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Welcome to Petplan’s blog, a space where you can read up on the latest pet-news, find out interesting facts and tips about keeping your pets happy and healthy, and share your views on hot topics.

Why do cats purr? Here's why...

Why do cats purr? Here's why...
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: cat purring purr cats
There’s more to that evocative, soothing sound than you might think. From the PetPeople magazine archive

Cats always keep you guessing. Are they happy to see you? Cross with the world? They rub against your legs when you’d forgotten they were in the room, purr in your ear in the middle of the night… And what’s with that purr, anyway?

Should I take my cat on holiday?

Should I take my cat on holiday?
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: tips cats petplan advice
Taking your cat with you on holiday may seem like a great idea – but would likely cause a lot of unnecessary distress for your furry friend.

Cats are very territorial and therefore feel most secure in familiar surroundings. Put simply, they’re homebodies.

Petplan takes a look into how your cat can be cared for, so that both of you can relax and enjoy your breaks!

Stories from the surgery: spotting Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease in cats

Stories from the surgery: spotting Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease in cats
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: health cats petplan advice
Petplan vet Brian Faulkner has once again taken time out of his busy schedule to tell us all about some of the strange, funny and sometimes difficult cases he encounters in his surgery…

One issue that crops up regularly in the surgery is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, otherwise known as FLUTD. It’s not a specific condition, but is a term used to describe conditions that may affect the urinary tract and bladders of cats.

It’s a common problem area in cats and something that owners need to be aware of.

Let’s look at it in more detail…

What to know if you are buying a… Maine Coon Cat

What to know if you are buying a… Maine Coon Cat
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: cats Maine Coon cat
There are many aspects that potential cat owners need to consider before acquiring a cat or kitten and each have their own unique personalities and health care needs.

Petplan takes a look at the origins, temperament and common health problems of the Maine Coon...

Black cats: separating the myths from the facts

Black cats: separating the myths from the facts
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: Cats Protection cats
Black cats are sleek, dazzling and dressed with a coat to impress.

However, black and black-and-white cats made up 45% of the total cats coming into Cats Protection’s care during 2015, and on average, took 22% longer to find a home than cats of other colours.

For centuries, black cats have played an important role in superstition, mythology and folklore – with many of these superstitions continuing to this very day.

In fact, in a survey conducted by Cats Protection in 2015, it was found that, rather than dying out, some myths about black cats being unlucky have some currency with young people. Twelve percent of those surveyed aged 18-24 said that black cats were unlucky, while only 2 per cent of over 55 year old people did.

Petplan takes a look at the origins of black cat superstitions and separates the myths from the facts.

What to know if you are buying a… Bengal Cat

What to know if you are buying a… Bengal Cat
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: cats bengal cat
There are many aspects that potential cat owners need to consider before acquiring a cat or kitten and each breed has their own unique personalities and health care needs.

Petplan takes a look at the origins, temperament and common health problems of the Bengal cat…

What to know if you’re buying a… British Shorthair cat

What to know if you’re buying a… British Shorthair cat
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: cats British Shorthair
There are many aspects that potential cat owners need to consider before acquiring a kitten or cat, with each breed having their own unique personalities and health care needs.

Petplan takes a look at the origins, temperament and common health problems of the British Shorthair...

How to keep your pets safe and healthy during autumn

How to keep your pets safe and healthy during autumn
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: poison cats dogs autumn
Autumn can be a great time of year – the chunky scarves and thick coats come out, your garden becomes a blaze of reds and yellows, and, of course, there’s the joy of letting your cat or dog leap about in piles of crisp leaves.

However it’s vital to keep in mind that, while autumn can be fun, it can also play host to a variety of problems for your pet.

Petplan looks at some of the things you need to keep an eye out for...

Animal In Distress | How To Help Injured Cats Injured cats and dogs: what to do if you find an animal in distress Dogs

Animal In Distress | How To Help Injured Cats Injured cats and dogs: what to do if you find an animal in distress Dogs
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: cats dogs Injured dogs
Finding a sick or injured cat or dog can be an incredibly distressing experience and presents a myriad of difficult questions.

Should I approach them? Who should I call? Do they have an owner?

Petplan takes a look at the things you should do to ensure that you stay safe and the animal receives the best possible care and attention…

Top tips for moving house with a cat or dog

Top tips for moving house with a cat or dog
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: moving house cats dogs
Moving home can be an incredibly difficult time – and if you add a cat or a dog into the mix then things become even more challenging.

It’s often stressful enough when you understand what’s going on, so imagine how it must be for your pet, who has no comprehension of what the upheaval is all about.

Their home is being emptied, there are strange noises, unusual smells and new people entering and leaving – and that’s all before you’ve actually moved.

However, there are various ways to help minimise the stress of moving house for your pet. Here are Petplan’s top tips to do just that…

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