Articles

Articles, questions and guides on pet care.

Pros and cons of keeping a cat indoors

Pros and cons of keeping a cat indoors

For most cat owners, it is an important decision on whether you should keep your cat indoors or allow them access to the outside world. There are pros and cons of both options which this article…

Read article
Halloween hazards and Bonfire Night - how to keep your pet safe

Halloween hazards and Bonfire Night - how to keep your pet safe

Halloween can be a wonderful time of year with lots of sweets and chocolates in abundance, creative costumes and a great time had by all. However our pets may feel very different, with dangers posed…

Read article
How to make your garden cat friendly

How to make your garden cat friendly

Many cat owners spend time making their home more cat friendly, but often do not consider how cat friendly their garden is. If you have a garden where other cats from the neighbourhood frequent,…

Read article
Why is my cat scratching at the furniture?

Why is my cat scratching at the furniture?

Scratching is a natural and very important behaviour for the cat. However problems can arise when cats scratch furniture or other objects in the house that the owner deems undesirable.

Read article
Top tips for cat litter trays

Top tips for cat litter trays

Choosing the right litter tray for your cat is so important. From size, shape, location and substrate material, all of these things should be considered when choosing a tray. Read more about the…

Read article
Dog and cat bites

Dog and cat bites

The mouths of dogs and cats are filled with bacteria which can cause serious infections if a bite occurs. In addition the teeth can penetrate into tissue and cause both superficial and deeper, more…

Read article
How to reduce stress in multi-cat households

How to reduce stress in multi-cat households

Are multi-cat households more stressful? Having more than one cat in the home can lead to feelings of stress, frustration and issues with aggression. Here you can find tips on how to reduce stress,…

Read article
Should I try to make my dog sick?

Should I try to make my dog sick?

Occasionally, your pet may eat something that could be harmful and may need to visit their vet to be made sick. It is never recommended to make your pet sick at home. There are risks associated with…

Read article
My cat has a swollen face

My cat has a swollen face

Facial swelling in cats can have multiple causes, all of which require veterinary attention. Facial swelling will usually be accompanied by pain and will generally make your cat feel miserable.…

Read article
My dog has a swollen face

My dog has a swollen face

Facial swelling in dogs can have multiple causes, all of which require veterinary attention. Facial swelling will usually be accompanied by pain and will generally make your dog feel miserable.…

Read article
What are probiotics? Why and when should I give them to my dog or cat?

What are probiotics? Why and when should I give them to my dog or cat?

Every pet shop out there offers numerous probiotics. But what is a probiotic actually? Does it do anything? How to use it? Read on for what you need to know on gut health and probiotics for pets.

Read article
How to select a friendly, confident cat or kitten

How to select a friendly, confident cat or kitten

Deciding to add a new cat to your home is a very exciting process and by following the advice below, you will have the highest chance of selecting a friendly, confident cat who fits in well into…

Read article
How to spot ear mites in pets and what to do about them

How to spot ear mites in pets and what to do about them

Many things cause itchy ears in dogs and cats. One of the causes, particularly in younger animals, and especially in kittens, are ear mites. Find what you need to know about ear mites in our article!

Read article
Quick A to Z of common external parasites in dogs

Quick A to Z of common external parasites in dogs

Read our article for a handy overview of parasites that are usually found on a dog's skin.

Read article
Which plants are toxic or safe for your dog and cat?

Which plants are toxic or safe for your dog and cat?

Adult dogs and cats are more careful in their explorations, but puppies and kittens often take a “chew first, ask later” approach. Read on to learn which plants are harmless and which not.

Read article
What is cat flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)?

What is cat flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)?

Cats can get skin irritations from fleas without being allergic to them. Flea allergy dermatitis is something else though. Read our article to understand it better and learn what to do about it.

Read article
What are cat allergies or hypersensitivities?

What are cat allergies or hypersensitivities?

Just as in people, the number of cats suspected of or diagnosed with allergies are growing. But what are allergies and how to recognise them? Keep reading to understand your cat’s allergies better.

Read article

With FirstVet, the vet clinic and pet shop are only one tap away. Get fast advice, trusted care and the right pet supplies – every day, all year round.

FIRSTVET UK LTD

25 Horsell Road

London

N5 1XL