• The Mutual Influence of Pet Behavior and Design

    Design Objective: Let pet behavior guide the design, while the design in turn guides pet behavior.

  • We Design Based on Pet Behavior Research

    Here are some case studies

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    Cats prefer sheltered places, and they tend to choose dark or hidden spaces to feel safe and protected. This is because these places allow them to better hide and avoid potential threats.
     

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    Parrots have a unique beak shape—curved and hook-like, resembling an eagle's beak, but noticeably thicker, suitable for cracking nuts rather than tearing food. Pecking in a food box is more convenient for them compared to pecking on flat surfaces.

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    The colors and movements of birds are highly attractive to cats. Fast-moving objects easily capture a cat’s attention, making birds a common focus for cats.
     

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    Alleviating Cat Separation Anxiety

    Cat separation anxiety is a common behavioral issue where cats feel extreme unease and anxiety when separated from their owners. This anxiety may manifest as excessive meowing, destructive behavior, loss of appetite, over-grooming, or other abnormal behaviors.
     

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    Dog collars are the most commonly used accessory by pet owners around the world. They serve various purposes, such as identification, home control, and providing a point of attachment for leashes when walking the dog. Although collars are generally considered safe and beneficial, a 2020 study raised concerns about potential damage to the delicate throat area of dogs, especially for those that tend to pull on their leash, which could even lead to choking: "We often see dogs pulling on the leash, which seems to cause difficulty breathing and/or intermittent coughing." (as shown in Image 1 on the left).

     

    Taking the dog's comfort into consideration,collars must be safe and comfortable. Inspired by the sports vests worn by basketball players, we designed the harness to better fit the body shape for enhanced comfort (as shown in Images 2 and 3 on the left), allowing dogs to experience the feeling of an athlete. This is what makes a good design."

     

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     Enhancing Cats' Feeding Enjoyment

    The UFO Food Dispensing Spinner is a cat food dispenser that releases food when the cat plays with or spins the device. This toy usually has a positive impact on cats, helping to stimulate both their minds and physical activity. The common benefits are as follows:
    1. Extended Feeding Time
    Cats must rotate the spinner to release food, making the feeding process longer. This helps prevent cats from eating too quickly, reducing the risk of digestive problems or obesity.
    2. Promoting Mental and Physical Stimulation
    This food-dispensing toy requires cats to use their paws and nose, helping to exercise their intelligence and reflexes, while also providing physical activity, reducing boredom and excessive inactivity.
    3. Reducing Destructive Behavior
    By keeping the cat focused on the toy, the UFO Food Dispensing Spinner can reduce destructive behaviors. Energy-consuming toys help alleviate anxiety or stress caused by a lack of stimulation.
    4. Triggering Hunting Instincts
    Cats have a natural hunting instinct, and this toy mimics the process of hunting for food, stimulating the cat's predatory instincts, making them more engaged in interaction.
    5. Weight Management
    With the UFO Food Dispensing Spinner, cats need to spend time and effort to get food, helping prevent overeating and maintaining a healthy weight.
    Overall, the UFO Food Dispensing Spinner is an effective tool for cat behavior training and stress relief.

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    Catnip Teaser Wand

    Catnip (Nepeta cataria) affects cats primarily through its aroma. About 70-80% of cats are sensitive to catnip, and exposure may result in the following behaviors:
    1. Excitement: Cats may become very excited, running around, rolling, or tumbling.
    2.Rubbing and Sniffing: They often sniff, lick, or rub against the catnip plant.
    3.Relaxation: Some cats may appear very relaxed after initial excitement, even napping near the catnip.
    The effect of catnip usually lasts about 10-15 minutes, after which the cat loses interest and may need a few hours before reacting to it again. Catnip is safe, and small fish-shaped catnip toys are a favorite among cats.

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    Crinkle Paper Toys Relieve Pet Boredom and Increase Human-Pet Interaction

     
    Crinkle paper toys (toys that make squeaking or rustling sounds when shaken) appeal to cats and dogs due to their nature and curiosity:
    For Cats:
    1. Increased Curiosity: Cats are usually sensitive to new sounds or objects. The crinkle sound stimulates their curiosity, prompting them to paw at or gently push the toy, trying to figure out the sound.
    2. Hunting Instincts: The noise from crinkle toys resembles the sound made by prey (such as insects or small animals), making the cat treat it as prey, displaying pouncing, chasing, or biting behaviors.
    3. Possible Anxiety: Some cats may feel afraid or anxious about unfamiliar sounds, especially from louder crinkle toys.

     

     

    For Dogs:

    1. Curiosity and Excitement: Dogs are very sensitive to novel sounds. The noise from crinkle toys can catch their attention, sparking curiosity and excitement, especially in playful dogs.
    2.Chasing and Play: The noise may prompt dogs to perceive the toy as prey, triggering their chasing instinct. They may paw at, bite, or pick up the toy.
    3.Noise Sensitivity: Some dogs may feel uneasy or fearful about high-pitched or
    sudden noises, making crinkle toys unsettling for noise-sensitive dogs.
    4.Enhanced Interaction: Owners can use crinkle toys to interact with dogs, drawing
    their attention and increasing playtime enjoyment, especially for games like fetch.