Paws & Whiskers

For dog people, cat people, and the happily undecided — what actually works, from a house that keeps both.

Worth your next coffee

Three favourites from around the house.

Fresh from the notebook

Newest first. Every guide lives on its section shelf, too.

Dog person or cat person?

The honest trade-offs, side by side — from a house that keeps both.

The dog deal

Time
1–2 hours a day, rain or shine — walks, play, training.
Space
Any home works if the walks are real.
Cost
Higher — food scales with size, plus gear and sitters.
Temperament
A shadow with a heartbeat. In on everything.

The cat deal

Time
20–30 minutes of proper play; fine alone all workday.
Space
A flat is plenty — build upward, not outward.
Cost
Lower and steadier — litter, food, insurance.
Temperament
Affection on their terms — which makes it feel earned.

New pet? Your first 30 days, sorted

Same four moves, dogs and cats alike
  1. Days 1–3Settle in — one quiet room, one routine.
  2. Week 1Build the boring, reassuring routine.
  3. Weeks 2–3First vet visit, microchip, first skills.
  4. Week 4The wider world, in small happy doses.
Friends of the house

The Biscuit Tin

A shelf we keep for partners who are kind to pets — one tin each, no favourites.