Today marks International Women’s Day, and we can’t think of any better way to celebrate than to shine a spotlight on some of the most inspiring, passionate and hard-working women in the pet business.

Without exception, every single one started out with a love for animals and the desire to create something unique that they couldn’t find anywhere else. Then they threw in a good dose of creativity, a huge helping of hard work and a large dollop of optimism, and suddenly what started as a nice little side hustle turned into a thriving and successful business.

To all the women out there thinking about starting your own business in the pet space, or anywhere for that matter, we hope these inspiring women give you the courage to take the leap for yourself!

Sonja Farrell, Founder of Cheshire & Wain

Sonja Farrell had a successful career in advertising and never planned to start a cat business, but then a handsome little kitten called Percy entered her life. Now her brand Cheshire & Wain is stocked in some of the most iconic retailers around the world, including London’s beloved Conran Shop.

ST: Tell us about your designer cat brand Cheshire & Wain

SF: Cheshire & Wain is a luxury pet accessories brand exclusively for cats. We specialise in high quality safety release collars made from Italian leather in a wide range of colours and designs and also stock handmade organic catnip toys, sheepskins rugs, cat collar charms and offer an ID tag engraving service as well as personalisation on the collars themselves.

ST: Why did you launch your business? 

SF: I launched Cheshire & Wain shortly after acquiring my own cat and feline ‘mews’ Mr Percy Peter Wells. I was working at an advertising agency at the time and I took a week off to settle Percy into his new home. I quickly fell in love with that little ball of joy and wanted to spoil him rotten but I found very little in the way of high quality, beautifully designed products for cats and more specifically – found it impossible to find an aesthetically pleasing collar that was also safe; all the leather collars that I came across had elastic instead of the vet recommended breakaway catch. I wanted to change that, so I wrote a business plan and handed my notice in at work. It was a hard decision to leave the security of a set career path but I’m happy I took the leap.

ST: What’s the best thing about running your pet business? 

SF: There’s a famous Charles Dickens quote – “What greater gift than the love of a cat?” and that is the sentiment that Cheshire & Wain is built upon. Our pets mean the world to us, they are a member of the family and we want the very best for them. Having a hands-on approach to the running of Cheshire & Wain has allowed me to connect with like-minded cat lovers all over the world – with our common bond – the sheer love for our cats! When I receive an email or a message on social media from a happy customer with a picture of their cat ‘meowdelling’ one of our products it really makes my day.

Running a business is hard and it can be easy to get bogged down with all the day to day running of the company, the admin that you don’t want to face and the constant need to learn, innovate and stay ahead – you often feel like you’re swimming against the current and it’s easy to lose sight of the very reasons you started your business in the first place. Knowing that the products I have designed and made are fulfilling a need in the pet products market and bringing joy to cats and their owners is a wonderful feeling and it makes it all worthwhile.  

ST: What’s your proudest achievement in business? 

SF: That has to be at the end of last year when we got some of our products stocked by The Conran Shop in London and Paris. It’s my favourite store and when I saw my collars and catnip toys in their Christmas window display it was such a proud moment! You set so many goals when you start your business, some of them you reach, some only part way and some are never achieved at all. When you achieve a dream that you wished from the very start it means a lot and it gives you fresh drive to move forward and set even bigger goals!

ST: Can you reveal anything about your plans for Cheshire & Wain in 2019? 

SF: The aim for this year to grow our product range and introduce a collection of designer cat furniture. I’d also like to grow the team and bring someone on board to help with product development, and someone that can help pursue export opportunities to take Cheshire & Wain to the next level.

Find out more about Cheshire & Wain at www.cheshireandwain.com and shop their collection in our online shop www.store.styletails.com.

Annelie Rosencrantz, Founder of Vackertass Supply Co.

Annelie Rosencrantz, along with her two dogs Bobi and Baxi, launched Vackertass Supply Co. in 2016. After taking a break from her job as a photographer, Annelie turned her hand to creating designer goods for dogs with a Scandi twist. The name Vackertass means ‘pretty paw’ in Swedish and her products have become so popular that they are now stocked in stores all over the world.

ST: Tell us about your designer doggie brand Vackertass?

AR: Vackertass is a modern luxury lifestyle brand for pet owners that embodies the Scandinavian minimalism. Everything from our beds to collars and leads are handmade in our small studio in East London, focusing on a lot of natural materials and clean simple design, created with both hound and home in mind.

ST: Why did you launch your business?

AR: When we got out first dog I struggled to find the right bed for him and our home. At the time I was taking a break from my job as a photographer so I started sewing some beds and collars at home, trying out different designs. After getting some positive feedback on the beds, I decided to try it as a business.

ST: What’s the best thing about running your own pet business? 

AR: I’ve always been my own boss and it’s great to be able to work from home with my dogs Bobi and Baxi. It’s also nice to be able to set your own times and rules, although running your own business also means working a lot on weekends and bank holidays. I really enjoy this though because I love what I do.

ST: What’s your proudest achievement in business?

AR: It was a very special feeling seeing my beds at Åhléns City in Stockholm. It is Sweden’s biggest department store and I grew up shopping at that very same store. I could never have imaged that something that I’ve created would be on show on the shelves there 10-15 years later.

ST: What can you tell us about your plans for 2019?

AR: I have a new bed design launching as well as a couple of new colours – I just need to find the time to shoot everything for launch! The downside with running your own business is that things always seem to take much longer than you want. 2018 was an amazing year for Vackertass so I’m excited to see what 2019 will bring!

Find out more about Vackertass at www.vackertass.coand shop the collection in our online shop www.store.styletails.com.

Genesta Gunn & Taneale Hrymakowski, Co-Founders of Fetch & Follow

Friends and fellow dog lovers Genesta and Taneale started out making natural dog treats. Since then, Fetch & Follow has grown into a fully fledged dog lifestyle brand, featuring seasonal capsule collections for the devoted dog lover.

ST: Tell us about Fetch & Follow?

GG: We set out to create a brand which not only reflected the personalities of our dogs but also made people smile. As Fetch & Follow has grown it has become much more about the lifestyle of owning a dog and the joy this brings.

ST: Why did you launch Fetch & Follow

GG: At the time we both struggled to find natural, healthy dog treats which our dogs enjoyed and didn’t make them ill. Shortly after we launched our treats, we started designing collars that were simple yet classic in design and made to last. The brand just grew from there and now we make dog coats and jackets, bowls, beds and leads.

ST: What’s the best thing about running your pet business?

GG: Getting to meet amazing dogs and their owners and hearing about their stories together. 

ST: What’s your proudest achievement in business? 

GG: For us, it’s the little things like going to the park and noticing a dog running around in one of our Fetch & Follow collars.

ST: Can you tell us about your plans for 2019?

GG: We have some new products launching in the next month along with a year packed with events.

Find out more about Fetch & Follow at www.fetchandfollow.co.uk and shop the collection in our online shop www.store.styletails.com.

Christine & Jenny Chau, Co-Founders of Charley Chau

Sisters in life and in business, Christine and Jenny Chau launched their dog bed brand Charley Chau in 2010. Their beds became so popular that their side-hustle soon became a full-time job, and the rest as they say, is history!

ST: Tell us about Charley Chau?  

We design beautiful bedding for dogs that look gorgeous in your home; luxury dog beds and blankets that are super cosy, stylish and practical. First and foremost, when designing a product, we consider the comfort of the dog. Then we make sure it will blend seamlessly into your interior and that it is made to the highest standard. As dog owners, we know all about mess – so everything also has to be machine washable and easy to care for.

ST: Why did you launch your business?

CC: Charley Chau started as an accidental hobby. I’d searched high and low for a bed for my Italian Greyhounds, Charley and Anna, but I always ended up with sub-standard dog bed purchases that quickly made their way to the bin.

One afternoon I decided to make a Snuggle Bed and shared a photo of it on Facebook. I was inundated with messages, which led to my sister Jenny and I setting up Charley Chau. Two years later and no longer able to manage the demand for Charley Chau around evenings and weekends, we had to decide if this hobby that we knew had potential was worth quitting the comfort of our city salaries for. Thankfully we took the leap in the direction of dogs.

ST: What’s the best thing about running your pet business? 

CC: Dogs! It has always been and always will be about dogs. They are our original inspiration and they inspire us every day. We love meeting dogs (and their owners) at shows and seeing photos of our four-legged fans enjoying the comfort of their Charley Chau beds or blankets.

ST: What’s your proudest achievement in business?

The rollercoaster we’ve been riding – from making a bed on the sitting floor, to having to customers in 60 countries worldwide to having recently been named UK Family Business Entrepreneurs of the Year 2018 in the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards in London.

ST: What exciting plans and goals do you have in the works for 2019?

We are the final test stages for a new bed that has been in development for seven years. Yes, we are that fiendishly obsessive when it comes to designing dog beds!

Sara White, Founder of StyleTails

A feature about women in the pet business wouldn’t be complete without a little bit of shameless self promotion! Aside from an ardent love of talking about herself in the third person, Sara White is also the Founder and Editor of StyleTails. What started out as a little blog about stylish pet lovers has grown into a complete lifestyle destination for modern pet parents.

ST: Tell us about StyleTails?

SW: StyleTails is quite simply the home of modern pet lovers. Back in 2012 when I was working for a design trend forecaster, I had the seed of an idea – I envisaged a place for design-conscious pet lovers where they could share their love (ok, obsession) with their pets in a stylish and undecidedly ‘crazy’ way. And so StyleTails was born. First it was a blog featuring the latest designer products for dogs and cats, then it evolved into an online magazine, designer shop and a little black book of pet friendly venues for today’s pet parent.

ST: Why did you launch StyleTails?

SW: I had an enduring love for animals and a creative spark that simply wouldn’t quit. I noticed an ever expanding array of incredible products for pets but nowhere to showcase them. Pet blogs at that time were focussed almost exclusively on pet care, but no one showcased beautiful products in an editorial way and talked about pet lifestyle. I saw an opportunity to create something new and inspiring so I leapt at the chance.

ST: What’s your proudest achievement?

SW: I love connecting with our readers. We often get emails out of the blue from pet lovers who just want to send us pictures of their furry friends and tell us incredible stories about them. I have also been so lucky to be profiled by some amazing publications like Elle Decoration and Sunday Times Style Magazine, which really validated the direction I was going in (a I lot of people looked at me blankly when I told them I was launching a designer and lifestyle blog for pet lovers!) and went someway to dispelling the ‘imposter syndrome’ so many women seem to suffer from.

Carol Tai, Founder of Hoop n Loop

Carol Tai and her canine sidekick Koko are the brains and fur behind Hoop n Loop, a personalised pet embroidery brand based in East London. Their crafty creations have become the must-have item for pet parents and the perfect gift for anyone who loves their fur-bae more than……well, anything.

ST: Tell us about Hoop & Loop?

CT: Hoop n Loop is a hand-drawn personalised pet embroidery brand, creating fun pet portrait embroidery for people who truly adore their pets. Each piece is hand-drawn and made by myself in East London. The unique embroidery is then stitched onto clothing or accessories for their proud owners to wear with pride.

ST: Why did you launch your business?

CT: Originally pet embroidery was only a hobby and something I made in my spare time for friends and family. After being bombarded with requests, I released there was a gap in the market to create more personalised gifts, so I decided to launch Hoop n Loop.

ST: What’s the best thing about running your pet business?

CT: The best thing about running my own pet business is that I can manage my time more efficiently. This allows me to spend more time with my dog ‘Koko’ in Scotland.

I am also able to participate in lots of interesting markets around London, often meeting other passionate and like-minded pet business owners. Many of which I have made friends with and exchange ideas.

ST: What’s your proudest achievement in business?

CT: When a lady got in touch to thank me after receiving a Hoop n Loop gift of her dog (who sadly passed away). She was extremely complementary and told me it was the most special present she has ever received. She then went on to praised what a wonderful service I was providing and to keep up this good work. This really touched me and was definitely one of my proudest achievements.

ST: What do you have planned for 2019?

CT: This year I will be launching a ready-to-wear collection as well as home wear featuring unique designs of pets for non-pet owners.

Find out more about Hoop & Loop at hoopnloop.co.uk.

Caroline Denyer, Founder of Growlmama & Growlees

Decidedly un-delighted by the endless parade of paw prints, Paris Hilton-esque bling, and country ‘twee’, which were in her words “not suitable for a maniacal, bone-collecting half-Griffon, half Frenchie with attitude,” Caroline Denyer and her dog Frida took matters quite literally into their own hands and created Growlmama.

ST: Why did you launch Growlmama?

CD: When my ‘daughter-in-a-dogsuit’, Frida arrived I couldn’t find accessories that matched my personal style, or hers for that matter. Everything was either decidedly ‘doggy’ (covered in bones and paw prints), overtly ‘blingy’, or very country ‘twee’ and often very girly (all pastels and soft knits). So with this in mind, I set out to create products that were simple, beautiful and functional, that even non-dog owners might covet.

ST: What’s the best thing about running your pet business?

CD: Being able to spend all day with my dog and to meet so many others.

ST: What’s your proudest achievement in business?

CD: Just getting it launched. It has a been a four year journey!

ST: What do you have planned for 2019?

CD: Some exciting collabs are in the works – watch this space!

Find out more about Growlmama at growlmama.com and shop the collection in our online shop www.store.styletails.com.

Do you dream of starting your own pet business? Tell us in the comments below!

Being a cat mum is definitely something worth celebrating. This (cat) Mother’s Day, express your love for your feline friend in the most stylish of ways, thanks to our selection of must-have gifts for quirky cat mums.

Paying homage to your pet has never been easier, thanks to fashion-forward accessories and this season’s most coveted pieces for your home. Prepare to swoon over our carefully curated round-up.

1. Black Cat Mug Planter With Plants, Not On The High Street
2. Cutie Cat Pink Polka Dot Hearts Teapot, Sass and Belle
3. Cat Snaps Game, Oliver Bonas
4. Spademals Smitten Kitten Sticker Pocket, Kate Spade
5. Little Kitten Box Of Socks, Etsy
6. Ceramic Cat Coasters By Hannah Turner, Etsy
7. Karl Lagerfeld Choupette Minaudiere Box Bag, ASOS
8. Contemporary Cartoon Pussy Brooch, Etsy
9. Paul & Joe Lipstick Cases, Beauty Bay

Will you be dropping some serious hints this Mother’s Day? Tell us what you’re wishing for in the comments below!

Given their unique personalities and distinct features, it isn’t surprising that writers have long been obsessed with cats. In fact, our feline friends have proved the perfect subjects for many poets, with several writers devoting entire collections to these curious creatures. So with this in mind, for your next read, check out our round up of cats in poetry and prepare to be further intrigued by their charming nature.

Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot

Widely regarded as the most famous collection of cat poems, T.S. Eliot’s ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’ is a whimsical array of loveable cat poems. Perfect for children and Eliot aficionados alike, these loveable cat poems were written by Eliot for his godchildren and today, they continue to delight children and grown-ups alike. The collection inspired the world-wide hit musical, Cats!, featuring famous characters such as Macavity, Mr Mistofelees and Growltiger! Shop it online here.

The Owl and the Pussy-cat by Edward Lear

While essentially it’s a children’s book, there’s no denying that the classic, ‘The Owl and the Pussy-cat’ is equally appealing to adults. Whether you wish to revisit it, or introduce it to your children, this loveable lyric rhyme focuses on an unusual pairing, who sale for away, delighting and captivating readers for generations. Beautiful illustrations by Charlotte Voake really help bring the tale to life, offering a feast for both the eyes and the mind. Purchase it from Waterstones here.

The Book of Cats, by George MacBeth

‘The Book of Cats’ is the perfect way to get access to an array of poetry, prose and pictures which focuses on the fascinating feline. This collection is an affectionate melody, praising the most elusive and intriguing of creatures – the cat. With work by 150 writers and artists, ‘The Book of Cats’ is the most comprehensive cat anthology published. It is extravagantly illustrated with over a hundred pictures to really bring the words to life. Purchase it online here.

Cat Jeoffry by Christopher Smart

‘Cat Jeoffry’ is a self-contained passage from Christopher Smart’s much longer work ‘Jubilate Agno’ (Rejoice in the Lamb), and one of the most famous pieces of poetry ever written about a cat. This new edition includes the much-loved original Peter Hay illustrations, using his rubber stamps and linocuts, and adds Tom Woodman’s informative commentary to place ‘Cat Jeoffry’ in the context of Smart’s life and works. Shop it online here.

I’m Not Sorry: Poems by Cats, by Rosa Silva

What mischievous cats! They have destroyed our homes and they are not sorry. Now they have decided to celebrate their destructive ways by comprising insightful and funny poems written by themselves. With titles like “It’s 6 a.m., time to wake up”, “I hate the vet”, “Oops, I did it again”, “Let me in”, and “Red dot, red dot”, this collection of laugh-out-loud poems offers a cat’s view on common wacky and exasperating feline behaviour. Shop it online here.

Cat Poems, by the world’s greatest poets

To poets, in particular, cats serve as the most delightful and beguiling of muses, as they purr, prowl, hunt, play, meow, and nap, often oblivious to their so-called masters. ‘Cat Poems’ offers a litter of odes to our beloved felines by some of the greatest poets of all time. Shop it online here.

I Could Pee on This, by Francesco Marciuliano

Showcasing the quirkiness of cats, this insightful collection of fully illustrated poems is a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of felines, helping them unlock their creative potential and explain their odd behaviour. With titles such as “Who Is That on Your Lap?”, “This is My Chair”, and “Some of My Best Friends Are Dog”’, the poems perfectly capture the inner workings of the cat psyche. Available online here.

Cat Haiku by Deborah Coates

Expressed in the form of the haiku – an ancient and honourable Japanese verse form comprising three lines and 17 syllables, ‘Cat Haiku’ presents cats as you’ve never seen them before. In a series of brilliant vignettes, Deborah Coates gets inside the mind of the beloved cat and comes up with some surprising revelations. You will never look at your (or anyone else’s) cat the same way again. Shop it online here.

Which cat poems do you love? Tell us in the comments below.

StyleTails’ Cat Writer Aideen McCanny and her British Shorthair cat Indy try out the new Microchip Pet Feeder Connect from Sure Petcare.

*We have collaborated with our carefully chosen partner Sure Petcare to bring you this review. All opinions are genuine and based on three weeks using the device.

I’ll be the first to admit it; I’m guilty of not really knowing how much my cat Indy eats. Obviously, I can have a guess at how many times I have fed her in a day, but whether or not she is eating too little or too much is a concern I’ve had for a couple of years now.

This worry was further heightened during a recent trip to the vet. Following discovering that Indy had a hernia which needed repairing, the vet told us to ‘watch her weight’. While Indy didn’t seem to take offence at the suggestion, I did! Were we guilty of overfeeding our cat?

After some research online, I discovered that Indy is within the ‘normal’ range for a British Shorthair cat. In hindsight, I don’t think our vet has much experience of this breed, which tend to be a little on the ‘chunky’ side. However, this coupled with the fact that Indy is an indoor cat – who lives somewhat of a sedentary lifestyle – was enough to scare me.

When I was asked to try out the new Microchip Pet Feeder Connect from Sure Petcare, I jumped at the opportunity. It didn’t take much for my technology-crazed husband to get on board too! The Microchip Pet Feeder Connect is a smart pet feeder which allows you to easily track your pet’s eating habits from your phone and detect red flags before they become potential health problems, like obesity.

SIMPLE SET UP

The Microchip Pet Feed Connect was unbelievably easy to set up. It syncs with the Sure Petcare smartphone app, (available for iPhone and Android) via the Hub, which is a small device connected to your home router. You can add up to 10 devices via this hub, including Sure Petcare’s pet doors, which are a great idea for anyone with outdoor cats.

You can add one large bowl or two smaller ones, and with Indy partial to both dry and wet food, the two bowls was a winning feature. To add food, you simply hit the button at the back of the feeder and the lid pops open. When filled, you hit the button again to close the lid back down. I then received a notification to my phone to say that Indy’s bowls had been topped up.

NO MORE GUESSING PORTION SIZES

Indy is somewhat of a grazer, which is typical of an indoor cat. Because of this, we feed her small amounts multiple times a day, so it’s easy to lose track of what exactly she has consumed.

While we have always given Indy one pouch of wet food a day, I was shocked at the amount of dry food we were feeding her. I knew she was allowed around 25g a day, which is what I thought we were giving her (we weren’t using scales to measure it accurately), but according to the feeder’s scales, Indy was being treated to a hefty 50g per day – twice her recommended amount! We realised just how inaccurate our measurements have been. Thankfully, there is an option on the feeder to set the scales to 25g, with the LEDs guiding you to serve food portions within 1g of accuracy. No more supersized portions for Indy!

USING THE DEVICE & APP

Curiosity definitely got the best of the cat, who was instantly fascinated by the device. Indy walked over and up popped the lid, giving her access to her food. As soon as she walked away, the lid closed and my phone emitted a loud ‘meow’ to inform me that Indy had eaten 4g of wet food and 2g of dry.

I received a text message from my doctor husband later that morning to say that while he was on a ward round, his phone ‘meowed’, causing a few raised eyebrows! Thankfully, everyone saw the funny side of it (including me – I am still laughing now thinking about it).

The app itself is super easy to understand and there are even handy charts so that you can analyse your pet’s eating habits for any unusual activity like eating too much too little, which could be a sign of a health problem. On average, Indy makes between 16-17 trips a day to the feeder (I told you she was a grazer!). You can also see when she last ate and how much she has eaten each time.

KEEPING FOOD FRESH & REDUCING WASTE

Indy tends to go between wet and dry food, but if the wet food is left sitting out too long, it goes stale and she won’t eat it. It then ends up in the bin, which is a massive waste. Now we simply fill the Microchip Pet Feeder Connect with her 25g of dry food and half a pouch of wet in the morning and put the rest out in the evening. The feeder works wonders at keeping her food fresh and we haven’t thrown a single bit of wet food out in weeks.

GREAT FOR MULTI-CAT HOUSEHOLDS

Another added bonus is that the feeder is microchip activated so it only opens for Indy. Often, at my parents’ house, their cat ‘Kitty’, can be found devouring Indy’s food. Now, she stares in amazement as the lid opens for Indy and not her.

If we’re both out for most of the day, it’s comforting to receive a notification that Indy has eaten. Plus, we were at a wedding last week and were able to tell when the cat sitter had stopped by to feed her.

The Microchip Pet Feeder Connect is the perfect solution for cat owners with overweight cats, cats with medical conditions that require close monitoring of their food intake, or in a home where one cat is guilty of stealing another’s food.

The Microchip Pet Feeder Connect retails from £119.99. Find out more and purchase your own online at www.surepetcare.com.

There are an estimated 11 million pet cats currently living in the UK, but sadly, many hundreds of thousands end up being killed every year in road traffic accidents. If you have lost a cat to a car, you will know how traumatic it is. 

As a proud pet parent, you want to keep your furry friend safe and enjoy a long and happy life with them. This, along with the risk of cat theft (especially for pedigree breeds) and more of us living in apartments with only a balcony or small outside space – has led to a growing number of cat mums and dads choosing to keep their feline friends as indoor cats. 

Indoor cats tend to live longer than their outdoor counterparts, however, there is a trade-off – the mental welfare of the cat. A cat’s natural way of life is to spend at least some of the day outdoors, hunting, climbing and patrolling their territory. Without proper considering of these needs, indoor cats can be prone to boredom, depression, anxiety and destructive behaviour. 

Read: 7 Ways to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy & Healthy

This trade-off has been a real quandary for cat owners, unsure what is the best option for their feline companion. Thankfully, there is now a solution that presents a compromise between outdoor and indoor – the cat patio or ‘catio’! 

These outdoor cat enclosures allow your cat to explore the sights, sounds and smells of the great outdoors while keeping them safe (and local wildlife safe from your cat). 

To get you inspired, we have rounded up some of the best cat enclosure ideas and how to create the ideal catio for your fluffball. 

A ROOM WITH A VIEW 

Cats love to survey their territory and partake in a good bit of bird watching. Positioning your cat enclosure in a prime location with great visibility over the surrounding area will provide untold hours of stimulation for your cat. Your feline friend will be thrilled by taking in the many sights and sounds around them including trees, birds and other animals. 

CONVERT AN EXISTING SPACE

A catio doesn’t have to be a purpose-built structure, there are plenty of ways to convert existing outdoor areas into secure cat enclosureS. Work with a carpenter, a cat enclosure specialist, or DIY an existing balcony, patio or decked area of your home. 

CREATE ROOM TO ROAM 

If you have the space around the exterior of your house or in your garden, create enclosed walkways for your cat to roam and explore. These tunnels can wrap around your home or extend from your house out into the garden where a larger cat enclosure can be positioned. 

USE VERTICAL SPACE 

Cats love to climb and perch high above their territory. If you have the room, create a cat enclosure with plenty of vertical space. Give your cat access to the full area by installing perches, walkways, climbing trees and cat ladders.

MAKE SURE THERE’S SHADE 

While our feline friends love nothing more than to bask in the midday sun, some times of year will be too hot for your cat to spend hours out in the baking heat. Make sure your cat encolure is positioned so that your cat will have access to shade at any given time of day. 

A WONDERFUL WINDOW BOX 

If you live in an apartment or don’t have a garden, a cat window box is a great way to give your cat a little taste of the outside world. These smaller enclosures extend out from an existing window so your cat can let themselves in and out whenever they please to take in some of the natural world around them. 

CREATE A SHARED SPACE 

Cat enclosures aren’t just for cats – by creating a catio that is walk-in height you can make it a place for you both to enjoy! Why not furnish it with comfy seating, cushions, blankets and a coffee table for your tea and books? Heaven! 

KIT(TY) IT OUT WITH ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES 

A cat enclosure is not just a ‘cage’ – it’s a thoughtfully designed space created to provide your cat with plenty of pleasure, stimulation and exercise. Take the lead from catio specialists, Backyard Cat Enclosures, whose cat runs include cat hammocks, bouncy bridges, perches – they even have arched walkways fitted with grooming brushes for cats to rub against! 

CREATE A CAT GARDEN (BUT AVOID TOXIC PLANTS) 

Cats are natural foragers, so why not bring some greenery into your catio? Potted plants and hanging baskets can all provide interest and stimulation for your kitty. Some plants that cats go wild for include cat grass, catnip, bamboo and catmint. Be sure to avoid plants which can be toxic to cats including Lillies, Daffodils, Tulips and Aloe Vera. Get inspired by these ideas for safe and fun cat gardens. 

MAKE IT PORTABLE 

Variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for your feline friend. So why not buy or create a portable cat enclosure on wheels? This way you can move the enclosure around your garden or balcony depending on the sun, weather, and just for a change of scenery! 

Have you considered installing a catio for your furry taskmaster? Tell us in the comments below!

More pet parents are choosing to keep their feline friends indoors. But how can you ensure your cat is getting enough exercise to be happy and healthy? StyleTails explains.

If you are a cat parent who has decided to keep your furry friend indoors, you are not alone. With the threat of traffic accidents, injuries from other animals and even pet theft, more and more cat owners are choosing an indoor life for their feline friends. 

You will also no doubt be worried about giving your cat the best possible quality of life they can have inside. Hunting, climbing, running, pouncing and scratching are all natural feline behaviours. Cats that spend time outdoors will engage in these activities naturally, but indoor cats will require some help from their human. Ensuring your home is equipped with all the necessary objects for your cat will help prevent problems which are common to indoor cats like depression and obesity. 

Here are 7 great ways to help your indoor cat to get plenty of exercise, keep their mind active, and live a happy, healthy and safe life.  

1. CAT TREES & TOWERS

Of all the items to invest in for an indoor cat, none is as important as a cat tree with space to climb. Not only is climbing and jumping a great form of exercise for your cat, but it also provides platforms for your cat to perch and sleep. Most cats like having an elevated position to retreat to — this allows them to survey their ‘territory’ but also to escape from household noise and activity, like children and dogs. 

The best cat tree for you will depend on the space you have in your home. The good news is that the vertical design of cat towers means they don’t have to take up too much floor space. If you don’t want to make modifications to your home, you can opt for free-standing cat trees, which come with a heavy base and can be placed anywhere in your home. 

For smaller spaces, a floor-to-ceiling cat tree is a fantastic option. These attach to the ceiling and the floor so your cat can explore the full length of the pole. We love this floor to ceiling cat tree from German brand MYMIU because the bottom of the stainless steel pedestal is covered with sponge rubber in order to protect your floors from scratches. There are also options for wall-mounted cat trees which bolt into a wall in your home and are great for smaller apartments as they take up very little room. 

2. CAT WALLS & CAT STAIRS 

If you are able to make some modifications to your home, a cat wall is a brilliant way to turn a blank space into a vertical cat playground. Cat walls usually combine a series of steps which allow cats to move between resting places like larger platforms. Cat bridges are also a fun way to help your cat get from A to B on the cat wall. You can buy ready-made cat wall furniture kits from places like etsy, or you can have a go at creating your own cat wall using some basic materials and your DIY skills. 

3. CAT SCRATCHERS

Cats usually keep their claws in good shape by scratching tree trunks or fence posts. As well as ensuring their claws are trim, cats naturally scratch to exercise the muscles in their paws and to leave their scent, so it’s a basic and natural need. The indoor cat will scratch your furniture and carpets if a scratching post or area is not provided. 

When it comes to the best cat scratchers, there are a number of options depending on your home and your cat’s preference. Most cat trees will have a built-in cat scratching post wrapped in sisal rope. Alternatively, you can opt for a free-standing piece of scratching furniture like a cardboard cat scratching lounge. Not only does your cat get to fully stretch out on the lounger, but it also doubles up as a fantastic piece of stylish furniture they can scratch to their heart’s content.

4. CAT EXERCISE WHEELS 

A relatively new concept for indoor cats is the cat exercise wheel. Like a giant version of a hamster wheel for cats, they allow your cat to run and run and run and run! Great for active breeds that are kept indoors, like Bengals, some cat parents swear by cat wheels as a way to keep their feline friends active in both mind and body. 

If you are thinking about introducing a cat wheel into your home, there are a couple of things to consider. First, do you have space? They are quite large units so you will need somewhere to put it. Bear in mind that they can make varying degrees of noise when cats are running on them — so you may not want it right next to your bedroom in case your cat decides they want to go off on a midnight ‘hunting’ spree! 

We have rounded up 7 of the best cat wheels, and our top pick is the Catwheel II from Catswall. The creme de la creme of catwheels, this is an updated version of their already hugely popular Cat Wheel. It features a newly design wheelbase, which reduces running noise (for those frisky kitties who enjoy a nighttime dash), and increased stability. For those of you with multi-cat households, the Catwheel II has an extra-wide track so it can fit up to three cats, side by side. Unlike a lot of the cheaper wheels, which use only plastic, the Catwheel II uses MDF board for greater durability, plus it comes fully assembled, so you just unpack it and your cats are ready to run! 

5. HAVE PLAYTIME EVERYDAY 

If your cat sleeps all the time, you will need to provide some stimulation. You may think that your cat doesn’t need to play or doesn’t like playing but you will be surprised once you have found the ‘right’ toy to suit your cat’s personality. Playtime is imperative to relieve boredom and frustration; it can also improve the human to cat bond.

Once you have found the correct toys for your cat, they should be rotated to keep the cat interested. Leave out some fun little toys for your cat to enjoy on its own such as ping-pong balls, open paper bags, cardboard boxes or furry catnip mice. Most people get the wrong kind of toys, and then wonder why their cat is disinterested. Below are some ideas for the best kind of toys to try out on your cat.

6. CREATE A CATIO

 Thankfully, there is now a solution that presents a compromise between outdoor and indoor – the cat patio or ‘catio’! These outdoor cat enclosures allow your cat to explore the sights, sounds and smells of the great outdoors while keeping them safe (and local wildlife safe from your cat). Take a look at our guide to creating the perfect catio for your kitty.

7. MAKE MEALTIMES FUN 

One common reason for unwanted behaviour issues in indoor cats is boredom. Puzzle feeders can tap into a cat’s natural desire to hunt, as well as provide them outlets for their curious and playful nature. They can also slow a cat down when feeding which is great for overweight and obese cats.

You can have a go at making your own feeding games at home with cardboard tubes sealed either end with holes in the tubes for the kibble to fall out when a cat pushes or rolls the tube along. However, if budget and time are not a problem, many different type feeders can be purchased online to suit kibble (dry food) or wet food (meat – a cat’s natural diet). Take a look at our pick of the 5 best puzzle feeders for cats. 

Does your furry family member spend all or most of their time indoors? How do you keep them active and happy? Tell us in the comments below!

So, your favourite feline has been on their best behaviour all year — or more likely they have been waking you up at 5 am by meowing loudly and sitting on your head. Either way, they are going to expect something special under the tree this year so you better deliver!

To help you meet the exacting standards of your furry overlord, we have handpicked 22 of our favourite gift ideas for cats this Christmas. Tell your kitty where to send the Thank You card — you’re welcome!

1. Leather Breakaway Cat Collars from Cheshire & Wain

The ultimate neckwear for fussy felines comes from our favourite British brand, Cheshire & Wain. Each collar is handmade from beautifully soft Italian leather and fitted with a safety breakaway release clip. We are especially taken with their new ‘Muted Heritage’ range which includes colours like Mist Grey, Fern Green and Honey Tan.

2. Personalised Cat Christmas Decoration from Wombat Laser

Just imagine the look on your kitty’s face when they see their very own personalised Christmas decoration on the tree! We love this engraved wood ornament from etsy.

3. Personalised Cat Christmas Stocking from Gary Slocombe Designs

Where are you going to put all those goodies on Christmas morning? In a personalised cat Christmas stocking of course! This minimalist design ticks all the boxes.

4. Cat Bed Side Table by PurrFurPL

We love a gift that gives a little to the giver and the receiver. This beautiful wood cat condo also doubles as a side table so you can pop your coffee and magazines on the top while puss sleeps below.

4. Triple Cat Feeder with Cat Grass by Cat Play Furniture

It’s all about the cat grass baby! How cool is this triple cat feeder from Cat Play Furniture? It comes with three bowls – one for food, one for water and one for your cat’s very own pot of cat grass, which they can enjoy any time.

5. Interactive Wooden Cat Toy by Cat Play Furniture

Another little beauty from our friends at Cat Play Furniture, this interactive cat game with have your feline friend entertained for hours. Watch as they push the balls around inside and select from your choice of plywood in teak, ebony or rosewood.

6. Cat Harness and Lead by Hunting Pony

If you are one of the many cat parents who keep your cat mainly indoors, you may be looking for a way to give them a taste of the outside world without the risk of them running off and being injured. A cat lead and harness is a great way to do this, and we adore this one from Hunting Pony. If this is the first time you will take your cat out, check out our guide to teaching your cat to walk on a lead.

7. Modern Cat Tree with Perch by Real Trees Cats Store

Who needs a Christmas tree when you can have one of these!? There is so much going on and we are here for all of it. At the bottom of this beautiful cat tree, you have a long sisal rope scratching post where your feline friend can sharpen its claws and have a good old stretch. At the top, we have a curved wood cat condo lined with a lovely furry pad which attaches with velcro.

8. Personalised Fish Cat Bowls by Gilbert & Stone Ceramics

If ‘din dins’ is your cat’s favourite word, a personalised cat bowl might be just the ticket this Christmas. We love these fish-shaped bowls from Gilbert & Stone.

9. Modkat Cat Litter Box

Ok, if we’re honest, this one is really for you! The enclosed design of this Modkat litter box means you keep all the mess inside, rather than having it kicked all over your floor. It also keeps little hands and dogs out of your cat’s litter (yuck) and comes with a reusable liner to make cleaning it super simple.

10. Sparkly Christmas Cat Bow Tie by Neemie Bows

If you’re expecting guests over the holidays, your kitty will want to look their best — and what better way to dress to impress than with a sparkly red bow tie!?

11. Smart Robot Cat Feather Toy

Judging by its legion of feline fans, including hundreds of 5-star reviews, this little robotic cat toy is at the top of every kitty’s wishlist this year! It turns, swivels and zooms around as your cat darts about trying to catch the feather. Fun for the whole family!

12. Cat Grass Planter by Catit

Give your cat the gift of some lovely lush cat grass in its own planter. Cats love to munch on this stuff and it’s especially good for indoor cats who don’t usually get a taste of the great outdoors.

13. Fhasso Bamboo Cat Bed

Cats love their own private space to curl up for a good snooze and we think this Fhasso Bamboo Cat Bed is one of the best places to do just that. The curved design creates a cosy and protected space where your cat can relax and unwind.

14. Turkey & Ham Feast Christmas Dinner for Cats from Lily’s Kitchen

If the way to your cat’s heart is through their stomach, this is the gift for you! While it might be tempting to share your Christmas dinner with your cat, there are some things which can be toxic to them, so stick with a cat-safe option like this Turkey & Ham Feast from Lily’s Kitchen

15. Cat Teaser Wand Toy with Cork Ball

Give the gift of playtime this Christmas with this fun and eco-friendly cork ball teaser. The wand is made from pine and the painted cork ball is attached with elastic. Move the wand around and watch your kitty chase the ball, and the best bit is, you don’t have to run all over the place fetching it yourself!

16. Kyali Cat Condo Bed from Made.com

Urgh, this cat bed from Made is chic AF. It features two curved interlocking pieces with cut out holes for easy access. There are two comfy cushions for lounging — one inside and another one top. Choose from natural ash or walnut to suit your home.

17. Christmas Donut Cat Toys

What could be better on Christmas morning than ripping open a doughnut toy filled with catnip? Nothing!

18. Cosmo’s Moon Cat Scratcher

Your cat will be on cloud 9 with this gorgeous moon cat scratcher. The curved shape is great for claw sharpening, plus it doubles as a bed when it’s time to catch up on some zzz’s.

19. Gingerbread Catnip Toys by Cat House Club

Your cat might not be able to chow down on real gingerbread, but they can sure have a good time with these gingerbread-shaped catnip toys.

20. Window Cat Hammock

If your cat spends a lot of time indoors, giving them a room with a view could be just what Santa ordered. This cat window hammock attaches to your window with suckers and your cat can while away the hours bird watching and keeping an eye on that pesky dog.

21. Personalised Ceramic Cat Bowls by Susabellas

How adorable are these little personalised cat bowls? Pop in your cat’s favourite treats and wait for the purrrr.

22. Cat Exercise Wheel by One Fast Cat

And finally, the ultimate in fun for frisky felines, a cat wheel! For cats who spend all or most of their time indoors, a cat exercise wheel could be a life-changing Christmas gift. Not only does it help indoor cats stay at a healthy weight, but it also alleviates boredom and can prevent unwanted behaviours. Think of it as a gift to yourself too!

What will your cat be getting under the tree this Christmas? Tell us in the comments!

MiaCara, the designer brand for stylish pets and their people, have launched a pop up shop in KaDeWe, one of Europe’s most famous department stores.

Design conscious pet parents can shop MiaCara’s collection at KaDeWe in Berlin until the end of May. The second largest department store in Europe (after Harrods), KaDeWe stocks some of the world’s most famous luxury brands.

At the popup you will find MiaCara’s covetable designer dog beds, luxury cat scratchers, stylish dog and cat bowls, and a range of modern furniture for pets.

The MiaCara pop up shop at KaDeWe Berlin is on until the end of May. If you can’t make it to the store, you can also find the collection in our online shop.

Summer can be a great time of year for dogs – more outdoor time with your favourite human, doggie paddling, a plethora of fun dog-friendly happenings, and delicious sausages straight off the BBQ! But when you are wearing a fur coat, the warmer temperatures can also be uncomfortable and a source of undesirable issues for your coat!

From cooling mats for dogs to Pawsecco ice pops, there’s plenty of ways to help keep your dog cool but a summer fur care regime, particularly for those with longer or fluffier coats, will help them stay comfy and healthy.

Daniela Forshaw, groomer to the celebs and grooming expert at Pet Teezer, the life-changing pet de-tangler, shares her top tips for making your dog’s summer a cool breeze:

1. Resist the buzz cut. While you might think shaving off your dog’s thick coat will help reduce their body temperature, it can actually have the opposite effect. Shaving short, particularly with short-coated dogs also carries the risk of sunburn. A dog’s fur has a way of regulating, so unless you really think it’s causing them distress, leave as is and concentrate on brushing.
2. Keep your dog’s undercoat in check. The warmer temps increase shedding and a loose undercoat is a trap for bacteria and can contribute to overheating. Whether a heavy shedding breed such as the Golden Retriever or Pomeranian or light (Labradoodles, Shih Tzu’s, West Highland Terriers etc), the PetTeezer DeShedder will keep rogue fur at bay. Plus, the configuration of the two-teeth technology means the excess fur stays in the brush and not left on your carpet
3. Keep your dog’s coat tangle-free! Tangles can easily turn into matting, which can cause skin irritation, restrict body movement and is uncomfortable to undo. The PetTeezer De-Tangler will keep your dog’s locks flowing free.
4. Groom regularly (two to three times a week) as this will not only keep their fur tip top but help spot any hidden problems brought on by the summer season such as grass seeds, ticks and fleas.
5. Pay attention to paws. Check in between their toes for ticks, grass or anything else unsavoury they may have picked up. With all the extra summer walks, be sure to keep their nails trimmed and maintained too, to avoid catching and painful tears.
6. Keep ears tangle-free and clean to prevent infection and expensive trips to the vets. Whether it’s dangling in their food or water, or from mouthing play with other dogs – ear fur can easily get tangled. Metal tools can scratch, pull and hurt whereas the Pet Teezer De-Tangling Brush is gentle for the sensitive ear area, both inside and out.
7. Check the ear canal too and if yours’ is an avid swimmer pay extra attention, as those with fold over ears can be prone to infection. A squeezed out, damp cotton wool will help clean out gunk or remove excess moisture from their ears.

Do you have some great tips for keeping your pet’s skin and coat in great condition in summer? Tell us in the comments below!

It’s that time of year again when all the cool, kooky and crazy costumes come out — Halloween! According to new research from Rover.com, the UK’s leading dog sitting and walking platform, UK pooch parents are going mutts for Halloween this year, with almost a fifth planning on dressing up their pooch for the spooky occasion.

Pet parents have gone so mad for doggie dress-ups over the past few years, it’s fair to say their four-legged friend’s getup requires even more thought, planning and DIY skills than their own! Rover.com found that millennials are most passionate about crafting a costume, with a third spending more time and money on their animal’s outfit than their own.

When it comes to costume choices, pet parents have been inspired by politics on both sides of the Atlantic, with Donald Trump and Boris Johnson topping the list of dog outfits this year.

While doggie dress-ups and trick-or-treating can be fun for you, it’s important to consider whether your pupster is keen on these ideas.

Megan Teepe, VP of International Business at Rover.com, says: “Not all dogs are up for joining in the fun, and it’s important to be conscious of which activities your four-legged friend doesn’t enjoy doing. For the one in 10 pet owners who plan to leave their pups at home on Halloween, Rover.com makes it simple to find a sitter to keep them company on what could be an unsettling night. This companionship can distract them from everything that is going on and help make them feel more relaxed.”

With this in mind, Rover.com’s dog behaviourist expert Louise Glazebrook shares top tips for keeping pets safe this Halloween, whether you’re out and about or at home for the night:

1. Avoid taking your dog trick-or-treating. Amongst the masks, loud noises and darkness, it can be quite a distressing environment for dogs, so it’s best to leave them in the comfort of their own home.

2. If you do leave your dogs at home, then do not display any Halloween decorations that will encourage trick-or-treaters. Constant knocking and doorbell ringing is a real disruption to a dog’s normal routine, and this may cause stress.

3. Whilst Halloween costumes on dogs may seem like a good idea at the time, be careful of the fabric. Often, they can be made from polyester, which can be uncomfortable for dogs and cause them to get too hot. Also be wary about costumes that have items hanging off them, as these can sometimes be distressing and restrict pups from their natural behaviour. 

4. Halloween sweets are more trick than treat for a dog – make sure you keep them out of reach. Chocolate is particularly toxic for dogs, and even a small piece can be a cause for concern. If you suspect they’ve got their paws on your pile of candy, contact your vet immediately. 

5. Overall, keep an eye on your dog’s behaviour – they will tell you if they’re not happy with their environment over Halloween. Look out for cues in their body language or tell-tale signs that they’re stressed, such as whining, pacing or licking more than usual.

Do you plan to celebrate Halloween with your pooch this year or will you be staying well away from the action? Tell us in the comments below.