Cat owners, rejoice! The Grateful Pet is releasing their first-ever cat food line for your feline pawpals on 1st December 2021.
The brand’s new line of nutritious raw cat food will be their first offering for cats, adding to their existing line of gently cooked and raw dog food. Cat owners can look forward to the brand’s signature superfoods boosted flash-frozen meals that are rich in animal protein and boosted with feline-friendly fresh ingredients.
Flavour Options
The three new recipes are:
Chicken
Beef & Chicken
Kangaroo & Chicken
Chicken
Beef & Chicken
Kangaroo & Chicken
All meals are 100% preservative-free and made without grains, gluten, corn, wheat, soy and synthetic vitamins. The raw cat food is sold in a box containing 12 x 85g tubs (1.02kg). Prices start from $32/box.
A new formula
Made with a minimum of 95% lean muscle and organ meat, The Grateful Pet’s human-grade raw cat food caters to the dietary needs of cats who thrive on predominantly meat diets. Meals are also enriched with taurine, an essential amino acid that contributes to healthy digestive function, good vision and heart health.
The superfoods used for the formula — including fermented prebiotic seaweed and New Zealand green-lipped mussel — are taken from a species-appropriate selection that ensures your felines feel amazing from the inside and out. Natural ingredients like cod liver oil and nutritional yeast are also added to support your cat’s immunity and maintain healthy joints with every bite.
How to prepare it for your feline
Each box contains 12 tubs — Just thaw the number of tubs you want!
Feeding The Grateful Pet raw cat food is easy—simply thaw the desired number of tubs and serve. This range of time-saving meals is also perfect for busy cat owners as all nutritional guesswork is taken out with these AAFCO-complete and balanced raw meals.
As a way of giving back to the animal shelter community in Singapore, a portion of proceeds from each sale will be donated to Causes for Animals Singapore through The Grateful Give Back, the company’s community outreach arm.
To learn more about The Grateful Pet and to place an order, visit their site now!
Yes, cats are independent creatures and can be stubborn at times. Although, much like human behavior, they are also socially flexible. If given the opportunity and the appropriate training, cats can develop a solid and lasting bond with their owners. Besides playtime or fun, cats can also use their training to overcome behavioral issues such as urine marking, aggression, furniture scratching, etc. The act of training cats allows parents to spend more time stimulating their pet’s mind and body, keeping both parties engaged, motivated, and healthy.
Despite the widespread belief that cats cannot get trained, it’s up to the owners to understand what incentivizes or drives their furry friends. Teaching your cat new tricks is based on trial and error, depending on their personality, traits, temperament, and preferences. Unlike dogs who want to impress their owners, cats prefer to be given something in return for their efforts. Owners must keep in mind that even though cats are highly intuitive and alert, they can take time to respond with willingness. The parent’s job is to train with patience, empathy, and respect for their cat’s personal space. While teaching new tricks and bonding with the cat is suitable for their health, it’s equally important to provide them with the best flea treatment. Another great way to save money and time is to subscribe to monthly flea treatment for your cat, avoiding the hassle of making regular trips to the vet.
When training your cat, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you interact more efficiently:
Using noise-making devices, such as clickers, can help the cat mark their good behavior and connect the sound with the following treat.
Using positive reinforcements (rewards) such as your cat’s favorite treats, catnip, petting, etc., can reinforce the desired behavior and help them respond faster due to increased motivation.
A hungry cat is the most eager learner since they want to be rewarded with food instantly. However, the trick is to keep the training sessions crisp and short; otherwise, they might lose interest.
Cats are a creature of habit and have a better memory than other animals. We recommend maintaining consistency while training and keeping short spurts of sessions, i.e., less than 10 minutes.
Punishing your cat can cause severe stress and anxiety, damaging the bond you share and causing a breach of trust.
One of the most popular ways to showcase your bond with your feline friend is through a fist bump. It may not look easy initially, but it is pretty achievable with the right conduct. It would be best to understand that no two cats are the same, and some of them will take time to learn and get used to the commands. So, you can start by offering your cat a small treat in a narrow bowl so that he/she uses her paw to get the treat out. As soon as she does, say “Yes.” Next time, repeat this while holding the cup a little higher in your hand. Slowly, get away with the bowl and replace it with your fist. Be patient and always reward your cat with a treat when she follows through.
Cat owners believe that having their pets indoors can be a safe option for them. While this is true, cats require stimulation by exploring the outdoor environment, spending quality time with their owners, and experiencing different sights, sounds, and smells.
Firstly, find a harness that secures your cat to a tee so that they aren’t able to wiggle out and escape into the woods. Then, introduce your cat and allow it to get accustomed to wearing the harness around the house. You can also place a few treats near the harness to pique your cat’s interest. When they seem comfortable, begin by taking your cat to the balcony or terrace area. Keep some treats ready in hand to offer if they’re stressed, and allow them to walk at their own pace, taking in the new environment.
Only when you know that they’ve adapted to the outdoor space, can you take them to roam around your neighborhood, explore the gardens, etc.
Using a carrier is essential for a cat parent during different events, such as visiting a veterinarian, going for a trip, switching homes, etc. While the general behavior of cats towards carriers is unpleasant, there is a way for owners to change this around.
The first step is to find a carrier made of the right material, size, and with proper ventilation. A detachable top is a bonus so that you won’t have to force your cat to exit each time. The best way to start is by keeping the carrier in a separate room, with no loud sounds or distractions. Then lay a mat next to an open carrier and place some treats over it for your cat to nibble on. It will take a few days for your cat to move closer and closer to the carrier before they step inside for the treats. Also, remember that any harsh noise such as banging the door, roughly placing the cat inside, or any background movement can stress out your cat. Instead, relax your cat and allow them to take their time to lay on the mat inside the carrier. Then start by closing the door gently, in small degrees, until they begin to feel more and more relaxed inside. You can occasionally place a few toys, along with favorite treats, to allow your cat to feel secure, even when you’re not in the room.
Gradually, you can start by transporting them from one room to another before you take them for their annual checkups or other travels.
Apart from looking cool, an arm hoop jump is an excellent way to keep your cat active. Although it may look tricky at first, once you get the basics right, you’ll notice that your feline friend seems to be having a lot of fun. Reward training is an excellent place to start, and having a treat at the finishing end will motivate your cat to follow through. The other thing to consider is getting the right kind of hoop. A noisy or unstructured hoop might distract the cat. Moreover, it’s better to let your cat explore the hoop while introducing it to her. The more familiar it becomes, the more comfortable your cat would feel around it. Then by practicing it more and more and with targeted training, your cat will get in the groove and start liking it quite a lot.
In conclusion, training a cat can be challenging at times, but cat owners must remember that patience and repetition will help with even the most distant felines. While most parents start training cats at a young age, when they’re most adaptive and involved, older cats can also get trained as long as they’re consistent and patient. The end goal is to reinforce your cat’s good behavior and help deepen the bond between you and your feline friend.
In one of her Instagram posts, Saedah details her experience with a pet groomer regarding her cat, Zain. She details how she was refused service at an undisclosed groomer on account of Zain’s aggression. In an interview with us, she also mentions how important grooming was to upkeep the quality of his fur, which in turn affects his health and well being.
“Zain’s fur is really matted and we have a hard time managing it at home as he does not allow me to comb or brush him. Many times I have to wait for him to fall asleep before I can attempt to brush out his matted fur. We have resorted to shaving once however, it did not seem to help as his fur grows out way too fast. As a result, he develops frequent hairball problems too.
Photo Credit: Instagram @zainthemainecoon
We intended for the Groomers to assist us with this issue. It was disappointing to be rejected. Groomers should be trained and well-equipped to manage aggressive cats. Grooming is a professional service that cats truly need, especially for cats like Zain who strongly needs the service. Only a cat groomer can help. It appears redundant if the groomer is not ready to offer their services to aggressive cats. Who else can I turn to? Vets do not entertain hair matting issues.”
Saedah is not alone in her struggles to seek out grooming services for her aggressive cats. Owners often struggle to locate a suitable groomer for their cats. In addition, grooming centres can charge cat owners additional fees, which in turn, may further exacerbate the owner’s stress.
Luckily, Saedah eventually located a suitable groomer: Pet Pat Grooming.
With a perfect 5.0 Star score on Google Reviews, Pet Pat Grooming is located in Singapore and offers over 5 tailored services for their kitty customers. In particular, they promise to provide a low-stress handling experience which helps to greatly reduce cats’ stress levels.
Jen of Pet Pat has kindly agreed to share her insight on providing grooming care to cats. We also inquired regarding her experience with aggressive cats to take a better look at what it entails.
Why is Grooming Important?
Matted fur develops due to inflamed and dry skin. Regular grooming schedules help to reduce such risks and keep cats clean right down to their skin. Plus, maintain that their fur is matt-free.
Photo Credit: Instagram @petpat.sg
Cats do like to be clean. They’re much happier. Imagine if you never took a shower or brushed your hair. That’s what an ungroomed cat feels like. They turn into a much more social creature when they’re clean.
What agitates cats when they visit a Groomer?
From the cat’s perspective, they are being cautious. Especially in a new environment, they are looking out for potential predators here. As a result, they can go into fight, flight, or freeze mode.
Your salon offers a low-stress handling experience. How do you accommodate this?
When the cat is showing signs of aggression, we designate a single groomer to handle them alone. Occasionally, we may do a two-person groom which involves the handler and a groomer. Our priority is to go as fast and safe as possible to minimise the cat’s exposure to unfamiliar territory.
We always do pre groom assessments for our clients. Find out as much info as possible. Once the expectations are established, We can work our magic. We introduce the cat calmly to the grooming process. We want it to be a pleasant experience for both the cat, and its owner.
Lead us through a grooming session with an aggressive cat.
There are 4 things to note before grooming cats.
Assess the fur situation.
Photo Credit: Instagram @petpat.sg
Aggression is not caused without reason. At times, there is a reason for their behaviour. For example, we once had a customer named MoMo who had several large matts on his body. It was extremely tight on his skin and was impossible to comb out. In such situations, the cat will definitely respond in an aggressive manner due to the intense discomfort they are feeling. Certain fur conditions require a different approach to grooming.
2. Protect yourselves.
Cats can have you out for lunch! Regardless, our service does not believe in using restraints as it might stress the cat even further. Instead, we ensure we are well-protected before handling aggressive cats. Dog handling gaiters (a.k.a Dragon Slayer Gloves haha!) can be necessary. We also use an Elizabeth collar, and a towel for extra padding.
3. Act with firmness.
Establish an equal distribution of control over the situation. When a cat is trying to intimidate vocally, the best course of action for a groomer is to not be intimidated and act with confidence and firmness.
4. Take breaks and respect the cat’s need for space.
Most importantly, is to respect the cat. We might also opt to take many 5 minute breaks in between grooming to give the cat sufficient time to cool down and rest. It also helps us to think of the next move. Regardless, remember to treat the cat with the same amount of understanding and respect as you would a human!
Photo Credit: Instagram @zainthemainecoon
When we groomed Zain (Saedah’s cat), we first introduced him to happy things such as treats, toys, catnip and more. We spoke in hushed tones and patted him occasionally to provide reassurance. He was a lot calmer at his session with us and showed no signs of aggression! He was a very good boy.
We always advise pet owners to do their research before committing to a groomer. Things you can take note of include:
Certifications or professional training
To be a cat groomer is very different from being a dog’s! Make sure you locate a groomer that is competent to handle the type of pets you own.
Salon Hygiene
Cats-only environment
How can we do our part to take care of our pets at home?
Brushing your pet’s fur at home is a great way to maintain your cats in between grooming sessions.
Photo Credit: Instagram @petpat.sg
Here’s how you can do so:
Begin by creating a positive association with your brush. Place it near your cat and reward them with a treat when he/she starts to investigate it.
Build their association with the brush. When you are interacting with your cat in a calm way, allow your cat to sniff and rub against it when they wish.
After a few days doing so, or when you think your cat is ready, stroke your cat with the brush in your hand. Hold the brush out for your cat to sniff again. If they rub against it reward them with a treat and praise them with more physical attention.
Once your cat is actively seeking the brush you can gently move it against your cats face. Gently and slowly stroke in the direction of the cats’ coat for 2 minutes a session.
If your cat is relaxed and enjoying the experience try grooming different areas. Cats love the neck and head region and also the back and base of the tail. All the best!
Special thanks to Saedah of @zainthemainecoon for sharing her experience with us. Visit her Instagram.
The pandemic saw an increase in stay-at-home orders, with many individuals struggling to cope with the effects of minimised social contact.
For Sheryl, whose mental health has greatly affected her daily life – the enforced lockdown caused by the pandemic affected her with cabin fever, a condition that threatened her well-being.
Yet, her saving grace came in the form of a loving kitty named Princess.
We talked to Sheryl to learn more about the importance of mental health awareness, especially with regard to the pandemic. We also learnt about the positive aspects of pet ownership, and how owning a pet might help one get through even the darkest of times. Her story is as below:
Sheryl’s Mental Health
Prior to covid and lockdown, I was already struggling with anxiety and depression.
I was lucky to be able to travel a lot because of my job, and travelling helped a lot in coping with depression because I got to visit new places and meet new people all the time.
When the decision for the lockdown was announced, I mostly felt relief seeing the scale of the pandemic. But once I was able to think about what that meant for me, I started panicking. I wasn’t ready to deal with the mental health issues that could come up with lockdown, like cabin fever.
Meeting Princess
A colleague who knew about my mental health recommended getting a cat to keep me company at home, and showed me videos of Princess (then Tallulah) at the shelter.
I’ve always wanted a pet but because of the frequency that I used to travel, never dared to commit to one unless I knew I could give it enough attention. I started researching the cost of having a pet, veterinary care, relocation, etc.
Talking to my therapist, we agreed that adopting a cat will definitely help with my mental well-being, but only if I was sure I could properly care for her and not cause additional stress and anxiety for myself.
The lockdown was the perfect opportunity to do that.
I met Princess and immediately fell in love.
Having Princess at home helped establish a routine both for me and her – feeding, playtime, etc, even down to cleaning her litter box.
She gave me purpose – to give her the best life she could have.
Plus having that cute little face around all the time, and all the cuddles, help with serotonin boosts.
Throughout lockdown, I never experienced cabin fever like I thought I would because I had Princess around all the time. I knew friends who were desperate to go out, but I just wanted to stay in and spend time with my baby girl.
Sure, I’ve had times when I started feeling claustrophobic at home, but P would want to cuddle or run over asking to play, and then I’d forget about all of that.
Cats as a Source of Comfort
Cookie came at a time where I was looking for a companion for Princess. I was about to adopt a little boy from a rescuer, but I found Cooks (or more like she found me). She was getting kicked by people on the street trying to shoo her away. I couldn’t take it and brought her home, hoping to rehome her. Instead, I decided to keep her to reduce the stress of re-introducing another cat to Princess.
Cooks is the cutest thing. She cracks me up all the time, and I suspect she gives me more of a serotonin boost than Princess does because of all the dumb things she does to make me laugh. She’s also the most loving one out of the three. She loves unconditionally and is also the one who’s most in tune with my moods and emotions. She’ll be the first to run to me when I’m upset and cuddle with me even though she’s not usually a cuddly one.
Monkey (formerly Sweetie) was rescued from the street when she was about 9 weeks, with a severe upper respiratory infection that caused her to go blind, and eventually losing both her eyes. She was a super shy and sweet girl when I met her and I just fell in love. I couldn’t deal with seeing her in the rehoming display box and brought her home. She really grew into her own character and got so confident at home. She was climbing everything and therefore her name.
She’s the baby girl of our family – the one who cuddles with me every night, but also the one who terrorises her sisters all the time.
I think having 3 cats is a great thing because they can feed off each other’s energy and play with each other. I don’t have to worry about them when I was back in the office. It helped me alleviate the anxiety worrying about whether Princess would be bored at home alone when I was out.
It’s been a year and a half since bringing Princess home, and about 6 months since bringing Monkey home. I’m even off antidepressants right now (after consulting with my doctor and therapist of course) because I’ve been doing so much better mentally ever since the girls came into my life.
Mental Health and Pet Ownership
I do not necessarily think seeking pet companionship as a means to improve mental health would be productive as it comes with responsibilities, and its own challenges and stressors. I’ve seen many pets being dumped after restrictions were lifted, and that isn’t cool at all.
I think there are a lot of considerations before getting a pet. There are a lot of upsides to it, but also potential stressors to consider. If you’ve thought through all the potential challenges as well, then I would say by all means get a pet because it can help so much with mental well-being.
I have a friend in Europe who is in the midst of getting a PTSD service dog who is specifically trained to help with her needs. So that’s another example of how pets can help with our mental health, but with considerations in mind.
Thank you Sheryl for taking the time to share with us your story.
For those struggling with mental health, feel free to check out these helplines for further assistance.
If you, or a friend have a similar experience, or have a heartwarming pandemic-related tale to tell – reach out to us here.
This article is an expansion of Iris’ submission for Pawjourr’s #WhatsYourReality campaign. We recommend reading her original submission before proceeding with the article [link].
Pet ownership is a difficult journey, but its challenges can be exacerbated by family members who are not understanding of your pet’s needs.
For Iris, she experienced this first hand when she invited a new family member into her home, someone who took an immediate disinterest in her cat, Kitty.
We reached out to Iris to know more about her struggles in maintaining relationships with her family while continuing to pursue her responsibilities in pet ownership.
We hope that through her story, we will be able to raise awareness of the importance of acknowledging pets as family members and cultivate a greater understanding between pet and non-pet owners.
1. Tell us more about your relationship with Kitty, and why you chose to adopt her.
We found Kitty as a stray kitten living near a void deck in Woodlands. The mother cat could not be seen anywhere near the area, so I took her in and brought her to the vet because I felt it was dangerous for such a tiny kitten to be roaming around alone!
Initially, I was just fostering her – I kept her in an old cage that I had for my guinea pig since she was so small! Even smaller than a guinea pig!
She was estimated to be about 3-4 weeks old at the time. I was looking for an adopter, but after a month of fostering her, I could not bear to let her go and decided to keep her. I had to convince and show my dad that I could take good care of her. He eventually agreed. I think she secretly had grown on him too!
2. What are the common misconceptions non-pet owners have about animals?
Non-pet owners that I have come across so far seem to think that pets/animals are just animals – and that they are of a “lower class” than humans. Another misconception is that animals are “dirty” and especially for cats – they are stereotyped as destroyers of furniture.
3. Why do you think it is important to treat your pets like family members?
Pets, just like any other human, have feelings!
Hence, they deserve equal care and love just like any human being. It is really important to make sure that pets are well-loved and well taken care of, as they will learn to reciprocate the love they feel. Plus, their love is unconditional.
Treating pets like our family members also has a positive effect on us humans, because they can help to reduce our stress and cheer us up when we’re down. After a long day at work, nothing that feels better than giving my cats a big hug. Plus point is definitely when they start purring on me 🙂
4. How can non-pet owners show respect and understanding towards pets, and pet owners in general?
Have sensitivity and if there is nothing good to say, just don’t say it.
If a non-pet owner is someone who feels strongly against animals, he/she can choose not to visit a pet owner’s house to minimise interaction with the animals – you can always meet outside (although not so much during P2HA!).
From my experience, I’ve actually been really lucky and managed to “convert” some of my friends who were scared of animals into being less scared of animals, just by simply letting them be around the cats. Being exposed to pets and animals in general in a safe environment helps non-pet owners understand that there really is much to love about pets!
5. I understand you moved shortly after submitting the story. How has Kitty adapted to the new home, and has there been improvements with regards to your relationship with the family member?
Kitty has adapted amazingly to the new home! We moved in just at the start of the first P2HA so that gave us a lot of time to be at home with Kitty and her siblings, Munchie & Floofy, monitoring them and making sure that they are comfortable and happy.
Kitty, being the oldest, took slightly longer than Munchie to adjust to the new environment, but she soon found and claimed her spots in the house and now she is very at ease in the new home.
Unfortunately, that family member has not come to visit us, partially due to the current regulations, and partially because we are unsure of how they would react to seeing Kitty again. Despite her, the rest of the family have also come to visit because they’ve missed the cats and it’s quite obvious that the cats miss them too!
Taking the cats out of the picture, our personal relationship with that particular family member has definitely improved since moving out. We are hoping that in time, the family member will grow to be more comfortable around the cats.
But for now, we’ll likely stick to meeting outside first!
Iris is not alone in facing such challenges. If you have faced a similar situation, let us know how you overcame it.
Do share with us your thoughts on the common misconceptions between pet and non-pet owners as well!
Thank you to Iris for sharing her story. Read her original submission to our #WhatsYourReality campaign here.
Have you ever thought about owning 10 cats, all of which are of different breeds, in the house?
Some common questions we always get include: Will they quarrel among themselves? How does it affect the house odour?
These are the most challenging part for pet owners who are new and inexperienced in handling house animals. Most cat owners in Singapore adopt 2 to 3 cats per house which are already considered difficult to manage. Many find it hard to juggle time for themselves as well as the cats.
The full Twinkle Babies family — as pictured on Instagram @loudtwinklebaby
For us, we never thought of owning such a big cat family. Rather, it all started when our very first cat encountered a terrible accident and died. For that, we could not forgive ourselves. At a first glance, owning a cat might appear all cute and cuddly. However, from our experience as the Twinkle Furmilies, we have grown to understand that there is more to it than just taking care of a cuddly little furry. The most challenging part as a cat owner is that we cannot control them like how we want to control a hooman. They are just unpredictable.
Sofe, Sofena and Sofea Lavender — as pictured on Instagram@loudtwinklebaby
Managing their Behaviours
As cat parents, we would likely understand the characteristics of our own cats in terms of their food, behaviour and affections towards others. They would fight and could possibly tear the house mercilessly down through their combined paw force. I can recall countless broken vases, destroyed sofas and incessant scratches on the wall which really tested our patience. We had to face that every single day and it eventually became a routine that we had to deal with.
Sofea Lavender plays with the dustbin — as pictured on Instagram @loudtwinklebaby
During the day, it is rare to see them active as they usually sleep in their comfortable areas and never wake up till the sunset. Once they do, they will start their ferocious engines and run around the house as though they are Olympic competitors. During the night, they will begin to hunt, and that is when you will see countless cockroaches and lizards who have lost their heads, tails and even half their bodies. Honestly, that is how we saved our money from buying insecticide spray. Due to the cats’ activity, our house has the best pest control service. Definitely an advantage to having cats in the house!
However, having cats at home also requires a lot of responsibility. We need to put aside a lot of things such as their expenses for needs such as food, hospital bills and as well catering to their environment. Among the Twinkle Babies, Mutiara (Persian) is the pickiest, prompting us to call her ‘The Selfish Queen”.
Mutiara — as pictured on Instagram @loudtwinklebaby
She is adorable yet requires a lot of high maintenance due to her behaviour (not her breed!). We spend about $40+ for her dry food alone. This is excluding expenses for her treats and wet food. Plus, Mutiara never shares. If she has to, she will not eat for several days after.
Elysya — as pictured on Instagram @loudtwinklebaby
Moreover, we also need to prepare medical bills for Elysya(DSH) the “Sensitive Skin Queen”. All of her shampoos are prescribed specially by the vet which can cost us upwards of $300+. This can include prescribed lotions, sensitive powders etc.
Facing Exhaustion
Photo Credit: Instagram @loudtwinklebaby
Raising 10 cats could be very exhausting.
Especially so if we happen to be rushing to finish work and the Twinkle Babies decided to be busy in their litter box one-by-one. It could take up to15-20 minutes before the last kitty finishes their business so we might find ourselves waiting in front of the litter box just to clean up their mess and clean them up.
“Cat Jealousy”
It may sound ridiculous but cats do have strong feelings especially if they are aware of a newcomer around them. Feelings of being ignored and insecurity can be shown. They might express this by biting, or sometimes even ignore you. Some might not even eat for several days. Our advice is to not worry! No matter how much they sulk amongst themselves, their only weakness is food especially treats.
Photo Credit: Instagram @loudtwinklebaby
Having said that– They might quarrel, growl at each other non-stop, but in nature, they actually have this soft instinct of loving each other. Some might think that animals have no sense especially in terms of looking out for one another and we totally disagree! Despite all the hard times endured when we are trying to get them to bond for the first time whenever one of them is in trouble, the others will automatically try to help and save them.
Photo Credit: Instagram @loudtwinklebaby
It truly touches our hearts to see that they care for each other no matter the breed differences. Despite the common belief that different breeds are not suitable to be together, we think it simply means that takes a lot of time and patience to bond them together.
In conclusion, we faced many hard times but never once did we think that they are a burden to us. For us, they are our family and even though it might take up a lot of our energy and finances, they are also the one who brightens up our day.
Studio Kinu offers one of a kind shots with their cosy picturesque backdrops– meant to mimic the comfort and ease of your daily home.
Though their speciality appears to be family photos, their clientele reaches far and wide: On their portfolio, they showcase engagement pictures, pregnancy shoots, and most surprisingly, pets!
Credits: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFL0Y3fnq2w/
We interviewed MK, Studio Kinu’s founder, and main photographer to find out more about their business. We also reached out to you! (Pawjourr community) for some questions.
Interview with MK of Studio Kinu
@promisethedoggie: What inspired you to start this business?
I started my photography journey as a wedding photographer when I was 18. I truly enjoy photographing my clients and it means so much to me that they’d entrust me to capture their big day. However, as most wedding ceremonies are often held over the weekends, it meant that taking more jobs = burning away my weekends.
After meeting my life partner and having our dogs, weekends are so much more precious to me. I started to think of ways that I can still do what I am passionate about, while at the same time spending time with my loved ones. Thus, the idea of a studio came to life! People and animals are the inspiration for the name of our studio – KINU, a mashup of KIN (relationships) + INU (dogs).
Indeed, the photos produced at Studio Kinu do bring out the best in our relationships. In fact, they appear to carry a strong aura of nostalgia and family. Perhaps it is the bright cool-toned temperature of their pictures that appear as though it has been pulled out of your memory or all too familiar sofa sets that you can find in your grandparent’s home; Studio Kinu’s photoshoots emphasise on capturing the smiles you share with the people you love.
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQpmfR0nAcn/
As mentioned, their photos are not constrained to the human business, as they offer photoshoot packages that accommodate your pets as well. That way you can capture precious moments shared with your animals too!
Jane, Tay and Oolong had such great fun at Studio Kinu. Oolong posed well for the camera, all thanks to the accommodating nature of the studio!
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/oolongmilkytea/
Accommodating Your Pets
@zorro_tales and @theobislife: How does your studio work to accommodate the needs of our pets?
Before the photoshoot, we usually communicate with the owners to let their pets pee and poop before coming up. We take some time to let the pets familiarise themselves with us, and when the photoshoot starts, we have squeakers and treats to help capture the attention of your pet!
Our mini sessions are the perfect trial packages for anyone who is keen to try out studio photoshoots! It is a short 20 mins session, perfect for those with young babies or a family with grandparents and daddies that aren’t as keen to be in photos.
@harley.pomsky1008: Do they have outdoor and indoor packages?
Yes, we do! Please check out our rate card (linked below!) which includes our studio packages, as well as outdoor packages.
Emma and Toto on studiokinu.com
@iamcookiebae: How much does it cost per photoshoot?
It depends! For studio shoots, we have 3 packages. Mini session $288, Classic session $428, Deluxe session $628. (Full rate card down below!)
@loudtwinklebaby: In lieu of the COVID-19 restrictions, how many people (and pets!) are allowed for a single photoshoot?
According to IMDA, up to 10 pax can appear in a photo unmasked and the studio can have up to 15 pax.
Graduation Shoots?
One thing that stood out the most to us is the studio’s potential for graduation photos! In lieu of the recent pandemic, many of our recent graduates are unable to attend live ceremonies to celebrate their achievements. Hence, graduate photoshoots are in high demand as it helps them commemorate this significant milestone.
The most standard graduation studio shot likely involves a green screen or a giant fake image as your backdrop. However, with Studio Kinu styled sets, your pictures will definitely stand out. However, if you do prefer solid colour backdrops- this option is still available!
Quote ‘PAWJOURR15’ when booking for 15% discount on both indoor and outdoor shoots.
Pawjourr+ members can claim an additional 5% off! Click here to reveal the code.
Download Studio Kinu’s rate card below for more information:
From bows, leashes to bandanas – your pet will be the star of any occasion!
Plus stay tuned at the end of each section for exclusive discount codes for our Pawjourr community!
Levupets
This Japanese inspired pet accessories store specialises in cute, dainty bows for all your furfriends. Made available for both cats and dogs, their bows are easily attached to any pre-existing collars or harnesses. You can also key in their width to ensure the best fit!
Photo Credit: Instagram @sausagedogsncat
Their Nijiro Rainbow Bow Tie is highly customisable. You can choose up to 5 colour preferences along with a charm of choice! You can add their charms on the centre or on the sides of the bow, allowing you to come up with your own unique designs.
Perfect for paw-rents who might own more than 1 pet! Get 15% off with a min. spend of $40 with the code ‘LVPAWJOURR’. Code ends 17 Nov 2021.
For the practical parent, do check out Staple Craft’s collection of Biothane leashes, collars and harnesses. Biothane refers to a polyester webbing with a TPU or PVC coating. This ensures the product’s durability, as well as imbue it with waterproofing and is easy to clean.
Photo Credit: Instagram @furiousfloof
Take a look at their Maxi multiway leash which comes in varying widths- Skinny or Standard. Pet owners have the option to add on accent colours, braiding and even a traffic handle extension.
Unfortunately, it does not seem that their pet leashes are made suitable for cats. Regardless, this would be a great gift for dog owners!
Get 10% off with every purchase with the code ‘PAWJOURR’. Offer ends 31 Dec 2021.
Lastly, check out these adorable bandanas by Petsplaylove.
Photo Credit: Instagram @petsplaylove
The look and design of these bandanas are left completely up to you to customise! Interested paw-rents can place their order by detailing the choice of fabric, font and neck circumference. They even provide an option for glow in the dark font, meaning you’d be able to spot your pet (and his or her bandana) even in the dark!
Plus, this handcrafted product helps to ensure the best quality for your pet. Get 10% off with a min. spend of $10 with the code ‘PAWJOURR10’. Code ends 31 Dec 2021.
If you have seen the Oscar-winning movie, Parasite (2019), you must have heard of art therapy.
Making its rounds on social media, Art therapy has been lauded for its ability to help people to explore self-awareness and stress management. It can also boost one’s confidence and social skills. To testify for the ever-growing demand for art therapy, many seek out art-jamming sessions worldwide to have a taste of this therapeutic and invigorating activity!
Art Jamming refers to the act of making art together in a group. This activity emphasises unleashing the creative potential of individuals. An art jamming session may encourage one to reflect on their creative energies.
To further enhance one’s experience within an art jamming session, Amanda Cho of Wildflower Studios invites her cats to hang out and attend to participants in the studio. She refers to these as her Cat-Art jamming sessions.
We reached out to discuss her innovative studio, and to find out more about the added benefits of engaging in art therapy alongside a fluffy feline friend.
What inspired you to start Cat-Art Jamming sessions?
Amanda: I had always loved the idea of having a studio space as I enjoy art. I thought about the combination of art+cats would be a creative and popular idea and decided to give it a go!
At Wildflower Studio, participants are encouraged to interact with Amanda’s four beautiful cats, Sundae, Saffron, Mel, and Soba.
Photo Credit: Wildflower Studio
How do the cats participate in these sessions?
Amanda: Our sessions start off with about 15 minutes of cat interaction which include introductions and opportunities to feed cats their favourite treats.
After the cats are fed, they start to groom themselves. We position their favourite spots around the participants- Saffron likes her hammock, Mel likes the floor, Soba likes to be in the side table nook and Sundae likes the kitchen counter.
The cats are very comfortable with humans and normally hang around the participants. Much to our participants’ delight, the cats will typically approach humans without being forced to or enticed by food.
Photo Credit: Wildflower Studio
Believe it or not, but encouraging participants to interact with cats is a great way to further enhance one’s self-confidence. Being able to successfully connect with a feline friend is a guaranteed way to feel better about yourself.
As a pet owner myself, I can guarantee that nothing feels better than hanging out with a fluffy animal!
Housed within her own home, Wildflower Studio boasts an organic and cosy atmosphere. It also showcases lots of natural wood in its interior. It’s hard not to feel at home when you step inside.
This also allows her cats to feel more at ease with the environment around them.
Photo Credit: Wildflower Studio
The ambience of your studio seems so comforting. How have you managed the interior space of your studio to accommodate both your participants and your cats?
Amanda: My studio space is housed within my home and the interior has been designed to look a bit like a cafe. It wasn’t designed with the intention to run an art studio though haha… that idea came much later.
We clear our sofa and carpet to the side so there is space for the easels and participants to walk and sit comfortably while taking into consideration the prevailing safe management measures.
Our cats are already in a space that they are familiar with so they don’t have any issues adapting to the environment. It seems that the cats look forward to our art jamming sessions as they will hang out around the studio set up prior to each session.
Currently, a 2-hour cat-art jamming session at Wildflower Studios retails at $35 for both adults and children. Session extensions are also available for $8 every half an hour thereafter.
What can participants expect from a session?
Amanda: A cosy and chill session doing art in the company of 4 friendly cats… nice drinks with light acoustic music playing in the background and friendly hosts!
Many adults tend to feel afraid to attempt an art piece they like but I always encourage them to try and trust the process. I am always around to guide them or help them along with their artwork!
Wildflower Studio has an average 5-star rating across 38 Google reviews. Most of Amanda’s clients praise her warm hospitality and guidance. In one such review, a participant also equates the encounter as similar to visiting a friend!
You can find more information about Wildflower Studios on their website. They also offer pricing plans for those interested in attending multiple sessions.
As a new dog or cat owner, the experience can sometimes be scary. How much do you feed them? How frequently do they need to be bathed? What kind of medical needs do they have? These are just some of the questions our pet owners at The Woof Agency have asked themselves when they first got their furbabies.
In order to clear some of your doubts, our team has put together a list of things you need to know when it comes to vaccinating your new puppy or kitten. This ranges from what the vaccines do, what the timeline is like, and what it protects your furkids against.
Are puppy vaccinations necessary?
As you’ve probably gathered, this vaccine is important because it protects your furkids from viruses that they may be susceptible to as a newborn. While it isn’t mandatory for owners to have their pups take the shots, vaccinating them gives you extra peace of mind when you bring them out for walks or an adventure.
How many vaccinations does my puppy/kitten need?
They need a total of 3 doses of the core vaccine, which will be administered 4 weeks apart.
The first dose should be given when they’re between 6-8 weeks old, second dose when they’re 10-12 weeks old, and the last one when they’re 14-16 weeks old. It’s important that you minimise your pets interactions with other animals during this period!
For those who are curious as to why there’s 3 doses, the reason is this: vaccines can wear off! 3 doses that are 4 weeks apart helps your furbabies build sufficient antibodies to stay protected.
What are the vaccinations for?
The core vaccine helps to stimulate the production of antibodies against deadly diseases in your furbabies. In doing so, it prevents them from contracting viruses such as;
DOGS 1 – Canine Parvovirus
What is it Parvo causes infectious gastrointestinal (GI) illness in puppies and young dogs, and can potentially be fatal for those that aren’t vaccinated.
It spreads via direct contact with a dog that’s infected or through their feces. Dogs that are infected can start to shed the virus four to five days after being exposed, sometimes before they even show any signs of infection. For pups that are diagnosed with parvo, it’s important to quarantine your dog not just for their health, but for the health of other dogs too.
Symptoms & Next Steps Here are some symptoms that you should take note of if you suspect your pup has Parvo:
What is it Canine distemper is a highly contagious virus caused by the paramyxovirus. It’s caused by the paramyxovirus virus. Animals get infected from contact with infected urine, blood, saliva, or respiratory droplets. Of these, transmission usually happens through droplets. It can be spread through coughing and sneezing or contaminated food and water bowls.
Canine distemper can potentially also cause brain inflammation and neurological symptoms, and is often confused with rabies. Neurological symptoms of canine distemper include:
What is it Hepatitis is defined as inflammation of the liver. As a specific disease, infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is a viral infection caused by a member of the adenovirus family.
In the mild form the dog may merely have a decreased appetite, appear depressed and have a mild fever. Some dogs develop opacity (cloudiness) of one or both corneas of their eyes (so-called blue eye) one to two weeks later. Dogs may have respiratory signs such as eye and nasal discharge and a cough that is indistinguishable from other forms of upper respiratory tract infections or kennel cough (see handout “Kennel Cough or Tracheobronchitisin Dogs”).
Symptoms & Next Steps
Mild Symptoms: 1. Decreased appetite 2. Appear depressed 3. Mild fever 4. In some cases, cloudiness forms in one or both corneas of their eyes (“Blue Eyes”) 1-2 weeks later 5. Eye and nasal discharge 6. Kennel cough
Severe Symptoms: 1. Abdominal pain 2. Vomiting 3. Diarrhea 4. Edema (fluid swelling under the skin) of the head and neck 5. Jaundice
If your pup exhibits any of these symptoms above, it’s important that you bring your dog to the vet immediately as the severe symptoms can be fatal.
If detected, it’s important to bring your cat to the vet immediately.
2 – Pavrovirus
What is it Pavrovirus for cats is also a highly contagious virus, and is also a viral virus. It is able to infect rapidly dividing cells such as bone marrow cells.
Symptoms & Next Steps: 1. Vomiting 2. Diarrhea 3. Depression
It’s important to bring your cat to the vet immediately if you suspect that they’ve contracted this disease.
3 – Calicivirus
What is it Calicivirus is a highly contagious virus amongst cats, and is able to cause respiratory and oral diseases in them.
Symptoms & Next Steps: 1. Ulcers on tongue 2. Inflammation of tongue
It’s important to bring your cat to the vet immediately if you suspect that they’ve contracted this disease.
Summary
While it’s not a must, vaccinating your furbabies is a highly recommended practice to engage in when you first get your pet. It keeps them protected against common diseases, and gives you peace of mind when bringing them out to interact with both humans and animals alike.
If you think there are other steps that pet owners can take to keep their furbabies safe, let us know in the comments below!
