Pet Subjects: Telegraph vet Pete Wedderburn answers your questions

Pete Wedderburn
Telegraph vet, Pete Wedderburn Credit: Patrick Bolger

Dear Pete

Why does my fit 16-year-old cat regurgitate its breakfast (and a little grass) after a few minutes outside?

JH, Berkshire

Dear JH

Many elderly cats have undiagnosed illnesses that cause nausea. Affected cats may feel an urge to eat grass after eating, prompting regurgitation. Causes include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and thyroid, liver or kidney disease. Treatment can be very effective but you need to take her to your vet so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.

Credit: Chris Winsor /Moment RF

Dear Pete

I've taken on a two-year-old terrier-cross stray female dog from Romania. She is perfect, except that twice she has attacked (different) small terriers. She's fine with other dogs. What's going on?

CR, Northants

Dear CR

She may have had a bad experience with a terrier in her past, prompting pre-emptive aggression now. The answer is to gradually get the dog used to a wide range of smaller dogs, keeping her under close observation so that you can move her away if she shows body language suggesting anxiety or tension. The more good experiences she has, the less likely she will be to attack. To be safe, muzzle-train her so she cannot cause injuries.



Primrose is a lovely six-year-old cat. Call Cats Protection's Gosport Branch on 02392 582601 or visit


The RSPCA estimates that 45 per cent of UK dogs show signs of fear of fireworks. Owners can desensitise dogs in advance, using the free soundtrack downloadable from


