Shopping for Pet Supplies
A pet owner is at a pet store, asking a store assistant for recommendations on pet food, toys, bedding, or other essential supplies for their particular type of pet.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
adopted
To adopt means to take an animal into your home and care for it as your own pet, like from a shelter.
overwhelmed
Feeling overwhelmed means you are confused or stressed because there are too many choices or options to handle easily.
essential
Essential means something that is very important and necessary, without which you can't do something properly.
kitten
A kitten is a baby cat, usually under one year old, that needs special care like soft food and play.
litter box
A litter box is a container filled with absorbent material where cats go to the bathroom indoors.
sensitivities
Sensitivities refer to allergies or reactions to certain foods or things that can make an animal sick or uncomfortable.
playful
Playful describes someone or an animal that likes to play a lot and is full of energy and fun.
scratching post
A scratching post is a tall post covered in material for cats to scratch their claws on, helping to protect furniture.
machine washable
Machine washable means an item can be safely cleaned in a washing machine, which is convenient for pet owners.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Could you recommend some essential supplies for a first-time cat owner?
This is a polite way to ask for advice using 'could you' for requests. It's useful when shopping and seeking recommendations, showing you're new to something.
Congratulations on your new addition.
This sentence congratulates someone on a new pet, where 'addition' means a new family member. Use it to be friendly and positive in conversations about pets.
What kind of food do you recommend? There are so many brands.
This asks for a specific suggestion with 'what kind of' and explains a problem. It's practical for shopping when overwhelmed by choices, using simple question structure.
I'd suggest something high in protein and specifically formulated for growth.
'I'd suggest' is a polite way to give advice, with 'high in protein' describing nutritional needs. Use this pattern to recommend products based on needs.
Do you know if your kitten has any sensitivities?
This is an indirect question using 'do you know if' to ask about possible allergies. It's important for health discussions and shows care in pet advice.
A scratching post is also crucial to protect your furniture.
'Is crucial' means very important, and 'to protect' shows purpose. Use this to explain why an item is needed, helping in persuasive recommendations.
Machine washable is definitely a plus!
This agrees and highlights a benefit with 'a plus' meaning an advantage. It's casual and useful for expressing approval of product features.
You're very welcome! Let me know if you have any more questions.
'You're very welcome' responds to thanks politely, and 'let me know if' offers future help. Use this in service situations to end conversations helpfully.