Their multicoloured looksmay bethe first thing thatspringsto mind, but these felines are about so much more than their tortoiseshell fur. Here aresome of the most fascinating facts about tortoiseshell cats. Anyone who’s ever had a tortoiseshell cat in their life knows that these felines are something special. Torties, as they’re lovingly called by their fans, rock their two-toned coats like no other kitten. But their looks are only the beginning of what makes tortoiseshell cats such unique and delightful companions. Keep reading to find out more about the genetics behind their impressive shades, what trait seems to describe the tortoiseshell cat personality the best, and how torties have managed to carve themselves a special place in the culture and history of so many parts of the world. These are the most amazing facts about tortoiseshell cats!

Interest in raw diets for dogs has been on the rise in recent years, but are these diets actually healthier for our dogs or do the risks outweigh the benefits? Find out all you need to know about feeding dogs raw food in our guide.

Water is essential to keep your dog hydrated and to regulate their body temperature. But how much water should your dog drink? Find out all you need to know to keep your dog hydrated in this guide. Water is essential to keep your dog hydrated. It’s actually even more vital for dogs than humans, in order to prevent them from overheating. Our canine friends release heat from their body differently to us. Dogs can only sweat a small amount from their nose and paw pads. The main way that dogs lose body heat to cool down is through panting, which results in a lot of water loss through evaporation. Because of this, keeping your dog hydrated is especially important on hot days. If you’re concerned your dog is drinking too much or too little, or are just wondering how much water your dog should drink per day, keep reading to find out all you need to know.

You probably already know that chocolate and grapes should not be fed to dogs. But what about another great snack: peanuts? Peanuts are not only tasty, they’re also high in nutrients such as protein and vitamins B6 and E.

You may be surprised to learn just how much onion we humans consume on a daily basis. Onion and onion powder are added to a vast number of recipes from soups to sauces, and this versatile vegetable is known for bringing an unforgettable flavour to dishes. With onions included as an ingredient in so many things, it’s caused many a pet parent to pause and ask the question “can dogs eat onions or foods that contain them?” Find out if onions are bad for dogs and more in this guide.

There’s nothing better than tucking into a soft serve ice cream at the seaside on a hot summer’s day. It’s the perfect treat for keeping cool and something that all the family can enjoy, but does that extend to your four-legged friend too? It’s highly likely your dog will be there are your feet, begging with their best puppy dog eyes – which raises the question, can dogs eat ice cream?

Offering your dog titbits of human food is usually not a good idea. And grapes are the prime example why you shouldn’t assume food is safe for your dog just because it’s safe for us humans. Keep reading to find out more about how toxic grapes are for dogs. Can dogs eat grapes? No, grapes can be highly toxic to dogs, so you should never feed this fruit to your pet and make sure that they don’t have easy access to it either. Ingesting grapes or raisins can be fatal for dogs. This is true no matter your dog’s breed, size or the amount ingested. And because scientists haven’t yet identified the exact substance in grapes that is toxic to dogs, your pet should avoid any type of grape-related product. What are the signs of grape poisoning in dogs? The answer to the question ‘can dogs have grapes’ is a resounding no. But if you’re worried that your pet has helped themself, you should contact your vet straight away, even if your pet is not yet showing any symptoms. Signs of grape or raisin toxicity include: • Vomiting • Diarrhoea • Lethargy • Panting and dry nose as symptoms of dehydration • Difficulty breathing • Excessive thirst Do not delay in contacting your vet, as your dog could develop serious health problems such a kidney failure. Why can some dogs have grapes without showing any toxicity symptoms? Whether your dog has eaten grapes in the past and seemed unaffected, or you’ve heard stories about owners feeding one or two grapes to their dog as a treat, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t assume your dog is immune to grape poisoning. Firstly, scientists haven’t yet managed to completely understand why grapes are such a toxic food to dogs. Dosage is one of the main mysteries, as some dogs become unwell after a single grape whereas others have been known to eat several without issues. While the dose considered toxic can vary from dog to dog, it’s not a good idea to try and find out what that is for your dog. Even if your pet does not show obvious signs of poisoning at first, you shouldn’t assume the pet is immune. There can sometimes be a delay in symptoms developing, and by this point your pet could already have very severe health complications. This is why, if you’ve witnessed your dog eating grapes, it’s important to call your vet immediately and not wait for symptoms to show up. The quicker the intervention, the better the chances that your dog won’t suffer fatal consequences.

Garlic and its tasty smell can be very tempting for some of our four-legged friends. Whether they rush into the kitchen to see what’s cooking, or stare into your soul as you sit down for dinner, dogs have plenty of tricks up their sleeve to get a bite of whatever garlicky feast everyone in the family is enjoying. But should loving pet owners give in and offer dogs that much-coveted bite? Keep reading to find out why garlic is bad for dogs.

All cats are special to their owners, but there are certain felines that have that extra charm in the form of extra toes. These are the polydactyl cats – beloved the world over, making amazing entries in the book of World Records, protected as historic treasure and, according to legend, bringing luck to their happy owners. In this article we’re exploring the amazing world of polydactyl cats and their origins, while offering essential information to owners that have welcomed cats with extra toes into their family. 

Coconut is a wonderfully delicious treat that finds its way into many dessert and drink recipes, and what’s more, the flesh also makes a great snack by itself. It’s not just humans that have been enjoying coconut in their diet either – recently lots of dog foods and treats have been developed that contain this tropical ingredient. But that begs the question: “can dogs eat coconut”?