Tips for pet lovers

Bahraini Abdulrahman Salah Al Khan, who traded in his desk job with a leading financial institute to set up the popular Pet Arabia enterprise, has joined the GulfWeekly team as a guest columnist. He will be offering advice and useful tips so pet-loving readers can fully enjoy their four-legged friends for life.

Question: My cat doesn’t use her toilet, what should I do?
Answer: Cats are extremely clean and are creatures of habit. The first thing to consider if your cat isn’t using its toilet is any changes you may have made recently. Have you substituted the usual cat litter with a new variety? Have you changed the location of the box? Make sure that the litter box is in a good location and away from the cat’s food.

Change of any kind can interrupt your pet’s normal behaviour. A new cat in the house may be a problem. Cats often refuse to share a toilet with newcomers. Also, if a family member is absent, or perhaps, has recently returned, the cat may feel uneasy.

Cat litter must be changed frequently. Not only is an unsightly, messy litter box uncomfortable for you but cats, being very clean, will avoid dirty or smelly places.

If your cat suddenly changes its behaviour without explanation, it is highly recommended that you consult your veterinarian. Cats may associate their litter box with pain or discomfort if they are ill. Suffering from a urinary tract infection, liver, kidney, or thyroid conditions may be the underlying cause.

Question: What is the best food for my rabbit?
Answer: The most important element in a rabbit’s diet is fibre. Hay is the mainstay of your rabbit’s nutritional regimen and premium hay should be available at all times since it’s essential for a rabbit’s diet. Pellets are also fed to rabbits. Purchase high-quality pellets that are low in protein, high in fibre, and contain no additives such as corn or fillers. We recommend Burgess Excel Nuggets with mint as it is naturally high in beneficial fibre (39 per cent). Avoid muesli as it can cause digestive and dental issues.

Vegetables may be given daily, but sparingly. Rabbits are usually able to easily digest dandelion leaves, romaine lettuce, mustard greens, water cress, parsley, Bok choy, clover and basil. Introduce vegetables carefully, and one at a time, to note any intolerance.

Treats should consist of washed, organic fruit, especially strawberries, raspberries, pineapple, apple slices without seeds, and bananas. Organic treats without added sugars are also a good choice. Treats of any kind should be given only occasionally.

Fresh water must always be available.

For more information on pet needs and a wide range of pet products and services, visit petarabia.com, call 17592288, email at info@petarabia.com, or check out the social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube @petarabia.