Lizzie Youens Archives - The Veterinary Content Company

Are Scented Candles Bad for Cats?

Beth Hamilton — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:04:01 +0000

There are few things more hygge than a flickering candle, a cosy blanket and a snoozing cat. But before you light that ‘Lavender Lullaby’ candle for peak vibes, it’s worth asking: is this relaxing ritual actually safe for your fabulous feline? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a simple yes-or-no (because cats hate simplicity almost as much as they hate closed doors).

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Are Cats Ticklish? Science Might Just Have the Answer

Beth Hamilton — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:59:00 +0000

Tickling is not well understood in the scientific world, let alone the feline world. Cats don’t laugh like we do when tickled, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy a gentle tickling motion as a form of affection from time to time.

As a vet and the proud owner of two cats—one who loves a firm tickle all over his body and one who only likes a gentle rubbing around her cheeks and chin—I know how important it is to get to know your cat and how they like to be petted.

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Cat Vision: How Do Cats See the World?

Beth Hamilton — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 08:56:00 +0000

Cats’ eyes are structurally different from ours—built to facilitate hunting small prey in dim light. These fierce predators can detect a tiny bug from across the house and spot a laser pointer out of the corner of their eye. So why do they miss a treat when it’s right next to their paws? What do our cats really see as they gaze at the world around them?

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Ticks on cats and dogs: Spotting, removal, and treatment

Beth Hamilton — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Part of being a responsible pet parent is looking out for creepy crawlies that could make your four-legged friend ill. Expert vet Dr Lizzie Youens shares how to spot a tick, safely remove one, and ways to prevent your pet from getting them in the first place.

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How To Care For A Wounded Cat

Beth Hamilton — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 09:00:00 +0000

One of the more stressful aspects of being a cat owner is when we see our precious pets get hurt. However, it can sometimes be difficult to know when a wounded cat has an injury that is more serious. Wounded cats, especially ones with open wounds, will often hide as a natural response to conceal their vulnerability from predators. Cats are also experts at hiding signs of pain, which can lead to an injury seeming more minor than it really is.

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Dog cancer: how to spot and treat it

Beth Hamilton — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 21:00:00 +0000

Just like humans, and many other species, dogs can get tumours too. Dog cancer is a common concern for pet owners, very understandably, and all the different types of cancer can be confusing and overwhelming. Understanding more about this disease can be helpful if you are concerned about your pet, or have recently received a diagnosis for your canine friend.

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Why Don’t Cats Like When You Touch Their Paws?

Beth Hamilton — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000

All cat owners know how cute cat toe beans are. A cat’s paws can seem so inviting, so fluffy and squishy, and just adorable! So why do cats often pull away when you touch their paws? Well, this is a common cat behavior, and there are a few potential explanations.

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Should My Cat Wear A Collar?

Beth Hamilton — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Pet collars are sometimes seen as being a “dog thing,” but collars can be useful for domestic cats, too.

There is a range of pros and cons for whether we should fit our pet cats out with a collar. They are useful for identification and contact information, they can increase visibility, and collars with a bell can even reduce hunting behavior, but collars have also been linked to serious injuries in cats.

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Do cats really have webbed feet?

Joanna Woodnutt — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 16:26:52 +0000

“Cats have a reputation for hating water, so it may come as some surprise to many cat owners that domestic cats have webbed feet! Yes, if you look at your cat’s paw, each of those little toes are partially attached to the next one. Domestic cat feet are classed as “partially webbed” as the trait is not as strong as in aquatic creatures such as ducks or frogs.”

In this article, companion animal writer Dr Lizzie Youens has covered the essentials of cat feet, including whether or not they are webbed.

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