International Cat Day: These online platforms are essential for cat owners

International Cat Day is observed on August 8 each year

International Cat Day is observed on August 8 each year. A celebration of our purr-y friends, cat owners know that it is a year-round job. One that isn't easy, especially if you're new to it. This past year, many of us opened our doors and became new parents, while others are anxious about leaving their pets home after resuming work. As gratifying as being a pet parent can be, it may seem at times that you need a village to care for your beloved pet. Thankfully, online platforms and mobile apps have stepped in with a wide range of solutions and catalogues. On International Cat Day, we've curated a list of online pet stores and mobile apps to help cat parents indulge and care for their pets.

Verified pet sitting

PetBacker aims to create a community and connect pet parents, sitters, dog walkers, and groomers in major cities. As many pet owners return to work, finding a daycare or a walker might be difficult. Selecting a care provider for your pet can be a stressful decision for most, with over 50 pet daycare options in Mumbai, the app helps pet owners hire a trusted pet sitter for minding, walking, boarding, and more. The app isn't restricted to dogs or cats, and includes hamsters, fishes, and even snakes.

Available for: Apple and Android

First-aid ready

It can be excruciating trying to guess what's wrong with your pet, especially if you're still getting used to your furry friends. The Pet First Aid app by American Red Cross gives pet owners access to veterinary advice for everyday emergencies so they're prepared to act whenever anything goes south. Catering to cats and dogs, the app includes step-by-step instructions for over 25 common pet situations through a combination of video, text, and images. Interactive quizzes help pet owners retain important information pertaining to their pets' health.

Available for: Apple and Android

Toys, treats, and more

Chew Central is a Mumbai-based online pet store selling a range of cat supplies, from cat toys to food.

No matter what your cat's preference is, they offer an extensive range of wet, dry, and prescription food along with crunchy snacks and jerky treats from top brands including Royal Canin, Chip Chop, and Applaws. Same goes with their range of interactive, plush, scratchers, and chaser toys, from rope balls to LED mouse, you will be spoilt for choice.

Log onto chewcentral.com

Vet and pet store

Pet pal is an online platform that helps connect pet owners with veterinarians with the click of a button. Offering support in multiple languages including Hindi, Pet Pal ensures your cat has access to expert consultation in no time. Pet parents can also find useful information through their blog posts and find answers to several common issues. They also have an online pet store which offers cat supplements, treats, and much more.

Log onto: https://petpal.in/

Customised supplies, grooming, and support

Among the most popular online pet stores, Heads up for Tails (HUFT) is known for its customised range of products, from cat collars to beds. A one-stop shop with an inventory of over 1,000 products, HUFT sells accessories, clothing, toys, furniture, bedding, food, and much more for dogs, cats, birds, as well as rabbits. If you are in the mood to indulge, the website offers cat grooming products including shampoo, wipes, brushes, deodorisers, tick relief, and much more. They've collaborated with Vet Connection in the U.K. to offer the HUFT Vetline helping pet parents connect with qualified professionals round-the-clock.

Log onto: headsupfortails.com

Also read: New Best Friend: How bonding with animal pals brought Mumbaikars joy and comfort in the pandemic