Pet care guides

A second dog can be a companion for the first, or a source of tension. Dogs Trust says some dogs become firm friends soon after meeting, others take longer, and some will never get on. PDSA warns that two dogs can mean twice the trouble. This guide summarises Dogs Trust’s guidance on introducing dogs, PDSA’s step-by-step guide and an RSPCA pet care factsheet on introducing dogs. It is general welfare information, not a substitute for a qualified trainer or behaviourist. For puppies in particular, see this site’s guide to socialising a puppy, and for other species the guide to introducing a new pet to your household.

Deciding whether a second dog suits the first

PDSA’s starting point is the resident dog’s temperament: if the dog does not like other dogs, a second may not be a good idea, while a dog that enjoys others and is regularly socialised with them may benefit. It advises choosing a dog likely to get along, so an excitable puppy in the face of a relaxed older dog can cause tension, and considering an adult, since puppies cannot join walks until fully vaccinated and may take months to match an older dog’s pace.

Dogs Trust says each dog is an individual and some always prefer their own space, and that an elderly dog may not welcome a bouncy puppy. It recommends advice from a qualified dog behaviourist or trainer before looking for a dog, to help identify a good fit and ease the transition. This site’s guide to dog trainers, instructors and behaviourists explains the roles.

Before the dogs meet

Dogs Trust says both dogs’ vaccinations should be up to date before they meet, because infections can pass between them, and that a puppy remains vulnerable to infection from an existing dog until at least a week after completing its puppy vaccination course. For a purchase from a private seller, it suggests asking whether the dogs can meet on neutral ground before committing.

It also recommends scent swapping: placing a blanket or toy carrying one dog’s scent where the other can investigate it at its own pace, such as in the garden. The RSPCA factsheet makes the same point that scent is an important method of communication, suggesting the new dog should smell of “home” before the introduction. At home, Dogs Trust advises packing away the resident dog’s toys, bedding and bowls on arrival day to avoid competition, then laying out separate areas for each dog to eat, drink and rest after the first hour or two.

The first meeting

All three sources recommend neutral ground. Dogs Trust suggests a park or safe area close to home, with a helper so that each dog has its own handler. Each dog is on a lead, kept focused on its handler, walked separately at a distance, and then gradually brought closer. If both are relaxed they can greet on lead, sniff and then keep moving, repeating if both are comfortable. If either dog shows discomfort, the guidance is to move away and give space, and introductions can be spread over several short sessions across days or weeks.

PDSA describes a graded series: a first meeting at a distance, then a face-to-face greeting with loose leads, walks together, then off-lead play in a secure neutral area, and only then a lead-on meeting at home. The RSPCA factsheet suggests walking the dogs together on longer leads so that handlers are not too close if squabbling occurs, and removing toys or bones before the dogs enter the house.

Bringing the new dog home

Dogs Trust advises that on the first visit indoors both dogs wear indoor leads, or house lines, so they can be separated if needed. Start in a neutral area, not where the resident dog sleeps or in a bedroom, ideally the garden, and avoid narrow spaces and places where there may be competition for resources, such as a feeding area. Interactions should be overseen for the first days and weeks, with the dogs separated by rooms when that is not possible, and each given regular breaks from the other.

PDSA says each dog should have its own space and beds should not be placed together, since that can be intense. Feed the dogs in different rooms so that neither can reach the other’s bowl, and keep the resident dog’s routine as it was. The RSPCA adds that the dogs should not be left alone together until it is obvious they have become friends.

Reading tension

Dogs Trust lists low-level signs of discomfort such as walking away, turning the face away and lip licking; the response is to call one dog away or send each to a bed to increase distance. Barking, lunging or snapping are significant signs: separate both dogs immediately, check for injury and consult a vet if any is found, allow a cooling-off period of hours or days, and consult an accredited trainer or behaviourist before trying again. This site’s guide to dog body language covers the signals in more detail.

FAQs

Should the first meeting happen at home?

No. Dogs Trust, PDSA and the RSPCA all recommend neutral ground first, with the home meeting coming after outdoor meetings have gone well.

Is a puppy or an adult easier to introduce?

PDSA suggests considering an adult, because puppies may take months to match an older dog’s walks. Dogs Trust says puppies need extra supervision because they are still learning social skills.

The bottom line

The three charities agree on a slow, supervised route: judge whether the resident dog enjoys other dogs, ask a qualified trainer or behaviourist early, meet on neutral ground with a handler for each dog, move indoors only after outdoor meetings go well and keep separate food, beds and breaks for the first weeks. Growling, lunging or snapping calls for separation and professional advice, not persistence.

Sources

• Introducing a new puppy or dog to your dog (dogstrust.org.uk)
• Introducing dogs (pdsa.org.uk)
• Introducing dogs, RSPCA companion animals pet care factsheet (rspca.org.uk)

Cats have a reputation for independence, so owners often assume a cat can be left for a weekend with a bowl of food. Cats Protection and PDSA are more specific: there is a limit for a normal working day, a different one for kittens, and a firm minimum of checks once an absence runs past a day. This guide summarises their advice for cats left at home. It is general welfare information, not veterinary advice; a vet should be consulted about any cat with medical needs. This site’s guides to choosing a boarding cattery and to hiring a pet sitter cover the other holiday options in more detail.

How long a cat can be left

Cats Protection says most cats are fine left for the day or overnight, but that the maximum is around 12 hours. It adds that a cat should not regularly be alone for 12 hours, although that is acceptable occasionally. Young kittens, elderly cats and cats with medical issues or other complex needs need more frequent checks. If an absence will be longer than 12 hours, or shorter for a cat with specific needs, or if an owner is away for long periods on consecutive days, the charity says to arrange a cat sitter, a friend, family member or neighbour to care for the cat at home, or a cattery.

Kittens differ. Cats Protection says young kittens should be left for a maximum of a few hours at a time, because they have small stomachs and need to be fed little and often, and that they should be checked at least every few hours until fully grown. It suggests getting a kitten used to being alone gradually, for five to 10 minutes a few times a day, building up over days and weeks.

Setting up the home before leaving

Cats Protection’s checklist for an absence of up to 12 hours covers the following:

• Food and water. Leave plenty of fresh water. Wet food spoils after a few hours, so leave only what the cat will eat in that time and be back for the next meal, or arrange for someone to come in. Dry food will still need replacing at least every 12 hours.
• Litter. Remove mess from the tray before leaving, top the litter up to about 3cm deep, and make sure the cat can reach the tray at all times. Trays should be emptied of mess at least twice a day and cleaned out fully at least weekly.
• Hazards. Put away wires, toys with string, human foods, medicines, cleaning products, poisonous plants and anything the cat could eat or become tangled in.
• Entertainment. Leave safe toys the cat can play with alone, such as ping pong balls, with nothing on a string, and consider food in a puzzle feeder.
• Hiding places and perches. Cardboard boxes, clear shelves and windowsills let an anxious cat hide or get up high.
• Exits. A cat that normally stays indoors needs windows and doors closed off. A cat that normally goes outside should not be shut in, since a sudden reduction in territory can cause stress, and a cat flap should be checked to make sure it works.
• Identification. Whether the cat goes out or not, it should be microchipped with up-to-date contact details.

The charity notes that most cats cope if they have food, water and entertainment, but a cat that is very bonded to its owner may show separation-related issues and loneliness.

Going away for longer

PDSA is unequivocal that a cat must never be left without anyone to check on it at least a couple of times a day when the owner is on holiday, even with an automatic feeder or cameras around the house. Cats Protection also advises a sitter who can visit at least twice a day to make sure the cat is well fed and safe, and says very young or old cats, or those with certain health conditions, may need more frequent visits. Both charities say that keeping a cat at home is generally the least stressful option, because a cat is generally less stressed in its own environment.

PDSA lists five options: a house sitter living in the home; a friend, neighbour, relative or pet sitter attending at least twice a day; a cattery licensed by the local council; home-from-home boarding, also licensed; or taking the cat along as a last resort. For a sitter, both charities recommend checking references, reviews and insurance, meeting the sitter and the cat before departure, and booking early with a backup in mind. PDSA adds checking for pet first aid training and, for a house sitter, DBS clearance.

Whoever is chosen, Cats Protection says to leave emergency contact details, the vet’s details, enough food, litter and any medication, and daily care instructions, and to ensure the sitter can get into the home easily, ideally with a backup key held by someone else. PDSA advises telling the vet about the absence, because the sitter may need the owner’s authorisation for care.

FAQs

Is an automatic feeder enough for a weekend away?

No. PDSA says a cat must never be left without anyone checking at least a couple of times a day, even with an automatic feeder or cameras.

Can a kitten be left for a full working day?

Cats Protection says young kittens should be left for only a few hours at a time and checked at least every few hours until fully grown.

The bottom line

Cats Protection’s upper limit for a cat left at home is around 12 hours, only occasionally, and much less for kittens, elderly cats and cats with complex needs. For absences beyond a day, both Cats Protection and PDSA call for a person to visit at least twice daily, or a licensed cattery or boarder, with the cat’s routines, vet details and emergency contacts written down for whoever is responsible.

Sources

• How long can you leave a cat alone? (cats.org.uk)
• Going on holiday without your cat (cats.org.uk)
• What to do with your cat when you go on holiday (pdsa.org.uk)

Hamsters are often bought as easy first pets, yet the RSPCA describes needs that are specific and often missed: deep digging bedding, a very large cage, a properly sized wheel, quiet daytime sleep and, for most species, life alone. This guide summarises the RSPCA’s hamster advice, with cage and wheel measurements from PDSA and Blue Cross. It is general welfare information, not veterinary advice; a vet should be asked about any change in a hamster’s health. It follows this site’s guides to keeping gerbils and to guinea pig housing.

Where a hamster should live

The RSPCA says hamsters must be kept indoors, in a comfortable, dry, clean place that is quiet enough to rest undisturbed and free of draughts and damp. Indoor housing also prevents a torpor state that can be dangerous because pet hamsters do not have the fat reserves to survive long without food. Hamsters need predictable lighting, with lights going off at about the same time each night, and the RSPCA advises housing them away from televisions, computer screens, vacuum cleaners and running water, because they are sensitive to high-frequency sounds humans cannot hear and can find them stressful.

Cage size, floor and bedding

The RSPCA does not give a floor measurement, but says to use the largest cage possible. PDSA cites a minimum of 100cm by 50cm from the Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare, which it says is based in Germany, noting that it is a minimum and that bigger is better, and Blue Cross gives the ideal as no smaller than 100cm by 50cm of floor space and 50cm tall. PDSA adds that single-level cages suit better than tall multi-level ones because hamsters have poor eyesight and can fall.

On construction, the RSPCA says plastic cages are better than metal, that wooden cages should not be used, and that the floor should be solid, because wire mesh floors can lead to foot problems. Bedding must be deep enough to dig and burrow in. The RSPCA names dust-free wood shavings or granulated corn-cob, free of preservatives or chemicals, as a good compromise, and says peat discolours the coat. For nesting, it suggests good-quality hay, wood wool, shredded paper or cardboard, and warns against cotton wool and other fluffy bedding that separates into thin strands, because it can cause harm if eaten or become tangled around limbs.

Hiding places, wheels and daily routine

The RSPCA says each hamster needs a dark nest box big enough to sleep in, store food and move around, and that for hamsters kept in pairs the number of hiding places should exceed the number of animals by one. Wild hamsters are active at dusk and night and can run up to five miles a day, so the RSPCA recommends a running wheel that is solid, axle-free, large in diameter, such as one intended for rats, and ideally with a non-slip running surface. It stresses that a wheel should not be the only enrichment.

PDSA warns that many wheels sold with cages are too small and force a hamster to run with a curved back, which can cause long-term pain. Blue Cross says a hamster should be able to use a wheel without curving the spine or raising its head, and that wheels with spokes or mesh should be replaced because feet can become trapped.

Company and handling

The RSPCA says hamsters are generally solitary. Syrian and Chinese hamsters are not naturally sociable and should always live alone. Dwarf species such as Roborovski, Campbell’s Russian and winter white hamsters can sometimes live in pairs or trios if the group is formed early in life and is stable, but the RSPCA adds that even they do not need company and may fall out later, in which case they must be separated permanently. It strongly advises against mixing species and sexes, and says to keep unfamiliar hamsters apart even in separate cages, because scent can cause stress.

For handling, the RSPCA advises letting the hamster investigate hands in its own time, scooping it with both hands to sit on joined palms and holding it only a few inches over a stable surface. It should not be handled while resting or sleeping unless absolutely necessary, and it must never be left out unattended. PDSA recommends that children be supervised and ideally feed treats and stroke the hamster in its cage rather than lifting it, and gives a typical lifespan of two to three years.

Feeding

The RSPCA recommends a compound pellet ration or a mixture of seeds formulated for hamsters, with small quantities of greens, cleaned root vegetables and pieces of fruit such as apple. It says grapes and rhubarb should not be given because they can be poisonous to rodents. Wet or powdered food should only be offered if a vet advises it. Fresh water should always be available from a bottle with a valveless sipper tube, checked daily for leaks. If a hamster eats less, has moist droppings or a soiled rear end, the RSPCA says to talk to a vet immediately.

FAQs

Can two Syrian hamsters live together?

No. The RSPCA says Syrian hamsters should always live alone because they are not naturally sociable.

Is a hamster a good pet for a young child?

PDSA says children should be supervised and ideally should not hold hamsters, which can bite and are easily injured by rough handling.

The bottom line

The RSPCA’s hamster guidance comes down to space, depth and quiet: the biggest solid-floored cage available, deep digging bedding with safe nesting material, a correctly sized solid wheel, a dark nest box, predictable lighting and daytime sleep left undisturbed. Syrian hamsters live alone, dwarf hamsters only conditionally share, and any change in eating or droppings is a reason to contact a vet promptly.

Sources

• Creating a Good Home for Hamsters (rspca.org.uk)
• Understanding hamster behaviour (rspca.org.uk)
• Keeping Hamsters Together (rspca.org.uk)
• What To Feed a Pet Hamster (rspca.org.uk)
• Hamsters as pets (pdsa.org.uk)
• Hamster Care (bluecross.org.uk)

Cats Protection, a UK cat welfare charity, says cats and children can live together peacefully, and that most problems can be avoided with planning and supervision. This guide summarises its advice for families with children who are older than newborns; for babies, see this site’s guide to a new baby and the family pet. It is general welfare information, not a substitute for a vet or a qualified cat behaviourist.

Choosing the right cat for a family

Cats Protection says every cat is unique, so the cat should suit the child’s age, the family’s lifestyle and the cat’s own needs. A timid cat, for example, may become stressed, appear aggressive or hide more in a loud, busy home. For a family home it suggests looking for a cat that is confident and friendly, not too stressed by loud noises or changes, happy to be stroked and handled, calm and curious with new people and, ideally, has a positive history with children. For the adoption process, see this site’s guide to adopting a rescue dog or cat.

The charity cautions that a kitten is not always the best choice. Kittens need training and lots of care and are still learning to use their claws, which makes rough play more likely. It says young children can be loud and unpredictable and do not yet understand that a kitten is not a soft toy, so a slightly older, calmer cat may tolerate a young child better.

Settling a new cat in

Cats Protection advises taking time. It suggests bringing home something familiar such as the cat’s bedding, and keeping the new cat in a separate room with the door closed and everything it needs in one place, so that it can adjust at its own pace. The cat should get used to its sanctuary room before meeting family members. The charity says it is normal for new cats to be stressed by the change, and that refusing to interact, eating less, scratching and spraying are signs of stress; it advises being patient and contacting a vet if struggling.

Creating safe spaces

All cats, Cats Protection says, need peaceful places to eat, sleep and rest, ideally in a quiet part of the home. The bed and food should be away from busy areas such as the living room or hallway. With very young children, a baby gate can create a child-free area. The litter tray should be kept out of the way, which gives the cat a safe place to toilet and stops children messing with the contents. Children’s sandpits should be covered when not in use, or the cat may mistake them for a litter tray. High places such as cat trees or wall shelves let the cat observe family life away from grabby hands, although it says cats are better at climbing up than getting down, so high places should be easy to get down from.

The first meeting

The charity says to teach children from day one how to treat a cat respectfully. Children need to understand that cats like to be left in peace when eating, drinking, toileting or sleeping, are frightened by loud noises and dislike being grabbed without warning. It recommends always supervising interactions and giving the cat the option to run and hide. For a first introduction it suggests:

• Waiting until the cat is settled and comfortable with the adults, then having children sit quietly in a neutral space, with young children behind a baby gate if needed.
• Letting the cat sniff a child’s outstretched hand at its own pace, and perhaps giving the cat some of the child’s clothing beforehand so the smell is familiar.
• Allowing the cat to approach first, never forcing it closer or keeping it in the room if scared.
• Building up time together slowly and showing children where cats do and do not like to be touched.
• Encouraging other activities than stroking, such as fishing-rod toys, throwing bouncy balls and giving treats in moderation.

Teaching children to handle and read a cat

Cats Protection suggests showing a child how to stroke with an open hand and a soft, gentle stroke, noting that babies and toddlers may poke, pat or grab skin. Holding a toddler’s hand to demonstrate can help, along with praise for gentleness. For children old enough to lift a cat, it advises picking it up with one hand supporting the chest and the other the hind legs, holding it securely to the chest, and placing the cat gently on the floor if it wriggles. It says children should never pull a hiding cat out or squeeze in next to it, because cornering a cat might lead to a scratch or bite.

Children should also learn body language. Swishing tails, ruffled fur and hissing are obvious warnings. Subtler signs of discomfort listed by the charity include dilated pupils, ears turned out to the side or back, nose licking, a fast twitching tail tip, sudden quick grooming and looking away. If the cat is given space at that point, it says, the cat is unlikely to escalate. See also the site’s guide to cat body language.

If the cat is not coping

A cat adjusting well to life with children should be eating, drinking, sleeping and following normal routines. Cats Protection says behaviour changes, reluctance to come into the house or be near children, hiding, spraying or aggression suggest the cat is unhappy. It advises speaking to a vet first to rule out medical reasons, then a qualified cat behaviourist.

Frequently asked questions

Is a kitten a good first cat for a family with toddlers?

Cats Protection says kittens and children are not always the best mix and suggests that a slightly older, calmer cat may be better for young children.

The bottom line

Cats Protection’s advice is to match the cat to the household, give it a quiet space and litter tray children cannot reach, introduce it slowly on its own terms, supervise every interaction and teach children gentle handling and cat body language. Persistent hiding, spraying or aggression is a reason to involve a vet and then a behaviourist.

Sources

• Cats Protection, “Cats and Children”
• Cats Protection, “How to teach your child to care for and bond with your cat”

Gerbils are small, active and sociable, but the RSPCA warns that their needs are complex and that they are easily injured by rough or careless handling. The most commonly kept pet species is the Mongolian gerbil. This guide summarises the RSPCA’s advice on housing, company, food and handling. It is general welfare information, not a substitute for a vet, who should be consulted about any change in a gerbil’s health.

What kind of animal a gerbil is

The RSPCA describes gerbils as burrowing rodents adapted to desert environments in Africa, India and Asia. It says they can live for up to three to four years and dig deep burrows. They gnaw to keep their teeth short, because the teeth never stop growing, and they cannot climb well because fur covers the soles of their feet. Because they are prey animals, the RSPCA says, they are naturally timid and rely on burrows to feel safe from predators.

Housing: the gerbilarium

The RSPCA advises a special gerbilarium rather than a barred cage. It should be large enough to provide shelter, chances to dig and space to exercise, with solid glass walls, a secure wire-mesh top and a solid floor so that bedding can be provided. Cages with metal bars are not recommended, because gerbils may slip and injure their legs or feet and may gnaw the bars, which can damage their teeth.

• Bedding depth. The RSPCA recommends 20 to 30cm of bedding deep enough for burrows, in an enclosure ideally about 50cm high so that an adult, roughly 12cm tall, can dig and still stand upright.
• Suitable bedding. A mix of rough-grained woodchips and hay gives structure to burrows. It says garden soil is not recommended because it may contain harmful bacteria or parasites, and sawdust should not be used because it may cause respiratory problems.
• Nesting material. Gerbils should always have access to material they can shred, such as ink-free cardboard, paper and hay. The RSPCA warns against materials that separate into thin strands, such as cotton wool, saying they pose a serious welfare risk.
• Enrichment. It lists a rough-surfaced object such as a stone, tubes and tunnels of at least 5cm diameter to avoid gerbils getting stuck, and wood or hay tunnels rather than plastic, which gerbils will gnaw. A running wheel can help with exercise, but it should be a good-quality, solid, axle-free wheel of large diameter, such as one intended for rats, and should not be the only enrichment.

Keeping the home comfortable

The RSPCA says the enclosure should be indoors, dry and draught-free, away from direct sunlight and radiators. It gives an ideal temperature range of 20 to 24 degrees Celsius. Because gerbils communicate using ultrasonic frequencies, it advises keeping them away from things that generate ultrasound, such as televisions, computer screens, vacuum cleaners and sources of running water. It recommends a deep clean every two to three weeks, keeping a little used but unsoiled bedding because removing all odours can be stressful and may trigger fighting.

Company

The RSPCA says gerbils need to live with other gerbils and should never be kept alone. They can be housed in same-sex pairs or groups if the groups are formed early in life and are stable, ideally young litter mates or members of a harmonious group. Males and females should not be kept together unless the owner can provide for their young and find good homes for the offspring. Additional members should not normally be added later, because established groups are unlikely to accept new animals, with a possible exception for juveniles under five weeks old. Where that is attempted, the RSPCA suggests housing the animals separately but next to each other for about a week, swapping some used bedding, and monitoring them closely. It also advises against putting unfamiliar adult gerbils in adjacent enclosures, which it says they can find frustrating and stressful.

The RSPCA adds that other pets, particularly dogs and cats, must not be able to reach gerbils, which are prey animals.

Food and water

Gerbils need a good-quality balanced diet formulated for gerbils, either compound pellets or a seed mix, fed according to the manufacturer’s guidance. The RSPCA suggests scattering food on the surface of the bedding to prevent squabbling and let them forage. Fruit such as pear, melon, apple and orange, and vegetables such as cucumber, carrot, pumpkin and fennel, can supplement the diet, and pumpkin seeds are a healthy treat. It warns against grapes and rhubarb, which it describes as poisonous to rodents, and against excessive amounts of fatty seeds such as sunflower, which can cause obesity. Fresh water should always be available in a bottle with a metal sipper tube, checked daily. Because gerbils hoard, stale food should be removed daily, and dietary changes should be gradual. If eating or drinking changes, or faeces become moist or hindquarters soiled, the RSPCA says to go to a vet straight away.

Handling

The RSPCA says gerbils do not like being picked up and may become scared and aggressive if they feel threatened. It suggests building trust gradually: first getting the gerbils used to a person’s voice and presence, then gentle stroking, then daily interaction, never forcing handling. Gerbils should be picked up by cupping them gently with two hands and supporting the body. They should never be lifted by the tail, because they can shed the outer layer of skin and hair, leaving bone and muscle exposed. They should not be scruffed or held at height and should be handled above a table or while sitting down. The RSPCA also says never to leave gerbils out of their gerbilarium unattended or overnight.

Frequently asked questions

Can a single gerbil be kept alone?

No. The RSPCA says gerbils need to live with other gerbils and should never be kept on their own.

The bottom line

The RSPCA’s advice comes down to a deep-bedded, solid-walled gerbilarium, a stable same-sex group, gnawing, shredding and burrowing opportunities, a formulated diet with careful treats, and gentle handling that is never forced. Anyone unsure whether they can meet those needs should think carefully before taking on gerbils.

Sources

• RSPCA, “Keeping Gerbils As Pets”
• RSPCA, “Creating a Good Home For Gerbils”
• RSPCA, “Keeping Gerbils Together”
• RSPCA, “What To Feed Your Gerbils”
• RSPCA, “Gerbil Behaviour and Body Language”

Two cosmetic procedures on dogs, docking tails and cropping ears, are regulated by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in England and Wales. Anyone buying a puppy, taking in an imported dog or seeing a docked or cropped dog at a show may want to understand what the law says. This article summarises the Act, the England-only regulations that create a narrow working-dog exemption, the RSPCA’s welfare position and the 2025 Act on imports. It is general information, not legal advice, and it does not cover Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Tail docking: section 6 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England and Wales)

Section 6 makes it an offence to remove the whole or any part of a dog’s tail otherwise than for the purpose of its medical treatment, or to cause another person to do so. An owner or person responsible for the dog also commits an offence if someone else docks the tail and the owner permitted it or failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it. Section 6 also creates an offence of knowingly giving false information to a veterinary surgeon in connection with a certificate.

The Kennel Club notes that, while there are exemptions for listed working breeds and crossbreeds, docking is illegal in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and that a dog with a docked tail cannot be shown at events in England and Wales where the public pay admission unless it is demonstrating working ability. Section 6 itself contains the show offence.

The working-dog exemption

Section 6 exempts a certified working dog that is not more than five days old. A veterinary surgeon must certify, under regulations, that two conditions are met. First, evidence has been produced that the dog is likely to be used for work in connection with law enforcement, armed forces activities, emergency rescue, lawful pest control or the lawful shooting of animals. Second, the dog is of a type specified in regulations.

For England, the Docking of Working Dogs’ Tails (England) Regulations 2007 apply in England only. Their Schedule 1 lists the specified types as hunt, point and retrieve breeds, spaniels and terriers, of any type or combination of types. Under regulation 3, the vet must be satisfied that the dam is of one or more of those types, must reasonably believe the puppy is not more than five days old, and must be shown the dam, a signed and dated owner statement and specified evidence of the intended work. That evidence can be identification from an armed force, emergency rescue body, police, prison service or HMRC, evidence of lawful pest control, a current shotgun or firearm certificate, or a letter from a gamekeeper, land-occupier, shoot organiser or similar person. Under regulation 4, a docked dog must be microchipped by a vet, or a vet nurse under supervision, using a chip meeting the stated ISO standards, and section 6 requires that identification to be done before the dog is three months old.

Ear cropping: section 5 (England and Wales)

Section 5 of the Act covers mutilation, meaning a procedure that involves interference with the sensitive tissues or bone structure of a protected animal other than for medical treatment. Section 5(6) provides that the section does not apply to removing part of a dog’s tail, which section 6 covers separately. The RSPCA states that ear cropping is illegal in England and Wales under section 5. It describes the procedure as an entirely unnecessary surgery in which a dog’s ears are removed or altered, says it has no benefits for the dog and can cause permanent damage, and says the claims that it prevents ear infections or injuries are untrue.

Dogs brought in from abroad

Both the RSPCA and the Kennel Club say that cropped ears remain legal in some other countries and that dogs with cropped ears have been imported. The Kennel Club states that the law permits importing such dogs, and the RSPCA’s ear-cropping page says the same.

The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 addresses this. Section 1 lets the appropriate national authority make regulations about bringing dogs, cats and ferrets into the United Kingdom, and requires the first regulations for each of England, Scotland and Wales to prohibit bringing in dogs and cats that have been mutilated, as well as animals under six months old and those more than 42 days pregnant. The Act defines mutilated as having undergone a procedure that interferes with sensitive tissues or bone structure other than for medical treatment. Under section 8, sections 1 to 7 come into force on a day the Secretary of State appoints by regulations, and legislation.gov.uk records that section 1 was not in force at Royal Assent. The prohibition therefore depends on those regulations being made and commenced.

What buyers and owners can take from this

• A docked puppy in England is lawful only if it was certified as a working dog at five days or less, and it must be microchipped as a docked dog.
• Docking or cropping carried out by someone else with the owner’s permission can also be an offence for the owner.

Frequently asked questions

Can a vet dock a pet dog’s tail in England?

Not for cosmetic reasons. Section 6 allows removal for medical treatment, and otherwise only the certified working-dog exemption for puppies not more than five days old.

Where can suspected cropping be reported?

The Kennel Club suggests contacting the relevant Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: the RSPCA for England and Wales, the SSPCA for Scotland and the USPCA for Northern Ireland.

The bottom line

In England and Wales, cosmetic tail docking and ear cropping are offences under sections 5 and 6 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and the only tail-docking exemption described here is the vet-certified working-dog route for puppies of five days or less, which the 2007 regulations set out for England. Imports of dogs with cropped ears were described by the RSPCA and Kennel Club as still permitted, and the 2025 Act provides powers to change that once regulations take effect.

Sources

• legislation.gov.uk, “Animal Welfare Act 2006, section 6: Docking of dogs’ tails”
• legislation.gov.uk, “Animal Welfare Act 2006, section 5: Mutilation”
• legislation.gov.uk, “The Docking of Working Dogs’ Tails (England) Regulations 2007”
• RSPCA, “Dog ear cropping”
• The Kennel Club, “Docking and cropping”
• legislation.gov.uk, “Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025, section 1”
• legislation.gov.uk, “Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025, section 8: Extent, commencement and short title”

Cats that go outdoors often hunt, and some bring mice, birds or other small animals into the house. Cats Protection, a UK cat welfare charity, says hunting is a natural behaviour that cannot always be stopped completely, but that owners can reduce it. A controlled trial published in Current Biology in 2021 tested several practical measures. This article summarises both. It is general welfare information, not a substitute for advice from a vet or a qualified cat behaviourist.

Why cats hunt

Cats Protection explains that cats are predators with a natural instinct to hunt, and that the drive is not motivated by hunger: even well-fed cats have an inbuilt need to chase and catch things. It says the sequence of stalking, pouncing, playing and killing releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. In the wild, it notes, cats spend a lot of time on hunting expeditions, whereas pet cats are given a bowl of food that takes little time to eat and makes little use of their senses. The charity therefore stresses giving cats plenty of chances to play so that they stay mentally stimulated.

Why cats bring prey home

Cats Protection says the popular idea that a cat is presenting a gift, or teaching its owner to hunt, is a myth. Its explanation is that home is where the cat feels safe and secure. A cat may not want to eat the catch where another animal could steal it, so it takes it to its core territory to eat undisturbed or store for later. The charity adds that this can be read as a sign the cat feels safe with its owner. It also explains that the apparent play with prey, catching and releasing repeatedly, is a hunting technique that tires the animal and reduces the cat’s chance of being injured.

What Cats Protection recommends

• Keep cats in at dawn and dusk. Cats and their prey are most active then, so the charity advises keeping cats indoors at night.
• Provide regular play. It suggests interactive play sessions and feeding toys to redirect the hunting drive, for example fishing-rod toys that let the cat stalk and pounce, with the cat allowed to catch the toy now and then to avoid frustration. Very short games of one to two minutes are fine, it says, and older cats may enjoy play three or four times a day.
• Protect garden birds. It advises not feeding wildlife on the ground, keeping bird tables away from fences or hiding places, hanging feeders from a tall, thin shepherd’s hook that cats cannot climb, and making bird table posts hard to climb.

What a controlled trial found

Cecchetti and colleagues at the University of Exeter reported a controlled and replicated trial in Current Biology in 2021 comparing non-invasive measures with existing devices that impede hunting. They measured the number of animals cats captured and brought home, relative to controls and to the period before treatment. The abstract reports:

• Households given a high meat protein, grain-free food recorded a 36% decrease in animals brought home.
• Households that introduced 5 to 10 minutes of daily object play recorded a 25% decrease.
• Puzzle feeders increased the numbers by 33%.
• Birdsbesafe collar covers reduced the number of birds brought home by 42% but had no discernible effect on mammals.
• Cat bells had no discernible effect.

The authors concluded that reductions can come from positive contributions to cat nutrition and behaviour that reduce the tendency to hunt, rather than from impeding hunting. Any change of a cat’s diet is best discussed with a vet.

How the two sources fit together

The trial’s finding on play matches the charity’s emphasis on regular interactive play. Cats Protection describes puzzle feeders as entertainment for indoor cats, and the trial did not find that they reduce prey brought home.

If a cat brings something in

Cats Protection says owners should not punish the cat, because it will not understand what it has done wrong, and shouting causes stress that could lead to other unwanted behaviours. It advises trying not to react. If the animal is dead, it suggests keeping it from the cat, wearing gloves, double-bagging small animals such as mice, rats, rabbits, hedgehogs and small birds and putting them in the household waste bin, then washing hands thoroughly. For larger animals, it advises contacting the local authority. If the animal is alive, keep the cat in another room, encourage the animal to leave through a clear route and keep the cat inside for a while afterwards. For an injured animal, the charity lists the RSPCA in England and Wales, the Scottish SPCA in Scotland and local council animal welfare enforcement in Northern Ireland.

Frequently asked questions

Does feeding a cat more stop it hunting?

Not according to Cats Protection, which says the urge to hunt is not driven by hunger and continues in well-fed cats.

Do bells stop cats catching birds?

In the Exeter trial, cat bells had no discernible effect on the numbers of animals brought home.

The bottom line

Hunting is an instinct rather than a sign of hunger or a gift, so the most useful steps in the sources are regular interactive play, keeping cats in around dawn and dusk and keeping garden feeders out of reach. The Exeter trial found that daily play and a high meat protein food each cut prey brought home, and that collar covers cut bird captures but not mammals. Punishing a cat is not recommended.

Sources

• Cats Protection, “Behaviour focus: hunting”
• Cats Protection, “Why do cats bring you dead animals?”
• Cats Protection, “Cats and Play”
• Cecchetti M, Crowley SL, Goodwin CED, McDonald RA, “Provision of High Meat Content Food and Object Play Reduce Predation of Wild Animals by Domestic Cats”, Current Biology (2021)

Barking is normal dog communication, and the question for most owners is not how to end it but how to reduce it to a level that suits the dog, the household and the neighbours. Dogs Trust and the RSPCA, two UK animal welfare charities, both say that the useful first step is to find out why a dog is barking. This guide summarises their welfare advice and, separately, what GOV.UK says about complaints about barking dogs in England. It is general information, not a substitute for a vet or a qualified behaviourist.

Why dogs bark

The RSPCA describes barking as a form of communication and a completely normal behaviour. A dog may bark when excited, frustrated, bored or scared, to tell someone to stay away, to ask for something such as a favourite toy, or when distressed, for example when left alone. Dogs Trust adds that some breeds bark more because of historic working roles, and that personality, learnt experience, genetics and health all play a part.

Dogs Trust says the two main reasons dogs bark are trying to make something they think is good happen, and trying to stop something they think is bad from happening. It explains that if a dog barks at a passer-by who walks on, the dog concludes that barking worked and is likelier to repeat it.

Common triggers

• Alert or territorial barking. Dogs Trust says this is often rooted in anxiety about noises, sights or smells outside the home, and that a dog that is always on alert is likely to bark at more and more things.
• Attention or mealtime barking. A dog may learn that barking brings attention. Telling the dog off can accidentally reward the behaviour, because the dog has received attention.
• Being left alone. The RSPCA cites research that eight out of ten dogs experience stress when left alone and may show it through barking.
• Fear or frustration. Dogs Trust says frustration arises when a dog cannot reach something it wants, and that barking at something frightening is a way to make it go away.
• Excitement and play. Many dogs bark when excited or playful, so barking is not always a sign of unhappiness.

Check the vet first if barking changes

Both charities say a sudden increase in barking should prompt a vet check. The RSPCA gives hearing problems as one example of a health issue that could be involved, and Dogs Trust says sudden behaviour changes can point to a medical problem.

Reducing barking: the steps Dogs Trust sets out

Dogs Trust lists a sequence of steps. The first is to understand the dog’s body language so its feelings are clear, and the second is to identify triggers, with a diary of when and where barking happens. It then advises:

• Reduce the triggers by changing the environment and routine, so the dog cannot practise barking.
• Reduce stress: it suggests that after a stressful day a dog may bark at every trigger for 24 to 48 hours, so quiet routes and plenty of rest help.
• Reward calm, quiet behaviour, and distract the dog before it barks with games, toys or treats.
• Teach alternatives, such as sniffing for treats on the floor, sit, down, stay, go to bed and settle.
• Seek expert help if the barking stems from fear. Dogs Trust warns that forcing a dog to face its fear could make matters worse.

Dogs Trust advises against telling a dog off, because some dogs think the owner is joining in and others become afraid of the owner as well as the trigger. The RSPCA similarly recommends a regular daily routine covering meals, play and exercise, and enough to do each day so the dog is not bored.

Barking at the window, in the garden and at deliveries

For window barking, Dogs Trust suggests curtains, blinds or frosted film, stair gates to block access and a radio to mask outside sounds. In the garden it suggests screens or plants to limit what the dog sees and hears, quiet times to go out and supervision. For deliveries, it suggests tracking parcels or an external letterbox.

Left alone: a job for expert support

Dogs Trust says a dog that barks because it is worried about being left needs to change how it feels, which is best done with a qualified expert, and that a dog should not simply be left to bark. The RSPCA recommends a clinical animal behaviourist for a treatment plan when the cause is not clear.

When a neighbour complains: England

The RSPCA advises that occasional barking is usually not a problem for neighbours, but that disruptive barking may also harm the dog’s welfare because owners may not know it happens when they are out. If a neighbour complains, it suggests talking to the owner first and then contacting the local council.

GOV.UK guidance for England says councils must look into complaints about noise that could be a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. To qualify, noise must unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises, or injure or be likely to injure health. The guidance names barking dogs as an example of noise from premises, including gardens. If the council agrees a statutory nuisance exists or will occur, it must serve an abatement notice requiring the person responsible to stop or restrict the noise. That guidance applies to England only, and other UK nations have their own legislation.

Frequently asked questions

Should an owner ignore a dog that barks for attention?

Dogs Trust suggests ignoring attention barking and waiting for the dog to stop before re-engaging, while rewarding quiet behaviour and meeting the dog’s needs for stimulation in advance.

The bottom line

Barking is communication, so the most effective approach in the charities’ advice is to work out the cause, cut down the triggers, meet the dog’s exercise and stimulation needs, reward calm behaviour and involve a vet or behaviourist when barking changes suddenly or stems from fear or being alone. Where barking affects neighbours in England, councils can treat it as a possible statutory nuisance, which is why early conversation and prompt action are worthwhile.

Sources

• Dogs Trust, “How to Stop Your Dog Barking: Causes & Triggers”
• RSPCA, “How To Stop Your Dog Barking Too Much”
• GOV.UK, “Noise nuisances: how councils deal with complaints”

Cats Protection and International Cat Care, two cat welfare charities, both publish guidance on choosing from the wide range of cat foods on sale. This guide summarises their advice for UK owners on the basics of feeding a healthy adult cat. It is general welfare information; the charities advise speaking to a vet about special diets, weight worries or any cat that stops eating.

Choose a complete food

Cats Protection says cats need a meat-based diet balanced with the right amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals, and advises choosing a food labelled “complete”, which contains all the vital nutrients so no other food or vitamin supplements are needed. “Complementary” foods, such as treats, must be combined with other foods to give a balanced diet. International Cat Care makes the same distinction: complete foods give a cat all the nutrients it needs except water and are designed to be the main part of the diet, while complementary foods are typically treats, are nutritionally incomplete and should form no more than 10 per cent of the diet.

Cats Protection groups life stages as kittens up to one year, adults between one and eight years, and seniors over eight, and says each needs different food. It also advises picking a brand that is a member of UK Pet Food and does not recommend homemade meals unless a vet advises them, because the balance is very difficult to get right. The site’s guide to reading pet food labels explains the wording on packaging.

Wet, dry or both

Cats Protection says a cat can be fed wet food, dry food or both, and that the choice is down to the cat’s preference. It suggests offering both in separate bowls to see which the cat prefers.

• Wet food. It comes in many flavours, can appeal to fussy eaters, has a higher moisture content and is softer to eat. International Cat Care explains that cats tend to concentrate their urine rather than drink more water, so wet food provides a source of water, and that it is always lower in calories than dry food, which makes it bulkier.
• Dry food. Cats Protection says it can be left out all day, which suits cats that graze, and can be used in puzzle feeders. International Cat Care names ease, convenience and cost as the main benefits, and says dry food is more energy dense, which can suit thin or picky cats but can be a problem for cats unable to regulate their intake.

International Cat Care says most owners feed a combination, and that a vet can advise on the best choice for an individual cat.

Cats fed mostly dry food need help drinking. International Cat Care suggests a constant supply of clean water, a water station kept separate from food and the litter tray, ceramic or steel bowls because plastic can leave an aftertaste, wide flat bowls that do not touch the whiskers, several drinking stations, and possibly a water fountain.

How much and how often

Cats Protection says the amount depends on age, weight and activity. Owners should follow the packaging guidance on daily quantity and check the cat’s weight periodically, and speak to a vet if the cat seems over- or underweight. Neutered cats typically have reduced energy needs, so the daily amount may need reducing. The site’s guide to pet obesity covers weight in more detail.

Cats have evolved to eat little and often. Cats Protection notes that a wild cat would eat around 10 to 12 small meals a day and that pet cats often prefer the same pattern. Its guidance for adult cats is fresh wet food at least twice daily and dry food at least once daily, and it says wet food should be changed at least twice a day to stay fresh.

Where to put the bowls

• Cats Protection advises placing food and water bowls away from each other, because cats do not like their water contaminated by food, and putting the litter tray as far away from both as possible.
• Cats usually prefer to eat away from other cats, so in a multi-cat home food should be given in separate places.

Treats and human food

Cats Protection says treats should be limited so a cat does not gain weight, with the regular daily allowance reduced to allow for the extra calories, and that cat food treats are better than human food. It notes that many cats value play or attention more than food. It does not generally recommend human food because calories are hard to gauge, it can unbalance the diet and many human foods are harmful to cats; see the site’s guide to human foods that are toxic to dogs and cats.

Changing food and special diets

A sudden change of diet can upset the stomach or lead a cat to refuse a new food. Cats Protection recommends offering a little of the new food alongside the old in separate bowls, never mixed, increasing the amount of new food and reducing the old gradually over a week or more. If the cat refuses the new food or becomes unwell, it advises continuing with the old food and speaking to a vet. Cats are obligate carnivores, it says, so it does not recommend vegetarian or vegan diets, and anyone considering a raw diet should speak to a vet first.

Frequently asked questions

Is wet food better than dry?

Cats Protection says the choice is down to the cat’s own preference provided the food is complete, and International Cat Care says both have pros and cons.

Should a cat be fed vegetarian food?

Cats Protection says cats are obligate carnivores and do not recommend vegetarian or vegan diets.

The bottom line

The two charities agree on the basics: a complete cat food suited to the cat’s life stage, wet, dry or both according to preference, small regular meals, fresh water kept away from food and the litter tray, limited treats, and gradual changes to any diet. A vet is the right contact for weight concerns or a cat that is eating less than normal.

Sources

• Cats Protection, “Feeding your cat”
• International Cat Care, “Should I feed my cat wet or dry food?”

There is no single figure for how much exercise a dog needs. The PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, says regular exercise is essential for keeping dogs in shape and important for their mental health, and lists several factors that change the amount. Dogs Trust adds that mental exercise counts too. This guide summarises their advice for UK owners. It is general welfare information, and a vet should be consulted about a dog with a health condition or worries about weight or fitness.

What decides how much exercise a dog needs

The PDSA names five factors:

• Breed. Some breeds need a minimum of one to two hours a day, and working breeds need significantly more.
• Age. While a dog is growing, exercise should be introduced slowly to protect the joints. Adult dogs need to stay fit and active, and senior dogs may need a little less than before.
• Health. An unwell or injured dog may need less than usual, and resting is an important part of recovery, so a vet’s advice should always be followed.
• Fitness. Fitness should be built gradually. A dog asked to join in a new hobby such as running or hiking should be eased into it slowly to avoid injury.
• Personality. Each dog has preferences, so exercise should be enjoyable and, where possible, tailored to the breed, for example to a dog bred to retrieve or swim.

How often to walk

The PDSA says walking should be part of every dog’s daily routine and that most dogs need at least one to two walks a day, unless a vet says otherwise. A brisk walk lets a dog burn off energy, while a slow, meandering walk for sniffing and exploring is good for mental health. Dogs Trust likewise says to allow plenty of time to sniff on walks and to vary the route.

The PDSA says a big garden is no substitute, because walks let a dog sniff new smells, explore places and meet people and dogs, which matters for wellbeing and confidence.

Other ways to exercise a dog

• Swimming. A good option for dogs that like water and easy on the joints, as long as water safety advice is followed.
• Running. The PDSA advises introducing it slowly, starting with short bursts of gentle jogging during a normal walk and building up.
• Hiking. Check that the route suits the dog and its fitness, and carry water and take regular breaks.
• Agility and flyball. Agility and flyball suit active, clever dogs. The PDSA says flyball is not suitable for very heavy dogs or those with joint problems and advises speaking to a vet before starting classes.
• Play. Play does not replace a walk but keeps a dog active and lets it chase, pounce and search.

Play and toy safety

The PDSA’s vets advise using only toys designed for dogs, checking them regularly and discarding any with parts that could be bitten off or swallowed, and choosing toys too large to swallow whole. It also warns that throwing items for fetch, with the quick starts and sudden stops, can strain joints, and suggests avoiding it for dogs that are still growing, elderly, injured, arthritic, overweight or on slippery surfaces. It says never to throw sticks because they can cause very serious injuries. Dogs Trust suggests rotating toys weekly to keep them interesting.

Mental exercise counts

Dogs Trust says enrichment lets dogs use natural instincts, can prevent boredom and build confidence, and should be provided daily. Ideas it lists include lick mats, puzzle feeders, dig boxes, snuffle mats, scattered food and treat trails. It advises supervising and taking food-based enrichment out of the evening meal so a dog does not gain too much weight. The PDSA also lists training as an essential part of a dog’s routine because it keeps the mind active and prevents boredom. The site’s guide to games and enrichment covers more ideas.

Safety on walks

The PDSA emphasises training. Good recall is essential so a dog will return in any situation, and should be practised indoors, then in an enclosed garden or park, before letting a dog off the lead in open space, using reward-based training. It does not recommend extendable leads because they can be dangerous for owner and dog, especially near busy roads. In summer it advises exercising during cooler hours and taking water, and in winter it advises a high-visibility jacket or collar or harness when it is dark. Dogs should be kept on a lead near roads, in built-up areas and around livestock. The site’s guides to dogs in hot weather and harness or collar choices give more detail.

If a dog does not enjoy walks

The PDSA suggests working out why. Fear of other dogs, people or the outdoors can make walks scary, and it recommends an accredited behaviourist. A dog that is struggling to keep up may need advice from a vet on diet and exercise. Boredom can arise if walks are rushed, and it suggests finding a better time or considering a dog walker.

Frequently asked questions

Will more exercise fix bad behaviour?

The PDSA says a good routine may help but is unlikely to fix a problem completely, and exercising a stressed dog in a busy place could make it worse. An accredited behaviourist can help.

The bottom line

According to the PDSA and Dogs Trust, exercise should be fitted to the individual dog: at least one to two walks a day for most, more for working breeds, gradual build-up, care with joints, and daily mental exercise alongside physical activity. A vet is the right contact for any dog with health concerns.

Sources

• PDSA, “Exercising your dog”
• Dogs Trust, “Enrichment activities to keep your dog entertained”