Steve the Russian Blue Cat Shares His Tail

Steve the Russian Blue cat and his dad Richard

Steve is a Russian Blue Cat whose trademark is his urge to explore and discover new things. When his cat dad Richard opens any door, whether it’s a door to another room or a cupboard, he can count on Steve to come investigate its contents. Until one recent day, when Steve suddenly stopped eating, playing … Read more

All About IVDD in Dachshunds and Other Dogs

Brown Dachshund - their long backs make them susceptible to IVDD

Many purebred dog breeds are prone to certain health conditions as a result of selective breeding because it reduces genetic variation. IVDD in Dachshunds is a good example, as one that’s more commonly reported. IVDD – or intervertebral disc disease – is a degenerative spinal condition in dogs. Certain breeds like the Dachshund are more … Read more

The Bengal Cat: One of a Kind

bengal cat lying on back with paws in the air

The Bengal cat is unique in more ways than just its coat. While all other domestic cats descend from the African Wild Cat (which sounds formidable, but looks pretty much like a regular tabby housecat), Bengals have both African Wild Cat and Asian Leopard Cats in their genes.   So they come with a pretty … Read more

Cat Health Care Milestones: 1st year

this kitten has had its first cat health care milestones

Having your cat health care plan in place right from the get go will allow for a well coordinated handover from mummy immunity to great cat health care… Kittens take their first wobbly steps around three weeks old, just one week after they first start to see and hear. At about six weeks they’re likely … Read more

Is Dog Insurance Worth It? Cat Insurance? Yes – Now!

Is dog insurance worth it - this pup thinks yes!

Is dog insurance worth it? What about cat insurance? And if so, when should you take it out? These are high value questions for pet parents, all of whom want the best for their fur kid. The real underlying question is ‘do you ever want to put a price on your pet’s wellbeing?’ At its … Read more

Giving Up Pets for Adoption is on the Rise

A person’s hand touches a puppy’s paw through the bars of an animal shelter cage, highlighting the connection formed even before considering a pet cost survey.

On-and-off lockdowns and social interaction restrictions have caused a sharp rise in pet adoptions across New Zealand. However, pandemic pressure has also forced many Kiwis to give up pets for adoption – this is the lesser-known story. It’s not all bad news, and you might just be able to play a part in building the … Read more

Puppy Health Care Milestones – The 1st Year

yorkie puppy being vaccinated at vet

If you’ve recently brought a puppy into your life, you’re in for a fun journey of learning, bonding, and lots of laughs. All the playtime aside, how do you know what puppy health care milestones you must work through to ensure your fur kid gets the absolute best start in life? To give your pup … Read more

Can Animals Get Coronavirus?

can animals get coronavirus from humans? Yes

Can animals get coronavirus? When the global pandemic first hit, there were many questions that went unanswered around exactly who could get COVID-19 and who could spread it. It’s something us animal lovers have asked about for a while – as you’ll know if you’ve read our article on COVID-19 in animals. The short answer … Read more

What’s a Cat Café Anyway?

two women at a table in cat cafe

If you’ve heard of the cat café concept, you’re either absolutely delighted at it, or completely mystified. But believe it or not, they’ve taken off and are becoming more and more common worldwide. If you’re still lost, don’t worry, we’re here to walk you through evvvverything cat café related. And if you’re already a cat … Read more

Black Cats: History, Folklore, and Facts

black cat lying on white sofa

Did you know black cats have their very own annual day of appreciation? It’s already passed for this year, but that doesn’t matter because as confirmed cat fanatics we love our midnight coloured friends anytime. We’ll celebrate them always – hence this article! However, we know not everyone feels quite the same. It’s funny, when … Read more