Strange Behaviour from My Cat

Dear Dr. Webster,

I hope you can answer my question. I have a 4 year old Siamese male who is always licking plastic things such as bags and shower curtains. He's never alone and he gets along really well with my 4 year old male short hair domestic cat. Can you tell me why he has this behaviour? 

- Concerned pet parent Diana

Dear Diana,

Obsessive compulsive behaviour is common in pets (just as they are in people) and are equally as complex. There is no physical need that’s met by this behaviour and in this particular case, no harm is being done. Often multi-cat households can contribute to this situation, but usually when the cats don’t get along. I don’t have the answer you’re looking for but you don’t need to worry about it, it’s perfectly safe and besides, he could have much worse habits!

- Dr. Webster

Do you have a question about your pet's health and/or wellness that you'd like answered? E-mail us and our Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Lynn Webster will answer your questions.

My dog is constantly eating grass – is it an internal parasite?

Dear Dr. Webster,

My dog has not been dewormed and is recently grazing on grass a lot. The breeder said she needed to be dewormed. Does this have to be done on a regular basis, for every dog? If so, is there a holistic or more natural 'remedy' or method to deworm a dog than the harsher chemical medications available through the vet's office? Please let me know.

- Concerned pet parent Janice, Langley, BC

Dear Diana,

The fact that she is eating grass is not directly connected to internal parasites and is not uncommon with dogs. The fact that she has never been dewormed and the climate you have in BC would cause me to strongly suggest that you have a fecal sample tested to assure that worms are not an issue. I am not aware of an effective natural product but would not hesitate to deworm her if a fecal is positive. If it is negative there is no need to deworm her.

- Dr. Webster

Do you have a question about your pet's health and/or wellness that you'd like answered? E-mail us and our Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Lynn Webster will answer your questions.

Petsecure pet insurance is happy to announce we have paid for a $2,500 OCD surgery for Bella, an outgoing 7-month-old Aussie Shepherd Cross. This fun-loving and affectionate young pup is currently under foster care through the City of Vancouver Animal Control.

Bella was in need of OCD surgery, a relatively common joint condition affecting mainly the shoulders of medium to large breed dogs. Using a fund that we have to assist animal charities across Canada, we offered to cover the cost of treatment and surgery. The surgery was completed successfully and Bella is on the mend. She’ll soon be ready to place with a lucky family in the Vancouver area.

“When we hear stories like Bella’s, we try to find a way we can help the situation,” says Randy Valpy, President and CEO of Petsecure pet insurance “Our goal is to give back to the Canadian pet community through valuable resources and support, helping pets enjoy, longer, fuller and healthier lives.”

In 2009 alone, the City of Vancouver Animal Control took in 1,200 stray animals and over half of these four-legged friends were reunited with their families. Vancouver Animal Control is a municipally funded organization that also accepts donations of supplies or funds. For more information on how to donate, email them at animalcontrol@vancouver.ca.