Lords & Labradors Information Hub

The home of handy tips and advice dedicated to pet owners

New Kitten Shopping List - Everything you Need For Your New Kitten
02.04.19 April 02, 2019 Getting A Kitten Featured

New Kitten Shopping List - Everything you Need For Your New Kitten

Waiting to bring home your new kitten is super exciting! Whether your new furry friend is a Pedigree or Moggy, there are a number of necessities you will need to have ready, in preparation for their arrival home.    What litter tray is best for kittens? Litter Tray – Litter training your kitty is essential, not just for indoor cats but for outdoor cats too. Buy a good quality litter (we like clumping litter as it tends to have no odour and is more economical) and a litter scoop for cleaning. If you’d like something that looks more attractive than a regular litter tray, our Cat Washroom is ideal – a stylish piece of furniture that hides your litter tray away.     The best bed for my kitten You will need a Cosy Cat Bed for your furry friends arrival (and all cats love to snooze!) In fact, a cat will sleep around 15 hours a day; up to 20 for kittens! With this in mind a cosy cat bed is a must-have. There are a number of options from cosy caves and hooded designs to radiator beds.          What does my kitten need? Cat Food & Water Bowls – A regular feeding regime is important for your growing kitten. Make sure you have at least two bowls for food and water. Keep dry food and fresh water available throughout the day. You may add a third, so you have separate bowls for wet and dry food. If you are getting your kitten from a breeder, speak to them about what food they recommend; they may give you a small amount when you collect your little one. There are a lot of resources online about cat food and what to feed them, but as long as you choose a good quality food especially for kittens you can’t go wrong. We’d also recommend feeding them both dry and wet food. The former is good to keep down all day for them to graze on and will help keep their teeth healthy. The latter is good for their digestion and water works and will help keep their fluid intake up – not all cats love drinking water. Aim for two small portions per day (check the individual food packaging for portion recommendations). Cat Carrier – Regular trips to the Vet will ensure your cat is healthy. After their initial vaccinations, they will need a yearly trip to top them up. A carrier will allow you to travel with your cat in safety. We particularly like the Catit Cabrio as it opens fully from the top allowing for easy access to nervous kittens. There are a number of other styles and designs to choose from though. Scratch Post or Tree – All cats love to eat, play, sleep and…. Scratch! Rather than discourage from scratching you should encourage them to do it in the correct places. Scratching is a healthy habit which will keep your cats claws healthy; removing the dead husks as they grow out, and also allows them to stretch out their muscles – cats are athletic creatures by nature, so a good stretch is great way to keep their muscles in tip-top shape! As a kitten you may wish to choose a small compact scratch post, but as they grow think about choosing a tall post that they can really stretch against as they scratch. A tall cat tree with a series of posts and platforms is great if you have the room as it will appeal to your cat’s love for climbing – also a great idea for indoor cats as it will help keep them active and their weight under control.  Cat Collar – This isn’t necessarily an essential for all cats, but if you’re kitten will one day venture outside you may wish to give them a collar. Collars can be adorned with an I.D tag so if your cat gets stuck up a tree or roams too far from home then hopefully someone will be able to bring them home. If you do choose to collar your cat, do your research and ensure you choose one with a breakaway collar in case it gets caught on your cat travels.     Cat Toys –Playtime is good for kittens’ development so toys are an essential on your kitten shopping list. Think about a series of toys that will appeal to your cats hunting instinct. Catnip mice and balls are always a favourite, but also think about teaser wand toys and something interactive. Our top pick would be a toy or two from the Catit Senses range. The Senses 2.0 range is designed to fulfil every one of your cat’s unique senses (hence the name) and can be used as separate items or connected together as a set. Grooming Kit – Different breeds will have different grooming requirements. A soft brush is a good addition to every cat owner’s accessories, but if you are bringing home a long-haired breed then you will need an array of tools to help keep their coat in tip-top condition. We stock a number of ancol brushes and combs for everyday grooming, but if you’re looking for the ultimate grooming kit then take a look at the Catit kits, one for longhaired breeds and one for shorthaired breeds, they contain everything you will need to keep your cat looking beautiful.   Microchip your cat – Not really an item for your shopping list, but an absolute must for all pet owners (cat and dog alike, both indoor and outdoor pets). Even if you intend to collar your cat you should microchip your pet so they can be traced properly.  Of course this is just a guide to the necessities you should think about in advance of bringing your kitten home, rather than a definitive list. Have a browse, speak to your breeder if you’re getting a pedigree and select the things that you think will best suit you and your lifestyle. If you have any questions, do get in touch.; we’re always happy to help!

By Zac Girdlestone

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Plants To Be Aware Of That Are Poisonous To Pets
26.03.19 March 26, 2019 Health Featured

Plants To Be Aware Of That Are Poisonous To Pets

Flowers always brighten up a spring morning; whether it’s a blossoming tree or a special bouquet from a loved one, we love the colour and fragrance they add to rooms and gardens. As pet owners it is really important to know which flowers and plants are poisonous to animals. You may remember our post last Spring about plants and flowers to be wary of around your pets. With Mother’s Day just around the corner we thought we’d highlight some of the other poisonous plants to be aware of.  Chrysanthemums Peonies Delphiniums Azalea Amaryllis If you have a pet, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have these plants at all, but just be extra cautious. Keep them out of reach of pets or in rooms that your pet isn’t allowed. If you think your pet has eaten any plant, it is always best to take them to the vet for a check-up.   Pet Friendly Flowers If you’re looking for pet friendly blooms, either for a loved one or yourself, both Bloom & Wild and Arena Flowers have a wonderful selection of bouquets to choose from. 

By Zac Girdlestone

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Cat Proofing Your Home
12.03.19 March 12, 2019 Getting A Kitten Featured

Cat Proofing Your Home

Do you have an inquisitive feline? Perhaps you’re about to be a first-time cat owner? Your home will soon become their home and making sure they’re safe in their environment will be really important. We thought wed put together a handy guide to Cat Proofing your home and making sure you're ready for their arrival.  We also have a handy illustrated guide form the guys over at Sainbury’s Bank Money Matters Blog to help you remember the main points.    Hide Away Harmful Foods The first top tip is to ensure to make sure harmful human foods are stored away from your new pet. Your new cat or kitten needs to have a safe environment which means keeping foods that are poisonous to cats stored safely away; they will want to explore and will be highly inquisitive, so make sure they can't get to anything that isn't safe. Some of the foods that are toxic to cats are: grapes & raisins; chocolate; raw eggs; caffeinated drinks and alcohol.    Cat Safety around the Home There are other potential hazards for your cat around theme, not just human foods. Beware of electrical wires and cords - we all know how much cats and kittens love to play. A stray lead behind the tv or overhanging wire in the kitchen will look oh so inviting to your hunting kitty. Make sure they are tucked safely away and out of reach of playful cats.  Keep Medicines and cleaning supplies locked away - This may seem obvious, but it's easy to take a tablet from the cupboard and leave the bottle on the side. If you have cats (or any other pets) make sure all medical supplies are kept safely locked away in a cupboard, draw or cabinet. The same goes for household cleaning products. you might want to start checking the back of certain products that you buy to see the recommendations they have regarding pets. Some fly sprays for instance are highly toxic to cats - so be fully aware of what you are using around your home and make sure products are pet-safe.   Check your Washing Machine - Cats love snuggling down in secret, dark corners for a snooze. you may have provided them with the most comfortable bed you can find but they are sure to find other places to snooze too! Be careful of your washing machine once your new kitten comes home - keep the door closed even when not in use and always make sure your inquisitive kitty hasn't sneaked inside before starting a cycle. Flowers - There are may types of flowers and plants that are actually toxic to cats and other pets. Try to keep indoor flowers and plants out of reach of your cat. you might want to check that your garden has no varieties that are toxic to cats either.   Kitten Training with Children Introducing a cat to your home is rather different from introducing a dog. Where the latter can be trained and will enjoy lots of human socialisation, cats tend to be rather more independent. Of course there are many lap cats who love a fuss and a cuddle on the sofa, but for every lap cat there are probably two or three much more independent felines - and we should love them for it! With this in mind teaching our children to respect their new feline family members and understand their needs is really important.  Teach your children to pet and stroke kitten gently and also teach them to stop when kitten shows signs that they've had enough. A swishing tail or turned back ears are just two signs that your cat is less than happy. A nice way to involve your children is to include them when feeding your cat. The main thing is teaching respect and ensuring your cat or kitten has somewhere they retreat to when they want to enjoy some alone time.     Cat and Kitten Furniture & Accessories at Lords & Labradors  ​We have a whole department at Lords & Labradors dedicated to your kitties. Our Cat Emporium has everything you could possible need including Scratch Posts and trees, Cat Carriers, Treats and Beds. Make the perfect home for your cat with our wide range of cat products and accessories. Discover the Cat Emporium now! ​​​If you have any questions, about this article in particular or something more general, do get in touch.  Also, make sure you check out the Money Matters Blog for articles relating to all kinds of things, from finance to more general lifestyle articles. 

By Zac Girdlestone

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Natural Pet Remedies For Everyday Maladies
26.02.19 February 26, 2019 Health Featured

Natural Pet Remedies For Everyday Maladies

​We all want the very best for our pets. That doesn’t just mean buying them the most comfortable bed or fanciest collar, but also goes for their daily health too. Whether it’s a dry nose, a nervous disposition or sore paws, finding the right remedy is an important consideration. Here we take a look at some natural pet remedies for everyday maladies including a couple of things you might find around the home…   Bad Breath Does your dog suffer from bad breath? After a quick trip to the vet to rule out any serious dental issues, try a drop or two of peppermint or spearmint oil in your dog’s water bowl to freshen up his breath.  You could use our Pooch & Mutt Fresh Breath treats as a reward for good behaviour or as a training aid. With peppermint in the ingredients which helps digestion as well as freshens breath.   ​​​​Skin Issues or Dry Coat If your dog’s coat is looking dry then they may need a boost of Omega 3 to help restore the natural oils. Look for human grade omega 3 products tested to be free of any toxins and check with your Vet for the best dosage. You could also look for dog foods and treats with added Omega 3 such as the Billy + Margot Beef Liver Bites.  If your dog is prone to dry skin, then a natural balm is a must-have product. The all natural Wild Dog Co Skin Relief Balm is perfect for a number of issues including dry skin, insect bites and minor cuts and scrapes.   Minor Wounds To clean a minor wound you could use a 50-50 mix of green tea and water and apply with a gauze pad. Green tea contains anti-septic properties and so will help stop infection. Leucillin antiseptic spray is an unbeatable natural anti-septic spray used by animal professionals. Containing Hypochlorous which is a neutral chemical found naturally in the body. It is 100% pet safe having been specially formulated for all animals and kills up to 99.999% of germs and bacteria. It is safe to be used on all sensitive areas and is harmless if ingested when used on domestic pets.   Sore Paws WildWash’s Healing Paw Balm is the perfect antidote for cracked, dry or rough paws. A 100% natural balm containing Almond Oil, frankincense and Kanuka, it is great in adverse weather conditions, both hot and cold – affording protection against hot pavements and ice and salt.   Minor Sunburn or Hot Spots If your dog’s skin becomes reddened from the sun then aloe vera gel, with its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, is the perfect natural skin soother. Do beware of the white sap from the aloe vera plant and always ask your vet before using any commercial aloe vera creams.   Dry Nose If you have a dog prone to a dry nose such as a pug or Frenchie, then a nose balm is an essential item. The Wild Dog Co Nose Balm is all natural, containing a mixture of calendula, Seabuckthorn extract and essential oils to help sooth and soften dry noses. Wonderfully moisturising and nourishing for the snout area and 100% safe to eat (we recommend applying after eating to give the balm chance to work before it can be licked off).   Anxious Pets If your pet’s health worry is more psychological than physical, there are natural remedies to help. A nervous disposition in pets can be caused by all sorts of things such as loud noises, a new home or a change of routine. Our Pet Remedy range includes a number of products in both spray and diffuser form that will help anxious pets to relax. Containing a mixture of natural plant extracts and oils, the sprays can be used on bedding, soft furnishing, in the car or on the carpet. ​

By Zac Girdlestone

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Top 5 Pet Accessories For Your Car
11.02.19 February 11, 2019 Travel Featured

Top 5 Pet Accessories For Your Car

Whether you’re a constant long-distance traveller or mainly stick to short trips around town, we have a number of travel accessories to make car travel with your pets as comfortable and easy as possible. Here we look at the top five travel accessories every dog owner should have.    1. Travel Crate It is a legal requirement that dogs are kept safely restrained in the car when travelling. This goes for short and long distance journeys. A travel crate is a great option for most dog owners; whether it’s a slanted crate for small breeds or a large carrier for medium to large breeds.   2. Car Seat Belts & Carriers If you prefer to travel with your dog in the main area of the car rather than the boot, then a dog seat belt or carrier which straps in to the seat is a great way to keep them safe. Seatbelts attach to your dogs harness (don’t attach to a collar as it may pull on your dog’s neck) and clip into your car’s fitted seatbelt. These are great for larger breeds that are too big for your boot. Where as the smaller carriers are great for smaller pups to be safely secured in the car.    3. Travel Bowls Travel bowls are an essential item for longer journeys. The Beco travel bowls are our favourite as they fold down flat for easy storage and are made from eco-friendly plant based fibres. Available in a number of sizes and colours these are truly handy accessories for any dog owner.   4. Boot Mats A good quality boot mat is a handy addition to any travel accessories collection. Perfect after a walk in the countryside or on the beach to help protect your car from muddy paws.    5. Drying Coat or Bag This may seem like an odd choice for a travel accessory, but actually these come in so handy on your travels. Drying coats, towels and bags aren’t just for bath time but ideal after a run on the beach, or to dry off after a wet weather walk. Pop the coat on once you get back to the car and it will help dry and keep your pup warm. We always keep a drying coat in our travel bag as you just never know when it might come in handy!   And We haven’t forgotten Travel for Cats… It’s just as important to ensure our cats are safe on their travels. From short trips to the vet to longer car journeys, a good quality carrier is a must-have.     What are your favourite travel accessories? We’d love to know what items you can’t live without when travelling with your furry family members. Send us pictures and we may even feature you in a social media post!

By Megan Willis

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Happy Valentines Day
11.02.19 February 11, 2019 Seasonal Featured

Happy Valentines Day

February, the month of love is upon us and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! If your Number One Love just happens to be your cat or your dog then you need to make the day special for them. From a pamper session to a yummy treat, we thought we’d suggest some ideas to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with your four-legged friend. 1. Treat them to a Tasty Treat What better way to celebrate Valentine’s than with a delicious treat? Whether it’s a creamy treat for your feline other half, or an edible Raw Hide Valentine’s Card for your canine, your pet is bound to love their edible gift.   2. Take them on an Outing What better way to celebrate than taking your pup out for their day. You could take them on their favourite walk or you could go for a day out somewhere new, the possibilties are endless. You might want to read some of our past travel articles in which we’ve discussed all kinds of Dog friendly days out including the Best Beaches for Dog Walks and Pet Friendly Pubs.   3. Take them Away For a Short Break Does your One True Furry Love deserve more than just a day trip? How about a stay in a dog friendly hotel? If your pup deserves only the best then a night away could be just the thing. If you need inspiration as to where to take your canine friend, read our Dog Friendly Hotels blog post.   4. Have a Valentine’s Bathtime Not all dog’s like a wash, but some pup’s just love bathtime! If your pup favours a a shampoo and condition, then why not treat them to a bath on Valentine’s day? Use their favourite shampoo and groom them to perfection. They’re sure to love you for it!   5. Treat them to Something New Show your pup they’re your number one with a gift. It could be a new collar and lead set from Dogs & Horses, a luxury faux fur blanket, or a new bed. If you really want to spoil them, how about gifting them the ultimate dog bed in the form of one of our Tetford Chesterfield Sofas? A luxury bed that will last a lifetime. As usual, we’d love to hear from you; let us know your Valentine’s plans and send us pictures. We may just feature you on our social media

By Zac Girdlestone

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Doggy Bathtime – How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?
11.02.19 February 11, 2019 Health Featured

Doggy Bathtime – How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?

We all know our canine companions can get into all kinds of mess! Whether it’s a wet and sandy run on the beach, or a muddy walk in the countryside, some dogs just attract dirt. After all, rolling around in the mud is fun right?! Even if your dog doesn’t particularly get dirty on his routine walks, you should have some kind of bathtime routine for him. Here we thought we’d take a look at a few doggy bathtime tips and suggest a few products that will make bathing your dog a breeze rather than a chore!   Doggy Bathtime – How Often Should I Bathe My Dog? There are a few factors to take into account when deciding how often to bathe your dog. The condition and health of their skin and coatis paramount. Washing too frequently could strip the natural oils. A monthly bath for most dogs is plenty; a little more often if your dog has an oily coat. Many short haired breeds may need bathing even less and those with water repellant coats such as golden retrievers should be bathed less to help preserve the natural oils. If you have a dog with a thick coat, you may find lee bathing and more brushing more beneficial which will help distribute the natural oils and remove loose, dead hair. If you’re not sure of your dogs’ coat type, maybe have a word with your vet for some advice. Of course, if your dog loves a roll in the mud then you may need to give him more frequent baths. Generally, common sense will tell you if your dog needs a wash; if he smells slightly unsavoury, then it’s probably time to get the shampoo and grooming kit out!   Where to Wash Your Dog Bathing indoors in a sink, bathtub or  shower is the best place for most dogs. You could pop an old towel on the floor in the tub to make them feel secure. If your dog is truly filthy you could hose them down outside, but remember dogs don’t like being cold. This is best for the occasional shower in the summer months perhaps or if your dog is so dirty they can’t possibly go indoors!   How to Wash Your Dog • First brush your dog to remove any knots or matted hair. Wetting knotted hair will be uncomfortable for your dog and can cause irritation. If the mattes won’t brush out, you can try cutting them, or take your pup to a professional groomer. • Use lukewarm water, a similar temperature to that that you’d use for a human baby. • Reassure your pet and talk to them in a calming voice. • Use dog shampoo. Designed specifically for pets, it won’t dry their skin or caot lie human shampoos will. • Rinse well. Rinse and rinse again! Any soap left on your dog can cause skin irritation. • Dry at a low temperature. It’s best to either air dry or use a dryer designed for dogs. Human blow dryers trend to be too hot for dogs so be careful if that’s what you intend to use. Use the lowest setting and don’t get too close to the body. • Reward your dog. For many dogs, bathtime is a chore and not that fun. Give plenty of praise and when its all over offer them a treat.   Take your Pup to a Dog Groomer If the thought of bathing your dog yourself is too much then a trip to the dog groomer might be the best option. They will have all the tools and training required to give your pup the pampering they deserve and will know how to handle more nervous pets. The other advantage is that groomers will clip nails and trim difficult areas such as the eyes. A trip to the groomers is essential for long haired breeds such as Maltese and Poodles, who will need their hair trimming. Hair doesn’t stop growing and doesn’t shed like fur.   Shampoos for dogs At Lords & Labradors we stock lots of shampoos for dogs but our go-to is PetPlex. Designed specifically for your pets needs, the grooming range i of professional grooming standard with 100% pet safe ingredients. There is a shampoo for every coat type and condition; from Derma Doctor for dogs with extra sensitive skin to Puppy Purifier designed specifically for little pups.    Bathtime Accessories We have a number of bathtime accessories too. Grooming tools from Ancol will prepare for your dog’s bath and how about a fragrance from PetPlex to add the finishing touch when bathtime is over? Our Bamboo drying mitts and coats are also super popular, making drying your dog so much easier than wrestling them with a towel! If you have any questions about our blog do get in touch. Equally, we’d love to hear your bathtime stories or any tips you might have that make bathing your pets easier.

By Megan Willis

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New Year, New Pet Accessories
11.02.19 February 11, 2019 Seasonal Featured

New Year, New Pet Accessories

​First of all we’d like to wish you all a Happy New Year! Hopefully you’ve all had a lovely festive holiday, filled up on mince pies and generally enjoyed some family time.It’s almost hard to believe 2019 is here already, but we’re looking forward to seeing what the New Year will bring. For our first blog of the year we thought we’d present some of our favourite new accessories for your pups and kittens. What better way to start the New Year than with a ‘New Look’?! Collars and Leads from two of our newest brands in an array of fashionable designs that even the fussiest four legged family members will love! Profusion Series by HiDream The Profusion series features dog collars, leads, harnesses and car seatbelts in a range of printed webbing designs. High quality and durable, they feature bright stylish designs and heavy duty fittings. Collars and harnesses feature adjustable sizing so your pup grows with them and the collar also has a metal ring so you can attach an ID tag. HiDream Rainbow Series The Rainbow series by HiDream is just as practiacl as the Profusion but with a more geometric aesthetic. Available in 5 colours, these rugged accessories will make walkies super stylish!  Hiro + Wolf Dog Accessories Hiro + Wolf make the most perfect accessories for style concious pets. Handcrafted in the H+W London studio from fabric and leather, the collection consists of matching collars and leads as well as cute bow ties and flowers to attach to them.  Cat Collars from Hiro +Wolf and Hidream We haven’t left out the felines of the family. Both Hidream and Hiro + Wolf have a lovely selection of cat collars. All designed with safety in mind, the collars will come loose if caught on a branch when climbing. They also feature bells to let the birds know your cat is coming and room to attach an ID tag. As well as the collars, Hiro+ Wolf also make cute bow tie accessories so your cat really will be the most stylish feline in town! Whatever your style their is a collar, lead or harness to suit. We’d love to see some pictures of your cats and dogs sporting their new look! You never know, we might just feature them on our social media. Equally, if you have any questions about the blog, do get in touch. Send all pictures and enquiries to sales@lordsandlabradors.co.uk.

By Zac Girdlestone

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Top 5 Must Have Cat Products
05.02.19 February 05, 2019 Getting A Kitten Featured

Top 5 Must Have Cat Products

At Lords & Labradors we don’t just cater for your canine companions, but your feline friends too! Cats and dogs both make wonderful pets, but their lifestyles are very different and so too is their list of everyday essentials. We have worked hard to source a selection of stylish cat products that will enhance every part of their daily life; ideal for both indoor and outdoor cats. So, whether you have your very own Jolly Moggy or a Perfect Pedigree we think your feline family members will love what we have selected.Here we bring you some of our top picks from The Cat Emporium at Lords & Labradors:   The Lords & Labradors Cat Washroom The Cat Washroom has become one of the most popular L&L items since it was introduced. An ideal way to keep your cat litter tray contained, it looks stylish and is so practical too. A piece of furniture in its own right, you can dress up the top with a lamp or vase of flowers, so it blends into your décor and it also has a handy shelf to keep any cat products stored neatly. A truly versatile piece of pet furniture, it could even be used as a bed for cats or small breed dogs. We have a number of practical accessories to use with the cat washroom too, including cat litter scoops, litter trays and litter hygeine products from brands such as Catit and Beco.   Cat Scratch Posts An essential for any cat’s home is somewhere for them to scratch. Scratching is a natural instinct that all cats possess. It keeps their claws healthy and allows them to stretch out their muscles at the same time. Of course, you don’t want your cat to scratch your furniture which is why we have sourced an extensive range of cat furniture. These pieces will not only keep your cats need to scratch sated but will also look lovely in any room. Our top picks are the Cat Trees from PetRebels. Super stylish and in neutral colours that will complement any décor, they come in a range of sizes to suit all cats from the smallest kitten through to the largest adult Maine Coon.   Cat Toys We all know cats love toys. Cat toys not only appeal to their natural hunting ability but also provide valuable bonding time when interacting with their human parents at the same time. We have a lovely selection from small mice toys they will love to chase, cat wands they will stalk and jump after and some larger pieces from Catit. The GiGwi range of toys have been designed to be interactive and engaging for your cat, using realistic animal sounds, enticing cat nip and interesting textures, these toys will provide hours of fun. We also recommend the Catit Senses Collection. A range of toys that are designed to be used alone or in conjunction with each other to create a versatile cat playground. The Senses range has been rigorously researched and designed to appeal to every cat sense including their desire to scratch, hunt, massage and stretch.   Cosy Cat Beds Cats spend a lot of time sleeping. In fact cats are known to spend anywhere between 16 and 20 hours asleep. That’s why finding the perfect cosy bed for your feline is so important. We have some super snuggly hooded cat beds and you may even find they like to sleep in the hideout areas on their cat trees.   Cat Grooming Cats are excellent at keeping themselves clean, and it’s a common sight to see cats giving themselves a wash. That isn’t to say they don’t need a little human help in this area though. All cats can suffer from hairballs, especially long-haired breeds. To help keep hairballs and malting at bay, regular grooming with specially designed cat brushes and combs is a must. It will help keep their coat shiny and in tip-top condition. We have some great combs from Ancol that are widely popular. If you’re looking for the ultimate grooming set though, perhaps consider the Catit Grooming Kits. Available in two versions – one for long-haired and one for short haired breeds, the kits contain all you need for daily brushing. Grooming isn’t just great for your cat’s coat, but like playtime is also ideal bonding time for you both. Starting your cat’s routine young will help them grow used to it, and eventually they will love the time spent with you. We think you will be delighted with the selection of cat products we have here at Lords & Labradors. Style and functionality combine in all our feline favourites. If you have any questions about what may suit your feline family members in particular, do give us a call. Similarly if you’re expecting a kitten and want to make sure you get everything you need, we’re happy to give advice. Don’t forget to send us your pictures. If your cat loves their Vesper scratch tree or they have a favourite Jolly Moggy toy, we’d love to know. We might just feature them on our social media!

By Zac Girdlestone

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Best Beach Walks For Dogs - Winter Dog Walks
16.01.19 January 16, 2019 Owning a Dog Featured

Best Beach Walks For Dogs - Winter Dog Walks

Exercise is an important part of any dogs routine. Whilst you may not always feel compelled to get outside during the colder Winter months, it’s actually a great time of year for dog walking. Winter has a beauty all of it’s own; it may be cold and a little wet at times, but there’s nothing better than getting all wrapped up for a Winter stroll and then returning to a warm home to relax. Winter is one of the best times for beach dog walks in particular. You won’t have to worry about heatstroke, beaches are often quieter and many beach restrictions are lifted during the off-peak months. Here we highlight some of the best beaches for walks with your canine family members and also list some of the things to consider when taking your dogs to the seaside.   1. Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock A lovely beach on the Dorset coast, Hive Beach has parking and toilet facilities and a even a dog-friendly café with beautiful sea views. In the middle of a National Trust Park, the surrouning area has plenty of interesting locations, including countryside walks and cliffs of the Jurrasic coast – Britain’s only World Heritage Site.   2. Rhossili Bay Beach, Swansea If breathtaking views are your thing then the Rhossili coast will be the ideal day out for you. Rhossili Bay beach is not only a dog friendly beach, but is famous too; featured in an episode of Doctor Who and named the best beach in Europe and Top Ten in the World by Suitcase Magazine.   3. Luskentyre, Isle of Harris Located in the Outer Hebrides, Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris offers unspoilt coastline galore! Perfect for a long walk with your dog, you can enjoy sightings of dolphins, otters, seals and sea eagles, and it’s not unusual to see a horse rider or two.   4. Runswick Bay, Yorkshire Widely regarded as one of the prettiest spots on the Yorkshire coast. There are no dog restrictions, so it’s the perfect beach for a good game of throw and retrieve or a paddle in the sea with your canine companions. The pretty village in the bay is worth a stroll; no cars are allowed so it’s a tranquil place to enjoy a wander. The rockpools of Runswick are also good for fossil hunting if you like a bit of history mixed in with your outdoor adventures!   5. Winterton on Sea, Norfolk If sprawling sandy beaches are your thing, then there is no better than Winterton on Sea. An area of outstanding natural beauty, it has some of the best sand dunes in Norfolk and is home to lots of wildlife including the rare Natterjack Toad. Dogs are allowed all year round, and this stretch is ideal for long walks and hours of play with your dogs. Winterton is so vast that even in busy periods there is plenty of space.   Things to consider before your beach adventure: Always read the sign posts; some areas, including promenades, may ask you to keep your dogs on a lead. Many beaches will begin to enforce restrictions on dogs from Easter onwards. Remember to clean up after your dog. Keep a stash of poo bags in your pockets so you’re always prepared. Of course this is by no means a definitive list of the “best” beaches, but rather a few highlights that are worth a visit. We’d love to hear what your favourite beaches are and a picture or two of your canines family members enjoying a beach walk. Send your picture to sales@lordsandlabradors.co.uk and we may just feature you on our social media.

By Megan Willis

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