As temperatures rise, a Japanese maternity clothing brand, Sweet Mommy, has introduced an innovative solution for pets struggling to stay cool: air-conditioned jackets. These garments are designed to help moderate a pet's body temperature during hot weather.
The jackets are fitted with two fans, positioned on either side of the animal's torso, and feature openings for the front legs. They are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different breeds and come in white. The design was developed under the supervision of an animal doctor at Oasis Animal Hospital.
An earlier version of the wearable fan jacket is marketed online for approximately £60. Sweet Mommy claims the jacket can lower the ambient temperature around the pet by about 4 degrees Celsius. The device operates on battery power, with the fans attached to thin material that blows air around the animal's body. The wearable fan weighs approximately 80 grams.
Mats were called in to model the cooling jackets at a promotional event in Tokyo, showcasing the product's functionality and design. Among the models were French bulldogs Makana and Milk, as well as a Munchkin cat named Yuki. A Chihuahua named Towamaru was also pictured wearing the jacket.
The company's foray into pet accessories follows a period where cooling solutions, from fan-fitted neck braces to household air conditioning units, have seen increased demand.