Selangor teen turns love for her cat into successful pet cake business

SUBANG JAYA - Struggling to find the perfect cake to celebrate her beloved cat's first birthday, Tianna Avis Rajendra, a young woman from Selangor, was inspired to create desserts that are both delicious and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting current trends for pet treats.

In preparation for this special occasion, Tianna dedicated her end-of-year school holidays in 2021 to researching the best recipes online and consulting experts on optimal ingredient formulations and preparation methods.

According to the 19-year-old, her cat named Coraline played a crucial role in her experiments over several months as she sought to discover which ingredients would most appeal to her feline friend.

"When I had my first cat, she was about to turn one. I noticed there were pet cakes available, but I wasn’t satisfied with the ingredients-they often had sugar on top and included sprinkles, which I find unhealthy.

"During my experiments, I placed different types of meat on various surfaces to see which ones my cat prefers,” she told Bernama recently.

The second of three siblings said in addition to using squid, fresh chicken, and raw fish, she incorporates vegetables like broccoli and carrots as main ingredients in the cake, enhancing its nutritional value for pets.

However, she noted that the cake, coated with unsalted cream cheese on the outside, is not intended to replace a pet’s main daily meal; it is classified as a snack, akin to wet food or treats.

"Although nutritious, it can never substitute a main meal and should not be given to your cats or dogs for an extended period. I would compare it to treats that you wouldn’t want to offer your pet every day.

"It’s perfectly fine to serve the cake over a few days, but don’t order a cake every week and feed it to them daily; my cat prefers variety,” she said, adding that she has also received orders from neighbouring Singapore.

The owner of the Manjapot business also advised against offering the cake to pets on special diets, as sudden changes in their food could negatively impact their intestines or digestive systems.

She shared that although it takes at least two hours to complete a cake ordered by a customer, the exhaustion from decorating the dessert vanishes when she receives positive feedback. This encouragement motivates her to keep generating creative ideas.

"There was a moment when my customer wanted her dog to look like Godzilla because he (the dog) always bites furniture and likes to make a mess.

"So, I created an island with a Godzilla-like dog in the middle and added broken buildings as if they were on fire. Luckily, my customer loved the idea,” she said, adding that she will do her best to fulfil her customers' requests.

She said the cakes, priced between RM100 to RM200 depending on the size and type of meat used, are typically ordered for special occasions such as birthdays or to celebrate pets after they have been neutered.

"It seems to be becoming a trend to make a bigger deal out of pet birthdays, as there’s a niche group of pet owners who are willing to go all out for their pets. Previously, they might have just given their dog a bone or some treats on their birthday or for a special occasion.

"Now, however, it’s more common for people to celebrate with cakes. They even buy gifts for their pets, hang up banners, and purchase clothes, all of which contribute to the idea of pet humanisation,” she explained.

The girl, who completed her education at a private school in Subang Jaya, acknowledged the challenges she faces in managing her business. However, the fighting spirit she inherited from her parents, both of whom are entrepreneurs, keeps her strong and determined.

"I've always loved doing business. When I was younger, I often started mini businesses, like selling slime when I was 13 and making cookies.

"It came naturally to me because my parents are also entrepreneurs. I’ve watched them start various businesses throughout my life. While some failed, many succeeded, so I’ve never been afraid to try,” she added. - BERNAMA