Crossword Genius

Having pets, fur and vomit is spread round area (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

favouritism

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'having pets' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'fur and vomit is spread round area' is the wordplay.
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'spread' is an anagram indicator.
'round' indicates putting letters inside.
'area' becomes 'a' (maths abbreviation).
'fur'+'vomit'+'is'='furvomitis'
'furvomitis' with letters rearranged gives 'fvouritism'.
'fvouritism' enclosing 'a' is 'FAVOURITISM'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for favouritism that I've seen is " Partiality".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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