Latest news with #Churu
CNA
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
How one Sengkang home cafe with its very own Totoro cat is brewing comfort, one cup at a time
Having a cat beckon you with his paw like a real-life maneki-neko is probably the cutest thing you'll see. And you are welcome to meet this chubby-cheeked greeter Totoro at Brew With Grace, a home-based, takeaway-only cafe in Sengkang. 'Baobao (meaning precious one in Mandarin) gets paid in Churu treats and pats,' said owner Grace Teo, scooping up her two-year-old British shorthair like a baby and taking an invigorating sniff of his belly. 'So nice!' she beamed from behind her oversized glasses. 'Nice' is indeed a word that keeps coming up as you relax in the 36-year-old's cosy home while waiting for your order. Totoro is not the only welcoming and Studio Ghibli-inspired part of Teo's flat that she shares with her software engineer husband. The low furniture (for both humans and cats), rugs and seat cushions arranged on the wood floor all conspire to make you want to set down your day's weariness and make yourself comfortable. The warm glow that bathes this HDB BTO flat – no doubt an ode to Teo's previous job as a 3D lighting artist – is a feat in itself. No harsh shadows, no glaring lights. It is as if the walls themselves exude a soft, cocooning luminescence. There's lots to delight your other senses as well. An all-season Christmas tree with fairy lights, lacy curtains (the kind you find in quaint, retro cafes), a soothing pine scent and anime music videos on loop play all evoke a sense of carefree familiarity, reminiscent of those childhood mornings spent watching cartoons. FROM BURNOUT TO POTTERY TO COFFEE While it's been barely five months since Brew With Grace opened in late December last year, Teo's journey began much earlier. Her former job as a 3D lighting artist meant working long hours and weekends, which led to burnout, depression and anxiety, and her quitting her job in 2020. 'I was alone at home all the time,' Teo said. Wanting to escape her loneliness without having to go into anxiety-inducing public places, she found Asobi Studio, a home-based pottery studio. But it didn't start well. She remembered freezing when it was her turn to try hand-building a ball of clay. The owner noticed her anxiety and consoled her. 'It's a ball of clay now but it can also be a cup. It's very malleable, very forgiving. If you don't like it, you can press it down again and start all over. Don't be afraid. It's okay,' Teo recalled her words. That foray into ceramics also led Teo to her first taste of real coffee made with a freshly pulled shot of espresso that the owner brought her. 'I didn't drink much coffee back then because of the medications I was on. I'd thought coffee was Starbucks, all whipped cream and syrup. When I drank it, I fell in love with coffee. I'd never felt so calm despite the caffeine.' Teo left the pottery studio that day feeling safe. 'I didn't have an episode. I was okay. I felt hope and peace,' she recalled. 'The experience touched me, how a humble cup of coffee accompanied with warm hospitality could offer much so healing.' BREWING IT UP It was the beginning of Teo's love affair with coffee. First, she signed up for a course to learn about coffee making using her SkillsFuture credits. Then, she went on to work part-time at Monday Coffee Bar to further hone her barista skills. It was there that she learned to better control her anxiety, especially when orders came in thick and fast. 'I was very lucky to have an understanding boss and supportive teammates,' she said. A year or so later, Teo finally put her plans for her home-based cafe in gear. 'I wanted to share that experience I had at the home-based pottery studio with others. Knowing how dark it can be, I wish a little space of mine could bring a little light to them.' 'Before opening, I spent some time experimenting with different types of drinks,' said Teo. 'But my love for a good cup of iced or hot white can't be shaken. In the end, I just put what I love and enjoy on the menu and share it.' Brew With Grace's coffee menu is short and sweet, just hot and iced Black, White and Mocha. Not a coffee fan? She has Strawberry Matcha Oat and Yuzu Matcha Oat – two matcha drinks that are balanced with a fruity tang and rounded off with the creaminess of oat milk. Teo uses coffee beans from Dutch Colony and ceremonial-grade matcha. 'I don't know how to source for cheaper matcha powder, so I just use the good stuff that I find.' Not that her drinks cost more; quite the contrary, the matcha oat ones go for just S$5.50 each, while an order of Black is only S$3, White for S$4 and Mocha for S$4.50. There is no extra charge for iced options and oat milk; just S$1 more for an additional espresso shot. 'I'm not doing this to make a profit,' Teo laughed when asked how she manages to keep the business afloat. 'I charge just enough to cover the cost of my ingredients.' HELLO, LOVELIES! Teo's customers, whom she affectionately calls her 'lovelies', come from all walks of life. 'We have had university students, couples, office ladies and others,' she said. 'Some of them would hang around and play with Totoro while waiting for their drinks. Others would retreat into their own world to do colouring, read a book or journal.' Does she ever feel overwhelmed by the higher level of socialising than what she is used to? 'I feel blessed that I get to chat and make new friends. To be honest, I don't feel that my personal space is affected. So far, my lovelies have been very respectful, amazing and mindful.' There are no complaints from the neighbours either. 'They have been very supportive,' said Teo. 'When I was just starting out and had many doubts, it was their support and encouragement that pushed me on.' Her husband has been a pillar of strength and support for her, ensuring she doesn't strain herself or forget to eat. But Teo thinks Totoro might feel a little differently at the beginning of the cafe's operation. 'Thankfully, he has grown to love humans a lot more, especially since he gets lots of pats, treats and attention,' said Teo, giving her fluffball a big kiss. 'If he needs his privacy, he will go into one of our rooms.' Teo's modus operandi also ensures that the number of orders doesn't get crazy. 'I don't take on too many orders because I make my drinks fresh on the spot, and I do not believe in rushing to fulfil large quantities. I would like my lovelies to enjoy the vibes and conversations while they wait for their drinks to be made.' Moreover, she doesn't accommodate walk-ins. 'Orders are also to be collected at specific time slots, so that they can be mindfully spaced out.'
Buzz Feed
14-05-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
27 Useful Chewy Products If You Have Two Or More Cats
A pair of cat nail covers because your furniture's worst enemy might just be your best friend's claws. This also helps minimize scratches from new kittens who still can't see the difference between your arm and a scratching post. And if your cats tend to go at it with each other in a way that's beyond "just play," these can help protect them from getting hurt! A pet hair remover since no matter how often you brush your fur babies, their hairs seem to get all over your favorite furniture and blankets. This is a more sustainable option than single-use lint rollers, and it's made from 90% foamed recycled glass! Promising review: "I can't believe how well this works. It gets hair, as well as threads, dust, lint, etc., off of the carpet. It feels like it could scratch, but doesn't. Truly great help!" —MarianPrice: $14.79 A 50-pack of Churu lickable treats that seemingly every cat can't get enough of, whether they're picky eaters or not. Personally, it's the only way I can give my finicky cat her daily medication. (I place the pill into an empty gelatin capsule and hide it inside the treat.) If you're not giving meds to your felines, though, they'll love this as a daily treat between meals! One TikToker had the genius idea of freezing these treats! Will be trying this tonight for my other cat, who scarves this treat down in review: "My cat loooves these. I always give her a lick treat loosely mixed with some pumpkin broth and water as a bedtime snack/extra hydration for the day. I think we both look forward to that bonding time each night. :) The ingredients are also great compared to others." —LilyPrice: $19.83+ (available in six sizes and two flavor combos) If your cat isn't into capsules hidden in treats, a Feline Greenies Pill Pocket is like a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down. Giving medication to one cat can be a chore — giving pills to several cats day in and day out? A seemingly impossible task. Simply hide your cat's pill inside the treat, press the treat to mold it around the pill, and watch them enjoy. Promising review: "Our cat is on a daily medication and it is very challenging to pop it in his mouth and get him to swallow without getting bit or scratched in the process. He takes his pills easily using the pill pocket. He just thinks it's a treat and there's no problem getting it down. Less trauma for cat and owner alike!" —Loosescrew21Price: $6.48+ (available in two sizes and three flavors) A waterproof blanket just in case your felines are prone to accidents in the most inconvenient places. This way, you can snuggle up with them stress-free! Promising review: "Very nicely made throws! So very soft. Looks nice on furniture, and it definitely protects." —CarolPrice: $15.90+ (available in three sizes and seven colors) A fuzzy cat tree so that your cats have something other than your couch to scratch during their free time. This tree has both a bed and a ~condo~ to give your felines a place for their cute lil' cat naps. Promising review: "I love how both of my cats can sit together, and it's not so big and bulky for my space. It's facing the window, and they can watch cat TV all day!" —NakiaPrice: $34.99 Or a multi-level cat tree if you really want to go all out (and have the space to do so)! This tree has a few beds, a hammock, and different scratch surfaces to entertain all your cats in peace. Promising review: "The product was just as the website described. It was easy to put together with the directions provided. It is sturdy, seems durable, and my two newly adopted kittens love it! I would purchase this again!" —JuliePrice: $77.99+ (available in five colors) A window hammock for your cats, whose favorite form of entertainment is watching the birds fly by. They can enjoy a nice view while getting into this hammock's scratch pad function! An automatic multi-pet feeder is perfect for the felines in your life who never seem to stop meowing for food. This will ensure that your cats do not overeat — or undereat if you, by chance, forget that it's dinnertime for them; you can schedule when it releases food! Promising review: "I originally bought a single bowl version of this and was very happy with it. The only problem was the more dominant cats would eat all of the food every time and the others would get little, if any. I bought this two-bowl feeder to keep downstairs and moved the other one upstairs. I timed the meals to drop at the same time, so everyone gets fed. This has been a lifesaver for feeding our cats because three of them simply cannot free-feed responsibly. Everyone is now back to a healthy weight, and I also don't have to worry when I go on overnight trips. The battery backup works great!" —MeghanPrice: $89.99 A cuddle cave that your cats will likely squabble over — you may as well get a few of these for each of your kitties. If your cats always chill in enclosed spaces, this super-plush bed gives them the coziness and support they need during cat naps. Promising review: "Years ago, I got one of these. My cats loved it enough that one day, I discovered all three of them stuffed inside, much to everyone's chagrin. So I got a second one, hoping they'd trade out. The two youngest have gotten bigger since they could (even somewhat unreasonably) fit inside a single pod together, and then I got a fourth cat. Lately, I'm noticing that the third and fourth cats on the scene are often looking forlornly at the occupied pods, so I've finally given in and purchased enough that every cat can have their own at all times, plus an extra for when one finally fails because despite several machine washings, neither one is showing any wear yet!" —ReneePrice: $35.99+ (available in three colors) An interactive roller cat toy because playing isn't just for kittens! Playtime is vital for ALL the cats in your house to maintain their physical health and mental awareness throughout their life. I have this toy, and my two cats play with it for hours on end. Promising review: "I couldn't even get this put together before Button started playing with it. I put it out as a distraction so she would quit climbing the walls (literally), and so far, it's working. She loves her cat dancer, so I hope she'll start playing with the little butterfly on top, too. It comes with a replacement butterfly too, which is a thoughtful inclusion." —ButtonMamaPrice: $10.99 (available in two colors and three designs) A set of silicone food covers, just in case your cats are on different diets and always have wet food left over in the can! These fit easily onto most can sizes and are a breeze to clean. Promising review: "These are great tops for your pets' cans. Unlike the harder plastic lids, this plastic material is more bendable. This means that they will not crack and have to be replaced. It is convenient to have a top that can fit any food can. The pretty blue lid is a pop of color that can be easily spotted in the crowded fridge. A good product for any pet owner." —JosiesmomPrice: $2.99 A silicone cat bowl mat because messes are inevitable when dinnertime rolls around — especially when you're feeding several cats at once. This will keep your floors food-free and will also protect them from water damage if your kitties are the type to splash their water bowl before drinking. Promising review: "Both of my cats like to pick up their wet food nuggets and drop them several inches away from the bowl before picking them back up and eating them. I tried wider bowls to relieve whisker tension, but they still dragged the moist morsels away like it was freshly-snagged prey. This mat is large enough that they can't drag it too far away and get my floors messy. Perfect solution. I don't put it in the dishwasher, but clean up is still super easy with a soapy paper towel, then a quick rinse." —DaniPrice: $13.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors) A self-warming mat to give your cats a comfortable place to lounge all day. This is great for both the small kitties and older cats in your home who need a bit of help keeping their bodies nice and warm. Promising review: "I wish I would have found this product sooner. I take care of five feral cats who have access to my garage overnight. They eat, sleep, and play. I have a couple of pedestal cat beds and several areas with blankets/beds. I live in central Florida, so we don't have severe cold weather here, but we do have some cold nights where I would like the outside cats to feel some warmth. I researched beds that need to be plugged in, but I don't think that's safe unsupervised, and where I can't hide the cord. I came across this bed, and I think it's brilliant. I bought a few different sizes, and they love them. I'm happy, and they are keeping warm. I have since bought one for my inside cat and gifted one as well. My cat and the cat it was gifted to use it often as well. The price is fair, and I will purchase again in the future." —LauraPrice: $11.98+ (available in two colors) A pack of freeze-dried raw minnows treats that'll give your kitties a yummy, high-protein snack between meals! Think of this as your cats's version of hors d'oeuvres before their main course. Promising review: "My cats love these, if they don't want to come inside, I just ask them if they want minnows and they come running. Whenever I walk towards the bedroom they sprint to their treat spots and yell at me to give them some minnows. They can't get enough." —RobinPrice: $7.68+ (available in three sizes) A pair of cat grooming gloves, just in case your feline friends are DEATHLY afraid of the grooming comb. While your pets *think* you're just giving them loving pets, these gloves capture stray hair and fur with their gentle silicone teeth. An extra large litter box because sharing a bathroom isn't fun for anyone — both humans and cats alike. This box is large enough so that your cats can have room to share. Plus, it comes with cat pads and litter pellets, which are great for reducing dust and traction throughout the house! Promising review: "I have two cats, one is 8, the other is 6; after using traditional litter for that many years, I can tell you this is seriously a game changer! I wish I had done it a long time ago! It did take a long time to transition them, so don't get frustrated and give up. Mine took about 3–4 weeks to transition to using the new box. Only suggestion I have is to definitely get this bigger box!" —PatriciaPrice: $76.48 A Catit flower water fountain since some cats enjoy running water as opposed to water that sits still in a bowl. This fountain filters water to ensure that your cats have a crisp and clean drink at all times. Promising review: "Our cat is a freshwater kitty and loves this fountain! It took her about a day to get used to it. It has three different flow settings, and one of them is like a standard bowl of water. She prefers the full flower setup setting, as she was used to drinking from the faucet, and this trickles water over the flower to mimic that. It's easy to assemble and clean. We use purified water, so we don't have to worry about calcium build-up ruining the pump. Overall, very satisfied with this product!" —Happy CustomerPrice: $27.99+ (available in two styles) A catnip spray so that you can say "ta-ta!" to having to clean up little crumbs of catnip whenever your cats want to play. This is also a great spray for getting cats accustomed to new beds or cat trees! Promising review: "My cats had lost interest in playing with their toys and using their scratching posts. Once I misted these items with SmartyKat Catnip Mist, it was just like they were kittens again — playing, running, jumping, and using the scratching posts again for hours! Thank you for a great product!" —FrancinePrice: $1.88+ (available in three sizes) A professional-strength odor and stain remover because although your little fur babies can do NO wrong EVER, sometimes, ahem, accidents (which are in no way their fault because, again, they're perfect) happen. This stain and odor remover contains enzymes that eat away at foul odors on carpets, hard floors, furniture, and fabrics (I've even used it near my cats' litter box). The result? A stain-free space that smells heavenly. An Advantage small cat flea treatment to provide sweet relief to your indoor/outdoor cats. This treatment attacks fleas at all stages of life, making the annihilation of those pesky little critters hassle free. Promising review: "I was hesitant as I've always used another brand. But I have five cats and needed a cheaper option. Absolutely no more itching for my babies within three days! It has been one month, and it's still going strong! Zero negative skin reactions or health issues. Every cat is different, of course. But all of mine are totally different breeds and are just great. It was well worth my purchase." —SiamicPrice: $16.98+ (available in packs of one, two, four, six, and 12 doses, and in three cat sizes) An Arm & Hammer litter deodorizer because you love your cats — but with so many felines using the WC, it can be hard to keep up with a fresh-smelling home. All you have to do is sprinkle this on top of your kitties' litter and marvel at how bearable it is to walk past the litter box now. Promising review: "People frequently comment on how they can't smell my cat's litter box despite being in my room and open-air. I'm telling you, it's all because of this. Used as directed, your stinky litter days will be gone." —LaurenPrice: $3.79+ (available in two pack sizes) A 41-inch tall pet gate, which closes automatically, making it perfect for your newest cat to get acclimated to your environment. When introducing a new cat into the mix, it's best to use a gate like this that keeps cats separate while still allowing them to see, smell, and interact with one another. An indoor cat treat that's packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that'll help nourish your cats as they snack away! Your cats will likely love this treat because of its creamy center and crunchy exterior — you will likely love this treat because it helps with healthy digestion, strong muscles, and even hairball relief! Promising review: "My cat is a bit picky with food or treats in general, so I was very excited about his reaction to these. He loves them! Now, he gets excited every time he hears a crinkling bag since he thinks he's getting one of these treats. And I like that they are small too." —TreatsPrice: $3.28+ (available in three sizes and in chicken or tuna) A Hertzko self-cleaning brush with retractable teeth that makes post-brushing cleanup so easy, you'll wish you purchased it sooner. And since it's designed to be pain-free, your pets will be thankful for it, too. Promising review: "I have bought several different brushes and de-shedding rakes over the last couple of years since I got my white Swiss shepherd, and this brush is the absolute best by far! My pup has thick, dense fur, especially in the winter, and this brush goes nicely through it, removing the dead fur, and the push button that releases the fur is wonderful!!! My only regret is that I didn't buy it years ago!!!!" —CharlyePrice: $16.99+ (available in three sizes) A pack of furniture protector tape sheets because even if you have enough cat scratching posts, your cat still probably prefers to treat your expen$$$ive couch as their fave scratching post. These transparent sheets stick to upholstered furniture to humanely stop your kitties from caring for their claws on your favorite lounge spot. Promising review: "The kittens touched it and never went back! My dining room chairs are saved, and they are now using their many scratch post options. Amazing!" —LinPrice: $19.99 A pack of felt wool ball toys that are super bouncy and fuzzy, which is basically all your cats want out of a toy. I have these, and my two cats go wild, chasing and clawing at these whenever I whip them out. Promising review: "The mischievous little one-eyed scamp that lives in my house is OBSESSED with these balls. They're very bouncy. She's gotten good at using her claws to almost juggle the ball around the carpet!" —SusyPrice: $9.99 for a six-pack
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Meet Link, The Palm Beach Post's Pet of the Week, a beautiful shy guy
This week's Pet of the Week is Link. He is a stunning silver color with the perfect touch of white on his face, chest and paws. Link is pretty shy at first greeting, but he has become a big fan of Churu, specifically the chicken flavor. Food is definitely the way to his heart. For more information, his profile is here. Welcome to The Palm Beach Post's Pet of the Week, a series in which we feature animals up for adoption in Palm Beach County in hopes of finding them a loving family. Palm Beach County's animal shelter selects a pet of the week for this series that is safe, friendly and ready to become a companion. All animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Here's what to know about our pet of the week, including what Animal Care and Control staffers say about his personality. Age: 9 months Weight: 9 pounds Sex: Male, neutered Animal ID: A2223950 More information: Link is looking for a special person who will take the time to get to know him on his terms. Link needs a quiet household with no children to help him acclimate to his new surroundings. He may even make out to be a great barn cat for someone looking for some natural pest control! You can find Link's profile here. Leaders at Palm Beach County's animal shelter choose animals for The Post to feature in this series. They often select longer-term residents or animals who are not adjusting well to living in the shelter. Animals chosen are part of the shelter's "pet pal" program in which volunteers repeatedly evaluate the animal's temperament, safety and friendliness before deciding whether they're ready for immediate adoption, according to the shelter's website. Pets with illnesses or histories of aggression are not eligible for the "pet pal" program. Dogs with histories of biting humans or other animals are also not eligible. You can start the adoption process in person or online. To begin in person: Visit Animal Care and Control during normal business hours at 7100 Belvedere Road near West Palm Beach to fill out an application and meet the pets there. To begin the process online: Use the pet's animal ID number (like the one listed above) to search them on Animal Care and Control's online database. Click on the "Ready to Adopt? Click Here" link to the right of the pet's photo. Fill out the two-page downloadable adoption application and email it to Animal Care and Control at PSD-ACCSupport@ Once Animal Care and Control has reviewed your application, a team member will contact you to confirm that you have been approved to adopt. Submittal of an online application does not guarantee the pet's availability. Adoption fees: Adoption fees are waived in April. They are usually $60 for adult dogs, $75 for puppies and $50 for cats and kittens. Palm Beach County residents who are 55 years and older are offered a discounted adoption fee. Note: All animals adopted from Animal Care and Control will be spayed if female or neutered if male. They will be up-to-date on vaccinations, protected against fleas and ticks and microchipped. About fostering: If you are not ready for a long-term commitment, you may want to consider offering foster care to a pet. This is a great way to get the feel for becoming a pet parent, and it allows you and your new prospective pet to get to know each other. You can find more information about fostering on Animal Care and Control's website. Holly Baltz is an editor at The Palm Beach Post. She has a dog, Pippa, who is 9 years old. You can reach her at hbaltz@ Help support our work; subscribe today! This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Cat ready for adoption at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control
