Pet Gifts and Toys
Pets are part of the family,
and we want to pamper them and shower them with gifts the way we would
any of other loved ones. And today, pet owners will find a multitude
of products that would make the perfect present for their furry little
friend. They don’t even have to search that far. Aside from pet
stores and specialty boutiques, they can also go on the Internet. Thousands
of websites sell everything from collars to kitty condos, dog biscuits
to designer carrying cases. They will even customize the product to
suit the pet’s personality and the owner’s own preferences!
It’s a growing market.
In the US alone, 65 million households have pets, who collectively spend
around $36 billion this year on pet products. Even brands that have
focused on “human products” have branched out into pet accessories.
Neiman Marcus and Harrods in London now sells pet supplies, pet food,
pet apparel, and pet jewelry.
While there is a wide variety of pet toys available in the market, some
products have proven to be more popular.
Chew toys
Chew toys are essential for pets who are teething, since they help relieve
discomfort (and protect the owners’ furniture from the same fate).
But long after your pet has gotten a complete set of teeth, he will
derive much pleasure from playing with them.
When choosing a chew toy, pick one that is appropriate for your pet’s
age and breed. Puppies will need a smaller, lighter toy; St. Bernard’s
will need stronger, larger and more durable toys. Since dogs tend to
get bored with their toys, it is best to rotate your chew toys, replacing
them every week with something different.
Solo toys
Some dogs have sensitive teeth and gums, and will find typical chew
toys painful and uncomfortable to use. They should be given solo toys,
which have softer and gentler textures. Some are made from vinyl, latex,
cloth, and canvas. Look for a toy that incorporates squeaking sounds
so that they are still interesting and fun to play with.
Interactive toys
No matter how fun his toys are, dogs will still seek human companionship.
Interactive toys are designed for games that you can play with your
pet. These include wind-up birds and mice for your cat, and flying discs
and balls for your dog. Just be sure that you are around when your pets
are using them so you can keep an eye out for torn and broken parts.
Scratching posts
Cats need to scratch: it is part of their natural instinct to marking
their territory by leaving marks, and is also important for rubbing
down their claws. If you don’t want them scratching on your furniture,
provide them with a scratching post.
Catnip
Cats go wild over catnip. It’s available as a spray, a sachet,
or tiny bunches. Insert in a chew toy, leave a little near their cat
beds, or give it bit by bit as a treat to your pet. Follow instructions
of the specific product to know how it is supposed to be used.
Kitty Condos
Make your cat feel like a king or a queen with these condos. They are
normally multi-tiered structures that can give your cat a place for
exploration, relaxation, and eating. Some of them even have built-in
beds.
