Latest news with #vet
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Yahoo
Appeal after pigeon shot with air weapon
The RSPCA is appealing for information after a pigeon was shot with an air weapon in Leicestershire. A member of the public found the bird injured in Treaty Road, Glenfield, on 21 June, the charity said. It was taken to a vet for treatment but due to the severity of its injuries, the decision was taken to euthanise the bird to prevent further suffering. In an appeal shared on Tuesday, the RSPCA urged anyone with any information to get in contact. The charity has called for tighter controls on air weapons, saying it receives nearly 1,000 calls each year about them being used to target animals. RSPCA inspector Helen Smith said: "Cats and wildlife are the animals most susceptible to being shot simply because they are out in the open with no-one to protect them. "Sadly air weapon attacks are not rare and the injured caused can be horrific and often fatal." Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. More on this story Appeal after dead puppies found in buried bucket Appeal over dead dog discovered in canal Related internet links RSPCA
BBC News
22-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Firefighters rescue kitten trapped between walls in Birstall
Firefighters were called to rescue a feral kitten trapped between two exterior walls at a house in were alerted just after 12:00 BST on Monday, when a resident on Curzon Avenue in Birstall reported hearing distressed cries from a cat removed a fence panel and spent 40 minutes using specialist equipment, including a camera, to locate the Fire and Rescue Service said the feline had "been through quite an ordeal" and was taken to a local vet to be checked over.
BBC News
18-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Cow stuck in water tank near Newbury freed by firefighters
A cow that had got itself stuck in an underground water tank was freed after firefighters worked for Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was told of the animal being "in distress" off Hangman's Stone Lane in Newbury about 08:10 BST on Thursday.A crew from Newbury and two Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue crews found the cow in the tank and, along with a vet, helped free crews returned to their respective stations after being on the scene for about three and a half hours. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is your kitten dehydrated? Vet shares 6 warning signs – and what is safe to give them
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Do kittens drink water? As a vet, this is a question I get asked very frequently –especially by new kitten owners keen to do the right thing for their furry friends. The truth is, while water is vital for all cats, the way kittens hydrate can vary depending on their age, diet, and environment. I have been a vet for nearly 14 years, and during this time, I've helped many pet parents navigate the ins and outs of kitten care, including feeding, hydration, and health checks. Helping people understand what's normal behavior in their kittens – and what's not – is so important to ensure pets are getting the best care at home. If you're looking to encourage your kitten to drink more water, I recommend trying one of the best pet water fountains, as many cats prefer running water to a stagnant bowl. But more on that shortly! First, let's explore how kittens drink and how much water is considered normal. Yes, kittens absolutely do drink water – but the amount they need and the way they access it depends on their age and whether they're still nursing from their mother. In the first few weeks of life, kittens get all their hydration from their mother's milk (or a suitable milk replacer if they're being hand-reared). During this time, you won't see them drinking water – their tiny bodies are completely dependent on milk for both nutrition and fluids. Once kittens start weaning at around four weeks of age, their water intake gradually increases as their reliance on milk decreases. By the time they're six to eight weeks old and eating solid food, they should be offered fresh water at all times. Kittens aged six to 12 weeks typically drink around 60–100 ml of water per kg of body weight per day – though this varies depending on their diet (wet vs dry food), activity level, and environmental temperature. To put this in perspective: a 1kg kitten might drink roughly 60–100 ml per day if they're on a dry diet, but much less if they're eating wet food, which is about 70–80% water already. So don't be surprised if your kitten drinks very little from a bowl – they might just be getting plenty of fluid from their food. Some kittens are naturally curious and will lap up water from any bowl they can find. Others can be a bit fussier, especially if the bowl is in a noisy area or if the water isn't refreshed regularly. Here are a few vet-approved ways to encourage your kitten to drink more water: Use a pet fountain: Many cats (including kittens) prefer running water. Pet fountains keep the water fresh and moving, which can be more appealing to your kitten. Offer multiple bowls: Place several water bowls around the house so your kitten always has access to water, no matter where they're playing or napping. Choose the right bowl: Shallow ceramic or glass bowls are best, as some kittens dislike the smell or taste of plastic. Keep water away from food and litter: Cats instinctively prefer to drink away from where they eat or toilet. This is a behavior rooted in their wild ancestors and can affect their willingness to drink. Try adding water to food: If your kitten is on a wet food diet, you can add a little more water to the food to help boost hydration. If your kitten isn't drinking at all, it's important not to panic – especially if they're eating wet food and otherwise behaving normally. But if they seem lethargic, have dry gums, or are refusing food too, then it's time to contact your vet. Dehydration in kittens can happen quickly, especially if they've had vomiting or diarrhea, are off their food, or are overheating. It's important to recognize the signs early, as dehydration can be life-threatening in very young animals. Look out for the following signs of dehydration: Lethargy or weakness Dry, tacky gums Sunken eyes Loss of skin elasticity – gently pinch the skin between the shoulder blades; if it doesn't spring back immediately, your kitten may be dehydrated Poor appetite Panting or rapid breathing If you notice any of these symptoms, especially in a kitten under 12 weeks old, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention straight away. Kittens are less able to compensate for fluid loss than adult cats, and even mild dehydration can escalate quickly. Yes, fresh, clean water should be available to your kitten at all times, including overnight when you're not there to supervise. Even if your kitten is on a wet food diet and doesn't seem to drink much, they still need access to water in case they feel thirsty. Make sure the bowl is clean, ideally washed daily, and topped up with fresh water at least once a day, more often if it's hot or your kitten plays with the bowl! For very young or clumsy kittens, use a sturdy, shallow dish to avoid spills or tipping. If you're crate-training or confining your kitten overnight, ensure water is available in a spill-proof bowl. You can even use a fountain if you want to encourage drinking and prevent stagnation. Remember: establishing good drinking habits early in life helps support kidney and urinary health later on, so it's well worth the effort now. Enabot ROLA Smart Pet Water Fountain | AmazonThis smart fountain can monitor your kitten's water intake, notifying you when it needs cleaning or topping up. Our tester, Adam, says this was "reassuring" for keeping an eye on his cat's drinking Deal So, do kittens drink water? Absolutely, and it's vital for their growth and well-being. As they wean and move onto solid food, access to fresh, clean water becomes increasingly important. Whether it's through bowls or fountains, making sure your kitten stays hydrated is one of the best ways you can support their health at home. Always monitor your kitten's drinking habits and body language. If you're ever unsure, it's never wrong to check in with your vet – we're here to help you raise a happy, healthy feline friend from day one. Read next: Why is my cat drinking a lot of water? Edited by Megan Milstead. This page was last updated in June 2025 by Emma Chandley.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Yahoo
Dog sprayed with 'substance' as neighbour arrested
A man has been arrested after a dog was sprayed in the face with a 'substance'. Merseyside Police were called to Chatsworth Drive in Edge Hill at around 5.30pm on Monday, June 30, to reports a neighbour had attacked a German Shepherd with a substance. Following inquiries and a search of an address, police found the female dog had been sprayed in her face with deodorant. A male was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in relation to the dog and will be questioned, police said. The dog has been seen by a vet and there are no lasting effects. She has now returned home. READ MORE: Mum's face 'pouring with blood' after dog attack on Mathew Street READ MORE: Prison officer jailed for what she hid in her bra after 'threats' from inmates A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that a 50-year-old man from Edge Hill has been arrested after a dog was sprayed with a substance causing discomfort. "Officers were called to Chatsworth Drive at 5.29pm this evening (Monday, June 30) following reports that a neighbour had attacked a German Shepherd dog with a substance. "Following inquiries and a search of an address it transpired that the dog had had a deodorant sprayed in her face. A male arrested was on suspicion of criminal damage in relation to the dog and will be questioned. "The dog has been seen by a vet and fortunately there are no lasting effects and she is now back at home." For the latest news and breaking news visit Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter. Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here. Follow us on Twitter @LivECHONews - the official Liverpool ECHO Twitter account - real news in real time. We're also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
