Chip The Manx: The Journey of a Pet Influencer with Ashley

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Vital Pet Life Podcast! Today, our hosts, Donie Yamamoto, CEO and co-founder, and Dr. Amber, our team veterinarian, sit down with Ashley, the owner of Chip from Chip The Manx, the world’s most famous Manx cat. Ashley has been sharing Chip’s adventures on social media for four years and is also a well-known pet influencer coach, helping aspiring pet content creators through her YouTube channel.

Meet Chip The Manx

Ashley introduces Chip, a tailless Manx cat she adopted five years ago. Initially, no one wanted Chip because of his missing tail, but Ashley and her husband welcomed him into their home. She describes Chip as the "golden retriever of cats"—highly affectionate, intelligent, and capable of learning tricks quickly. Over time, Chip has become an internet sensation, leading Ashley to expand her pet content with Biscuit, her calico cat, on separate channels.

Ashley shares, “Chip wasn’t the cat everyone wanted at first, but now he’s adored by millions. His story proves that every pet is special in their own way.”

The World of Pet Influencing

Ashley shares her journey in pet influencing and discusses how the social media landscape has evolved over the past six years. She explains the importance of consistency in posting and the differences between platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Through her coaching program, "Pet Influencer Secrets," Ashley provides valuable insights into creating engaging content, understanding algorithms, and maintaining authenticity while growing an audience.

She highlights the unique advantages of pet content over human influencers, noting that pet videos tend to have higher retention rates and positive engagement. Additionally, Ashley emphasizes balancing content creation with personal enjoyment to avoid burnout.

Ashley notes, “The key to pet influencing is authenticity. People connect with real, unfiltered moments—whether it’s a cat being goofy or a dog showing unconditional love.”

Brand Collaborations and Authenticity

One of the biggest challenges in pet influencing is working with brands while staying true to one's audience. Ashley explains that some brands provide detailed creator briefs, while others prefer organic content featuring their products. She stresses the importance of authenticity, as modern audiences can easily identify overly promotional content.

Regarding brand partnerships, Ashley prefers working with companies that align with her values and ensure that the products she endorses genuinely benefit pets. She discusses how brands are shifting towards more natural, high-quality ingredients, a trend that benefits pets and pet owners.

Donie adds, “Ashley’s journey shows that pet influencing isn’t just about cute videos—it’s about storytelling, education, and truly connecting with fellow pet lovers.”

Pet Nutrition and Wellness

Ashley’s experience as a pet parent has significantly changed her perspective on nutrition. Initially, she fed Chip generic cat food but later realized the importance of quality ingredients. When her other cat, Biscuit, developed urinary issues, she researched better food options and started incorporating wet food and supplements like Vital Pet Life’s salmon oil. She underscores how proper nutrition can prevent health issues, saving pet owners money on veterinary bills.

Dr. Amber shares, “I love that Ashley prioritizes good nutrition for Chip and Biscuit. A healthy diet is the foundation of a happy, long life for our pets.”

Dr. Amber and Donie add that third-party verification, like MSC certification, ensures product quality. They also touch on trends in pet nutrition, such as raw food diets, and discuss the pros and cons of various feeding methods.

Advice for Aspiring Pet Owners

Ashley provides valuable advice for anyone considering adopting a pet. She emphasizes the long-term commitment involved, as pets can live for 15-20 years. Additionally, she highlights the time, effort, and financial responsibility required to care for an animal properly. She encourages potential pet owners to research breeds, understand their needs, and ensure they can provide a loving and stable environment.

Ashley advises, “When I started, I had no idea how powerful pet content could be. Now, I help others turn their love for animals into a real, impactful brand.”

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of pet influencing, brand partnerships, and responsible pet ownership. Whether you're an aspiring pet content creator or a dedicated pet parent, Ashley’s insights provide inspiration and practical advice.

Be sure to follow Chip The Manx on social media. We encourage you to check out the full episode of Ashley’s "Pet Influencer Secrets" for more tips on creating engaging pet content. 

Thank you for joining us on this journey of pet wellness and empowerment through education. Vital Pet Life is committed to helping every pet parent provide their furry friends with a vibrant, happy, and healthy life. Cheers to many more joyful moments with your pets!

Click here to subscribe to Vital Pet Life for more insightful discussions and practical tips. Until next time, stay informed and keep your pets thriving.