Author: Country Boarding Kennels

Choosing Eco-Friendly Cat Products 

As a cat owner, you want to provide the best care for your furry friend while also being mindful of the environment. One way to achieve this is by adopting eco-friendly habits that reduce your cat’s carbon footprint. Eco-friendly cat ownership involves making conscious choices that benefit both your cat and the planet. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have listed four simple tips and tricks to help reduce your cat’s impact on the environment and promote sustainable living. 

As a responsible cat owner, you want to make sure that you are doing your part to protect the environment. One way to do this is by choosing eco-friendly cat products. Here are some tips for choosing sustainable and environmentally friendly cat products:

1. Eco-Friendly Cat Litter 

When it comes to cat litter, there are many options available. However, not all cat litter is created equal! Some types are better for the environment than others. Here are some eco-friendly cat litter options to consider: 

• Biodegradable cat litter: This type of cat litter is made from natural materials such as corn, wheat, and recycled paper. It is biodegradable, which means it will break down naturally in the environment. 
• Clumping cat litter: Clumping cat litter is made from natural clay and is biodegradable. It is also easy to scoop and dispose of. 
• Recycled cat litter: This type of cat litter is made from recycled materials like newspapers and cardboard. It is eco-friendly and can be composted after use. 

2. Sustainable Cat Food

Choosing sustainable cat food is another way to be an eco-friendly cat owner. Look for cat food that is made from sustainable sources and has minimal packaging. Here are some tips for choosing sustainable cat food: 

• Organic cat food: Organic cat food is made from ingredients that are grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Look for cat food that is certified organic. 
• Locally sourced cat food: Look for cat food that is sourced from local farms. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. 
• Minimal packaging: Choose cat food that has minimal packaging. This reduces waste and is better for the environment. 

3. Eco-Friendly Cat Toys 

Cat toys are an important part of keeping your cat entertained and happy. An eco-friendly cattery will provide mental stimulation for cats using products which are good for the environment. However, many cat toys are made from plastic and other non-biodegradable materials. Here are some eco-friendly cat toy options to consider: 

• Natural cat toys: Look for cat toys that are made from natural materials such as wool, cotton, and hemp. These materials are biodegradable and better for the environment. 
• Recycled cat toys: Choose cat toys that are made from recycled materials like plastic bottles and cardboard. 
• DIY cat toys: You can also make your own cat toys using materials you already have at home. For example, you can make a catnip toy by stuffing a sock with dried catnip. 

By choosing eco-friendly cat products, you can do your part to protect the environment while still providing your cat with everything they need to be happy and healthy. 

4. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint 

As a cat owner, you can take steps to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. Here are some eco-friendly tips that you can follow: 

Composting Cat Waste 

Composting your cat’s waste is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Instead of throwing away cat litter, you can use it as a fertilizer for your garden.

• Only use cat litter that is biodegradable and made from natural materials. 
• Do not use cat waste compost on vegetable gardens or edible plants. 
• Make sure the compost pile is located away from any water sources. 

Reducing Plastic Use 

Reducing your use of plastic is another way to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some tips to help you reduce your plastic use: 

• Use biodegradable cat litter instead of traditional clay litter. 
• Use reusable food and water bowls instead of disposable ones. 
• Use natural toys made from materials like wool or cotton instead of plastic toys. 

We hope you found this article helpful. As a an eco-friendly cat owner, by following these green tips, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment.

Welcome to National Pet Month! This is a time to celebrate all the furry, feathered, and scaly companions that bring joy to our lives. During National Pet Month, you can show your appreciation for your pets by spending more quality time with them, pampering them with treats and toys, and sharing your love for them on social media. It’s also a great opportunity to educate yourself and others about the importance of pet care and the positive impact that pets can have on our mental and physical health. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have highlighted five ways to celebrate National Pet Month with your cuddly companion.

What is National Pet Month? 

National Pet Month is an annual celebration of the bond between pets and their owners.

The purpose of National Pet Month is to raise awareness of the benefits that pets bring to people’s lives and vice versa. It is also an opportunity to promote responsible pet ownership, encourage adoption of pets from shelters and rescue centres, and raise funds for animal charities. 

Here are some reasons why National Pet Month is important: 

1. Promotes Responsible Pet Ownership 

National Pet Month is an opportunity to educate pet owners about the importance of responsible pet ownership. This includes providing pets with proper nutrition, exercise, and affection. It also involves taking steps to ensure that pets are well-behaved and do not pose a danger to others. By promoting responsible pet ownership, National Pet Month helps to create a safer and more harmonious society. 

2. Raises Awareness of Pet-Related Issues 

National Pet Month is also an opportunity to raise awareness of pet-related issues such as animal welfare, pet adoption, and the benefits of pet ownership. It is a time to celebrate the positive impact that pets have on our lives and to highlight the many ways in which pets contribute to society. By raising awareness of these issues, National Pet Month helps to promote a better understanding of the importance of pets in our lives. 

3. Encourages Pet Adoption 

National Pet Month is a great time to encourage pet adoption. Many animal shelters and rescue organisations use this time to promote adoption events and to raise awareness of the many pets that need loving homes. By encouraging pet adoption, National Pet Month helps to reduce the number of pets that are euthanised each year and to promote the benefits of pet ownership. 

4. Supports Pet-Related Causes 

National Pet Month is also an opportunity to support pet-related causes such as animal welfare organisations, pet rescue groups, and pet-related charities and dog day-care centres. Many organisations use this time to raise funds and awareness for their causes. By supporting these causes, National Pet Month helps to make a positive difference in the lives of pets and their owners. 

Finally…

Overall, National Pet Month is an important event that celebrates the bond between humans and pets. It promotes responsible pet ownership, raises awareness of pet-related issues, encourages pet adoption, and supports pet-related causes. By participating in National Pet Month, you can make a positive difference in the lives of pets and their owners. 

This Bank Holiday weekend, the nation celebrated the special Coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III and Her Majesty, The Queen Consort. Following a weekend of extended street parties up and down the country, with joyous Brits flying Union Jack flags and raising their glasses above plates of finger sandwiches, Bank Holiday Monday provides a perfect opportunity to extend the royal celebrations. This is especially the case, for many dog owners, who are involving their four-legged friends in the royal festivities. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we have listed three fun ways that you can celebrate the Coronation Bank Holiday Monday with your canine companion.

1. Royal Dog Walks

With Bank Holiday Monday set to be bright and sunny for many parts of the UK, especially those living in Hertfordshire, numerous dog owners will be making the most of the weather by going on dog walks. This Bank Holiday Monday, why not spend the morning or afternoon at a dog walking field and take full advantage of the warm weather conditions and fresh air by going on a dog walk with your canine companion. A dog walk at a secure dog park is the perfect way to connect with nature, bond with your dog and stay fit by exercising and burning off any extra calories you may have consumed whilst celebrating the coronation.

3. Coronation Baking

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, communities of people up and down the country, came together and held street parties, sharing an annual meal with their neighbours, and loved ones to celebrate the royal and historic event. During the Bank Holiday Monday, why not invite your neighbours and friends to a dog-friendly picnic or lunch and bake your dog something they can also enjoy.  There are many dog-friendly recipes available online to choose from that include, Union Jack dog biscuits, Corgi themed dog crunchies and natural homemade coronation chicken dishes.

Corgi Crunchies

Ingredients:

• 180g rolled oats 
• 100g wholewheat flour 
• 2 bananas 
• 1 egg 
• 50g of peanut butter

Method:

Preheat your cooker to 180°C

1. Attach greaseproof paper to your tray 
2. Using a food blender, mix the oats together
3. Mix all together with the other ingredients
4. Roll out the dough on flour
5. Cut out your dog biscuits so they are shaped like Corgis
6. Place the dog biscuits on a tray
7. Leave to cool

 3. Royal Pampering

It is no secret that the Queen loved to pamper her corgis, and this is also true regarding Charles and Camilla’s pair of Jack Russell terriers named Bluebell and Beth. So why not follow royal protocol this Bank Holiday Monday by pampering your pooch with either a new chew, cuddly toy, or cosy dog bed. There are lots of Coronation themed pet accessories currently available online to choose from, including high quality King’s Coronation dog & puppy blankets by Lords & Labradors and Union Jack themed dog coats available on Amazon.

Lastly…

We hope you enjoyed this article and look forward to spending the Coronation Bank Holiday Monday with your pet. Whatever you decide to do with your canine companion this Bank Holiday Monday, make sure you both have fun and make the most of the day following the King’s celebrations. Long live the King!

At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and safeguarding the future environment of our planet. As part of our strong eco pledge, we as a business, have joined thousands of other British SMEs and committed ourselves to reducing our carbon emissionsin half by 2030 – with an end goal of reaching ‘net zero’ by 2050. As we head towards reaching our Net Zero target, we have recently been awarded the FNZ standard certificate. Within this article we will explain what Net Zero means for businesses, what an FNZ certificate is and highlight a summary of what our progress report found.

What does Net Zero mean for a business? 

The term ‘Net Zero’ means that a business adds no further greenhouse gases to the planet’s atmosphere than the quantity of greenhouse gas emissions it removes from the environment.

What is the FNZ Standard Certificate?

The Future Net Zero (FNZ) Standard certificate enables SMEs to track where they are, examine their progress and measure themselves against their industry. When a company is certified it means that they have provided a validated carbon footprint in accordance with the future Net Zero Standard official approval.

Each certificate has four levels, beginning with a preliminary certification and then progressing through to bronze, silver, and gold standards. As soon as a business is certified they can then officially publicise their Net Zero eco achievements. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have been certified at having proven a validated carbon footprint according to the future Net Zero standard accreditation.

A Summary of our Progress Report to Net Zero Carbon Use

As part of our Net Zero commitment, our business will have its carbon footprint officially measured and the data collated within a yearly Net Zero report. As a business, this helps us keep track of our eco goals and to measure our carbon footprint each year. Below is a summary of the findings taken from our report.

Carbon Emissions Overview – last 12 months

• Scope 1 – Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by our business.
• Scope 2 – Indirect emissions from acquired energy such as steam, heat, and cooling.
• Scope 3 – All other emissions connected with our business’s endeavours.

The calculated emissions for our business in 2022 were 36.2 t CO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent). We have seen a slight increase in carbon emissions compared to the previous benchmark year of 2021, due to normal business activities resuming after covid-19 with increased business travel and more pets being cared for. While our total CO2e emissions increased by 23% in comparison to our benchmark year, our business activity increased relatively by 60%. This indicates we are being successful in working towards meeting our targets.

Carbon Emissions Report

• Scope 1 Our gas usage has been computed using information supplied by the providers. Gas is measured at 1.6 t CO2e. This is in comparison to 11.3 t CO2e in the benchmark year and signifies a decrease of 9.1 t CO2e – a reduction of gas usage from c. 300 litres per month to 117 litres per month.

• Scope 2 Our electricity information has been evaluated via the energy provider data, which has been available for the full year on a month-by-month basis. Our electricity is measured at 6.2 t CO2e. This shows an increase of 0.2 t CO2e in comparison to our benchmark year and was anticipated because of our business returning to normal practices after covid. The graph also clearly demonstrates the dramatic effect of our 31 kW pv generating panels which reduce need to use grid power during summer months.

• Scope 3 Our business travel data have been measured using mileage data taken from our company vans and cars, whilst staff commuting was measured from data collated from their home address and number of days travel per month. Water supply data is sourced from our monthly water supply bills while waste water is treated and disposed of on site.
• Waste disposal has been measured using predictions based on weight and type of waste collected each week. Scope 3 total is calculated at 28.4 t CO2e, this compares to 12.1 t CO2e in the benchmark year.

Emission Reduction Targets

 The graph below summarises the carbon emissions reduction targets. We are pleased to see that we are on target to reach our Net Zero goal by 2050.

Our Aims for 2023

Employee Engagement

We aim to continue to educate staff in quarterly sessions, explaining any Net Zero issues there are and how everyone can have a positive impact on our business’s carbon emissions, moving forward.

Sustainable Travel Policy

At Country Boarding Cats & Dogs we aim to insert a sustainable travel policy in the next year. The objective of the policy is to inspire and educate staff to take lower carbon travel options such as car sharing. As a business, we are also researching ways we can lease electric/hybrid vehicles as replacements where applicable.

 Planting of Trees

In 2017 we planted 1100 saplings on site with the support of The Woodland Trust. We aim to continue our commitment with The Woodland Trust and plant more saplings in the future.

Did you know that water hydrotherapy can enhance your mobility, muscle development and overall fitness levels? It is true! Water therapy is not only fast becoming a popular low-impact treatment for many people suffering from mobility and joint problems, but it is also helping to treat many dogs! But what is canine hydrotherapy and how does it benefit your four-legged friend? At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have answered this common question and highlighted three benefits associated with the popular and effective water treatment known as canine hydrotherapy.  We hope you find this article helpful.

 What is Canine Hydrotherapy?

Canine hydrotherapy uses water to assist the treatment of dogs that may be experiencing numerous joint ailments or injuries. Many owners turn to canine hydrotherapy to help develop and repair their dog’s muscle tissues if they have had a surgical procedure or sustained an injury. 

 1. Treatment for a Variety of Ailments

Canine hydrotherapy can help treat a multitude of ailments and issues which can include the following:

• Hip dysplasia
• Torn ligaments
• Back muscle pain
• Spine paralysis
• Posture anomalies
• Spinal issues
• Nerve damage
• Obesity
• Arthritis

2. Healing Properties of Water

• Buoyancy: The floating properties of water help to easily support your dog’s body weight without putting any pressure on their joints and help to further improve their joint mobility over time.

• Hydrostatic Compression: This refers to the pressure that any liquid in a constrained space wields, leading to enhanced flexibility and mobility.
• Temperature: Most canine hydrotherapy pools will use warm water as this helps to relax your dog’s muscles and soothes any joint pain that they may be experiencing.
• Resistance: Water resistance can help develop muscle mass and improve the cardio fitness levels of dogs.

3. Improves Canine Wellbeing

Canine hydrotherapy can help to reduce stress and anxiety for many dogs. As mentioned above, the warm water can help to calm your dog and alleviate any joint pain that they may be experiencing. Water has many calming benefits and helps to release feel good endorphins which can restore harmony and balance to your pet’s body and mind.

Do you want to book your dog in to a canine hydrotherapy treatment session?

To book your four-legged friend in for an initial assessment, please reach out to our veterinary physiotherapist, Tom Day, on 01462 742658 or email us at office@cbkennels.co.uk.

Once your dog has been booked in by a member of staff, we will keep their information on our system and then deliver a referral form to your vet on your behalf.

Lastly…

We hope you found this article helpful, regarding canine hydrotherapy. If you have any questions regarding our canine hydrotherapy treatment service and would like to book a hydrotherapy session, then please contact a friendly member of our team today.

This February is National Walk the Dog Month! A month marked by dog lovers around the UK, which combines two things that bring many of us lots of happiness: dogs and walking. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have highlighted five reasons to celebrate National Walk the Dog Month! We hope you find this dog walking article helpful!

1 Mobility Benefits

A regular dog walk, can really help to improve you and your pet’s joint mobility. As we get older, many dog owners and their canine companions can experience various joint related problems which in extreme cases can result in immobility. Senior dog walkers and older dogs will experience more aches and pains in their joints, with ailments such as arthritis and joint pain being the most common occurring conditions. A great way of helping to reduce joint pain is by regularly mobilising the area. This February, make sure you mobilise you and your dog’s joint areas by going on regular dog walks. However, if your dog is experiencing severe mobility issues, then always consult with a qualified Vet first before taking them out on a long walk and make sure you are regularly monitoring them for signs of discomfort.

2 Wellbeing

It is no secret that walking your dog helps to exercise both you and your pet’s body and mind. Mental and physical stimulation is vital for you and your dog’s overall wellbeing. By going on daily dog walks, connecting with nature and meeting up with other dog walkers at your local dog park, this can help to boost our endorphins making us feel more joyful and happy. Dog walks can also help owners and their dogs sleep better and enable them to start each day feeling more revitalised, as it is a great way of using daily exercise to release excess energy.

3 Digestion and Bladder Control

This February, celebrate National Walk the Dog Month by being good to you and your dog’s digestive systems. A daily dog walk can help control you and your companion’s digestion and help to relieve constipation. There are also huge health benefits associated with emptying your dog’s bladder on regular dog walks. A healthy urinary tract is vital for dogs as bladder infections can easily arise when urine remains in the bladder for a long time. By regularly emptying their bladder on daily dog walks, your pet can ensure their urinary tract remains in full working order and does not lead to potential health implications further on down the line. 

4 Lower Blood Pressure

Research has found that a dog walk of just fifteen minutes day can help to lower your blood pressure, resulting in you feeling less stressed and more relaxed. In extreme examples, high blood pressure can result in serious cardiovascular issues arising, such as strokes, heart failure and heart attacks. This February, make sure you and your dog enjoy lots of daily dog walks, as the fresh air and vitamin D from the sun will help to improve your wellbeing, protect you against heart disease, and optimise your physical performance.

Lastly…

There are lots of reasons to celebrate National Walk the Dog Month. Daily dog walks help to encourage a healthy and happy lifestyle and strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged friend. So, this February make the most of National Walk the Dog Month and embrace all the positive benefits associated with going a daily dog walk!

This February, many owners around the UK will be celebrating National Pet Dental Health month by taking extra care of their pet’s teeth. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we have highlighted 6 pet dental tips for you to consider. We hope you find these tips helpful.

1. Tartar Build Up

By regularly cleaning your pet’s teeth, you can help to reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar. Over time, a build-up of tartar and plaqueon your pet’s teeth can wear away enamel, producing cavities and corrosion, not to mention other more serious mouth conditions such as gingivitis and gum disease.

2. Additional Health Issues

Poor dental health in pets, can also lead to other more serious health issues in the future, such as heart disease, diabetes, and a weakening of their immune system. In some extreme cases where a dog or cat has extremely poor dental health, it can result in them having their teeth removed which can cause them a great level of discomfort.

3. Monitor the Signs

Does your dog or cat have bad breath, stained teeth, or experienced sudden weight loss? Maybe your pet regularly paws at their face, has lost their appetite, or exhibits excessive dribbling? If you notice any of these signs, then they may be experiencing dental health issues. As soon as you notice any of these warning signs, make sure that you speak with your local vet for professional advice and have your pet’s mouth thoroughly examined.

4. What age can I begin cleaning my dog or cat’s teeth?

The earlier the better! Many dog owners begin cleaning their pet’s teeth from when they are a puppy so that they get used to the sensation of having a toothbrush in their mouth. A great tip to get your pet used to having their teeth brushed, is by using your finger to gently rub their teeth and gums. When you are gently rubbing your finger over their teeth, ensure that you use positive commands so that they have a positive association with the procedure. 

5. Pet Chews

Pet chews have many teeth-cleaning properties which are great for maintaining a good level of oral health. When your pet gnaws on a chew this can help remove plaque from their teeth, and if it is a natural meat product then it will contain enzymes that help organically remove tartar and bacteria. However, if your pet is on a nutrition plan and needing a chew that does not contain any calories, then there are many rubber or long-lasting plastic alternatives that are equally as affective. Dog owners can start to introduce these dental chews to their pets throughout the day, either when they are at home or when on a dog walk at a secure dog park.

6. Professional Scale and Polish

If tartar has built up on the surface area of your pet’s teeth and has reached their gum line, then it is often recommended that you immediately contact your vet and book in for a professional oral assessment and treatment. A qualified professional vet will be able to prevent and treat any oral hygiene issues that may have gone unnoticed by their owners. After a vet has examined your pet’s mouth, an ultrasonic scaler will often be used to help remove plaque and tartar. Your pet’s teeth are then polished to further remove any minuscule abrasions which will help to reduce the chances of future plaque from building up.

Closing thoughts…

By regularly cleaning your pet’s teeth, this will positively impact their overall health and happiness. This February, for National Pet Dental Health month, ensure that you take extra care cleaning your pet’s teeth and look out for any tell-tale signs of gum disease or other oral hygiene issues. With nearly eighty percent of dogs and seventy percent of cats experiencing dental issues before they reach the age of three, dental care is vital in ensuring your companion does not develop a wide range of health issues further on down the line.

In our previous article, we highlighted how robotic therapy pets can benefit an adult’s physical and mental health, especially those living in care homes who have been diagnosed with either Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. But robotic pets have also revolutionised the interactive and educational toy market for children. Today, robotic toy dogs have lots of benefits for children and can help them to develop their problem solving, communication and linguistic skills.  At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have researched the market and highlighted three of the best robotic toy dogs available for children that can provide companionship and help positively impact their physical and mental development. We hope you find this article helpful.

1. Dimple DC13991 Interactive Robot Puppy

Main Functions:

• Manually controlled
• Includes multiple songs
• Dances
• Sings the alphabet

When it comes to the best interactive robot dog toy for children for 2023, we feel you cannot get better than the Dimple DC13991 Interactive Robot Puppy. The interactive toy is incredibly easy to use and can be manually controlled to either sing, dance, or even speak to your child providing hours of family entertainment.

This robot dog toy is hugely popular with many parents and teachers as it comes with lots of educational features, helping your child learn the alphabet, improve their memory, and develop their linguistic skills. Another great feature is that it does not need batteries and can be easily recharged through a power cable.  

2. Fisca Remote Control Dog

Main Functions

• Audio controlled with several commands
• Realistic puppy sounds and head movements
• Dances and plays music

Does your child enjoy dancing and singing? If so, then Fisca’s Remote Control Dog will provide hours of family fun. The toy is interactive and has many advanced features that include audio recognition where your child can use voice commands to control the toy. One of the robotic toy’s best interactive features, is its ability to make adorable realistic puppy sounds and head movements when you stroke or tickle its chin.  

Although this toy is aimed at small children, adults will also enjoy the inbuilt training features available. For example, many adults can have fun programming new commands and seeing the robot dog progress as it develops new tricks and behaviours over time.

3. Hi-Tech Remote Control Robot Dog

 Main Features:

• Manually Controlled
• Touch-sensitive
• Eyes light up and change colour

Are you looking for a relatively affordable interactive robotic pet dog for under £50? If yes, then look no further than the Hi-Tech Remote Control Robot Dog.  This model has scored very highly with families that have small children. Similarly, to the two toys above, this product is remote controlled and can be manually operated via a handset from as far as thirty feet away.  This robotic toy dog is also touch sensitive and responds immediately when stroked or handled by having its eyes light up and change colour. If your child loves performing and dancing then this robotic dog is a great choice as it interacts with the whole family by hysterically singing, dancing, and barking.

It also has great educational benefits for your child as they can record songs, programme new tricks and commands and bond with the toy as they progress with their dog training. Compared to other more expensive robotic toy dogs, this model is fantastic value for money and costs less than fifty pounds on Amazon.

Lastly…

Similarly, to real life pets, robotic toy dogs can help positively impact the emotional, mental, and social health of many children. Robot pet dogs can also provide children with company, comfort and joy and help to reduce any feelings of stress and anger they may experience. Studies have found that robotic toy dogs can also help stimulate the social interaction in families between adults and children and can be used as a conversation starter to help develop a child’s language skills.

However, there are many things a robotic pet dog cannot do when compared to a real-life one. For example, you and your child may have trouble taking your robotic toy dog on a long walk at a secure dog park – especially if it rains – or playing the game, Fetch! However, robotic toy dogs can help teach children how to use interactive technology in an enjoyable and engaging way and provide lots of fun for the whole family.

With the advancement of AI technology, robotic pets are now being designed to mimic the appearance and behaviours of real-life dogs and cats. A few decades ago, robotic pets in homes would have seemed like something from a sci-fi film, but today this has become a reality, and has had a real positive impact on the pet therapy market.

It is no secret, that dogs and cats can positively impact our health and wellbeing, and this also goes for their robotic counterparts. It is a known fact, that pets can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, combat loneliness and improve our overall fitness levels. But did you know that robotic pets can also help improve a person’s physical and mental health? At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have highlighted three leading pet therapy robots currently on the market that help improve the lives of so many people around the world. We hope you find this article helpful.

1. Tombot

Patients suffering with dementia are often unable to care for a live pet and many doctors are turning to robot therapy pets as a practical alternative. One such pet therapy robot is Tombot believed to be one of the most realistic robotic pets in existence.  Launched in 2022, the Tombot prototype can imitate the physical appearance of a real-life dog as well as provide emotional support to its owner. The robotic dog replicates the Golden Labrador Retrievers by barking, wagging its tail and responding to touch and voice commands. This specific model also comes with a free app that you can download and enables you to name your pet, customise its features and track your daily interactions.  

2. Paro

Not all robotic pets take on the appearance of a cat or a dog. Step forward, Paro a Japanese animal-inspired robot that replicates a white-eyed baby harp seal. This innovative robot offers animal therapy for people diagnosed with dementia who may need help dealing with stressful situations. The pet therapy robot has five sensors: touch, visual recognition, audio, temperature detection, and posture recognition sensors helping to perceive a patient’s moods by the way they are sitting or standing.

The pet robot also has inbuilt facial recognition and has been helping people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, communicate and interact with loved ones since its launch in 2003. Paro has been proven to help dramatically lower the stress levels in dementia patients and was even accredited by Guinness World Records for its ground-breaking achievements.

3. Hasbro

In many nursing homes across America, the realistic robotic pet brand, Joy for All – invented by the toymaker Hasbro – provides company and joy to many elderly residents unable to own a real-life pet. Similarly, to many of the robotic pets currently on the market, this model has also been aimed toward people suffering from either Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia and is intended to replicate lifelike animal behaviour creating comfort for many individuals.

The brand has created two unique robotic models: a realistic feline which comes in either orange, grey, and a velvety snowy hue, and a dog modelled on a Golden Labrador. The robotic cat has received lots of positive reviews and has been scored highly on it sounding and feeling like a real life feline. Although Hasbro’s robotic cat does not walk, thanks to inbuilt sensors, it opens and closes its eyes, meows, cleans its ears with its paws, and rolls over on to its back allowing you to stroke its belly. In comparison, the robotic dog has a pulsating heartbeat and reacts to its owner by either nuzzling, moving its head, and barking when responding to voice commands and touch.

Closing thoughts…

It is easy to see why pets have such a positive impact on our physical and mental health. Sadly, for many people either living with dementia or with other health conditions, a real-life pet is just not possible and so a robotic one is a great alternative. You may not yet be able to take your robotic pet to a secure dog park in Hertfordshire or play fetch, but as AI technology advances, this may eventually become a reality.

According to a 2021 survey conducted by Ofcom, people living in the UK check their smartphones, on average, every twelve minutes of the day. From this data, it is clear to see that Smartphones have fast become an essential part of our daily lives. From Internet banking, online shopping and communicating with friends, family and loved ones, it seems there is an app for just about everything!

For cat owners in particular, mobile apps can make it easier than ever to schedule in vet’s visits, order cat food or purchase pet accessories in just a few simple swipes. But aside from the essential pet friendly apps, there are many that have been designed purely for entertainment purposes to help us pass the time and make us laugh. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have identified three of the most entertaining and fun cat friendly apps available in 2023, specifically for cat owners. We hope you find these apps fun and will hopefully download them from the app store when you get a chance.

1. MeowTalk

Can you speak cat? If not don’t worry, because thanks to the fun training app, MeowTalk, it can successfully translate your feline’s meows into English, helping you to better understand your pet’s needs. The app translates each meow into a general intent, such as ‘happy’, ‘sad’, or ‘angry.’ Overall, there are nine intents that MeowTalk measures helping to bolster the bond between felines and their owners by giving them a voice.

However, if you feel the app wrongfully translates one of your cat’s meows, you can correct this and manually explain what your pet was in fact saying. Once you have corrected the app, the programme will remember this for next time and then correctly translate it when your pet meows the same way again. 

In addition to the linguistic training, the app will also educate you on your cat’s behavioural traits. For example, if your cat scratches the furniture instead of using their cat scratching post or uses a corner of the room instead of their litterbox, the app will help to diagnose the problem and provide a helpful solution.  

Another great feature of the app is that it answers the most common questions often asked by owners, such as: why cats have whiskers, why they purr when we stroke them and what to look for when choosing a suitable cattery.  This cat training app is incredibly fun but also informative and a must have for any cat owner.

2. Cat Alone

This app is great fun and requires no human supervision for your cat to enjoy the game. Simply leave your cat alone with your smartphone or tablet and watch them try and catch various items that appear on your screen. The app has six levels and offers a fantastic assortment of items for your cat to catch that include laser pointers, ladybugs, flies, and other insects that your four-legged friend will love! You can also turn on the Selfie Mode within the app that allows you to save and share photos of your feline’s best hunting exploits.

3. Cat Piano

Despite the name, this free app does not train your cat how to play the piano! However, the app does play a distinct meow sound for each note you hit on its digital keyboard. Customers can choose from up to three cat voice options with 14 octaves, guaranteed to provide lots of fun for you and your cat. This app is a great way to pass the time and entertain friends and family, allowing you to play your favourite piano songs using a melee of cat sounds.  This fun app is very popular with many cat owners who have small children, often scoring high reviews online.  

Finally…

Whether you are an Android or an iOS user, these apps will provide you with plenty of entertainment. There are many other fun cat friendly apps available to download so when you have a moment explore the app store and find an app that will help you start the New Year with lots of laughter and smiles!