Question: My male tabby is constantly fighting with his sister (also a tabby). I got them at the same time and they’ve never had a problem until about six months ago when I moved house. They are both 18 months old. The vet has tried hormone injections but it made no difference. He also attacks […]

Frost-free climates Plants for beauty: Seeds or seedlings of ageratum, alyssum, amaranthus, carnations, celosia, coleus, cosmos, dichondra, echinops, erigeron, gaillardia, gazania, gloxinia, gourds, hymenosporum, impatiens, nasturtiums, phlox, salvia. Very hot and dry gardens: move a shade cloth to cover veggie and flower gardens now to shelter them from the worst of the heat, pull out […]

Question: My husband and I are moving from our house with a backyard into a city apartment soon and want to know whether our small silky terrier cross will be able to be litter trained? Brandie Foote Answer: There are a few ideas that can help your doggy with your downsizing. Litter training is definitely […]

Question: I have had my cat for the past 16 years after finding her abandoned at the local video store. I’ve noticed she is now blind. How will this affect her in her daily life? Could you also tell me what the average lifespan is for cats? Michelle Answer: There are many reasons cats go […]

Question: Cats can learn to walk with one bell so that it doesn’t make any noise. Put two bells on their collar, plus a small mirror to catch light to warn the birds and lizards your cat might be hunting. Answer: Karleigh Fox

Question: My dog barks at everyone (especially other dogs) walking or riding past my car. While I don’t mind it, I am expecting my first child in 13 weeks time and want to still be able to take my dog everywhere with me. But he won’t be able to come if he keeps up this […]

Question: I have a two-year-old British Bulldog cross Red Heeler who watches TV 24/7. She just sits in front of the TV and watches — she even has favourite ads. Is it normal for a dog to watch TV? Rebekah Answer: The colour and movement of TV is very eye-catching to dogs and cats. To […]

Hanging baskets are a cheat’s way to get early flowers. Baskets heat up faster than soil in the ground and you can hang them over nice hot paving, beside brick walls or on warm patios too. In fact you can REALLY cheat and buy your flowers already blooming – just bung them in the basket […]

Chokoes are a no-fail veg. Starve them, forget them, and they’ll still give you an autumn filled with so much fruit you’ll be pestering the neighbors to take some and looking up recipes for choko chutney, choko pie, choko and ginger jam (which isn’t bad, actually). My favourite way of eating chokoes depends on growing […]

Question I can never find a pair of jeans that really flatter my figure. I am not overweight, but in many jeans, my bottom looks too big. To compensate, I wear long, flowy tops to hide my bottom. I have lots of pretty, shorter tops that I love and I want to wear them with […]