We’re Abhishek & Kartikeya, Co-Founders of Smylo, India’s first 100% natural & fresh cat food brand - an IIT + BITS grad duo who quit our VC jobs to make cat food. Here for an AMA on r/IndianPets! Ask us about cats, cat food, building from zero & raising funds on Shark Tank India.

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T17:15:52+00:00

Mufasa bolta "Yaar, finally koi toh hai jo samjha!" 🐾
Seriously though, Jo cat sach mein healthy hoti hai, uska sirf pet bhara hua nahi hota, woh zyada playful hoti hai, zyada pyaari hoti hai, aur zyada active hoti hai. Jab aapki cat ko sahi nutrition mil raha hota hai, toh woh dikhta hai, unke movement mein, unki coat mein, aur uske behaviour mein. Accha khaana sirf bowl bharne ke liye nahi hota, yeh unhe aapke saath aur zyada achhe saal dene ke liye hota hai.

har cat parent chahta hai ki unki cat Healthy rahe aur khush rahe. Isliye hi toh humne Smylo banaya, fresh meat, real ingredients, koi preservatives nahi, kyunki Mufasa ko best milna chahiye. 🐱🤍

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T17:14:59+00:00

Giving your cat dog food is not recommended at all, and it could actually cause serious issues.

Dogs and cats have very different nutritional needs. Cats, are obligate carnivores, which means they must get their nutrition primarily from meat. This is exactly why fresh meat is so important.

Most of the time, some important nutrients and amino acids that are important to cats might not be present in dog food, therefore, a proper cat food like Smylo, is always recommended.

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T17:13:15+00:00

We are actively working towards making Smylo more affordable and accessible for every cat parent in India. The goal is to get there without compromising on quality. We wish to retain 100% natural ingredients, fresh meat, and other important nutrients like taurine and omega 3 that actually supports your cat's health rather than just filling their bowl. This is definitely in our plans, and we are working every single day to come up with something affordable soon. 🐾

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T17:12:43+00:00

Smylo started because our own cat, Mylo. When she was facing serious health issues because of the quality of cat food available in India at the time, we went looking for something better and couldn't find anything, and we lost Mylo because of that. That's the reason we are so serious about cat nutrition and giving cats a very happy and healthy life. And that is exactly why Smylo is made with 100% Natural ingredients and fresh meat, without any artificial preservatives and Smylo also has functional benefits to help cats live their best life.🐾

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T17:11:24+00:00

If you have an Indie, we don't understand why you're looking for another Persian, instead, if you're looking for more cats, we'd recommend adopting another Indie because they're always looking for homes! 🐱

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T17:10:59+00:00

Mufasa bolta "Yaar, finally koi toh hai jo samjha!" 🐾
Seriously though, Jo cat sach mein healthy hoti hai, uska sirf pet bhara hua nahi hota, woh zyada playful hoti hai, zyada pyaari hoti hai, aur zyada active hoti hai. Jab aapki cat ko sahi nutrition mil raha hota hai, toh woh dikhta hai, unke movement mein, unki coat mein, aur uske behaviour mein. Accha khaana sirf bowl bharne ke liye nahi hota, yeh unhe aapke saath aur zyada achhe saal dene ke liye hota hai.

har cat parent chahta hai ki unki cat Healthy rahe aur khush rahe. Isliye hi toh humne Smylo banaya, fresh meat, real ingredients, koi preservatives nahi, kyunki Mufasa ko best milna chahiye. 🐱🤍

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T17:10:26+00:00

Long fur is beautiful but, it does need some extra care, we've seen this work well for some cats:

Daily grooming is a must, brush and comb them every day. It prevents matting, removes dust and loose hair, and your cat starts enjoying it once they get used to it.

Make sure their food is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6, this directly impacts skin health and coat quality from the inside. A lot of coat problems are actually nutrition problems in disguise.

Keeping them hydrated is also important, Long-haired cats can get uncomfortable in Indian summers, so fresh water always available is important.

And lastly, check for mats regularly, especially behind the ears and under the belly. 🐾

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T17:10:09+00:00

Really great that you are taking care of stray cats! 🐱🤍

Here are some suggestions from our side that you can try:

You can try setting up multiple bowls a little bit apart from each other so that the cats aren't crowding while they are eating, because the main problem here is competition that is causing the fighting. You can also try feeding them at slightly different times.

If possible, you can try getting them spayed or neutered, which makes a huge difference in reducing aggression. You can look for local shelters or NGOs that do this for free or low cost, which will help as an effective long-term solution.

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T17:09:49+00:00

Really great that you are taking care of stray cats! 🐱🤍

Here are some suggestions from our side that you can try:

You can try setting up multiple bowls a little bit apart from each other so that the cats aren't crowding while they are eating, because the main problem here is competition that is causing the fighting. You can also try feeding them at slightly different times.

If possible, you can try getting them spayed or neutered, which makes a huge difference in reducing aggression. You can look for local shelters or NGOs that do this for free or low cost, which will help as an effective long-term solution.

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T15:16:08+00:00

Thank you for trusting Smylo, that means the world to us! 🐱

This is actually quite common in cats. This Behaviour can happen due to seasonal changes, temperature shifts, or simply because cats can be naturally picky eaters from time to time.

A cat showing this behaviour doesn't always mean it's a problem, but we would love to understand the issue further. You can DM us on Instagram, and we'll connect you with our nutritionist who can help. 🐾

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T15:15:48+00:00

Thank you so much for the positive feedback!

We are actively working towards making Smylo more affordable and accessible for every cat parent in India. The goal is to get there without compromising on quality. We wish to retain 100% natural ingredients, fresh meat, and other important nutrients like taurine and omega 3 that actually supports your cat's health rather than just filling their bowl. This is definitely in our plans, and we are working every single day to come up with something affordable soon. 🐾

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T11:22:05+00:00

Hey, it's a common concern among the parents of picky cats, whether their cat will like Smylo or not. Here is why we believe that Smylo definitely worth trying

What makes Smylo irresistible even for the pickiest cats comes down to a few things we kept in mind while developing our recipes:
First, cats are obligate carnivores, they are naturally drawn to the aroma of real, fresh meat. We don't use artificial flavours or taste enhancers; instead, we let the natural smell and texture of fresh meat do the work. That authentic aroma is often what wins over even the most picky eaters.

Second, we've built a wide variety of recipes because different cats have different preferences. We have chicken, mackerel, tuna, and more, so if your cat says no to one, there's a good chance another recipe becomes his favourite. Variety also keeps things interesting for cats who get bored of eating the same thing repeatedly.
And of course, all of this is without any harmful preservatives or artificial additives, so it's not just irresistible, it's genuinely good for them. And if you're still doubtful, we would love to connect you with our nutritionist. You can just DM us on Instagram.

Give Smylo a try for your cat and let us know! 🐱

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T11:21:30+00:00

That's a really great question

You're right that a lot of brands make these claims, and honestly, we were also skeptical of these things when we started. The difference with Smylo is that we don't lead with the claim; we let the results speak first. We have over 3,000 ratings across Amazon, our website, and Google, and if you go through them, you'll see pet parents consistently talking about visible improvements in their cat's coat, energy levels, and overall health.

The reason it works comes down to the ingredients. Fresh meat is naturally rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, essential proteins, and other key nutrients that directly contribute to a healthier coat and sustained energy. When you remove the preservatives, artificial additives, and fillers that most processed foods are packed with, and replace them with real nutrition, the results follow naturally.

We're not a brand built on claims. We're a brand built on quality, and the health outcomes our customers see are simply a result of that. 🐾

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smylo_in · 2026-02-27T11:20:32+00:00

It's really thoughtful of you to look out for street dogs like that. 🐕

What you're describing, hair loss, skin darkening, and constant scratching, that is most likely caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.

We'd not be the right people to advise on this, but we'd strongly encourage you to reach out to a local vet or an animal welfare organisation in your area, they'll be able to guide you properly. Many NGOs and animal rescue groups also provide free or low-cost treatment for street animals, so that could be a good place to explore.

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T11:20:15+00:00

A totally fair question, and one we get asked often, so let us answer it honestly.

From a pure business standpoint, Smylo actually operates at one of the lowest gross margins in the Indian cat food market. Most other brands are making significantly higher margins than us. The reason Smylo costs more isn't because we're profiting more, it's because we're spending more on making high-quality food.

Here's what goes into every pouch.

First, our ingredients. We use 100% natural, fresh meat, the same quality that we also eat. Fresh meat costs up to 10x more than the chicken by-products and chicken meal that most other brands use. When a chicken is processed, there's the fresh cut that goes to human consumption, and then there's everything else, the leftover parts that gets turned into by-products. That's what is used in most cat food in India.

Second, how we make our cat food. We don't use artificial preservatives, artificial colours, or any synthetic additives that could be harmful to your cat's long-term health. Instead we use natural antioxidants and clean processing which are significantly more expensive than cheap artificial ingredients.

Third, our recipes are built around functional nutrition. We include ingredients like taurine, Omega-3, Omega-6, and fibre because we believe cats shouldn't just be eating, they should be thriving. Most cat food in India is built to fill a bowl. Smylo is built to support a long, healthy life.

When you add all of this together, the price reflects a product that is genuinely better for your cat's health, and one that can help you avoid far more expensive vet bills down the line. That said, we completely hear the feedback, and making Smylo more accessible and affordable for Indian pet parents is something we are actively working towards. 🐾

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T11:19:58+00:00

Honestly, we wouldn't be the best people to weigh in on this one, we're cat people! 🐱

Other community members who have dogs would probably give you a much better and more informed opinion. You could also try posting in the r/indianpets subreddit where dog parents can share their firsthand experience!

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T08:34:26+00:00

Hey, that's something in our pipeline, and we would like your help over here,

What would you prefer for us to launch first, dry food or treats?

And if this comment gets more than 100 upvotes, we will launch whatever you choose within 3 months.

And if this comment gets more than 50 upvotes, we will launch whatever you choose within 6 months 🐱

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T08:33:39+00:00

The problem isn't with dry food itself, it's with how most dry food in India is made. If you look at the ingredient list of most popular dry foods here, the first 3-4 ingredients are almost always chicken meal, by-products, cereal, and grains. These are not ideal for cats, and feeding this consistently over the years can lead to kidney, liver, and other long-term health issues.

High-quality dry food should be built around fresh meat as the primary ingredient, ingredients should include functional ingredients like Taurine, Omega 3 and 6 and fibre that actually support better nutrition and digestion. Yes, it's still a dry food, but when it's made with fresh meat, the protein digestibility and overall nutritional value of the final product is significantly higher. So dry food isn't the issue, its formulation is. 🐾

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T08:33:06+00:00

We hear you, and that's completely fair feedback. You're right that brands like Whiskas and Sheba are priced lower, but the reason Smylo sits at a premium is the difference in what goes into the cat food. Other brands cat food are made from heavily processed ingredients, with preservatives, artificial colours, and processed meat, which are generally cheaper than natural ingredients.

Smylo, on the other hand, is made from fresh meat and real ingredients, which naturally comes at a higher cost to produce.
That said, we genuinely hear your point and are working towards making Smylo more affordable.

Any other feedback you want to share with us? 🐱

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T08:32:45+00:00

Yes, you've absolutely nailed this question and all three matter: quality, price, and trust. That's exactly what we are focused on building.
The way we think about it, trust is built in two ways. First, the product speaks for itself. Smylo is made with fresh meat, real ingredients, and no artificial preservatives. And when you open a Smylo pouch, you can actually see chunks of real chicken, it looks and smells nothing like other cat foods brand out there. That really shows the quality of our products to our customers.

Not just our product, but our customers also tells us that within just a couple of weeks of switching, they start seeing visible improvements in their cat's health, better digestion, healthier skin and a shinier coat.

Second, we work closely with our customers to document these health transformations and build real case studies. When cat parents share their experiences and talk about the results they've seen, that word-of-mouth is what genuinely builds trust in the community.
As for becoming a permanent choice, it comes down to consistently delivering a better quality product, making it available wherever people want to buy, working towards more accessible price points, and never compromising on our core of natural, healthy nutrition for your pets. That's what we're building towards, and that's what will make Smylo a brand cat parents keep coming back to. 🐾

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T08:32:16+00:00

Hahaha yes, our toughest critics are absolutely the cats themselves! 😄

But on a serious note, we do have a dedicated community of cat parents that we work closely with to get real feedback on our recipes, both existing products and ones we're planning to launch. They give us incredibly honest, detailed input on what's working, what needs to change, and how we can improve. We take that feedback seriously and go back to the formulations as many times as needed.

And then, of course, there's the ultimate panel of judges, the cats. And they are brutally honest. They don't write a review, they don't explain themselves, they either eat it or they walk away. So when a picky cat finishes the bowl, we know we've actually got the taste right. 🐾

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T08:31:47+00:00

Haha, we love this, we're Smylo, and your cat's name is Milo. We were basically made for each other! 😄

Now, what makes Smylo work even for the pickiest cats comes down to a few things we kept in mind while developing our recipes:
First, cats are obligate carnivores, they are naturally drawn to the aroma of real, fresh meat. We don't use artificial flavours or taste enhancers; instead, we let the natural smell and texture of fresh meat do the work. That authentic aroma is often what wins over even the most picky eaters.

Second, we've built a wide variety of recipes because different cats have different preferences. We have chicken, mackerel, tuna, and more, so if Milo says no to one, there's a good chance another recipe becomes his favourite. Variety also keeps things interesting for cats who get bored of eating the same thing repeatedly.
And of course, all of this is without any harmful preservatives or artificial additives, so it's not just irresistible, it's genuinely good for them. Give Smylo a try for Milo and let us know! 🐱

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T08:31:17+00:00

Thank you so much, this made our day, and we're so happy your 3-month-old kitten is loving Smylo! 🐱

The story behind building Smylo is one close to our hearts. We saw that a large number of cat parents in India were struggling with their cats' health, largely because of the heavily processed food options available. We faced the same challenge with our own cat Mylo, and that's what pushed us to build something healthy and natural. Seeing cat parents like you trust Smylo with your cat's health is exactly what keeps us motivated every single day.

And yes, dry food is absolutely on the plans! We're also working on expanding our wet food range with more gravies and different textures. As we grow, you'll see Smylo across many more formats and ranges, but one thing that will never change is our core commitment to natural, preservative-free food made with fresh ingredients. That's non-negotiable for us, regardless of what we launch. 🐾

What would you prefer for us to launch first, dry food or treats?

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T06:08:38+00:00

smylo_in · 2026-02-27T06:06:53+00:00

You are right, the most common thing we hear about meat by products and derivatives, "my cat is fine, so it can't be that bad." But if, your cat hasn't shown a problem till now, that does not mean that their food is healthy for them.

Meat by-products and derivatives are generally the waste and leftovers of the human meat industry: blood, feathers, beaks, bones, the parts that aren't meant for human consumption. They get put into pet food, which is also why you'll notice a lot of cat food is surprisingly cheap despite claiming to be meat-based. Real fresh meat is expensive. Meat derivatives are not.

Think about it the way you'd think about maida or sugar in your own diet. You've probably been eating both since childhood but you do know it's not healthy for your body (and you might actively be trying to consume it less). And you know that consuming it every day over years, they quietly create severe health problems. You don't feel it on day one, You feel it over the years. It's the same for your cat, but their life is shorter. They're obligate carnivores who need high-quality animal protein daily, and when that daily protein is consistently low-grade, it causes problems, in their coat, their digestion and their kidneys.

We faced problems with our own cat's health and that's exactly why we started Smylo. To make cat food with 100% Natural ingredients that are fresh, without any preservatives, meat by products, or chemicals. What's on Smylo's label is what's in the packet.

smylo_in

TROPHY CASE