ClickZ Pet Products Newsletter - 09.05.2024

PLUS: Social media’s impact on pet food rumors & TikTok x Amazon’s new shopping partnership

Author

ClickZ
September 05, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Specialty Bites 🍪

Kinship

Can AI raise a cat? Well, recent research from the UK suggests it might be possible, but don’t start prepping your home for a robotic cat nanny just yet. The study, part of the Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Hub, involved three cats—Ghostbuster, Pumpkin, and Clover—living in an AI-controlled environment for 12 days. The AI, paired with a robotic arm, catered to their every whim, from tossing toys to offering snacks. The cats seemed to enjoy their high-tech playground, but human oversight was crucial for success.

The Cat Royale project, a collaboration between the University of Nottingham and Blast Theory, aimed to explore how AI could enhance pet care. The AI learned the cats' preferences through a mix of software and human input, creating a near-symbiotic relationship. However, the researchers emphasised that AI should complement human interaction, not replace it. The environment was designed to be a cat utopia, with colours and textures that relaxed the cats and helped the AI function effectively.

Despite the promising results, the researchers caution that we’re not quite ready for AI to take over pet care entirely. The setup required specific design elements that aren’t practical for most homes. The study highlights the potential for AI to assist in pet care, but human involvement remains essential. So, while your cat might enjoy a robotic playmate, don’t expect to replace your own cuddles and care anytime soon.

Social media rapidly spreads pet food rumours, impacting brands like Purina. Despite FDA findings of no conclusive evidence, misinformation thrives online. Pet food companies must proactively manage their online presence, engage with consumers, and collaborate with influencers to counteract falsehoods and protect their reputation in this fast-paced digital landscape.

The article reviews the best dog beds of 2024, highlighting the Casper Dog Bed as the top choice for its thoughtful design and durability. Other notable mentions include the Lesure Pet Calming Flower Bed for value, Orvis ToughChew ComfortFill-Eco Bolster Dog Bed for chewers, and Fable Bed for crates.

BuzzFeed's article highlights 27 essential pet products from Amazon designed to simplify pet care. From a Paw Plunger for muddy paws to an automatic feeder, these items promise convenience and efficiency. Each product is backed by enthusiastic reviews, ensuring they meet pet owners' needs while adding a touch of humour and practicality.

Forbes Vetted lists the top 10 dog food delivery services for 2024, emphasising convenience, health, and affordability. Nom Nom tops the list for fresh, vet-approved meals, while Ollie offers human-grade options. Services like PetPlate and Farmer's Dog provide personalised plans. Expert endorsements and AAFCO compliance ensure quality.

BuzzFeed's article highlights 26 underrated pet products worth purchasing, including durable dog toys, window hammocks for cats, and meal trackers. Each product is praised for its unique benefits, such as improving pet health or simplifying pet care. The enthusiastic tone and detailed reviews make these recommendations compelling.

Performance Platters 🍽️

In August 2024, TikTok and Amazon teamed up for a seamless shopping experience directly within the TikTok app. This timely partnership, coming just before the Q4 shopping season, leverages TikTok's massive user base and Amazon's e-commerce dominance.

But how will it impact brands?

A major challenge for brands is measuring the halo impact of social media interactions on Amazon sales, as Amazon's data exists in a walled garden and relies on a last-click attribution model, potentially overlooking external contributions that drives product discovery.

The partnership highlights the need for more holistic marketing measurement solutions as the line between social media and e-commerce blurs.

B2B marketing teams are rapidly adopting AI and ML, with 25% using these technologies in production. Leading adopters, primarily in tech-savvy industries, face challenges like data privacy and talent gaps. Despite hurdles, AI enhances content generation and operational efficiency, with 81% using GPT models like ChatGPT.

ClickZ is a Contentive publication in the DTC Ecommerce division