergy testing is carried out mainly in patients with atopic dermatitis to decide which specific pet allergens to include in immunotherapy. Before a diagnosis of atopy can be made, things like parasites, skin infection and other potential causes of itching and inflammation symptoms must be ruled out. 

The most common allergy in pets is a flea allergy. Many atopic pets may suffer from a combination of flea, environmental and food allergies. 

Does my pet need an allergy test?

Sustainability in the pet food industry is one of the biggest issues that comes with eco-friendly pet ownership. It probably won’t come as any surprise that reducing the waste associated with pet ownership is one of the most impactful changes you can make to reduce your pet’s environmental pawprint. 

Buying wet food in cans that can be easily recycled (rather than plastic pouches) can help. Half-used tins can be kept fresh with a reusable wet food can cover to avoid food wastage. If your pet has dry food, bulk buying pet food, and aiming to use brands with recyclable packaging, is another great option for improving your environmental footprint.

Recycling pet food containers

As with all forms of sustainability, considering the waste pet ownership generates is really important. Wasting food is a large contributor to our pets’ environmental footprint, and often comes about as a result of overfeeding. Overfeeding your pet doesn’t only have a negative effect on the environment – it also impacts your pet’s health. Ensuring you follow the feeding guidelines on pet food packets and weigh out your pet’s food every day is an important step to help control pets’ waistlines and avoid excess food. If you’re not sure about the amount of food you should be feeding your pet, read more about pet nutrition, or have a chat with your vet.

Pet plastic sustainability is another thing that’s important to think about. Choosing biodegradable cat litter and dog poo bags is an easy swap to help improve your eco-friendly pet owner credentials.

Reducing pet ownership waste

Keeping up to date with preventative pet care such as parasite control and neutering can considerably reduce the potential carbon cost of treatment for vaccinatable or hormonally-induced diseases. Neutering pets also reduces the burden of overpopulation on the planet, and can also improve the health and wellbeing of our pets.
Using oral parasite prevention versus topical treatment (tablets rather than lotions, for example) where possible is also a good choice for the eco-friendly pet owner. There is some recent evidence suggesting that topical parasite treatment may be affecting wildlife in our waterways.

Eco-friendly pet healthcare

Recycling household items into safe, sustainable pet toys is another great eco-friendly pet care hack. An old t-shirt tied in a knot becomes a pull toy, while old toilet roll tubes double as puzzle feeders. Finding safe, pet-friendly swaps like this is a great way to make use of unwanted household items and make a positive change to pet plastic sustainability by cutting out new toys. Engaging toys like this are also fantastic ways to introduce canine enrichment and mental stimulation into your pet’s life.

Additionally, buying pet products and pet toys made from a sustainable source (e.g. made from hemp or bamboo) can be another way to reduce pet plastic waste. 

DIY pet toys

Animal Trust provides sustainable health care and free consultations as part of our not-for-profit practice. If you’re looking for more eco-friendly pet care options, or are interested in booking an appointment with our friendly team, please get in touch with your local Animal Trust surgery for a consultation.

How do you become a sustainable pet owner

How often should you groom your dog?

Dogs

Every dog is unique – some love to play fetch, others just want to cuddle, some can’t wait to jump into the nearest water, while others prefer to curl up in the sun. Similarly, the amount you should groom your dog is unique to them. How often should you groom your dog? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer as different breeds have different needs, but here are our tips for a successful grooming routine, from the team at Animal Trust.

Dog grooming is the entire process of cleaning and improving dog’s hygiene and physical appearance. Grooming appointments most commonly include bathing, hair removal (cutting, shaving or trimming), nail clipping and general cleanliness.

Typically, the most common aspect of dog grooming is treating a dog’s coat. This can be to remove loose hair, care for curly and wavy coats, have dog hair trimmed, or generally tidy up a dog’s fur.

What is dog grooming?

Keeping your dog groomed doesn’t just mean they’ll be looking neat and tidy. Keeping up with a consistent grooming schedule can have lots of positive impacts on your pet’s health. Grooming can:
<ul>
    <li>Prevent ear mites/fleas</li>
    <li>Remove dead skin</li>
    <li>Prevent skin irritation</li>
    <li>Ventilate the skin</li>
    <li>Get rid of dead hairs</li>
    <li>Promote a healthy coat</li>
</ul>


What are the health benefits of dog grooming?

To figure out your dog’s grooming needs, you’ll need to do a bit of research on their particular breed. The optimal grooming schedule can vary depending on things like coat length, fur texture, hair type and age.

If you’re not sure about the best schedule for grooming your dog, get in touch with a professional groomer for advice, or contact your vet at your nearest Animal Trust surgery.

How often does my dog need to be groomed?

Again, this will vary depending on your dog’s skin and fur condition. In general, dogs with a short smooth coat don’t need to be bathed any more than around every three months. Other breeds – such as silky coated dogs, pets who keep their hair longer or curly-haired breeds (for example poodle mixes) – may need extra grooming and more regular bathing of around every four to six weeks.

If they have healthy skin, it’s generally fine to give them a bath with dog-safe shampoo if they get particularly dirty or muddy. However, if your dog has a skin condition, it’s best to double-check with your vet before bathing them (or even before taking them to the professional groomers).

There are health benefits to not bathing your dog too often. For example, there are natural oils in a dog’s coat that keep it healthy, and anything more than occasional baths can cause dry skin.

How often should I bathe my dog?

Many dogs will find that their nails or claws wear down naturally (particularly if they walk on pavements or tarmac surfaces frequently). However, some breeds may still need them clipping or trimming – this is also the case for dogs with reduced mobility or particularly bowed legs.

Rather than using human nail clippers, if you’re going to trim your dog’s nails yourself it’s recommended to get specific pet-safe clippers. Having the right tools is an essential part of keeping your dog groomed!

How to care for your pet during the winter

Keep your pet active and warm

<p class="Medium-Paragraph">During the winter months, as the temperature drops, it’s important to adjust how you care for your pet to help them stay warm and safe. Whether your pets are spending time indoors and outdoors, there are several ways to ensure your dog, cat or rabbit lives a healthy life, has plenty of playtime and exercise, and you’re prepared to adapt to the change in season.</p>

In the colder months, your pet may seem less inclined to go outside – can you blame them? Like humans, our pets feel the cold, especially if they are short-haired dogs and have a thinner coat. On chilly days, while you may not be able to tempt your dog on a winter walk, providing a coat to layer up and stay warm can make a big difference when outside in the cold weather. If it has been wet outside, rub your dog down with a clean towel to remove excess water and moisture – it will make a big difference to help them warm up sooner, particularly with long-haired dogs.

Cats may prefer to stay indoors, especially at night. Provide plenty of enrichment such as toys and a scratching post to encourage them to move and stay active inside the home. If your cat loves the outdoors regardless of the change in season, place a shelter in the garden, lined with foil and a blanket so they have a warm, dry place to rest.

Small animals that live outside like rabbits and guinea pigs should be moved to a dry, draft-free area, like a shed or garage, or even bring them in the house. If they have to stay outdoors, place more blankets over their hutch to prevent them feeling chilly, and extra bedding to snuggle down for extra comfort.

Indoor animals like Hamsters should also be given extra bedding and kept away from drafts to prevent them from going into hibernation.

Walking your dog during the wintertime can mean you face a range of weather conditions, from rain, ice, snow and fog. Ensure your pet is visible on their walk and fit them with a reflective collar or one that lights up.

Once the clocks have moved forward an hour, the sun can start setting before 4pm. Don’t get caught out walking your pet in the dark, losing the daylight sooner than you expected and before you arrive home. Take a torch with you just in case, and always walk your dog with an up-to-date I.D tag, ensuring their microchip is registered with your latest contact details.

Keep your pet visible on walks

In cold, icy conditions, dogs can walk on gritted pavements and salted areas. This can get stuck between their paw pads and irritate the skin. Sharp salt and grit can cut them and cause bleeding, so check your dog’s paws and clean them to remove leftover grains. 

In particular, in wet winter conditions, snow and melting ice can get trapped in between their toes where trapped moisture can cause sores. Dry your dog’s feet to prevent this from happening and restore heat to prevent frostbite.

Check their paws after walking them

Most antifreeze products contain (ethylene glycol) which is extremely toxic to cats and dogs. Animals find the taste of de-icers sweet, which lures them into licking spillages on the road or in the garage. Sadly, the effects of antifreeze can be fatal to pets, as it can harm their kidneys.

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include:

<ul>
    <li>Drinking more than usual</li>
    <li>Pet seems lethargic and drunk low energy</li>
    <li>Vomiting</li>
    <li>Seizures fits</li>
    <li>Panting</li>
    <li>Twitches</li>
    <li>Spasms</li>
    <li>Collapse</li>
</ul>

If you notice your pet is experiencing any of these signs, visit your local vet immediately. Always check that the antifreeze container has been tightened securely and the bottle is kept in a cupboard and an area away from where your pet spends their time. 

Although it’s cold outside, being aware of accurate advice and care for your pet during the winter will ensure they enjoy time on their walks and stay healthy spending time outside. If you have any questions about winter pet care, please get in touch with your local Animal Trust vet.

Antifreeze

Pet Allergy Testing

Pet allergy testing helps to determine the particular substances (allergens) that cause allergic reactions in your animal. Allergy testing works by assessing your pet’s immune response to common environmental allergens for dogs and cats, including pollens, grasses, dust mites, mould spores, mite and flea bites, cat or other pet dander (dead skin cells) and food. 

What is a pet allergy test?

If you’re worried that your cat or dog may be suffering from an allergy, it’s a good idea to head to your vet to complete a pet allergy test kit. Common allergy symptoms in pets may include:

<ul class="ps-6 list-disc">
    <li>Excessive itching and scratching of the skin</li>
    <li>Skin rashes (especially on the feet, ears, bottom, belly, and face)</li>
    <li>Patches of fur loss</li>
    <li>Licking or biting a particular area for long periods (saliva can cause brown staining on the fur)</li>
    <li>Itchy eyes</li>
    <li>Runny nose</li>
    <li>Mood changes</li>
    <li>Scabby or sore skin</li>
</ul>


A cat or dog allergy test can be very effective in identifying the underlying cause of allergy symptoms and helping to diagnose atopic dermatitis (a skin condition typically caused by inhalation of pollen, mould spores, dust and other allergens) but is less reliable for food allergies. 

Allergy testing is carried out mainly in patients with atopic dermatitis to decide which specific pet allergens to include in immunotherapy. Before a diagnosis of atopy can be made, things like parasites, skin infection and other potential causes of itching and inflammation symptoms must be ruled out. 

The most common allergy in pets is a flea allergy. Many atopic pets may suffer from a combination of flea, environmental and food allergies. 

### Serological (blood) testing

This involves testing the blood, looking for allergen–specific antibodies (IgE) which react to a number of common allergens, expected to contribute to atopic dermatitis. This is a convenient, simple pet allergy test that can lead to good results in some cases. However, it is not considered to be as accurate as intradermal skin testing. 



### Intradermal skin testing (IDST)

This is considered the gold standard of pet allergy testing amongst veterinary dermatologists. The test involves clipping the hair on the side of your pet’s chest and giving multiple (40-60) small allergen injections into the skin. If your pet reacts to an allergen, a hive will develop at the injection site. Pets will usually need to be sedated for intradermal skin testing. 

How does a pet allergy test work?

As a rule, a good approach to treating pets with allergies includes:

<ul>
    <li>Regular treatment with a parasite control medicine</li>
    <li>Following a special hypoallergenic diet</li>
    <li>Allergy testing</li>
    <li>Avoidance (where possible) of allergens – such as particular plants or chemicals</li>
    <li>Treatment – e.g., immunotherapy or medication to control symptoms</li>
</ul>


As part of testing for an allergy, your vet will likely suggest carrying out an elimination diet for your pet. This will involve feeding your pet an alternative diet (usually called a hydrolysed protein diet), which cuts out likely allergens. Then, after the dietary exclusion period, you’ll start reintroducing ‘normal’ foods – it should be obvious from these test results which (if any) foods trigger allergic reactions in your pet.

Please note that while simply avoiding known allergens may help to reduce symptoms, it’s often unlikely to completely resolve them. Therefore, an additional form of treatment (e.g. medication) is usually required too.

Once you’ve identified the cause of the allergy symptoms, you may be able to make some changes to try and cause a significant improvement in your pet’s comfort. For example, if allergens like dander or dust are identified, you may be able to clean your cat’s litter box or the dog basket more regularly to help. Additionally, switching food to help your dog’s diet can sometimes ease symptoms, but make sure you check with your vet first.

How to help pets with allergies

### Intradermal Skin Testing

Some pet allergy cases may need to be referred to a specialist dermatologist for an intradermal skin test. The costs for this will be significantly higher, usually requiring a consultation prior to testing. During your consultation, you’ll be given a detailed estimate of the cost. This will vary depending on the size of your pet and whether sedation is required.  


### Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy involves regular injections of a very low dose of the allergens to desensitise your pet to the things they’re having an allergic response to. This will be a long-term requirement, often taking 6-12 months to see a positive effect. Pets often need to stay on medication during this time to control any symptoms of their allergy. Many pets (approximately 70%) respond favourably to treatment. Immunotherapy costs in the region of £150-180 per vial, depending on the number of allergens included in the treatment. A vial will typically last for around 6 months. 

How much does a pet allergy test cost?

Pet insurance may help to pay for allergy testing, if it’s recommended by your vet as the best treatment (for example if your pet is suffering from itchy skin). However, all policies vary in what they cover and what exclusions are in place. We recommend checking your policy and speaking with your insurance company to check you are covered before proceeding with the tests. 

Does pet insurance cover cat and dog allergy testing?

What human food can cats eat

Cats

Good pet care involves giving your pet a range of foods to prevent them from becoming nutrient deficient. Because different types of foods offer a variety of nutrients that other food groups don’t contain.

Cats can also get bored at mealtimes and most cats tend to like variety in their meals. While a healthy treat or the introduction of new foods now and then is great, there is a range of human foods that cats can and can’t eat. So, we have created a helpful guide for cat owners on human foods that are safe and suitable as part of a healthy balanced diet.

Should I always feed my cat the same food?

What human food can cats eat?

What can rabbits eat?

Rabbits

Rabbits love food and tend to graze throughout the day to sustain their appetite; getting the right balance for your pet’s diet is important so they can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Feeding your pet the right diet is essential to keeping your rabbit healthy.

The bulk of a rabbit’s natural diet should consist of good quality hay or grass (but not fresh lawn clippings as they can ferment quickly) measured to the equivalent of their body size. Fresh hay is an essential part of a rabbit’s diet, and you need to provide a constant supply of enough hay for your rabbit to graze on. Chewing hay is good for a rabbit’s teeth, which keep growing throughout their life and need to be worn down naturally.

Typically we recommend a bundle of fresh hay at least the size of the rabbit. This type of food helps to maintain your rabbit’s general health, with hay providing support to wear your pet’s teeth down as they continuously grow, and to give them the right amount of fibre required for their digestive health.

There are a number of different varieties of hay available, and the right choice will depend on your rabbit’s age, health and size. For example, alfalfa hay can be a good choice for younger rabbits, but shouldn’t be fed to adult rabbits due to its high calcium and carbohydrate content.

How much does a rabbit eat?

Once your rabbit has been provided with the bulk of their diet (hay), choose from a range of fresh greens from the list of vegetables below. It’s important to provide your pet with a wide variety of safe greens to make sure they have a balanced diet.

Your rabbit’s diet should include a variety, not just one or two types, of the following greens:

<div class="grid lg:grid-cols-2 items-baseline">
<ul class="ps-6 list-disc">
    <li>Asparagus</li>
    <li>Bok-Choy</li>
    <li>Brussel-Sprouts</li>
    <li>Broccoli-leaves</li>
    <li>Coriander</li>
    <li>Courgette</li>
    <li>Cucumber</li>
    <li>Lettuce-Romaine-or-dark-leaf</li>
    <li>Mustard-Greens</li>
    <li>Parsnip</li>
    <li>Radish</li>
    <li>Red-Cabbage</li>
    <li>Romaine-Lettuce</li>
    <li>Rocket</li>
    <li>Salad-Peppers</li>
    <li>Turnips</li>
</ul>

<ul class="ps-6 list-disc">
    <li>Celery</li>
    <li>Collard-Greens</li>
    <li>Cauliflower-leaves-and-stalks</li>
    <li>Chicory</li>
    <li>Spinach</li>
    <li>Watercress</li>
    <li>Basil</li>
    <li>Coriander</li>
    <li>Dill</li>
    <li>Mint</li>
    <li>Parsley</li>
    <li>Oregano</li>
    <li>Rosemary</li>
    <li>Sage</li>
    <li>Thyme</li>
</ul>
</div>

The best foods for a rabbit

What to do when your cat is in heat

The phrase “like a cat in heat” gets thrown around a lot, but often not about our feline friends at all! If you’ve got a female cat, you’ll have to deal with her heat cycle.

How to tell if your cat is in heat

<ul class="ps-6 list-disc">
  <li>Wailing, yowling, meowing or moaning more than usual (known as calling)</li>
  <li>Restlessness</li>
  <li>Arched back</li>
  <li>General discomfort, or being a bit under the weather</li>
  <li>Low crawling, or moving her tail to the side</li>
  <li>Excessive grooming/licking</li>
  <li>More affectionate than usual – rubbing on furniture and even your ankles</li>
</ul>

A common question we’re asked is “does a cat in heat bleed?”. The answer is no – unlike with a dog’s heat cycle, cats in heat don’t bleed. If you do notice blood around your cat’s genitals or in their urine, it could be a sign of urinary tract infection or other condition, so you should call your vet straight away. Another question lots of feline owners ask is “does a cat in heat feel pain?” Though cats may seem uncomfortable and irritated while they’re in heat, it isn’t usually painful; if you think your cat is in pain, it may be an idea to have them checked out by your vet.

How long a cat is in heat can vary, but generally lasts on average around six to seven days. If the cat is bred or mated during the season, the heat cycle doesn’t usually last longer than a few days. However, if the cat goes unmated, the heat cycle can last for up to approximately 10 days and reoccurs in intervals of around two to three weeks. Unbred female cats can come into heat (cycle) every few weeks for an indefinite period during the season.

Cats go into heat seasonally, which is known as being ‘seasonally polyestrous’. They have several cycles within each breeding season, which are dictated by environmental factors including daylight and temperature. In the UK, cats generally come into season around the beginning of spring, and continue until late autumn – cats that live in warmer climates (or sometimes indoor cats) may be prone to come into heat all year round.

How long are cats in heat?

Naturally, first-time cat owners will have lots of questions about how to care for a cat in heat. What to do, things to buy, and how to help are all common questions. Your cat will feel uncomfortable, out of sorts and generally under the weather – and will be especially confused if it’s her first season.

<ul class="list-disc ps-6">
    <li>Try to keep your cat as distracted as possible, using games and new toys – a treat-filled toy is a great distraction.</li>
    <li>Make sure her litter box is clean.</li>
    <li>Have blankets, heat packs, or a warmed towel nearby for comfort.</li>
    <li>Keep your cat indoors, and away from other (male) cats.</li>
    <li>Give her lots of attention by playing games.</li>
</ul>


Caring for a cat in heat

Cats are at their most fertile during their heat cycle, so your feline friend will likely be on the lookout for a mate during this time. Equally, male cats will come looking for her, attracted by her scent, so it’s important to make sure any cat flaps are kept closed, and doors aren’t left ajar where possible. 

Unless you’re sure you want your cat bred to have kittens, it’s a good idea to think about getting her neutered as soon as possible.

Preventing pregnancy for a cat in heat

It’s usually recommended that cats are spayed or neutered around 4-6 months old – just after they’ve had their main vaccinations. However, it’s perfectly fine to spay older cats, and some vets may recommend waiting a few months longer before completing the procedure. Of course, if you’re sure you don’t want your cat to have kittens, it’s important to have her spayed as soon as possible to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Neutering also prevents womb infections and reduces the risk of mammary tumours – ask your vet for advice if you’re not sure whether to have your cat spayed.

What age to spay a cat

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