For this year's annual Heathfield Vest Stepathon we have chosen to raise money for Folly Wildlife Rescue. Folly is a charity dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned and distressed wild animals and birds throughout West Kent, East Sussex and the surrounding region. The Trust … [Read more...] about Stepathon for Folly Wildlife Rescue

The government has finally announced the date from which cats must be microchipped.  This is good news for cats and their owners, as it significantly increases the likelihood that they will be reunited with their family should they ever become lost.  Owners will have until 10th June 2024 to ensure … [Read more...] about Cat microchipping to be compulsory

Spring is a wonderful time of year; we can get outside for sunnier dog walks and our cats and bunnies enjoy the warmer weather. However, it is important to remember the dangers that the season brings, so we can keep our pets healthy and happy. Easter Chocolate Chocolate poisoning can cause … [Read more...] about Spring Dangers

There are several conditions that can affect a cat's urinary system and, unfortunately, these issues are fairly common among felines. Clinical signs of urinary disease are usually similar, regardless of what is causing them, and include: Straining to urinate, even crying out when urinating, … [Read more...] about Urinary Disease In Cats

When should I vaccinate my new puppy and why? Here at Heathfield, we follow guidelines laid out by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association with a protocol of vaccinations at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. Puppies can socialize 2 weeks after their 12-week vaccination. Why do we recommend this? In … [Read more...] about Puppy Vaccinations

Fleas and the itching they cause are one of the worst things to deal with. Although we think of fleas as a mainly summer problem, this isn't the case. Central heating allows fleas to flourish in the winter months, so although many of us have turned down our heating this winter, this is still … [Read more...] about Flea Treatments and Prevention

What Is Feline Distemper? The formal medical name for feline distemper is feline panleukopenia. This is a disease caused by a member of the parvovirus family. This is a nasty, highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, but thankfully it is now quite rare due to vaccinations. The virus … [Read more...] about Distemper in Cats

Kennel Cough Vaccinations What is Kennel Cough (Tracheobronchitis) and how does it spread? This disease affects the delicate lining of the airways leading to a dry harsh cough, which is distressing to both patient and owner. The ‘kennel’ in kennel cough is a misleading name, as it implies that … [Read more...] about Kennel Cough

What is Calicivirus? Calicivirus is a readily transmissible disease which can cause upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. What are the Symptoms? These are some of the most common symptoms - Sneezing and nasal congestion Fever Drooling Discharge from eyes and mouth … [Read more...] about All About … Calicivirus in Cats