Q: think I should get my male cat desexed, but I'm worried it will change his sweet personality. Is this likely?

Jenny, via email.

A:Desexed male cats do tend to be more homely and affectionate than those that aren't desexed, but this is usually a good thing! Plus desexing your cat will improve his life expectancy - the average life span of a desexed cat is 13 years compared to just two years for an undesexed cat as they fight and can contract diseases. And with 138,000 homeless animals being taken to the RSPCA each year, we don't need any more kittens. It's best to desex your cat at or before six months of age. After six months, he will spray urine and wander in search of a mate.

Garlic guidance

Q:Is it safe to give garlic to my two dogs? If so, how much can I give them?

Wendy, Nowra, NSW.

A: You can add small amounts of garlic to your dog's food with no side effects, but it's harmful in large doses. Garlic and onions contain thiosulfate, which is toxic for dogs. But onions, in any form, are the most dangerous. Pets affected by thiosulfate toxicity often show gastroenteritis symptoms and may develop haemolytic anaemia, a life-threatening disease that causes the red blood cells to burst as they circulate around the body.

Is sharing really caring?

Q: Is it cruel to share custody of a dog? Due to a relationship break-up, my Shih tzu/Maltese will now spend half the time at a home on the NSW Central Coast with two kids and two other dogs, and the other half in a two-bedroom apartment in Bondi, Sydney, where it will be alone for much of the day.

James, via email.

A: While it's not uncommon for couples to share custody of a pet when they split up, you will need to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages that your pet will face with this new arrangement. If your dog doesn't mind travelling long distances in the car and seems to fit in well with the other dogs and the children in the house, then that side of things shouldn't be a problem. But it's less than ideal for your dog to be transported several hours by car only to spend its days alone in an apartment. It's likely that the dog will develop behavioural problems as a result of boredom or separation anxiety. Some of these problems can include barking, whining and destructive behaviour. Your dog could even start to chew on itself. If you do decide to share custody, you have to make sure that at both of the homes your dog will receive satisfactory companionship and environmental stimulation.

For more great pet advice, check out the latest issue of New Idea - on sale now!