Category: Community Stories

Featuring stories from real pet owners and resources for all thing pets

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Community Stories

Toilet Training Tips for New Puppy Owners

This article was written by Edlyn Cotaco of Instasize

Having a new puppy can be a really exciting time in your life. Whether you’ve wanted one for a while, or this is something you’ve done on a whim, you’re going to love your new puppy. She or he will keep you very busy and very active during the first year or so, as they learn and adapt to their new environment, so will you.

Having a puppy is said to be a lot like having a kid – you’re having to be the one to teach the pup all the things. This becomes more and more true, the younger the puppy. One of the biggest things that your new pup will learn is to use the toilet, initially (probably) indoors, before venturing out into the big wide world, with lots of things to smell and lots of things to pee on.

For now, though, you’ll want to acquaint your new puppy with where they are to pee in the house. Here are a few tips on how best to acquaint your pup with their ‘pee place’ and how to keep them going back there until such time as they venture outside and the outside world becomes their bathroom.

Be patient 

One of the best things you can be to your new puppy is patient. Like a toddler, they don’t know anything until you teach them. Accidents will happen, and you should be prepared for them and ensure that you don’t take those accidents out on your pup. Getting angry about the ruined carpet will not help your dog adapt. You must exercise extreme patience with your pup and let them know that it’s okay that the accident happened and you’re not mad. They can’t learn that way.

Know your dog’s bladder

Something to bear in mind is that smaller dogs have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms. If you make sure that you feed your puppy regularly, but don’t overfeed them – say, once in the morning, once in the afternoon and then perhaps again in the evening – this will train them over time to expect these meals, but not rely on them. It is also important that you take away their food between meals to not overeat and risk an accident. Generally, the smaller the dog, the less time you’ll have between them going to the toilet.

Don’t start too early

Ideally, you want to start toilet training your puppy between 12 and 16 weeks. Before this period, they won’t be able to process what’s happening and learn appropriately. Essentially, they won’t be able to learn.

Exercise is Important

One of the important aspects of puppy ablutions is the presence of regular exercise. Try and take your puppy out first thing in the morning and then once every half an hour. This will get their body and bowels moving to ensure that they have plenty of opportunities to use the bathroom. It will also create a memory pathway in the dog’s brain that outside = bathroom, which they will remember as they age. Eventually, they will learn where they go to (say, the front door), when they want to let you know that they need to go outside.

Repetition, repetition, repetition

The establishment of a routine is one of the most important parts of training any animal. This routine also extends to puppies and potty training. Make sure that your dog goes out for a walk and does its business at roughly the same time(s) in the day. If they’re going in the backyard, then ensure that they go in roughly the same spot. This will make poop-scooping easier and also establish a definite ‘bathroom area’, as the puppies’ sense of smell will guide them.

Make sure they’re properly groomed

Another all-too-important aspect of a well-potty-trained pup is also a well-groomed pup. Maybe you just got your new pup, and they have some matted fur around their nether regions. Be sure you take them to a professional dog groomer in order to get those mats taken care of. This is critical to the health of your pup and their ability to properly have bowel movements. 

Potty training puppies is a lot like potty training humans. It requires patience, persistence, repetition and time. Let your new pup explore the outside world as much as possible so that they’ll know that outdoors means bathroom time and don’t be too worried about accidents happening – clean-up is usually pretty quick and painless.

Image Credit: Pixabay

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Community Stories

Who are the oldest pawpals?

Our pawpals age much faster than hoomans — we know that much. We cherish the time we spend with our pets especially because of how fleeting it is. So let’s take a moment to remember the doggos and felines who lived longer than most.

Bluey

Our first gub doggo is Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog. Born on 7 June 1910, she lived on a cattle ranch with her pawrents, Les and Esma in the Rochester region of Victoria, Australia. Guinness World Records crowned her The Oldest Dog In The World when she passed on 14 November 1939, making her 29 years and 5 months old (that’s 133 years in Human years).

Australian Cattle Dogs on average live slightly longer than most other doggos (roughly 1 full year longer). On top of that, Bluey had a different diet from the dogs of today — living in the early 1900s on a ranch in Australia, she didn’t eat any of the commercial pet foods available today but her nutritional needs were well met.

Bluey (right)

Funny Fujimura

Holding the current title of “Oldest Dog Alive” is Funny Fujimura, a Miniature Dachshund from Japan. Funny is currently 22 years old (remarkable for her breed) and was verified by Guinness World Records in 2020. Born in Sakai, Japan on 27 May 1999, Funny has been under the loving care of pawrent Yoshiko Fujimaru.

Miniature Dachshunds are hounds that were bred to sniff out and locate small animals like rodents. Unfortunately, they face several potential health concerns due to their long back. One of these is spinal problems which can be made worse by obesity or intense exercise.

Funny Fujimura

Creme Puff

Living to a ripe old age of 38 years and 3 days (168 years in Human years) is Creme Puff, a domestic cat from Austin, Texas. Creme Puff lived her free feline life with pawrent, Jake Perry since 3 August 1967 and was officially the oldest cat ever recorded in the Guinness World Records 2010.

Creme Puff’s had a very normal diet: dry cat food with broccoli, eggs, turkey bacon, and coffee with cream. Every two days, she would get “an eyedropper full of red wine”, supposedly the secret to her long life. Jake Perry also ensured Creme Puff had a very active lifestyle, installing steps into his walls for her to climb on and making a backyard enclosure so Creme Puff and her siblings can play outside as well.

Creme Puff

Great Grandmother Wad

The current candidate for “Oldest Cat Alive” goes to a Siamese cat in the land of smiles. Known by many as “Great Grandmother Wad”, the feline was born in 1986 after her pawrent found her mother in Chantaburi the year before. Great Grandmother Wad is now 35 years old (152 years in Human years), and not only did she have children and grandchildren (four children, and six grandchildren and great-grandchild), but she also outlived them too.

Going by the other name Srisawad, the feline also has her own Facebook page and YouTube channel where her 57 year old pawrent Wanna Kodkarika and family offer advice to fellow cat lovers. Wanna says Wad has not been seriously ill for four years but is now on a canned food diet to be mindful of her weak teeth.

Srisawad, a.k.a “Great Grandma Wad”

Photo by Jean Alves from Pexels

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Community Stories

Christmas Gift Guide 2021 (US Edition)

This gift guide is reserved for our Pawrents in the U.S. If you’re residing in Singapore, click here.

Henlo everybody! It’s that time of the year again — Mariah Carey’s voice floods your radio, red-green tinsels fill the streets, and everyone has a Secret Santa or two to shop for. To make things easier for you, we’ve gone ahead and picked out a few gifts for your pawrent friends and their adorable pawpals.

Winter and Spring colours will go hand in hand

For a holly jolly aesthetic, Fetching Bowties by Larry has you covered. The Snowflake and Deer Bandana (From $8) offers a dashing red plaid design, coupled with a variety of snowflakes. Meanwhile, if you don’t have a christmas tree , yule want the Bring Home The Tree Bowtie ($12). This comical design will give your pawpal a smile you’ll pine for.

Fetching Bowties by Larry, “Snowflake and Deer” and “Bring Home The Tree”

The snow and lights of Christmas may come and go, but Levupets knows where class truly lies. The folks at Levupets have released collections upon collections of japanese-inspired bows, fit for pawpals with an ethereal elegance. Their Find The Cat Dog Bow Tie ($8) and Hana Stripe Bow Tie ($8) bring out a timeless look for all seasons. With over 30 unique designs, there is a bow tie for everyone. Enter the promo Code ‘ ‘ PJXMAS ” when you check out at Levupets to enjoy 10% off all their products!

Levupets, “Find The Cat” and “Hana Stripe” bow ties

Explore the Wilderness this season

If your pawpal is itching for adventure, why not bring them out for an unexpected journey for the holidays? Ruffwear presents lifestyle accessories designed for comfort and breathability when going out for runs or hiking trails.

Ruffwear Hi & Light Harness

Minimalist and low-profile, their Hi & Light™ harness ($39.95) comes in sizes for even the smallest doggos. It also has a leash attachment at the back so your dog does not feel any discomfort, even from tugging.

Ruffwear Quencher Cinch Top Packable Dog Bowl

Ruffwear’s Cinch Top Dog Bowl ($19.95) lets you carry food to-go without having to bring the whole box. Besides being collapsible to save space, the Cinch Top Dog Bowl uses a drawstring closure to keep their kibble closed on the move and open wide for mealtime.

Give your pawpals a (literal) treat

We want nothing but the best for our pawpals. Besides a good day out and a makeover, we also want them to enjoy a good feast with us on our merry holidays. Sometimes, the simplest solutions make the best gifts. That’s why the way to a pet’s heart is through their belly with hearty and healthy food.

Because, Animals Peanut Butter Noochies! Organic Dog Cookies

For an equally healthy holiday treat, Because, Animals has you covered. Containing a mix of ingredients such as peanut butter, bananas, coconut oil, and the nutritional yeast “nooch”, Peanut Butter Noochies Organic Dog Cookies ($12) is the healthy and yummy snack that your furry friends are sure to love for the holidays.

Because, Animals Omega & Probiotic Sprinkles for Cats

Because, Animals also has supplements for feline friends too. The Omega & Probiotic Sprinkles for Cats ($24) uses omega-rich seaweeds and organic fruit and vegetable powders to give your catto better digestion and immunity.

Pawrents, let your inner Santa out! May your furkids have a great Christmas to come!Furliz Navidad and happy holidays  

//  U・ᴥ・U  //  (=^･ω･^=) //

Photo by Lucie Liz from Pexels

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Community Stories

Christmas Gift Guide 2021 (SG Edition)

This gift guide is reserved for our Pawrents in Singapore. If you’re residing in the U.S., click here.

Henlo everybody! It’s that time of the year again — Mariah Carey’s voice floods your radio, red-green tinsels fill the streets, and everyone has a Secret Santa or two to shop for. To make things easier for you, we’ve gone ahead and picked out a few gifts for your pawrent friends and their adorable pawpals.

Share a feast with the furmily

Have you ever walked into a pet store looking for some pets and just leaving empty-handed cause they don’t feel right? Pooch Smooch Eats gets it. That’s why they started making treats they know pawpals will love. Made with 100% human-grade Australian beef, their Beef Heart Bites ($10) is rich in iron and zinc, great for oxygen transport!

Pooch Smooch Eats, “Beef Heart Bites”

Pooch Smooch Eats has just the snack for the young ones too! Your puppies and kittens can sink their teeth into some Turkey Small Bites ($14.30) or Pork Bites ($8.25). Not to mention they’re high in protein and low in fat, so your furbabies can grow up strong while enjoying something tasty.

Pooch Smooch Eats, “Pork Small Bites” and “Turkey Small Bites”

Pooch Smooch Eats is also offering 20% discount on all full priced items! Valid till year’s end (but why wait till then?) Simply enter the discount code “ PJXPS20OFF “ when you check out a minimum of 3 items!

The GRATEFUL PET Cooked Cage-Free Chicken and Cooked Salmon & Sardine

Made with 100% natural ingredients and supercharged with superfoods, The GRATEFUL PET offers subscriptions for a wide range of healthy food diets from Cooked Cage-Free Chicken ($38) to Cooked Salmon and Sardine ($43). The GRATEFUL PET ensures only super great food for super great dogs.

Let them play with their food

Don’t let your brokers get bored — if you’re getting yourselves new toys, they should too. The Sunday Pup offers a curated selection of accessories and toys you won’t find anywhere else. Their Pup Pizza ($32) is a snuggle mat that comes with removable slices and folds for your doggo to forage. The Pup Lemonade ($15.90) also has lemons that let you hide your dogs’ favourite treats!

The Sunday Pup, “Pup Pizza” and “Pup Lemonade”

The Sunday Pup has an exclusive 10% discount for orders above $15! Just enter “ PAWJOURRSUNDAY “ when you check out your first purchase. Give them a toy that’s right on the nose!

The Purrfect Pasttime

Furrplay understands how hard it is to keep your cat entertained. How about giving them a challenge for both their physical fitness and mental health? The Trixie Cat Brain Mover Strategy Game ($38) channels your feline’s energy and curiosity through its modules and drawers. Meanwhile, the Trixie Cat Activity Fun Board ($44) tests their dexterity manoeuvring through modules to obtain hidden treats.

Furrplay, “Trixie Cat Brain Mover Strategy Game” and “Trixie Cat Activity Fun Board“

The best homes are scratch-resistant

Cats are the masters of their own space, but one thing’s for sure, they love scratching stuff. If you’re going to give your felines something to drive their claws into, Threefurr might have something for you. Their Onigiri Cat House with Bed ($39) is a stretch-n-scratch built just for your felines. It even comes with a ‘cave’ with a cardboard scratcher interior, which creates a safe space for your furbabies.

Threefurr Onigiri Cat Scratcher

Pawrents, let your inner Santa out! May your furkids have a great Christmas to come!

Furliz Navidad and happy holidays 

//  U・ᴥ・U  //  (=^･ω･^=) //

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Community Stories

AON’s Happy Tales : Mafan.Mushu

This article was brought to you by AON HappyTails.

He has long, dark hair. She keeps her brown hair short and trimmed. He is a cup of espresso — mellow and unassuming. She likens a latte — sweet and flavourful. These two individuals can’t be further apart. But as James and Jacqueline point out, Mushu and Mafan are not just related — they’re siblings of the same litter.

Having grown up with cats, it was no surprise that James would suggest adding a few to the family. Jaqueline however, was not originally a cat person. It took some convincing from her husband, but thankfully she has not regretted warming up to the idea. Mafan and Mushu have been a part of the family for 4 years now and have made invaluable memories.

James and Jacqueline celebrating Christmas with their furkids

The duality of nyan

Mafan (tl. Mandarin, ‘troublesome’) is ever the curious cat, living up to her namesake. Where trouble is afoot, she is always nearby. The shorthair tails her pawrents around the house to make sure she always knows what’s going on. Her brother, Mushu, is the honour student of the two. Smart and well-behaved, the charcoal-coloured feline prefers to tread on the side of caution. He is also quite the rat, always complaining to his pawrents about his sister whenever she misbehaves.

Mafan up to some mischief

The pair owe their intuitive disposition to Jacqueline, who believes that if nothing else, “people must at least think our cats are smart.” Mafan and Mushu can leap onto their pawrents’ shoulders, and Mushu in particular has learnt to identify letters of the alphabet! Alas, despite the variety of tricks on their belt, they generally live very pampered lives with naps, boxes, and treats.

Growing concerns

James expressed concern over their pawpals’ health and sought a form of reassurance that they could care for the felines in an unlikely scenario. On one occasion, the couple had moved to a temporary residence to wait out on home renovations. Fearing Mafan and Mushu might feel uneasy and escape from the unfamiliar environment, they bought trackers so they could always find their cats.

The thought of insuring their pets was complete happenstance. Shocked by the daunting expenses a friend had incurred while caring for a paralysed senior dog, the two decided to insure Mafan and Mushu while they were still young so that they can afford the best care for them. 

“We picked Happy Tails because it was the only one we found which provides lifetime coverage.” James said, “Other insurance plans only seem to cover cats until 13 years of age, and we clearly hope that Mafan and Mushu will live well beyond that!”James and Jacqueline also noted another reason for insuring Mafan and Mushu under Happy Tails —  Happy Tails provides coverage for chemotherapy (the paralysed senior dog they had met also has cancer), as well as post-surgery expenses, which snowballs to ridiculous bill shock.

*Bonus Content*

Say Mafan and Mushu should speak hooman for 7 days. What would you say to them / do with them for that week?

“Right now they meow at us and it’s really cute. We usually can tell what they want to convey – whether they want to be fed, have water topped up, or if Mushu wants to snitch on his sister to get treats.

Mafan and Mushu love each other regardless.

“But I think if we understood what each other meant we would be arguing all the time. They might just be going “FOOD FOOD FOOD” and we would just be going “NO NO NO”. So it’s better that they stay meowing and we just continue talking nonsense at each other.”

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Community Stories

5 Tips for Pet-Friendly Living

This article was written by Pia De Los Reyes from Siege Media

Our pets hold a special place in our hearts, and if home is where the heart is, your living space should be the best possible place for your pet to live a happy and healthy life. Whether you live in a small apartment with your pet or are lucky enough to live in a spacious home with many animals, turning your space into a pet-friendly environment is easy with these simple steps. 

1. Cover heated surfaces

When cold weather arrives for the autumn and winter, the use of radiators and heaters becomes more frequent in our households. Although it’s important to make sure your pet stays warm when the temperatures drop, they can also get burned on the hot surface of a radiator. Make sure to cover these surfaces with a heat resistant guard so that you and your family don’t accidentally brush up against it and get hurt.

2. Carve out their own space

Much like human beings, pets appreciate their own personal space. Set aside a quiet spot or corner in your house or apartment where your pet can relax. Place their bed or crate there and make sure it’s away from high traffic areas in case they want to rest in peace. If your animal stays in a cage, try adding in fun elements to their space like greenery to make it feel like home.

3. Put away breakable decor

Pets and breakables do not mix well. To keep your pet safe and save your prized possessions from shattering into many pieces, it’s wise to put away any breakable decorations behind closed doors. This can mean displaying items in a glass cupboard or just restricting your pet from areas like the dining room where there might be fragile items like fine China. 

4. Protect your furniture

If you let your pets roam free over your home, chances are you’ll want to consider protecting your furniture. Young animals like cats and dogs may have accidents while being litter-trained or house-broken, and you’ll want to make sure that you spray a natural deterrent to keep your pet from ruining your favorite couch. Additionally, pets might scratch up your furniture too, so try protective wraps or slip covers to preserve your furniture. 

5. Hide hazardous materials

An important part of a pet-friendly home is one that is safe for your pet. You may have cleaners or detergents in your home that are toxic to an animal when ingested, so make sure to keep those products out of your pet’s reach. You don’t want your pet to get poisoned just because you left the bathroom cleaner out, so it’s also worthwhile considering switching to more natural cleaning methods. 

We hope you use these tips to create a pet-friendly home environment that allows your pet to live their life to the fullest. Your pet might not be able to say thank you, but they will surely appreciate the care and thought you put into turning your home into a safe and loving place for them to be. For more tips on making pet-friendly accommodations, check out the infographic from The Zebra below.

tips-for-pet-friendly-living
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Community Stories Creator's Academy

Lights, Cameowra!

While everyone was looking at the wide-eyed, snow-coloured Scottish Fold x Ragdoll, Kyubi was looking at one thing — her pawrent and the eye of all Kyubi’s photos, Jane. The Temasek Polytechnic Graduate majored in Film and Television, and later refined her fundamentals in photography in part thanks to the influence of photography hobbyists among her friends and family.

Since adopting her in May of 2020, Jane and Kyubi have been sharing their photos ever since, amassing a huge following of 3.8k followers on Instagram. We thus invited her to share with us her photography techniques and tips for aspiring pet photographers

Jane’s 5 Essential Tools

  1. Camera and Lens

A good investment begins with a good camera. But as Jane states, a phone camera works just as well.

  1. Lighting

“Especially for indoor lighting,” Jane explains, “we use a few small, compact LED lights to illuminate the set, and a softbox to diffuse the light so that it doesn’t look too harsh on Kyubi.” In the case of animal photography, softboxes ensure that the light does not blind their eyes. As for how it looks in the frame, bright light constricts their pupils, causing them to appear small instead.

Jane recalled an incident where Kyubi’s eyes had become watery after one of their shoots. “I noticed that it was because the light was shining straight into her eyes. The glare was strong enough to make Kyubi uncomfortable.” It was through this trial-and-error and Jane understood the importance of a softbox.

  1. Backdrop

Contrary to popular belief, Jane and Kyubi do not work with huge backdrops. “I just work with whatever I have, be it brown bag paper or cloth,” she said, holding up what looks like a pink sheet of mahjong paper. “It all depends on the angle of the camera and how big your subject is. Making sure that it all fits into the frame.” 

Materials for backdrops can be found in Artfriend, Popular, or even Spotlight.

  1. Props

Jane advises against getting too many niche props, as they often end up as a one-use purchase. Instead, she recommends more generic props (e.g. flowers, fake candy, small figurines, etc.) to add value to the scene.

  1. Accessories

Accessories, wardrobe, and costume, to be exact. Beyond the usual accessories like bandana and bows, it is okay to purchase clothes specifically for thematic photoshoots.

Behind the Mind

When asked what goes into the conceptualisation of her shoots, Jane states that her shoots are usually to commemorate special days, or otherwise  inspired by the food she ate.

Spur of the moment

“One time I saw a sushi conveyor belt toy while browsing online and I was like, “I’ve got to get it. I have to do an Omakase-style photoshoot.””

Special Events

Jane : For our National Day photoshoot, we brought Kyubi to the iconic Dragon Playground at Toa Payoh just to take photos.

Improvise

Jane : We had a lottery themed photoshoot recently. For the scene, we collected a lot of lottery tickets from my grandmother and put it in a pile at the backdrop. For props, I made origami ribbons out of some tickets for Kyubi to wear. Sometimes you can just make do with everyday items from home.

Omakase-style shoot , National Day shoot, and Lottery-themed shoot

Working with animals

When asked how Kyubi learned to be so well-behaved, Jane laughed. “From the first shoot to perhaps the fifth or sixth one, Kyubi’s attention span was rather short. After 2-3 mins of shooting, you can see that her temper would start to show. She will become very restless, and will want to escape or lie down.” 

Jane then emphasised that it’s only natural that these things happen when photographing pets. “Be patient with them and reward them with treats for behaving. I give Kyubi treats once she sits for the shoot. After a while, we would notice that Kyubi would automatically walk up to the backdrop whenever she sees us setting up for a shoot.”

Jane continues the interview with a warm smile as she talks about the support she feels brimming from Singapore’s pet owner and pet influencer community. “Everyone in the community is very close. I appreciate that pet owners share their daily stories… their experiences… sometimes just seeking help or giving recommendations about what’s out there in the market through their reviews. It’s through these social interactions that we can learn how to be better pet owners.”

Follow Jane and Kyubi on Instagram to see their latest shoots!

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Community Stories

Training Your Cat to Walk on a Leash

This article was written by Lauretta Williams

It isn’t just dogs who can benefit from leash training. While the thought of walking your cat on a leash may seem odd, it isn’t a gimmick. Just like their canine counterparts, cats can also benefit from safe outdoor exercise, such as walks. It’s the perfect way to give them the mental stimulation and physical exercise they need, without letting them loose as an outdoor cat.


Photo by Zoë Gayah Jonker on Unsplash

Is Leash Training Right for Your Cat?

It’s important to bear in mind that not all cats will enjoy being on a leash. Walking outdoors can expose cats to unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells they might find frightening, such as dogs, cars and loud noises. If your cat is easily stressed, leash training is probably not for them. You should also never force a cat to walk on a leash – if she doesn’t like it, find alternative opportunities for outdoor exercise, such as an escape-proof pen or enclosure.

Cats who may enjoy leash training include:

  • Indoor cats. With no free reign to go out outside, it’s important to provide them with a wide variety of enrichment options to prevent stress and boredom.
  • Cats that show lots of interest in going outdoors. They may spend a lot of time gazing out of the window, or rush outside when let out.

Cats that are bored. Indoor stimulation isn’t enough for all cats. Look for signs such as overgrooming, destructive behaviour or urinating in places they shouldn’t.

How to Leash Train Your Cat

Walking a cat on a leash is very different to walking a dog. They aren’t as naturally inclined and it will likely take them longer to adjust. It’s important you use leashes and harnesses specifically designed for cats – this means no cutting corners and buying a small dog harness that your cat could slip out of. Always opt for a well-fitted cat harness. 

When choosing a lead, make sure it’s a lightweight, flexible material. Cats aren’t as robust as dogs, so leather or chain style leashes could hurt them if they come into contact while walking.

Now you’ve got the right gear, here’s how to start walking with your cat:

  1. Get your cat accustomed. For the purpose of safety, it’s essential you begin your training indoors. Start gently and let your cat get used to the harness first by letting her smell and play with it. This will allow her to lose any fear of it. Once she’s accustomed, strap it on and let her wear it around the house with the leash dragging behind. This will get her used to leash tension, alongside having something strapped around her.
  1. Walk your cat indoors. Once she’s comfortable, you can begin walking her indoors. Walk a bit with her then gently try to steer her in a different direction. Use treats to reward her for changing direction, and to lure her to where you want to go. Don’t forget to reward her for walking on her own too!
  1. Go outside. When your cat seems ready, take her to the front door and try to encourage her to explore outside. Dropping treats on your doorstep can help with this. If your cat is still cautious, do not force her. Simply try again another day.

Once you are outside with your cat, make sure to bring plenty of treats and keep your walks short and sweet. Begin with only a few minutes at a time, and gradually extend your walks. However, never walk a cat longer than they want to be walked. If she seems tired or overstimulated, take her home. If you live in a city, it’s best to drive to a more rural location first to avoid spooking her with loud noises and traffic.

A word of caution: It’s important to make sure your cat doesn’t try to escape now they’ve had a taste of the outdoors. Some may wait by the door or try to bolt out as soon as it’s opened. It’s important to make it clear they can only go out when they are wearing their harness.

Alternatives to Leash Walking Your Cat

Some cats just don’t take to being walked on the leash no matter how hard you try. It’s the same with training some dogs on a dog bike leash. It’s just not in their DNA. So how can you provide your cat with safe, outdoor enrichment?

Some alternatives include:

Pet strollers

A safe way to give your feline a change of scenery and some fresh air. While some may not think it, many cats love pet strollers. They have large viewing windows and breathable mesh, so she has a clear view without the risk of overheating.


Photo by Taylor Deas-Melesh on Unsplash

Pet backpacks

Similar to strollers, but more agile. These also have large viewing windows and are made of breathable fabrics, but are best suited to more rural paths. While a pet stroller may be awkward to take around on uneven terrain, backpacks allow you to take your pet anywhere.

Catios

If your cat doesn’t like the leash but you still want him to enjoy the great outdoors, a catio can be a great option. This will be an enclosed pen in your garden for your cat to walk around freely, and is the perfect solution to keep her safe, happy and healthy.


Read More: Cat Tricks: Tricks to Teach Your Feline That Can Help You Bond Together

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Community Stories

Dressing Your Furbaby For Halloween

Halloween is upon us! It’s the time of the year where our furbabies are out on the prowl, parading in spooky costumes and bamboozling us in all manner of trickery. Pawrents, we know you’re excited, we are too! So before you hurry to get their outfit, here’s what you should know:

Make.Costumes.Safe.Again

When choosing outfits for your pets, we have to make sure the costumes won’t cause any harm to them. Avoid tight-fitting costumes as it might make it difficult for them to breathe. For pawpals on the fluffy side, that also includes costumes that are too thick or have many layers. Animals have a layer of fur to insulate themselves and thick clothing would lead to overheating, especially on hot Singapore days.

Also look out for costumes with small, loose objects like buttons and bells. Never let your furbaby chew on something they shouldn’t. And don’t furget: no fairy lights, no glitter, and no glow sticks.

Dog in halloween costume standing on pumpkin
Halloween photo created by gpointstudio – www.freepik.com

Your pets may look good, but they ought to feel good too

Doggos are expressive creatures. They show their emotions through facial expressions and movement. That’s why instead of wearing a mask, you could get them hats! Cattos are also extremely sensitive to clothes and accessories. Some cats especially might freeze and fall over, and even try to shake the clothes off in a panic. Alternatively, you could dress your pets up in halloween inspired collars and bandanas.

Looks good, but… Maybe she doesn’t like it.
Photo by Brandon Griggs on Unsplash

Getting them used to costumes

You should always let your pawpal try their costume on before the big day. If your pets freeze when you put the costumes on, you could try conditioning them with treats or toys so they know they can move freely in their new outfit. A lot of pawsitive reinforcement is needed so that your pet warms up to wearing accessories and costumes. You could also wear your costume around them too! 

Let’s have a safe and fun halloween everyone ???

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How to Safely Sleep with Your Dog

This article has been written by Luke Strauss from Siege Media.

Let’s face it – we all love snuggling with our pups. There’s nothing better than some quality time with our favorite animals after a long day. We know that sleeping with dogs makes us happy, but what about our physical safety, as well as our dogs’? Is it safe to be sharing a bed with your pup?

Most of the time, the answer is yes. However, safety is highly dependent on the pet owner’s good judgment and willingness to take some precautions. In order to make sleeping with your dog safer for all parties involved, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to safely sleeping with dogs.

4 Safety Tips for Sleeping with Dogs

There are a few things you should consider before snuggling in bed with your pup. Here are 4 tips that will keep you and your dog happy and healthy when sharing a bed.

  1. Keep a Safe Distance

It can be tempting to snuggle up super close to your dog at night, but it’s best to keep a little space between you and your hound. This is because dogs can easily startle during the night causing their sharp claws or teeth to wake you and potentially injure you.

  1. Wash Your Sheets Often

This is a given. Dogs can be messy and tend to carry germs. If you don’t already do so, get into the habit of washing your sheets weekly with sanitizing laundry detergent if your dog shares a bed with you. 

  1. Make Regular Visits to the Vet

You should schedule frequent appointments with the vet if your dog sleeps in bed with you. The increased contact between you and your dog means there’s a greater chance of them passing over fleas and diseases. The vet may even offer products that decrease the chance of illness.

  1. Take Your Dog for a Walk Before Bed

Walks help dogs get their energy out and feel tired at the end of the day. If they are still energetic at bedtime, they will likely be restless during the night and may interrupt your sleep. 

Great Dog Breeds for Cuddling

While no dog breed makes a terrible sleep companion, there are particular breeds that are naturals when it comes to sharing a bed. Here are a few breeds that are known for sleeping a lot and being snuggly when they do.

Bulldog

Bulldogs are calm and quiet dogs that love their rest. They are known for sleeping for many hours restfully, making them great companions for bedtime.

Pitbull

Pitbulls are some of the sweetest dogs out there. They love their sleep and are natural protectors, helping you feel extra safe as you drift into sleep.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This small breed loves to cuddle. They are quiet and take up little space in the bed, making them a wonderful bedtime companion.

Pug

Pugs are an adorable bedtime companion. They love their sleep, so they are great for people who enjoy sleeping in. They are also small and take up minimal space in the bed.

Bernese Mountain Dog

These gentle giants are soft and fluffy snugglers. As long as they get sufficient exercise during the day, they will be happy to cuddle with you all night long.

Common Myths About Sleeping with Dogs

There are many rumors about dogs who sleep in bed with their owners. We addressed these rumors to put them to rest. 

“Sharing a Bed With Your Dog Causes Behavioural Problems”

Allowing your pets onto the bed does not cause behavioural problems. Certain animals may react negatively out of fear, but the bed itself isn’t the problem. Make sure your dog is happy and comfortable on the bed before allowing them to sleep with you.

“It’s Harmful to Sleep With Your Dog”

People often think that allowing your dog in your bed will give them newfound dominance causing them to become aggressive with you. This theory has been disproven. It’s important to remember that dogs are domesticated animals and shouldn’t be compared to wolves.

“Children Shouldn’t Sleep With Dogs”

While it’s wise to be wary before allowing children under 6 years old to share a bed with their dog, if a dog is never aggressive with your children, there is no problem with them bed-sharing. That said, a dog should never be allowed to bed-share with a baby due to babies’ fragility and compromised immune systems.

“Sleeping With Your Dog is Inevitably Messy”

It’s a common belief that you shouldn’t allow a dog into your bed because they will cause illness. In reality, humans rarely ever contract diseases from dogs. That said, it’s still important to follow hygienic practices when bed-sharing.


Overall, sleeping with your pup is a beneficial experience for all parties involved, as long as you take a few healthy precautions. If you enjoyed the tips above and are interested in learning more about sleeping with dogs, check out Tommy John’s infographic below.

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