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Cat Care
Feature article behaviour and appearance
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What is Cat Spraying - How to Deal With It | Hill's Pet
Spraying can be the sign of a larger urinary health issue for cat. Learn what it means and what you can do to help remedy it.
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Cats Hide Their Pain | Hill's Pet
It can be easy to miss the signs your cat is sick; they don't all resemble the colds that people contract from time to time.
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Soiling Indoors | Hill's Pet
The cat is usually fastidious about its toilet habits and will consistently use a litter tray indoors, if it is provided, or soil in the garden. If she is soiling indoors it can therefore be very worrying.
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Spraying and Urinating Indoors | Hill's Pet
Most cats are very particular about their toilet habits and will consistently use a litter tray indoors or soil in the garden.
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Stamping Out Bad Behaviour | Hill's Pet
Spraying is perfectly natural cat behaviour and their way of marking somewhere with information about themselves. That said, it's not particularly desirable if done in your living room!
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Know Your Cat Health Basics | Hill's Pet
When you get a cat or kitten or are thinking about bringing one into your home, it is a vitally important part of that process that you do proper research first.
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Why your kitten scratches | Hill's Pet
As your kitten grows, so will their claws! And to keep them in trim, They'll scratch.
Feature article breed
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Abyssinian Cat Information and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
Among the most popular cat breeds, the Abyssinian is easy to care for, and a joy to have in your home. They’re affectionate cats and love both people and other animals.
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Balinese Cat Breed - Facts & Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
Learn about the Balinese cat breed including physical and personality traits, history, and living with one at home.
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Bengal Housecat Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
Better understand your Bengal Housecat breed by learning more about it's physical characteristics and personality traits.
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Birman Cat Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
Find out everything you need to know about the Birman cat breed including personality traits, physical characteristics, and breed origins.
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Bombay Cat Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
An active, curious cat, the Bombay loves watching the world around her and can be so affectionate that she demands time with her parent.
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British Shorthair Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
Get information about the British Shorthair cat including facts, history, personality traits, and what it's like to live with this breed of cat.
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Burmese Cat Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
Read about the Burmese cat breed including facts, history, personality traits, and what it's like to live with one.
Feature article health care
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3 Steps to Help Your Overweight Cat Shed Pounds | Hill's Pet
Learn more about the problem of cat obesity and more importantly, what you can do to help your cat avoid becoming overweight.
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4 Steps to Provide Proper Dental Care for Your Cat | Hill's Pet
Learn the importance of feline dental health, and how you can help keep their teeth and gums healthy with these cat oral healthcare home tips.
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5 Skin Disease Problems Common in Cats | Hill's Pet
Recognise these common skin problems that ail many cats to help keep your feline friend happy and healthy.
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5 Visible Aging Signs to Notice in Your Cat | Hill's Pet
Health-related issues in cat become more common as they age. Here are 6 senior feline health concerns you need to know about.
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6 Kitten Health Issues to be Mindful of for New Pets | Hill's Pet
Protect your new kitten
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Can Cats See In The Dark | Hill's Pet
Now that you have a kitten all the things you've heard about cats over the years suddenly seem more relevant.
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Caring for a Cat with Sensitive Skin | Hill's Pet
Cats with sensitive skin have special needs and even healthy cats can sometimes develop poor skin health. Learn more about sensitive skin symptoms in your cat, what you can do to help your pet feel more comfortable and get recommendations on sensitive skin cat food.
Feature article new pet parent
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10 Things to Do When Adopting a Cat| Hill's Pet
Learn how to make things comfortable at home when adopting a cat.
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10 Tips That New Cat Parents Should Know | Hill's Pet
Whether you just adopted your new cat from a local shelter, a breeder or a store, there's nothing better than bringing them home.
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10 Tips That New Cat Parents Should Know | Hill's Pet
If you're new to this whole cat parent thing, you might be feeling a little intimidated. Even if this new kitty isn't your first, adopting a new cat can be both exciting and overwhelming.
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6 Cat Socialisation Tips to Help Yours Get to Know You | Hill's Pet
Socialising a cat into a new home takes patience and love. Discover these cat socialisation tips to help an adopted cat adjust to her family.
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Adopting a Senior Cat Changed One Woman's Life | Hill's Pet
Adopting an older cat occasionally comes with some challenges, but those are easily outweighed by the love and companionship senior cat adoption offers.
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Animal Shelters and Options for Adopting a Cat | Hill's Pet
When you adopt a cat, you don't just gain a best friend; you could also be saving their life.
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Best Places to Get a Kitten | Hill's Pet
There are several places to get a kitten. Learn more about finding a kitten at a shelter, breeder, rescue organisation or local newspaper.
Feature article nutrition and feeding
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How and When to Feed your Mature Cat? | Hill's Pet
It's important to feed your mature cat the right amount of food at proper intervals, but this can be tricky -- it is also worth remembering that feeding requirements can vary greatly from one cat to another.
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3 Cat Feeding Methods - Pros and Cons of Each | Hill's Pet
There are three common ways to feed a cat. Each way has its advantages and disadvantages.
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5 Dangerous Foods You Should Avoid Giving Your Cat | Hill's Pet
Many human foods are dangerous to cats. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your cat - and how much it takes to hurt them.
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Can I Feed My Cat a Vegan Cat Food? | Hill's Pet
Discover what vegan or vegetarian cat food is, and why it is not the best choice to feed your carnivorous cat.
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Can You Feed Catnip to Your Cat | Hill's Pet
Learn what catnip is, and whether or not it is safe to give to your cat and any side effects associated with catnip.
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Cat & Kitten Special Protein Needs, Higher than Dogs - Hill's Pet
The right combination of proteins is essential, but your cat needs help achieving the correct mix. Hills Pet Nutrition can help in choosing the right cat food to ensure your pet gets a sufficient boost of protein power.
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Cat Food - Changing Food to Meet Life Stage Needs | Hill's Pet
No single food is appropriate for all lifestages of your pet. This article teaches owners about the changing nutritional needs of their pets from puppy and kitten to adult and mature adult.
Feature article play and exercise
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3 Creative DIY Cat Toys | Hill's Pet
Discover how to make three creative DIY cat toys out of homemade items. Cats get bored very easily, which is why you need to keep their interest.
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Cat Exercise and Workout Tips | Hill's Pet
Cat Workouts and Exercise Tips, smart practical pointers for staying active and optimising weight through exercise.
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Creating a Food Scavenger Hunt to Keep Your Cat Active| Hill's Pet
A scavenger hunt will keep your feline friend moving, maintaining their mental & physical health. Here are a few tips to get started.
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Fun Games for Exercising Your Cat | Hill's Pet
Discover which cat toys and games your feline friend might like, and how they are great sources of exercise. Explore our library of articles to learn more.
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Fun Ways to Keep Your Cat Actively Engaged | Hill's Pet
Keep your cat both mentally and physically active with these fun tips for play and exercise even when you
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Guide to Buying Your Kitten Safe Toys and Games | Hill's Pet
Just like any child in the family, a kitten needs safe toys to play with. Learn what toys are appropriate.
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How to Keep Your Senior Cat Active | Hill's Pet
As senior cats slow down, they may walk a little slower, jump more gingerly, and play a little less. Learn some cat exercises to keep your pet active!
Feature article routine care
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Treat your cat for life – not just for Christmas | Hill's Pet
Everyone likes a little treat every now and then - and especially now that Christmas is coming.
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Meeting The Housemates | Hill's Pet
If you already have a cat at home, they're likely to become territorial when your new kitten arrives.
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Vaccinating your kitten | Hill's Pet
Your new kitten will start life with some natural immunity from diseases from her mum, but as this wears off you'll need to have her vaccinated to keep her healthy.
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Microchipping| Hill's Pet
Your kitten shouldn't be allowed outside the home until they're completed her first course of vaccinations.
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What's your kittens idea of a nice break? | Hill's Pet
Everyone loves a holiday. Or do they? Many cats really don't like travelling, but if they get used to it from an early age it's not normally a problem.
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Seasonal Advice | Hill's Pet
The changing seasons bring new adventures for your kitten, but also certain hazards. Follow the steps below, and she'll be able to enjoy the highlights of your calendar as much as you do.
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Travelling with your kitten - Hill's Pet
Creating an enriched environment for your senior cat can increase activity and mental stimulation, and reduces potential behaviour problems.
Feature article tools and resources
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“Smile!” How to take the perfect picture of your cat | Hill's Pet
Every cat is unique and, in the eyes of every 'pet parent', the most beautiful animal to ever walk the earth. And that's just how it should be.
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Caring For Your Kittens New Teeth | Hill's Pet
Brushing your kitten's teeth is not as difficult as you might think; if you start early and use a special cat toothpaste that she likes, your kitten will even look forward to it.
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Easy DIY Cat Scratching Post Ideas | Hill's Pet
There are many tips out there on how to deal with cat scratching, so to help you out, we’ve chosen our top five tips.
Feature article training
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10 Tips for Kitten Proofing Your Home | Hill's Pet
Discover how kitten proofing your home will make your new cat feel safe and happy, while making you feel like a confident new pet parent.
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Are cats trainable? | Hill's Pet
To train your new kitten, you need an understanding of how she thinks and behaves.
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Cat Behaviour - Introducing a New Baby to the Home | Hill's Pet
How will your cat react to having a new arrival in the house and how do you ensure cat and baby get along? Vet and behaviourist Francesca Riccomini offers advice on how to prepare your family feline for a new addition.
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Cat Training - Teaching Your Kitten with Commands | Hill's Pet
Take command of your kitten
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How to Train Your Cat - Yes, it's Possible! | Hill's Pet
When learning how to train your cat, you'll start with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
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Kitten Training - Obedience Tips for Your New Cat | Hill's Pet
Learn how to train your kitten how to obey your commands without resorting to punishments with our obedience training tips.
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Kitten Training - Power of Positive Reinforcement | Hill's Pet
Food rewards, like a few kibbles of Science Plan™ cat food should be given for using the litter box or scratching post, playing with toys and being relaxed when you handle them.
Dog Care
Feature article behaviour and appearance
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“Smile!” How to take the perfect picture of your dog
Every dog is unique and, in the eyes of every ‘pet parent’, the most beautiful animal to ever walk the earth.
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Managing your puppy when she is in season | Hill's Pet
If your puppy hasn't been spayed, she'll come into season for the first time at around 5-8 months.
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Why do dogs eat grass | Hill's Pet
Your dog is a descendent of the mighty wolf, a noble hunter and confirmed carnivore. You feed him meals of the best possible quality, so why does he insist on eating grass?
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Separation Anxiety
If you have to leave your dog on his own it can bring on separation anxiety, this is usually caused by over-dependence on an owner.
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Signs that Your Dog is Ageing and What You Can Do | Hill's Pet
Understand the warning signs and key indicators that your dog is getting old and starting to feel his or her age, and how you can help.
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Why does your puppy bark | Hill's Pet
Learn the reasons why puppies bark and whine, and how you can train them to stop the unnecessary barking.
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Puppy psychology | Hill's Pet
Probably the most important thing you can do for your puppy is to learn something of his psychology. An understanding of dog psychology can help you to live happily and harmoniously with your dog.
Feature article breed
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Afghan Hound Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
An independent, strong-willed dog, the Afghan can be downright standoffish, but also quiet and clownish when the mood strikes.
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Airedale Terrier Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
An intelligent, tough dog, the Airedale terrier tolerates pets it grows up with and generally gets along well with other dogs and children.
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Basset Hound Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
Friendly and easy-going, the basset hound gets along well with children, other dogs and other pets in general.
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Beagle Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
A cheerful, affectionate dog, the Beagle prefers company. This breed can be highly destructive and bark excessively if left alone.
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Bernese Mountain Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
An alert, good-natured breed, the Bernese Mountain dog is eager to please and will welcome jobs to do as a family pet. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog with a beautiful tri-coloured coat.
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Bichon Frise Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
A playful, yet gentle dog, the Bichon Frise doesn’t need much room to romp and is suitable for apartment living. The breed is not known for barking.
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Border Collie Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet
A bright, clever breed, the Border Collie is best suited for country living. If confined without activity, this breed will quickly become unhappy and destructive.
Feature article health care
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Avoiding joint problem flare-ups can be as easy as A-B-C!
Avoiding joint problem flare-ups can be as easy as A-B-C!
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Develop Your Gut Instinct for Pets’ Digestive Disorders | Hill's Pet
It’s not uncommon for your dog to suffer from different types of digestive disorders. Acting quickly can prevent issues from worsening.
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Dealing with dog fleas
Few things can be quite as frustrating to a dog owner as dog fleas.
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Digestive Disorders in Pets - Guide to Dog's Digestive Problems
Gurgling tummies in turmoil are not good news for pets. Owners who have to clean up the unfortunate consequences, digestive problems are one of the rare downsides to owning a pet.
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Dog Diarrhoea, Sickness - Is it an Emergency?
Understanding what it means when your dog is sick and experiencing signs of illness is vital to determining the best path of care and plan of action to help your pet.
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Gastrointestinal & Digestive Disorders in Dogs: Types & Causes | Hill's Pet
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and diseases that affect a dog.
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Dog Diseases - Urinary Tract Disease | Hill's Pet
Learn about the warning sign's, symptoms, and treatments of urolithiasis in dogs and the affect on your pet.
Feature article new pet parent
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A he or she | Hill's Pet
You’ve decided on your breed of dog; now you must decide whether to have a male or a female (bitch).
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A new puppy in the home | Hill's Pet
Getting a pet is an exciting time in anyone’s life and most people pick out a young animal to bring home so that they can share a long lifetime together.
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Adolescent puppies can be challenging | Hill's Pet
Puppies can grow into adolescents much like humans grow to become teenagers. Learn the challenges associated with this change in your puppy.
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An owners’ guide to the special needs of mini breeds
An owners’ guide to the special needs of mini breeds.
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Bringing your puppy home | Hill's Pet
Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, a few important tips will help this process go smoothly.
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First three months | Hill's Pet
Learn how to provide your puppy the care they need in the first 3 months to grow up strong, healthy and social.
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Introducing the collar and lead | Hill's Pet
Although it will be a few weeks before you can walk your puppy outside on a lead (prior to vaccination, you should carry your puppy so as to avoid the risk of infection), you can get him used to a collar when he's had a few days to settle into his new home.
Feature article nutrition and feeding
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A few ground rules | Hill´s Pet
As your puppy grows, so will his need to assert himself. Puppies often choose mealtimes as a battle ground.
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Dogs & nutrition
Dogs have lived, worked, developed and eaten alongside humans for over 32,000 years.
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Feeding your puppy | Hill's Pet
How, when and what to feed your new puppy is an important decision, learn more about the things to consider for feeding your puppy.
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Good vs Bad Foods For Dogs | Hill's Pet
Discover why the best dog food for one dog may not be the best for another. Look at these key factors & ingredients to keep your dog happy & healthy.
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Homemade Dog Treats Recipe for Healthy Dogs | Hill's Pet
Learn how to make homemade dog treats that are healthy for your pet with this recipe from Hills Pet Nutrition.
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How Do I Switch or Transition Foods for My Dog? | Hill's Pet
It is important that your dog switches food gradually from their current dog food to avoid digestive upset or tummy trouble.
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How Much & How Often to Feed Your Puppy/Dog
Learn the importance of feeding your puppy or adult dog the right amount of food at proper intervals and find out what feeding method is best for your dog.
Feature article play and exercise
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Choosing the Best Toys for Your Dog
The toys you give your dog should be of the appropriate shape, size and condition. This article is designed to provide pet owners with the criteria necessary to choose the appropriate kind of dog toys essential for enjoyment and safety.
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Dog exercise tips
Five dog exercise tips from Hill’s Pet Nutrition to help you get them back in shape.
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Doggy Boot Camp- the ‘how to’ guide
We walk you through the simple steps to running your own doggy boot camp, or just doing some of the dog exercises yourself instead.
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Exercise Tips to Keep Your Dog Active and Healthy | Hill's Pet
Prevent canine obesity and health issues by staying active with these fun tips for exercising your dog, at every life stage.
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Get into the habit of dog fitness
A nice, long walk with your dog is all well and good, but it’s not exercise.
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Playing with your dog
Like great nutrition and a loving home, playtime is essential to your dog's well-being.
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Safe Ways to Help Your Puppy Play | Hill's Pet
Puppies learn through play, so you can help them understand the world a little better by following our helpful tips for safe puppy play.
Feature article routine care
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Making the“back-to-school” season fun for your dog, too!
Here are some great tips for bedding in the transition from summer-fun to school-serious easier for both you and your four-legged family member.
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Summer Heat
Some nice summer heat and sunshine can give us all a boost after a long winter but many pets need special care to ensure they enjoy the warm weather safely.
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Help my pet has an upset stomach | Hill's Pet
Lots of pets suffer from upset tummies from time to time. While the specific details sometimes don’t make pleasant reading, it’s important that you know what to expect.
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Are your Dog’s Bad Habits Stomach Churning?
Dogs are naturally curious. That can mean that they sniff out all sorts of things they shouldn’t - spoiled food, decomposing carcasses and discarded human snacks – and sometimes they even take a bite or two, just to see how this odd smelling thing might taste.
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Seasonal | Hill's Pet
Throughout the weeks and months of your puppy's first, formative year, he'll encounter a vast variety of experiences, most of them happy and pleasant, but not all.
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Dog Interaction | Hill's Pet
The key to your dog interacting with other dogs, or socialisation, is familiarity and experience.
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Dog teeth cleaning – our 4 tips to keep your dog’s teeth healthy | Hill's Pet
Like us, it’s essential to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy. So we’re giving you our 4 top tips to help you do just that.
Feature article tools and resources
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How old should your puppy be | Hill's Pet
If a puppy is taken away from his mother or brothers and sisters too early, he may miss out on important behavioural and emotional development stages.
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Helping people with companion dogs | Hill's Pet
Using animals in therapy has a long history, actually dating back to the 18th century in England.
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People with allergies and dogs | Hill's Pet
You may want a dog but are concerned about any allergies you or someone in your family may have.
Feature article training
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Behaviour training | Hill's Pet
Your new puppy didn't come with good behaviour included. Granted, his breeder may have introduced him to some initial toilet training, but the way he behaves as your pet is entirely up to you.
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Early Training | Hill's Pet
Everyone wants a puppy that's well behaved, happy and sociable, but you'll only get from him what you give.
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The leader of the pack - your puppy or you? | Hill's Pet
Dogs are pack animals and are used to having a leader. In this case, the leader is you.
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Introducing Your Dog to a New Baby
With the right preparation, bringing a dog and new baby together should pose no problems at all.
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Puppy Training - Obedience Training Tips and Advice | Hill's Pet
For successful training, practice the following basic training steps with your puppy every day.
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Stamping out aggressive Behaviour | Hill's Pet
Avoid your innocent puppy turning into an aggressive dog by learning the causes of aggression in dogs and how you can train to stamp out this behaviour.
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How do I stop my dog barking | Hill's Pet
Controlling the noise level of your dog is an important part of being a responsible owner.