Sophia Hollander wrote about apps designed specifically for pets:

• Pets that are stranded alone at home can use apps on tablet devices to entertain themselves
• These games allow cats to swat at mice, go fishing, and even destroy urban landscapes. If the cat begins to lose interest the game might emit a ‘meow’.
• Focus groups of cats and dogs are used to ensure that the games will be popular for pets across the world. They are known as gamer pets.
• But it’s not just cats and dogs who play the games. Tigers and frogs have enjoyed them. Penguins, in particular, seem to like “Game for Cats”.
• It’s also possible to play against your pet. In You vs Cat competitors try to score goals against cats. The cats are currently in the lead 28.2 million points to 19.7 million.
• There are in fact entire classrooms devoted to teaching pets how to use tablets. In one class if dogs stop paying attention then peanut butter is smeared on the screen.
• It’s not all fun and games. Some apps are used for therapeutic purposes to build trust in abused animals.
• Those who have taught their pets to use tablets may come to regret it. The pets soon begin to think that the tablet belongs to them, and get in the way when it’s the human’s turn to use the device.
• Unfortunately pets cannot yet help humans out with tasks like online banking.

The article is entertaining and well written. Find out about “catty” critics of the phenomenon, the rising competition, and more over here. Read our entire series on pet perks here.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Via: Marginal Revolution

Chosen a side in the war between cats and dogs? Llamas may trump all writes Jennifer A. Kingson:

• Llamas are becoming increasingly popular pets.
• Those who own llamas say that they are similar to dogs in that they are highly attuned to the emotions of humans.
• Other behaviours such as the humming noise that llamas like to make have also endeared them to humans.
• Given the size of the animal they are fairly cheap. One can be had for $500, and the valued fiber they produce can be sold for a profit
• There are llama shows, similar to dog shows, where the best llamas are given ribbons.
• There are also ‘therapy llamas’ that visit the sick, elderly and disabled, and ‘ambassador llamas’ that visit schools, churches, and libraries.

Read more about llamas, the stories of llama owners, the myth of them spitting, and why male and female llamas have to be kept separate over here. And read more of our ongoing series on Pet-Perks over here.

Source: The New York Times

Via: Marginal Revolution

Victoria Bekiempis covered New York’s latest trend: dogs with tattoos:

• As summertime approaches and dogs have their hair cut short, dog owners are using (temporary) tattoos to glamourize their pets.
• Dog owners say that they go to several events where other peoples’ pets are dressed up in expensive outfits and that this is a low cost way to compete.
• The tattoos themselves cost $100.
• Owners argue that their pets like the tattoos. They might not appreciate its design or colour but they enjoy the resulting attention they receive from people who notice.

Read more about the trend, the celebrity dog groomer driving it, photos of pets and owners with matching tattoos, and how the practice is spreading outside of New York over here. And read our entire coverage of Pet Perks over here.

Source: DNAinfo

The next big thing for dogs? Exclusive clubs, writes Bob Morris:

• To get into high end dog clubs, the dog needs to go through a rigorous interview process to see if the dog would be a good ‘fit’ for the club.
• These clubs are particularly worried about canines that exhibit “toy aggression” or those that don’t share treats. All of this can cause anxiety in the clubs’ other four-legged members, and the owners of the club want it to be a peaceful experience for all patrons.
• Dogs that are accepted have their information stored in an online database which handlers use to know what to expect when dealing with the pet.
• A variety of services are available at these clubs including, yoga and massages for the dog.

Read more about these clubs, the people who work there, and the experience of one dog-owner who got choked up seeing his pet get accepted into an exclusive club over here. You can also read about menus and hotels designed specifically for dogs in our series on pet perks over here.

Source: The New York Times

Via: Marginal Revolution

Theresa Bradley and Ritchie King argue that you can tell a lot about a country by the relationship it has with pet dogs. Highlights include:

• Dog ownership can be thought of as an economic indicator. As incomes rise; pet ownership rises. America, unsurprisingly, has the highest number of dogs, with one pooch for every four Americans.
• India has the fastest growing population of dogs. There is now a TV station available just for dogs.
• Switzerland has seen its dog population shrink in recent times.
• Hong Kong and Singapore have the most dogs per-square-kilometer but that’s because those city-states have a high population density. Asian countries in general appear to dislike dogs and have low rates of dog ownership.
• Middle Eastern countries have a preference for large dogs – perhaps because dogs are seen as hunters and guardians rather than companions.

The full article here has many more statistics including the country with the highest number of small dogs, and the country which spends the most on dog food. Or check out our coverage of some of the crazier services available for dogs including plastic surgery, funerals, and special restaurants.

Source: Quartz