Jessica Downey
Jessica is a Staff Writer for PetsRadar and has written for online magazines since graduating with a Masters in Journalism in 2021. Her career in journalism began in local news before she took on the world of digital publishing and has previously written for informative lifestyle sites including Fit&Well and Runners World, penning news and features on fitness, sportswear and nutrition.
She has a bank of experience working on buying guides and writing reviews on products to help people make the right decisions when it comes to spending. Jessica has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to testing items to find out the good, bad, and everything in between and is already busy applying this to all things pet-related. She grew up with her four-legged friend called Sam, a chaotic rescue golden lurcher who certainly taught her how big a task it is to care for a pet.
Jessica has a real interest in nutrition, particularly how it can enhance your health and how to keep this affordable. She thinks this is just as important for our pets as it is for humans and loves learning more about this from experts in the industry.
When Jessica isn’t at her desk she spends her weekends ticking off ParkRuns (trying to keep up with fellow runners who bring their speedy canines with them), on the hunt for a good flat white, or escaping the city for some seaside or countryside fresh air.
Latest articles by Jessica Downey

Can cats have peanut butter?
By Jessica Downey published
Advice Spotted your cat eyeing up a jar of PB and wondering can cats have peanut butter? We spoke to a vet to find out…

Do cats know their names?
By Jessica Downey published
Advice Do cats know their names? Find out whether or not your cat responds to your call from recognition or for food…

Trainer reveals one thing we can do for a better behaved dog, and it's ridiculously simple
By Jessica Downey published
News If you feel like you've hit a wall with training your dog then you need to read this trainer's advice

Can't tell when your cat is happy? Behaviorist reveals how you can check, and it's all in the body language
By Jessica Downey published
News Cats can say a lot about how they're feeling without saying anything - one way of reading them is by looking at their body positioning

Dog owners! Here is one surprising thing you should hold back on if you want better results from training
By Jessica Downey published
Advice Rewarding a dog for picking up a new skill or behaving well in a training session is key but so is this trainer's top tip

Got a hyper dog? Trainer reveals how and why you need to teach your dog the ‘place’ command
By Jessica Downey published
News Working on this one trainer tip could help calm down your energetic dog

Tired of your puppy's biting? This trainer's three tips could make all the difference
By Jessica Downey published
News If you want to prevent your puppy from nibbling at your hands and instill good behavior then follow this canine expert's tips

Feline owners! Don't do these four things if you want your cat to live a happy life
By Jessica Downey published
News All cat owners have different approaches to caring for their pets but there are some non-negotiables and this feline expert lays them out

Best indoor rabbit hutches 2023 for sleep, exercise and play
By Jessica Downey last updated
Buying guide The best indoor rabbit hutches will keep your bunny warm, entertained, and protected from outdoor hazards

Best dog playpen 2023 for your pup to roam about in
By Jessica Downey last updated
Buying guide Whether you place it inside or out, the best dog playpens offer your pooch a dedicated space to rest and play

Struggling to teach your puppy loose leash walking? Trainer shares her simple method for success
By Jessica Downey published
NEWS Loose leash walking is a great way to feel more in sync with your dog while walking together and a great skill to build on while your pup is still young

Got a needy, unhappy cat? Here's a behaviorist's simple tip for tiring them out
By Jessica Downey published
NEWS Having an active cat is all fun and games until you need some time to yourself - here's a good way to burn your cat's energy

Improve communication with your dog and master the 'stay' command with one simple tip from a canine trainer
By Jessica Downey published
NEWS Teaching a dog the 'stay' command is no easy feat but it might be made easier if you avoid this common training mistake

Cat behaviorist shares 8 fascinating feline facts to help you better understand your cat
By Jessica Downey published
NEWS There are certain traits and behaviors that are unique to cats and the more we know the better we can bond with them

Trainer shares one reason why your dog still needs a crate even if you don’t think so
By Jessica Downey published
NEWS Crate training is a great way to potty train and supervise a young and excitable pup but it's also extremely useful past this stage - here's why

Trainer reveals one rule every dog owner should use to teach their dog better manners
By Jessica Downey published
NEWS If you have a demanding dog on your hands, this canine expert shares how you can untrain needy behaviors

Teach your dog to respect people’s personal space with this trainer's simple piece of advice
By Jessica Downey published
NEWS If your dog is a stranger to the concept of boundaries then you should try this canine expert's top tip

Three things your dog needs to create a stress-free environment while you work from home
By Jessica Downey published
NEWS Canine expert reveals how to maintain structure and routine for your dog when you're working from home

Best dry cat food 2023 including premium and healthy kibble options
By Jessica Downey last updated
Buying Guide The best dry cat food should fill your cat up with healthy and nutritiously rich ingredients. So read our vet-approved roundup of the top kibbles and treat your cat to a winning diet

Three dog trainer approved steps for approaching a nervous dog the right way - and it isn’t rocket science
By Jessica Downey published
NEWS Unsure how to greet a nervous dog? This canine trainer shares his expert advice on how to approach an anxious pooch

Boost your cat’s happiness with 10 simple tips from a feline behaviorist
By Jessica Downey published
NEWS We can't read our cats' minds but we can try to enhance their daily lives with these simple tips from a cat behavior expert

Three steps that will help reduce barking and conflict between two dogs at home - and they’re really simple
By Jessica Downey published
NEWS Struggling to create harmony between two dogs at home? You aren't alone - a dog trainer shares some helpful advice

Trainer reveals five reasons why your dog barks at you, and why it's not always attention seeking
By Jessica Downey published
NEWS You might grow frustrated if your dog always barks at you but here’s why you should avoid labeling this as ‘attention seeking’ behavior
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