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This behaviour may be due to the cataracts preventing Honey's eyes from adjusting rapidly to the transition from bright light to shade. It makes sense to keep her on the leash on bright days, so you can restrict her to only sunny, or only shady areas. When she does move from sun to shade, get her to pause for a minute, to allow her eyes to adjust before proceeding. I have seen bright sunlight cause other problems for some older dogs, including discomfort and flinching, as if they are being dazzled. The use of doggy sunglasses (doggles.uk.com) or a peaked baseball cap (k9koolhats.com) can help dogs that have this type of visual sensitivity.

What's the best way to care for a cat when going away on holiday for a week or more? I have a companionable two-year-old neutered male tabby, who is used to me being here, as I work from home, and he always sits near me while I'm working. For weekends away, I've asked neighbours to visit twice daily. but in August I'll be away for nine days, and I worry that this is too long to leave him. Would a cattery be a safer option?

FS, Herts

The right answer is different for every situation, depending on the specifics, and it can be difficult to decide. If your cat has been calm, relaxed and contented with your neighbours over the long weekends, then this could be the least stressful option for him. However, cat behaviour can be unpredictable, and there is no guarantee that he won't decide to head off in search of more company. A well-run cattery is safer, in that you can be sure that he won't disappear, and he will be cared for by someone experienced with cats. It's important to choose the right cattery: International Cat Care (formerly the Feline Advisory Bureau) operates a listing scheme for establishments that meet its rigorous standards of hygiene, comfort and care. For details, visit icatcare.org.

Our 13-week-old Yorkie puppy has started to snap at our hands, toes, ankles, legs and even our faces. She also gets aggressive when we try to put her harness on to walk her and has even drawn blood. We have tried telling her "No", looking away, putting her down, putting her in her pen, but nothing seems to help. What can we do?

JH, Berks

It is imperative that you get prompt, professional help to sort this out: you have already discovered that it is not always easy or possible to resolve challenging behaviour on your own. If you do not take effective action soon, you will end up with a young adult dog with dangerous habits. The best answer is to enrol her with a good puppy training class. Puppy School (puppyschool.co.uk) has an established nationwide network of qualified, skilled and experienced puppy-training tutors. Their classes use kind, effective techniques to teach pups to have good manners, be friendly with adults, children and other dogs, and to respond reliably to commands.

Canine communication

Do you speak Dog? Does he or she speak Human? While we try to communicate verbally with animals, they use body language, which they understand far better than we do. Learning to read that body language and respond appropriately has enormous rewards for both dog and owner. The UK Registry of Canine Behaviourists' annual one-day symposium (£60, from ukrcb.org/symposium) is taking place in Coventry on September 22, with lectures, interactive sessions and discussions on successful communication between humans and dogs.

Rescue pet of the week

This week's rescue pet is Monty, an FIV-positive ginger-and-white cat who needs an indoor home. Contact the Bracknell & Wokingham Districts branch of Cats Protection on 0845 371 4212, email readingeastcp@hotmail.com or go to cats.org.uk/bracknell. To find out the outcomes of the rescued pets featured in this column, see Pet Subjects Rescue.

Send pet problems to pete.wedderburn@telegraph.co.uk. All sick animals should, of course, be taken to a vet.