Claygate Veterinary Centre

17/10/2025

🐰 If you’re hoping to have an indoor rabbit in your home, you may be wondering how to litter train them.

Rabbits are naturally tidy and affectionate creatures and most can learn to use a litter tray in no time! Start by placing hay in the litter box (they love snacking where they go), pick a spacious corner or enclosure they already use and clean the tray daily. Spaying or neutering helps reduce marking tendencies.

With patience and praise, even older bunnies can become litter trained! ☎️ Call us on 01372 460107 if you’d like some support.

16/10/2025

The recent CMA draft report is welcome, though it does not go far enough to address the problems caused by large corporate practices 😔 We of course are fully independent, transparent and always aim to make our services affordable. The highest quality veterinary care can be costly to deliver, but we consider our work a mission and will always try our absolute best to help your pets, and strays and wildlife in all circumstances.

15/10/2025

🐱 It's Pet Obesity Month!

How much should your cat weigh? The average healthy adult cat typically weighs between 8 and 12 pounds, but “ideal” weight can vary based on body frame and breed. A quick check at home: you should be able to feel your cat’s ribs with just a light layer of fat, see a slight waist from above, and notice a gentle tummy tuck from the side. ⚖️

If you're ever unsure about your cat’s weight or body shape, just call us on 01372 460107 and we’ll arrange a vet check.

10/10/2025

🐶👂 Ear cleaning is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in preventing infections -especially in breeds with floppy or hairy ears that trap moisture and debris.

Just ask and we can recommend an ear cleanser to use a few times a month or after swimming to gently lift buildup and keep ears dry.

If you notice odour, redness, discharge, or your dog is scratching and shaking their head, it’s best to consult us before cleaning. Need a demo on safe cleaning at home? Drop us a message - we’re happy to guide you. 🐾💓

08/10/2025

📏 Is your pet a healthy shape? Today we're sharing a helpful guide on Body Condition Scoring where you can learn what BCS means, how vets assess whether your pet is underweight, ideal or overweight and tips on keeping your pet in good shape through diet and exercise.

👉 Curious to learn more? Read the full article here: https://www.partridgepractices.co.uk/article/body-condition-scoring-is-your-pet-the-right-shape/

Helping your pet stay at a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for their long-term wellbeing! 🐾💙

Wondering if your pet is overweight or underweight? Try these tips from our vets in Claygate.

06/10/2025

🐈 Let’s talk about cat hairballs! Most cats will cough up a hairball now and then, but if it’s happening often, it could signal a bigger issue. Too much swallowed fur can cause tummy upset or, in rare cases, a blockage.

How to help your cat:
✅ Groom them regularly
✅ Provide plenty of fibre in their diet to help fur travel through the gut
✅ Encourage play and good hydration

If your cat is struggling with frequent hairballs, or showing signs like retching or loss of appetite, book a check-up with our vets. 📞 Call us on 01372 460107

03/10/2025

🐹🐭 Trying to choose between a gerbil or hamster as your new family pet? Both make adorable pets, but here are the key differences:

👉Gerbils – sociable, gentle, love living in pairs and active in the day.
👉Hamsters – usually solitary, can be more nippy and are most active at night.

Thinking about which suits your lifestyle? We’re here to help with advice!

29/09/2025

🐾 Not all pets require hours of grooming, walks, or constant attention! If you're looking for a lower maintenance companion, here are a few tips for choosing your new furry (or scaly!) friend:

✅ Time and routine – Some pets, like guinea pigs or certain reptiles, are more independent than dogs or cats.
✅ Space – A small flat may suit a hamster or a budgie better than a big dog.
✅ Allergies and sensitivities – Consider hypoallergenic options or pets without fur.
✅ Lifespan and commitment – Some pets live just a few years, while others (like parrots or tortoises!) could be with you for decades.

No pet is completely ‘hands-off’, but many are easier to care for with the right setup. [hamster, fish tortoise emojis] Need advice on what pet might suit your lifestyle? 📞 Get in touch on 01372 460107.

26/09/2025

🐱 Here’s a feline Friday fun fact for you... Cats have whiskers not just on their face, but also on the backs of their front legs. These clever tools help them hunt and navigate. Drop a 🐾 below if you’ve learned something new!

23/09/2025

🐾 Want expert pet care tips, seasonal advice and the latest from our practice - all delivered straight to your inbox each month? Our free email newsletter is written with pet owners in mind, and it's a great way to stay informed and one step ahead on your pet’s health.

🖊 Sign up here: https://www.partridgepractices.co.uk/claygate-vets/sign-up/
📰 Know a fellow pet lover? Feel free to share!

22/09/2025

🐾 Could your pet be in pain without you realising? Our latest article explores how pets often hide acute pain, and how spotting changes in behaviour early can make all the difference. From limping or refusing to move, to shifts in appetite or mood, knowing what to watch for matters.

👉 Head over and read the full article on our website: https://www.partridgepractices.co.uk/article/recognising-and-managing-acute-pain-in-pets/

Spotting the signs of acute pain in your pet and when to seek advice from our vet team in Claygate.

19/09/2025

🐹 For today’s fun pet fact, let’s focus on Small Pet Rodent Awareness Week and....guinea pigs!

Did you know that they can make over 11 different sounds - from ‘wheeking’ to ‘purring’? If your piggy talks a lot, they’re probably pretty happy! Got a chatty small pet at home? We’d love to see a video of them 👇