Top Tips for how to make your pet feel like Royalty

By Bryony Van Niekerk

I am pretty sure I am preaching to the choir here. If you are reading Pet Prints then chances are your pets are living a life of luxury. And if we are really being honest, our pets already think they are royalty. The cat who sits on the counter staring you down until you fill their (already full) bowl? Royalty. The handbag sized dog who takes up 90% of the bed and leaves you clinging to the edge for dear life? Royalty. And you? You’re the loyal servant who gladly obliges

So, if we’re going to be ruled by furry monarchs, we may as well lean into it. This issue’s theme is all about the regal and the royal, so here are some tips on how to raise (or at least live with) your very own four-legged kings and queens.

Tips:

• Give them a throne
  Every royal deserves a plush throne on which to rest their weary body. Now you may be thinking why bother when the couch/your bed/a cardboard box is preferred over the expensive bed you purchased over a year ago. Well, it’s all about options. For instance, in my dining room where I am currently writing this, I am surrounded by not one, not two, but three pet beds. And let’s not forget the multi-tier cat tower from which my cats perch and look down at all that is theirs.

Pet beds these days aren’t what they used to be. Gone are the days of sad gaudy cushions that clashed with every piece of furniture you own. Now, it’s all about design and comfort; plush memory foam, orthopaedic support, washable covers, and colours that could rival a Pinterest board. The Basic Beige Mom aesthetic is here. And I’m not mad about it.

• Serve royal feasts
  Nutrition is king, quite literally. We all know that the higher the quality of ingredients, the better the nutritional value so choose good quality food that best suits your pets’ age, breed and lifestyle. Even if your pet has to be on a strict diet, you can still make an event out of meal time. Add a sprinkle of excitement with food toppers or use enrichment bowls and slow feeders to add a bit of entertainment to their meal. And don’t underestimate the power of variety. Rotate proteins, switch up textures, and occasionally offer a special treat to keep those taste buds intrigued.

• Keep up appearances
  Royals are always immaculately put together with not a hair out place or nail out of line. Scruffy hair and chipped claws simply just won’t do. Taking care of your pet’s hygiene will ensure that they are always ready to curtsy at the Queen with confidence.

The first step would be regular(ish) baths, whatever that means to you. I won’t tell you how many times Oliver has been bathed in his almost 5 years, but let’s say I can count it on one hand. Follow this up with brushing to remove any loose hair and prevent any matting.

Then to keep those little toe beans smooth as silk, I like to use a little paw butter. It also helps to prevent cracks in the paw pads. Lastly, if you can manage it (and I salute those who can), brush your dogs’ teeth. It will not only give then a million-buck smile, but also keep dental issues at bay.

• Courtly conduct
  Just like all members of the Royal Family are expected to conduct themselves with poise, grace and elegance when out in public, our pets should also know how to behave when in the company of others.

Start with some basics such as sit, stay, come, as well as the all important, down. These simple commands are the foundation of good manners and can save you from some embarrassing moments. It is, after all, very unbecoming to be caught fawning all over guests. Or worse still, helping themselves to someone else’s sandwich.

• Royal attire
  Most of our pets run around like the vain emperor from The Emperor’s New Clothes- completely butt naked and convinced they look fabulous! And honestly? They are not wrong.

A glossy coat and a bit of attitude go a long way. However, if your pets are amenable to being dressed up when the occasion calls for it, don them out in fancy bandanas, bowties and boujee outfits. My lot only tolerate a dress up session for about 5 minutes; just long enough to snap a quick picture and get a treat bribe. And if it’s on Instagram, it happened right?

If your pet’s not keen on clothing, don’t force it. Instead, opt for something subtle like a beautiful collar, tag, or harness in a royal shade — deep purple, emerald, or gold. Simplicity is the height of sophistication after all.