Life with Pets · Kinship

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life with pets

Let’s talk about both the little things and big moments in life with pets. Like exercise routines, pet-sitter checklists, pet-safe plants… and how much it all costs.

woman vaping near cat

Vaping around your pet? You could be putting them at risk


Still image from Reef Builders, a documentary supported by Sheba

An unexpected partnership that’s making waves for marine life

Cat in human's arms

Making the choice to surrender your cat is a hard one, but there are charities who can help

a picture of a startled tabby cat caught in a camera flash

It’s especially common after a poo

cute picture of a badger next to some red flowers

Can something so cute really be mean?

Is it time for your own Lady and the Tramp moment?

a tortoiseshell cat looks through the window at a siamese cat

All the info you need to make this crucial decision

cat getting bum pats

Turns out they back it up for a reason – here’s the science behind it

ginger and white cat

Your cats provide more than enough laughs with their own paws

a cool man sits in a minimalist chair reading an ipad with a small black dog

Does it spark joy?

Couple with a dog

Breaking up is hard – especially with pets. Here’s how exes make co-parenting their four-legged friends work

a woman and her dog sit in a camper van door

Think a life on the road means leaving your pet behind? These pet parents disagree...

a man holds a kitten while a woman scans it for microchip

Microchipping your cat is quick and painless – and it’s now required by law

Woman on sofa with laptop and dog cuddling

Pet crime is on the rise, but these vigilantes are on a mission to tackle it

kitten hiding inside a human's jacket

Was your kitten separated too early? Here are the signs to watch for and how to help them

If you’d like your kitten to grow up with outdoor access, here’s what to know to help keep them safe

Kitten in a dustbin

Overwhelmed by BKE? (Big Kitten Energy to you and me...)

Happy woman and cute cat playing with disco ball glitter confetti at home.

Make this new year a great one for your kitty

Hiker and dog overlooking the top of a mountain

Expert tips to help reduce your pet’s carbon pawprint

A grey kitten walks over some tinfoil

Discover how to safely keep your kitty from counter-surfing

picture of a woman holding a cat while a man puts up a Christmas wreath

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... for you. Your cat feels otherwise

A hand holds a black and white picture of a dog

From diamond keepsakes to plantable urns – celebrate your pet’s memory in meaningful ways

A tan dog sleeping on the couch while a short haired woman rests on her arms on the edge of the couch looking at the dog sadly

As more and more animals come into the care of rescue centres, those who care for them are suffering, too

cat lying on sofa with pet parent

Whatever their real age, they’re still your baby

A human hand dangles a treat over a cat's head as the cat looks up

Work with your cat and not against them

a man and a woman with tattoos huge a red and white dog

“You realise that they can’t do anything without you. They need you. But then you realise you need them just as much”

man cuddling a kitten

Expert answers on Covid-19 and cats – plus symptoms to watch out for

Man walks with back to camera surrounded by dogs

Houssein Hamze has been feeding the pets of people fleeing the conflict in Lebanon. Now he’s lost his home and vital resources for the cats, dogs and other animals he cares for

Tortoiseshell cat watching a television

From ‘Cat TV’ to Netflix, discover why your feline is hooked on the screen – and if it’s actually good for them

Valentin Pujadas illustration

Experts share the science-backed ways our pets offer us emotional support

3 Screenshots side by side of cover photos for three different Veterinarians who post videos on Tik Tok.

TikTok has a ton of veterinarians giving helpful (and entertaining) advice

cat climbing onto a table with various vegetables on it

Curious about a plant-based diet for your pet? Discover what science has to say about it

A woman with tattoos hugging her white cat in a cluttered, art-filled room

Thanks to your neighbour’s treats, your kitty’s over-the-fence visits are starting to become uncomfortably regular...

Several cats lying on a bench

For cat lovers, it’s nothing short of paradise

grey fluffy cat sits on lap of girl with cat tattoo

Hiding treats in your pockets out of sheer desperation? Learn how to make your thighs the Chosen Ones

cat playing with pikachu toy

What is enrichment and why is it so important to keep your kitty happy?

two men with black hair stroke their cat who is sticking his tongue out

Cats are famous for turning up again weeks, months and even years after they disappear. But why? And how do they do it?

a woman holds up a dog with one eye they are both smiling

“I can rely on my cats to be there – no ghosting here – and, claws aside, they’ll  never intentionally hurt me”

man holding dog lead and collar

It might not be something you ever want to think about, but planning ahead will be a help when the time comes

Woman petting her two cats at home.

American vice-presidential nominee JD Vance made some rude remarks and cat ladies are not having it

Woman taking a selfie with her dog

The real impact of social media trends on your pets’ well-being

Woman Taking A Selfie With Her Dog Outside

The world needs cute pet pics. Here are five tips to go from amateur to Annie Leibovitz

Know your rights as new legislation comes into place

woman dresses a great dane's paw with an orange bandage

Get your kit sorted now so you’re ready in an emergency

a small child with curly hair hugs a dog on a bed

When it’s time to say goodbye…

The best accessories to help your pets show their support during the Euros

person hugging their dog on a sofa

The death of a pet is a heartbreaking time. A new poll shows Brits would like their workplaces to recognise that

cat lying on windowsill looking sad

With automatic feeders and self-cleaning litter trays, your cat could technically look after themselves... but should they?

two dogs cuddling surrounded by a bright orange background with pink stars

My life looks nothing like I imagined growing up – but it’s perfectly complete

cat sitting outside 10 downing street

It’s a busy summer for Larry the Cat at Number 10. Here are some other moggies keeping the world running

From bow ties to treats, shop the best Pride products, so your pet can show their allyship and you can support with your wallet

With consent, of course...

Discover your options for creating a safe window spot for your cat

Summer safety is vital for cats

Add this unusual sound to your feline-to-English dictionary

A little girl on the floor of her living room with a cat who has just come out of a cat carrier. A woman sits on the sofa behind her smiling.

Learn more about the important partnership between the two charities

A man with long grey hair and a grey beard posing next to his small grey and white-haired dog who looks very similar.

Think you’ve got the funniest photo of your pet? These finalists might put you to shame...

It’s not all cuddling cute puppies and kittens…

White cat on their back with paw in the air, lying on an Ikea blanket

No pets were asked to construct IKEA flat-pack furniture with their significant other in the making of these images

Could this be the ultimate way to show your love for your pet?

a man smiles at a fluffy white dog in a pet food store

Plus, how to donate to pet food banks to help other pet parents in need

A woman with glasses holds out a whippet to a boy with pink hair and glasses

It should be a last resort, and there are plenty of options to explore first, but here’s how to surrender your pet safely if you have to

a small brown kitten is bottle fed

The charity is expecting an influx of kittens this summer



Green fingers at the ready

Two women and an Australian Shepherd dog sat a picnic table with coffee cups, orange juice and pastries.

From Potato to Pickle, we round up the best names for your pets

woman hugging two cats with money in the background

£2,000 at the vet‘s for a blade of grass stuck up the nose

A couple sitting on the sofa with their dog watching TV with a table of drinks, burgers and fries in front of them.

From Eastenders to Bridgerton, we round up the best names for your pets

cat coming out of litter box

A cat behaviourist explains why they’re so particular about where they pop a squat

A cross-eyed white cat with their tongue hanging out, sat inside a cardboard box.

We discover the reasons your cat enjoys so many strange things

An orange cat walking on a yellow cat exercise wheel.

We delve into all things feline fitness to learn whether your cat should be shredding and shedding

A kitten and a puppy laying on the floor looking at each other.

There might be a language barrier, but these two animals can still become best buds

woman with a bison friese and corgi, vacuuming the white dog on her lap

Just because you can, does it mean you should?

Young woman sitting with her pet dog and using laptop at home.
Taylor Swift holding two small kittens in each hand and smiling down at them

In celebration of her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, we unleash the best Taylor Swift-inspired pet names for all the Swifties out there

A woman wearing glasses lying on the floor in front of her Macbook and stroking her cat.

Or are they just ignoring you...

a woman hugging her cat with blonde hair

Not sure if you can afford to bankroll a new cat for the rest of its life? Check out our comprehensive guide for all the costs involved

woman plays with a dog with pound notes in the background

Yes, our dog’s favourite chew is a bar made out of the milk from Himalayan oxen that costs four times the price of a Mars bar

A senior cat is held in their owner's lap

From taking them to the vet more often to giving them a hand with grooming, older kitties need a little extra TLC

man with ginger hair and beard, wearing a blue T-shirt lying down and looking at his black dog in his arms

Everything you need to know about how pet insurance works in the UK

Woman holding black dog.

It’s a super-common feeling, but it isn’t always healthy

Finally, the secrets to my cat’s outdoor life have been unlocked

Woman with brown hair on hand and knees with yellow cleaning gloves on, cleaning the floor whilst a black Labrador watches on

Because we have to look after the four-legged family members, too

aries collage

Or the diva cat energy. Either applies this month

A man sitting on the floor with a woman lying in his lap holding a shit and grey cat in her arms in the air.

Who is more stressed, you or your feline?

A woman walking with her dog at golden hour.

Animal behaviourist Karen London on how ‘springing forward’ causes your dog or cat to lose sleep, too

Young couple lying in bed with blue-eyed cat.

And what to do if you and your partner can’t agree on whether you should have an audience

A fox stares down the camera on a UK street.

A veterinary nurse and cat behaviourist explains the relationship between foxes and cats

woman holding tabby kitten smiles at man holding tabby cat

Whether you have a friendly feline or a senior sourpuss, it’s important to help your cat adjust to a new kitten in the house

woman hugging dog

If you’re struggling with pet care costs, you are far from alone and there’s no shame seeking help. Here’s a few places to start

an illustration of a cat inside a snowglobe

You don’t have to choose between your SO and your dog or cat – but here’s what may need to happen

Little cat near a cocktail while sitting on the table.

The glamorous (non-alcoholic) way to keep your cat hydrated

A ginger and white cat standing on a London street.

Free-roaming felines are much more common here than in other parts of the world – we uncover the reasons why

A side profile photograph of a woman with her eyes closed holding her dog in her arms, who is resting their head on her shoulder.

What are the benefits of our pets’ human personalities? Psychotherapists and animal behaviourists weigh in

tri-colour, calico cat, white, black and tabby cat lying on their back with their paws lifted, looking at the camera

Peel back the layers of mystery to discover the truth about our feline friends

Prepare your kitty for their staycation

Cat sniffing a piece of chocolate cake.

The human favourite should be kept far away from kitties

Brie Larson and the dog in Lessons in Chemistry

“One day you’re working with Meryl Streep, and the next day you literally have a pony at somebody’s party”

Young woman and her small white dog with a Whistle GPS.

Advancements in artificial intelligence are changing everything from the way we detect illnesses to how we keep our pets safe

Woman playing with her cat and dog.

Just a few things to keep in mind so everything goes smoothly as you all get adjusted

Make your own toys, beds, snuffle mats and more and save yourself a bunch of money in the long run

Cat chewing on cat grass

Cats love the crunch of a houseplant. These ones will do them no harm

Celebrate these cultural icons who took feline fanaticism from shameful to chic

Cat hissing at a person attempting to pet its cheek

How to help your kitty warm up to your SO

Cute little girl playing with her pet kitten at home.

Boundaries are the name of the game with this one

We asked a behaviourist if this content creator’s approach to cutting his kitten’s nails is something you can try at home

Young caucasian cheerful blonde girl sitting and hugging her lovely cocker spaniel dog in cafe.

Follow these vet-backed tips to help your furry friend live a healthy and full life

A woman laying on a bed with her dog with green palm wallpaper in the background.

“We have to be good to ourselves the way we want to be good to the planet”

Cute Siamese cat yawning, showing his teeth and tongue

What I think my cat is trying to tell me at the crack of dawn. Every. Single. Morning

A Young Woman Rests in the Grass With Pet Poodle Dog.

From sustainability to training, here’s what the new year promises to bring to the pet world

To venture out or stay cosy indoors...

orange cat looking out window

Why your cat freaks out when you’re away (and how to help)

Cheerful Black Woman Caressing Cats On Couch

From puking on your least favourite shoes to biting you less (not zero, just less), here are all the ways to tell if your cat is actually happy

From catteries to cat sitters, we break down your options if you’re going to be away from home

Cat sitting on a kitchen chair, looking at the camera

A cat behaviourist’s 10 steps for keeping your cat out of trouble

Cat wearing a party hat against a blue backdrop

For their birthday or adoption anniversary or… do you need a reason?

a woman with black hair, green eyes, and red nails hugs a black cat

Let’s dispel some silly superstitions

Cat looking at the camera while steeping out of litter box next to a Litter Genie with abstract purple shapes in the background

The Litter Genie prevents daily scooping, plastic waste and the sights (and smells) of a full litter box

grey kitten kneading blanket

A cat behaviourist says ‘making biscuits’ could mean your cat thinks you’re their mum...

French bulldog in front of a collage of the galaxy sky and lunar phases

Vogue astrologer Alice Bell explains moon mapping for dog and cat parents

cat sniffing a plant

These plants might be beautiful, but they’re deadly to feline foragers

Extremely blissed out cats on a psychedelic background

I’m so high right meow

Image from a scene of "Edgar G. Ulmer’s The Black Cat"

How witches, the original cat ladies, and their feline familiars became culturally bound to All Hallows’ Eve

Gerrard Gethings

The photographer talks about his Border Terrier assistant, the likeness of people and their pets, and going behind the scenes with drag queens

woman with new puppy

Sound advice from seasoned dog and cat parents who have been there

Portrait Of Large, Senior, Mixed Breed Dog On Beach

We asked five grief experts how to cope with feelings of guilt after we lose a pet

A woman in a fun Christmas sweater with bright red nails holding a shiny red Christmas tree ornament in front of her grey cat

There is a way to keep these Christmas chaos demons at bay – here are some tips

A studio portrait of a tattooed woman posing with her arms crossed.

The LA-based tattoo artist on the inspiration behind her hyperrealistic pet portraits

Grey and white longhair cat sitting in a cardboard box with a Christmas tree and blurry festive decor in the background

Chances are, your cat is already plotting some Christmas chaos. Fear not, veterinarian Dr Aimee Simpson has tips on how to safeguard your holiday spirit and your pet

A Burma breed cat on a leashed harness sitting near a feet of a girl at a pedestrian crossing.

Adventure Cats author Laura Moss’s step-by-step guide for hitting the streets with your cat

A black cat with wide eyes peaking out from a garden.

Given up hope? Try these tips from a professional cat photographer


Woman with purple hair kissing the face of her chocolate brown hound dog

There’s no guidebook to grief and loss – but these kind words will help

A woman with black hair and green sunglasses hugs her brown Doodle dog

Apparently it’s a great way to find a match

woman with dark hair lying in bed with striped cat, both asleep

Here are the pros and cons of having a feline sleeping buddy

Brown and White Cat With Rainbow Across Her Eyes.

Short answer: yes – but not the way we do

This feline-inspired makeup trend continues to reign supreme

An angry kitty swatting at a barking puppy.

A common (if not silly) question with a complicated answer

Woman hugging her hypoallergenic pet cat outside.

If the sniffles are getting you down, don’t stress: you have options

Cats might be curious creatures, but when yours goes missing it can send the most composed pet parent into a spin

Black kitten sitting outside with pumpkins

Cats might be a symbol of Halloween, but that’s as far as they want it to go

person petting a dog

Kinship site and The Kin app are combining forces to become one brand. Here’s everything you need to know

Hemingway cat at hemingway Home and Museum in Key West

What makes the fabled ‘Hemingway cats’ so special  

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