It’s a purrfect day to answer your cat’s questions!

Everyday, your feline pal is meowing, making strange noises, doing strange things. They could be trying to talk to you, ask you questions, or tell you about their needs. But, you can’t understand them! How frustrating for both you and your cat!

Meow… meow… meowww?

Everyday, your feline pal is meowing, making strange noises, doing strange things. They could be trying to talk to you, ask you questions, or tell you about their needs. But, you can’t understand them! How frustrating for both you and your cat!

That is why today is a purrfect day! Today is January 22nd and it is the most important day. It’s “Answer your cat’s questions day!” Get ready to decode and respond to what your cats have been trying to communicate to you all these time!

A little bit of a history lesson: Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day was established by Ruth Roy and Thomas Roy of wellcat.com. They created this unofficial holiday so that all cat parents can dedicate January 22nd to try and gain a deep understanding about their cats. What are their needs? What kind of behavioral issues need to get sorted out? And of course, to strengthen the bond between the cat pawrents and the light of their lives.?

Here are some questions that your cat might be asking, and needing you to understand!

 

Why do you have to stare at the screen all the time? - Now I’ll have to lie on your keyboard!


Cats love attention, but not too much attention, of course. Sometimes they can feel a little jealous of your laptop when you keep staring at it all day. That’s why they are rolling against the warmth of your keyboard, so that they can have your eyes and focus on them instead of the screen!

 

Can I have a different dish? - I’ve had a lot of these lately.


There could be many reasons behind your tabby losing appetite. Usually, it occurs when your cat eats the same meal for a while. Cats, just like humans, can get bored of the same food! If you buy a specific brand, try other recipes or flavors. You should always remember that your cat not eating could be a sign of illness. Take your feline baby to the vet if they lose appetite for more than a day.

 

Can we maybe cuddle less? - Sometimes it’s just a little bit too much for me.


Every cat parent enjoys cuddling and snuggling with their feline companions. It’s a heartwarming gesture that strengthens your bond. However, staying in that position for too long can be uncomfortable for your cat. The important thing is to make sure that your cat is free to leave if they desire.

 

Could you please clean my litter box more often? - I don’t want to ruin your bed or your couch…


This silent question may have given you a headache in the past. Cats instinctively know that they need to urinate in the litter. The fact that they used your bed or couch as a toilet could be due to foul odor from the litter box. Even if you clean up every day, regularly changing the litter, cleaning up the box, and cleaning around the toilet area will help with this problem.

 

Who is this creature? And why are they in my house? - Good to make your acquaintance, but you should probably leave! 


Cats think they own the place (they’re right!). Your place to be specific. They will get upset if some strange creatures, such as a puppy, a baby, or even another kitten suddenly shows up. It can take some time to introduce a new family member, so keep them away from each other at the beginning. Cats will usually come around later, they’ll eventually accept their new house mate. It may just take some time!

 

Why don’t you let me go outside, even just for a little bit? - I want to see (rule) the world!


Cats will want to go out and take a closer look at everything. However, letting your cat outside by themselves may lead to several unpleasant situations. Unfortunately, they can get into a car accident, unable to find their way home, or attacked by other animals. It is safer to keep your cat indoors, but you can take them out and keep an eye on them from time to time. You may want to put on a leash and be up to date with the vaccinations.

We hope that you will enjoy this “purrfect” holiday with your cuddly sphinx. Take the time to understand each other, it will definitely improve your already so special bond!

 

References

Super Pawers: Our pet’s secret abilities

Not heroes wear capes… because sometimes they come with propped ears and a wagging tail!

Not heroes wear capes… because sometimes they come with propped ears and a wagging tail!

 

Although our furry companions don’t have immense strength, an iron suit, or summon the Bifrost bridge, they don’t fail to impress us with their mere natural abilities! Let’s take a look at cats and dogs' super pawers! ?‍♀️??

 

Cats

Magical Whiskers 

Our cat’s little whiskers aren't just there for decoration! It’s actually an essential part of their sensory abilities. Cat whiskers are so sensitive that they don’t even need to touch something to detect its movement! Not only that, our feline friends use their whiskers to measure if they can fit into a space or not!

 

Telescopic Vision

A lot of us might assume that cats don’t have great eyesight. After all, they can’t even see us presenting a treat right in front of them! But in reality, their eyes are actually great for farther objects! They can also detect fast movements from afar, making them the purrfect predator.

 

QuickKitty 

The little feline that spends most of its life sleeping actually can function at impeccable speed (that is if they want to)! Some breeds can even run short distances at 48 km/hours! That’s faster than some cars out there!

 

Dogs

Dogtor Strange

Doctor Strange could be one of the most powerful sorcerers in the superhero universe, but our Dogtor Strange is just as talented! With a remarkable sense of smell, our paw friends can detect even the slightest change within our bodies. They can detect any abnormal changes much before we do, and that includes emotional shifts as well. 

 

Telepathy

Another power these little guys have never failed to grip our hearts is the ability to read our minds! Although they might not be able to comprehend what we’ve been through, it's like they always know when we need a pick-me-up. According to an article from Springer, dogs can perceive the emotion that comes with human voices, body odor, posture, and facial expressions. That’s how our little friends always seem to know when something is wrong!

 

Ultrasonic hearing

With the ability to hear three times better than us hoomans do, whether that would be from their ear placement or more than a dozen (18 to be exact) muscles in their ears! These are foolproof built-in mechanisms that lets them hear the slightest crunch from their plastic treats! 

 

All of these are just the tip of the iceberg to our furry friends' super pawers and their abilities! Dogs and cats have their own unique and exciting abilities we’re still finding out about! Does your pet have any hidden special powers? Let us know!

 

 

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

 

 

References

The hidden dangers of Loy Kratong

As festivities and celebrations go, loud music is accompanied with fireworks and firecrackers. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for Loy Kratong season!

Loy Kratong is a celebration in Thailand held on the full moon of November in the traditional calendar. Since the 14th century, Thais have been giving thanks and paying respect to Phra Mae Kong Kha, or the water goddess for all she has given. Loy Kratong can be celebrated anywhere, and you will see people gathering around different bodies of water such as rivers, canals, ponds, and even pools! 

 

As festivities and celebrations go, loud music is accompanied with fireworks and firecrackers. These loud noises can easily startle us, even when we know what’s going to happen. Imagine how shocked and scared our furry friends would be! ?? Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for Loy Kratong season!

 

Do’s 

 

Don’ts 

 

These festivities can be extremely scary for our fur babies, not taking care of them properly during these times can cause them to develop a phobia of loud noises. Additionally, cumulative stress overtime can also negatively affect their health and overall well-being.

 

This festival can be harmful to our pet’s overall happiness, but it’s not just that. Each year, Loy Kratong plays a huge part in the already-horrendous condition of our rivers. It’s not a secret that Thailand struggles with pollution, but be sure you’re celebrating Loy Kratong in a sustainable and safe way that doesn’t harm any of our marine animal friends!

 

Several news sources come out to warn pawrents all over Thailand about the possible dangers of Loy Kratong. With the majority of them talking about pets escaping their house from all the commotion. That’s why we recommend you to keep your contact information on your pet’s collar for the whole night, even if your pet is going to be home the whole time.

 

 

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

 

 

References 

Let’s throw the most pawtastic Halloween party!

It’s only the beginning of the month, but who’s already planning their Halloween party?! ✋?

During the spookiest month of the year, who isn’t excited to see all the lights and colors! Pretty (scary) decorations all over the town, for our enjoyment! It’s only the beginning of the month, but who’s already planning their Halloween party?! ✋?

 

It would be a shame if we had a Halloween celebration without our furry friends. But there are so many things we have to look out for during this festive season. Let’s check out how we can host a Pet-Friendly party ?

 

Safety First!

The fun only begins everyone is safe! Before we start setting up a party, we have to be aware of what kind of mishaps can happen during a Halloween party, and how we can prepare for these situations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although a little Halloween gathering isn’t too special for us, hoomans, in our pet’s perspective… suddenly daddy is a Frankenstein? Mommy is now a witch! The whole house is a haunted mansion?! All of this might be a little frightening for the little ones. If our pets are not used to all the lights and action, we better not force them to join the party. At the end of the day, taking safety and precaution as the top priority is extremely important!

 

Speaking of which, let’s start preparing for the party! Got any plans of what costumes to wear? Let us know! ??

 

 

 

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

 

References

6 Dog breeds that really need to release their energy!

Even though most dogs are suuuuuper active, these 6 breeds in the list are packed with energy!

No matter what breed or age your four-legged companion is: they all need exercise! Depending on several factors, some might need more physical activiteis than others. Whether that would be from playing fetch, swimming, or simple walkies, these workout routines keep your dog happy and healthy. Lack of exercise can cause frustration, leading them to exhibit behaviors such as: destroying the living room furniture, aggression, or even depression. Getting their daily walkies can help them feel like the happy dog they deserve to be, with a mind full of focus and curiosity!

 

Even though most dogs are suuuuuper active, these 6 breeds in the list are packed with energy!  If you are currently taking care of them, or you’re aspiring to be the pawrent for these guys, pack your running shoes and be prepared to take them for a daily session!

 

 

Jack Russell Terrier 

Great things come in small packages. Jack Russells are relatively small, with huge amounts of energy. They love running and absolutely adore dog sports. Digging is also one of their favorite pastime activities! A treasure hunt or hide and seek are great games you can play with your Jack Russell Terrier.

 

Beagle

With the instinct of a hunting dog, the Beagle is always aware and excited about everything that's around them. If they don’t get to release this energy, be prepared for a mini tornado in your house. They’ll definitely enjoy toys they can chase around! A great choice that will surely tire your little Beagle out. 

 

 

Siberian Husky

Another infamous perpetrator renowned for destruction! Not just a handsome face, the Siberian Husky’s strength allows them to jump fences that are over two meters tall! Which is also why they go missing quite often. This issue can be solved by giving them the exercise they need every day! 

 

Pembroke Welsh Corgi 

Corgis are known for their smarts and short legs! They seem like the cutest little ball of joy right? Right! But they’re also a ball of oh-so-much energy! So much that they used to help us as herding dogs! Don’t forget to take them out for some running and exercise every day to keep them as fit as a fiddle.   

 

 

Australian Shepherd

A breed that is not only smart, agile, healthy, affectionate but they’re also full of energy! Many assume they’re easy to care for because of their obedience, but the Australian Shepherd absolutely loves (and needs) exercise to keep them in tip top shape.

 

Dalmatian

This high-fashion patterned pup is full of patience and intelligence. If they don’t get the activity they need to keep them stimulated, there’s a high chance that they’ll get easily distracted, which can cause excessive barking. 

 

Now that we’ve gone through why dogs need daily exercise and the top 6 breeds that have plenty of energy, don’t forget to listen to your dog. Even though these guys need a lot of exercises, too much of anything can be harmful! Adjust daily activities to your dog's energy levels by researching and getting to know your dog's breed really well!

 

 

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

 

 


References

The ultimutt pet pawrent checklist!

Are you ready to be the ultimutt pawrent? Let’s take a look at this checklist to find out.

Obsessing over the little toe beans and chonky bois on social media has become the norm. But being a pawrent is not easy, and it’s a huge responsibility. There are so many unexpected things that come along with taking in a pet!

 

Are you ready to be the ultimutt pawrent? Let’s take a look at this checklist to find out.

 

 

 

So, how did you do? Are you the ultimutt pawrent? Of course, not every new pawrent will be able to check everything off the list. Furry friends are often more of a handful than most assume. As long as you are giving your love, care, attention, and prioritizing their well-being, health, and quality of life, you’ve got the bases down to be the ultimutt pawrent!

 

 

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

How to recover from losing a pet

We all deal with it differently, and that’s perfectly normal. Right now, you might feel like you need to ignore the pain, but that can only make things worse later on.

Losing a friend can feel like the hardest thing you’ll ever go through. It was found that the loss of a pet can be as taxing as losing a loved family member on your mental health. Grief is subjective to the individual, which means everyone deals with it differently. Some feel the need to shove this sadness away, and tucked in a safe place, while some feel so much they can’t function for a while. 

 

We all deal with it differently, and that’s perfectly normal. Right now, you might feel like you need to ignore the pain, but that can only make things worse later on. Think of it like plastering a band-aid on a bullet wound. Eventually, the damage will be worse compared to addressing the wound right away. Here are the steps you can take to recover from losing a pet. 

 

 

Take your time

With all the business and deadlines, it’s easy to feel like we can work away our emotions. This is simply not true. One day, those bottled emotions will eventually bust, and the pieces will be harder to pick up. Give yourself time to grieve and feel all the emotions that come with this loss. Time to understand the situation and process everything, and lastly, give yourself time to rest and eventually heal from this wound. 

 

Reflect upon your companionship

Make sure to experience both positive and negative emotions that come with this. 
Journaling is also a popular way to work through these hard emotions, and reflect the relationship you had. We understand that it can be difficult to appreciate all the times you’ve had together. Photos and videos might feel too hard to go through right now, but you can always talk to a loved one about the heart-warming stories you’ve had together. 

 

A Memoriam in honor of your pet

Your pet deserves to be honored and remembered. Setting up a memorial is a way you can honor them, and there are many things you can do to remember your beloved companion. If you need ideas, there are projects such as: Jewelry made from ashes, paw printed artwork or keychains, or even a simple box filled with their belongings are a few things you can do to honor your pet.

 

Connect with those around you

Even though everyone deals with grief differently, empathy and comfort are crucial during this time of need. Seek comfort and support from those around you, spend time together and talk about your feelings to understand yourself further. There are also many online communities that give you a safe place to express your emotions, and seek further support from people going through similar situations.

 

Understand the grieving process

Grief is not linear. After learning about the grieving process, there is often an unrealistically expectation within to immediately heal right after the acceptance stage. It’s important you acknowledge that grief comes in waves. Like the ocean, you will get waves of sadness, anger, or even denial. Sometimes, the waves are bigger than the last. But you have to remember that in-between those waves, there is life.

 

Don’t forget to take care of yourself - especially now

It can be so hard to keep up with everyday things when you’re going through the grieving process. Sticking to your routine, sleep hygiene, or even nutrition regimens, can feel like a slippery slope. Prioritize these everyday things in your life, or seek professional help if you find that these tasks are too difficult. 
Don’t feel ashamed in seeking professional help, since stress has a big impact on your mental and physical health. Asking for help when you need it is the wisest thing you can do. 

 

The scar from losing a beloved pet runs deep. It’s important to realize this and remember you are healing at your own pace. Prioritize your health, and your normal routine; but know that some days are harder than most, so don’t beat yourself over it if you really can’t manage. Be prepared for both good and bad days, and remember that grief is not linear. 

 

 

 

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

 

References

Celebrate National Dog Day with your Doggo's Paws!

Let’s celebrate this National Dog Day with some ART! Print your pal’s paws on paper, decorate it as you’d like, and get a CUSTOM MASTERPIECE to decorate your lovely home!

Did you know? Like our unique fingerprints, each dog has their own unique paw print! ?

 

Let’s celebrate this National Dog Day with some ART!
Print your pal’s paws on paper, decorate it as you’d like, and get a CUSTOM MASTERPIECE to decorate your lovely home!

 

Find out what you need to prepare and what to do! ??️

What you'll need:

 


What to do:

 


?️ Show your artistic piece with us on Facebook: MyFriend - Your Pet’s App or Instagram: @myfriendsyourpetsapp!

 

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

6 Things You Can Donate To Pet Shelters

Today, we would like to encourage you to donate items to animal shelters, recognize their hard work, and also support them! So they can continue to rescue homeless pets out there, keeping them healthy by taking them in and sterilizing them.

In 2017, there were over 800,000 animals who found themselves behind shelter cages in Thailand. According to the Department of Livestock, the estimated number of stray animals will increase to 1.92 million pets in 2027, which is over two times the amount in 2017. Keep in mind, the estimated number did not take into account the ongoing pandemic that is also a huge factor for people to take in pets.

 

International Homeless Animal Day aims to raise awareness of pet overpopulation, and increase the quality of life for homeless animals. Today, we would like to encourage you to donate items to animal shelters, recognize their hard work, and also support them! So they can continue to rescue homeless pets out there, keeping them healthy by taking them in and sterilizing them.

 

 

Food or Treats ??

Pet food and treats are something animal shelters always need. Since food is a necessity for our furry friends, there can never be enough. You can donate dried food, wet food, or yummy treats. Shelters take in animals of all ages, breeds, and backgrounds. This doesn’t exclude animals with health conditions, and foods for specific conditions can get really expensive. That’s why shelters always really  appreciate food that is specifically formulated for animals that have certain health issues!

 

Sheets, Blankets, or Towels ?️

Another man's trash is another kitty’s treasure. If you have old clothes you don’t use anymore, you can donate them to pet shelters. There’s a constant need for bedding material, wiping up little accidents, and drying up freshly washed floof balls… making sheets, old clothes, and towels hard to keep in stock. Avoid clothes with embroidery beads, or little small things that could be bitten and swallowed.

 

Durable Toys ⚾

Everyone loves to have fun, especially animals in shelters! Show them a little love by donating toys your pets don’t enjoy anymore. Animals in shelters absolutely need playtime to release stress. Help them make the most of their playtime by donating that chewy donut that’s been sitting under the sofa for a few months! There’s usually not enough toys in animal shelters, and some good bois might feel left out. Give them something to get excited about! 

 

Office Supplies ?

Hoomans that take care of our furry friends need to do a lot of paperwork. Many people only think of pet supplies to donate, but office supplies are important too! Paper, pen, folders, and even printer ink are all necessary supplies for a shelter office. Call the shelter to see if they need any office supplies you might have on hand to make sure!

 

Money ?

If you don’t have anything on hand, you can always send them a donation! The easiest, most convenient, and fail-proof option. Animal shelters are non-profit organizations, so they will accept money. This way, they can buy all the supplies they need to continue caring for our furry friends. Donating also gives room for you to choose what you’re comfortable giving away.

 

Time ⌚

Last but definitely not least, time. One of the most impactful ways you can help is giving animal shelters your time. This option is accessible for most animal lovers. It’s a great opportunity if you’re looking for experience as a student, and a rewarding activity if you’re just looking to help. Support the cause and their organization directly by donating your time. 

 

After filling your heart with charity, are you also thinking about filling your home by adopting an animal? Let us know! ?

 

 

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

 

References

Introducing pets to their new home

Welcoming a new family member is always exciting. However, it could be difficult for your pets to adjust to a new environment.

Welcoming a new family member is always exciting. However, it could be difficult for your pets to adjust to a new environment. A new and strange place to stay can stir up emotions like loneliness or anxiety. The most impawtant thing is to help them adjust and feel better by being prepared!

 

 

Pet-proofing your home

Pet-proof your home by organizing things. Keep out all hazardous items like cleaning products, sharp objects, and small things that could go inside your pets' mouths or noses. Fragile decorations, such as vases, lamps, and fish aquariums, might be easy to break if they are too lightweight or placed in a high position that risks being hit. Try to tighten the gap between furniture, so your pet can't hide. Organize the messy wires and cables. If you have an empty room left, give them some time to adjust themselves before exploring other areas.

 

Buying new items

Buying pet supplies is highly important. You could be pretty prepared for almost everything: food, bowls, poop bags, cat litter, collar, leash, or the cutest accessories. But after a new pet comes home, you're going to find that you need more! For example, grooming equipment, nail clippers, cat scratching pad, and super-durable toys. See? There are tooooo many things!

 

Slowly introducing family members

Having a new family member is exciting. Most families might gather around the new cat from the street or swarm around the little doggie from a pet shelter. This can be very intimidating and scary! Giving them some time to adjust to a new place for a day, before introducing each member in the house would help more with the anxiety.

 

Adjusting to new surroundings

After your pet gets to know all of the family members, help them familiarize themselves with other things in the house. This way, they will understand the space and learn where they can go in or not. Set rules for outside time, for both dogs and cats who love adventures. Train them where to drop their waste. Socialize with other pets, so they won't panic when meeting new people, pets, or places!

 

Newly Pawrent Tips

Keep everything in a routine. Have a clear timeline. It will be faster and easier for pets to adjust to our behavior. By doing this, they won't be anxious about what is going to happen each day. They might even learn how to wake you up every morning!

 

 

?? MyFriend, your pet's app. Where pet parents can find all services and content to take better care of their best friends!

 

Reference