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Cat Water Drinking Fountain: Purrfect in Every Pawsible Way! (Sorry, I Had To)

April 18, 2018 By Joi

PetSafe Cat Water Drinking Fountain

Our cats (like most cats) are absolutely infatuated with sinks… more specifically with sink water. When I make the faucet drip or when I create a small flow for them, they all but lose their little kitty minds! I’m not sure if it’s the fact that the water is extra cold or if it’s the fact that it’s moving – but there’s something about water from a faucet that makes them nose to tail happy.

Since I’m never happier than when my furry babies are nose to tail happy, I went shopping on Amazon for water drinking fountains. I’ve found the one we want and it’s shown here.

The PetSafe Cat Water Drinking Fountain is the best-looking one I found on Amazon and it carries a little “tag” I always look for when shopping on my favorite shopping site, “Amazon’s Choice.”  This screams, “QUALITY!” to me, so it’s the first thing I notice when shopping – especially when I’m shopping for something as important as cat products!

FEATURES

  • 100 oz. water capacity is great for pets of all sizes
  • Free-falling stream entices pets to drink more water
  • Includes replaceable carbon water filter that removes bad tastes and odors, keeping water fresh
  • Upper and lower dish provides two drinking areas for pets; elevated dish is great for senior or arthritic pets
  • Low-voltage submersible pump helps provide a quiet operation
  • Fountain is BPA-free and top-shelf dishwasher safe
  • Call, chat or email with our expert US-based customer care specialists six days a week at 1-800-845-3274; they are waiting to assist you and your pet with your product needs
  • PetSafe brand has been an industry leading US manufacturer of pet behavior, containment and lifestyle products since 1991, helping millions of people and pets each year.

After reading the features and description, I was 110 percent sold on this water drinking fountain. THEN I read the top reviews and I was even more sold on it. Talk about great feedback!

Click through PetSafe Cat Water Drinking Fountain to see for yourself just how extra special this fountain is.


Filed Under: Cat Furniture, Cat Shop, The Pampered Pet Tagged With: cat drinking fountain

Litter Box Tips and Troubleshooting

February 27, 2018 By Joi


Nacho

Is the Litter Box Clean Yet?!

A while back I wrote about what I consider to be the best litter boxes and best cat litter. Click either link to see the post – these really are the best litter boxes I’ve ever seen and I wouldn’t switch to a new brand of cat litter if you paid me to.

I wanted to kind of expound on the previous a post a little with a few troubleshooting tips. Before doing so, though, I have to tell on our cats. They consistently do something that, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear they were doing on purpose. Whenever anyone is coming over for a visit, they somehow do their business right before they arrive. It’s absolutely uncanny, but at least one of them will do it each and every time. What’s worse is the fact that they don’t do it 10 or even 5 minutes before someone pulls into the driveway… they do it, like a minute beforehand OR (in a move that probably earns them bonus “cat points,” they’ll do it just as someone is pulling up the driveway!). Fortunately, I keep a cleaning station beside the litter boxes so there’s always a bag handy.

I’ve learned to keep my antibacterial hand sanitizer nearby too.  It is just so peculiar that they do this so regularly.

Something else they do that amuses me is they flock to a clean set of litter boxes… I mean FLOCK to it. It always reminds me of an artist with a clean canvas. “I must do what I must do!!”

Cats!

Back to litter box tips and troubleshooting. I hear from a lot of cat parents who have questions you, yourself, may have. Ironically, the first question is one I’ve actually personally had to deal with… so I know, firsthand (or maybe I should say first-elbow) that the struggle is real!

What’s the easiest way to handle cat litter duties with a bad elbow?

This question gets me where I live. I have tendonitis in my right elbow that flares up from time to time. While that may not sound terribly bad, the fact that the pain is especially bad AND that each flare  up lasts for weeks on end makes it worse than it sounds.

As you can imagine, cleaning a litter box makes a painful elbow even more painful. However, there are a few easy tips that’ll help you if you’re in the same (or a similar) boat.

  1. Buy cat litter in a tub as opposed to a box. This way you can keep a large old plastic cup to scoop out litter to add to the litter box(es). This is much, much easier than picking up a cumbersome, heavy box each time you want to add more litter.
  2. In addition to buying cat litter in tubs, I buy the lightweight litter. The lightweight litter is, as you’d expect, much lighter. Whether you have elbow, shoulder, or back issues or you simply aren’t very strong (I know the feeling!) – lightweight cat litter is much easier to dish out and scoop up.
  3. Speaking of scooping… there’s actually a simple solution at the end of your arm. Using a metal cat litter scoop instead of the ever-popular plastic one, is actually much easier to scoop with. We’d need someone much better versed in science to explain why this is, but it makes a big difference. What’s more, using a “jumbo” size, like the one pictured below, makes it even easier.

{Continued Below…}

DuraScoop Metal Jumbo Cat Litter Scoop on Amazon

 How can I know if I’m nose-blind to litter box smells?

This is a good one! The first answer that pops to my mind is this:  Have someone (a friend or family member) who you KNOW will always be truthful with you keep you honest. Tell them to let you know if they ever smell either litter, ammonia, or the cat’s business. Be sure to explain that it’s not an insult to you (or your cat!) and that neither of you will get sore. Let them know what a huge favor they’re doing for you. If the time comes where they DO smell something other than what you want them to smell – ask yourself if you’ve been cleaning the litter box regularly (more than once a day). Also, determine if you’ve recently dumped out the whole shebang and cleaned the box and area around the box. If you’ve done each of these things, then you may want to switch cat litter.

I live in a small apartment and refuse to even think about giving up my cats (they’re family!). I just don’t want my apartment to smell bad. Any advice?

First off, as a cat lover (and mom), I applaud your cattitude! They are, indeed, family!

Second of all, cats are incredibly clean, wonderful, entertaining, and loving pets. They’re so much fun and are a great source of companionship. A cat, herself, does not smell bad. Sure, the breath can be a bit much after she eats tuna, but a cat (itself) doesn’t smell bad because she wouldn’t stand for it. They’re incredibly picky about smells.

The only thing, obviously, to worry about smelling with cats are their food and their litter. If you use dry food and never allow it to get wet, you’re way ahead of the food game. As for wet food, be sure you don’t let it sit out. Only give your cat what she’ll eat then toss the rest.

As for litter box odors, the tips above as well as in the article linked to at the top will give you a great head start on staying out of a smelly situation. However, there are a few extra tips I’d like to share – they’ll serve you well whether you live in a small space or a large one.

  1. Be sure the litter box is in a well-ventilated area. Never stick one in a closet – this will simply trap the odors.
  2.  Consider an air purifier.  The one I’ve linked to, here, is a basic, inexpensive one that’ll help freshen air while reducing pet odors.  There are many shapes, sizes, and varieties of air purifiers on Amazon – click the link to have a look.  What is air purification all about? Air purifiers actually clean the air – they don’t mask odors, they remove them and leave you with freshness that doesn’t come in a can.
  3. Change the litter often. Seriously, this is so important – and yet so neglected. A cat is a very finicky little being. They do not, at all, want to do their business in an area with pre-existing waste beneath their feet. Can’t blame them! Check the litter box(es) throughout the day and clean whenever something catches your eye.
  4. When you’ve cleaned the litter box, don’t allow the bag of waste to just sit in your trash can, it’ll begin to smell.
  5. Use a little baking soda in the litter box to help absorb odors. Personally, I use the one in the litter box aisle that’s lightly scented and made just for litter boxes. It smells pretty AND does a great job of keeping odors away.
  6. Don’t spray air sanitizer directly over the litter or on the cat’s breathing level.

I have asthma and I often wheeze after cleaning the cat box. What can I do to prevent this problem?

This is another question that hits close to home. I, too, have asthma. I’ve found that lightweight litter produces less “dust” when I’m cleaning the litter box and, therefore, makes it a much cleaner and less toxic environment for my lungs.  CatSpot makes a fascinating litter that is made from 100% coconut (See CatSpot 100% Coconut Litter). It’s all natural, lightweight, and dust-free. This would be the first cat litter I’d try if traditional cat litter bothered my breathing. Unless you have an allergy to certain types of cat litter, I’m certain it’s the dust that comes up when you clean the cat’s box.


Finally, here’s a problem a lot of cat parents run into…

I clean the litter box throughout the day and yet, no matter what room I’m in, I can still smell litter! It’s driving me crazy. Why does the smell of litter follow me everywhere?

Short answer? Because it’s probably on your clothes and in your nose! Sorry to gross you out, but the dust that visibly comes up when you’re cleaning the box(es) can (and does) get onto your clothes and even in your nostrils. You can alleviate the clothes problem by wearing an old flannel button up top backward (or jacket, raincoat, whatever…) over your clothes and tossing it into the laundry after the fact.

As for the nostrils, you could always grab a box of mouth masks to use or you could keep it simpler by tying a bandanna around your mouth/nose each time. I’ve also heard of people sticking pieces of tissue into each nostril while cleaning.

Personally? I just buy lightweight, dust-free litter and it alleviates the problem all together.

Filed Under: Litter Boxes Tagged With: litter box advice, litter box tips

Catt Butt Coasters: Whimsical, Fun, and Very Unexpected!

February 5, 2018 By Joi

Amazon
I love to decorate with whimsical, fun, random, unique, “can’t help but look!” things around the house and if these Cat Butt Coasters don’t fit the bill, nothing does! Hand crocheted in 100% cotton, they are available in a range of colors.

They’d, obviously, be a lot of fun around your own house butt (see what I did there) they’d also make adorable gifts.

Click through either of the links above for more information. These are just adorable.

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Standing Cat Scratching Post: Just What the Cat Ordered!

January 22, 2018 By Joi


Amazon

Since cats love to stretch out when they scratch, the Max and Marlow Standing Scratching Post is the perfect scratching post. Scratching posts that lie, prone, on the floor, are great and cats certainly love them. But they’ll often try to scratch on door frames or furniture because they offer the “stand and stretch” routine they crave.

Scratching posts like this one allow them to answer the call whenever they hear it!

  • 26-Inch Sisal Scratch Post with Stylish Fabric Cover
  • Helps keep your cat from scratching carpets or furniture
  • Sisal’s coarse and fibrous texture helps condition cat nails
  • Post is covered in durable fabric with sisal rope wrapped around the middle
  • Top off the post with an eye-catching toy

See Max and Marlow Standing Scratching Post for a closer look. My cats are going to love this!


Filed Under: Cat Furniture, Cat Toys, Scratching Posts Tagged With: standing scratching post

Beautiful Japanese Porcelain Cat Bowls (Various Sizes Available)

January 11, 2018 By Joi


Blue Cat Porcelain Rice Bowl (above)

 

The gorgeous Blue Cat porcelain bowls pictured here are just two of the nine sizes available on Amazon. The adorable cat made me fall in love with them immediately. The fact that they’re Japanese porcelain only sweetens the deal. Each time I eat at a Japanese restaurant, I want to take the dishes home with me.

This way I can actually have the Japanese restaurant look without embarrassing my family!

  • Japanese Porcelain Noodle Bowl with Maneki Neko Design Measures 4-1/2in Diameter.
  • Dimension: 4-1/2 in Dia. x 2-1/8 in H
  • Material: Porcelain
  • Made in Japan

Click through either of the links here to see the entire collection.

Blue Cat Porcelain 8.5″ Bowl (above)


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Adorable Cat Necklace: Hang On, Boots!

December 29, 2017 By Joi

Amazon

The adorable Sterling Silver Cat Necklace (above) is too darn cute for its own good! I wish I’d seen it before Christmas, I’d have made the necessary arrangements with Santa and it’d be hanging around my neck right now!

Pretty confident that I’ve been on the NICE list, aren’t I?

Click here for a closer look at this little beauty.


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Filed Under: For the Cat Lover, Gifts for Cat Lovers Tagged With: cat jewelry for women, gift ideas for cat lovers

Litter Box Problems and How to Fix Them

November 21, 2017 By Joi

Amazon

Multiple Cats and Litter Boxes

If you have more than one cat, you really should have more than one litter box. Cats are VERY finicky about their business and, by nature, want to have their very own place to “go.” While they will – if forced to – share a box, they’d be much happier with their own.

If you’re lucky enough to have three or more cats in your life, multiple litter boxes is a must.  The corner litter box, pictured here, is our favorite solution. I love that it fits snugly in a corner and the high sides are a real plus as they prevent litter from being thrashed all over the floor.  When you click through the link you’ll find that there’s a great deal for buying two at once.

  • Ideal for cats that like to dig in litter
  • High sides reduce litter scatter
  • Offers space saving value for those with limited room space
  • High polished finish that is odor and stain resistant and easy to clean
  • Made in the USA

Litter Box Location

When deciding where to place a litter box, always keep “privacy” in the front of your mind. Cats feel vulnerable while doing their business and MUCH prefer to do it in private.  You also want an area where there is not a lot of noise. Since noise is something cats aren’t terribly fond of, you’ll want their bathroom to be as noise-free as possible. While a lot of cats are fine with having their litter box in a laundry room, others balk at the noise from a washer or dryer – even going so far as to find another quieter spot while they’re running.

Not good!

Keeping Litter Boxes Smelling Fresh 

The only way to keep litter boxes from stinking is to keep them impeccably clean. This is also the best thing to do for your cat – as well as the healthiest. As I said above, cats are very finicky about their bathroom – but it goes further than that. They’re incredibly finicky about everything! That’s why it’s so important to keep their water sparkling clean and fresh, their food area clean and tidy, their beds clean and neat, and their litter boxes clean and fresh.

If you think about it – all of these things are your cat’s world. Why would she want any of it to be stinky or dirty?!

I keep grocery bags and a litter scoop hidden near our cats’ litter boxes so I’m able to clean up after them throughout the day. Let’s face it, if we have to search for a bag, we’re less likely to clean the box as soon as we see that it needs it. However, if everything we need is already there, we’re much more inclined to jump on the task.

What’s the Best Cat Litter?

As someone who has had cats all her life, I’m incredibly familiar with cat litter. I mean INCREDIBLY familiar with it! I’ve found one thing to be absolutely true – the cheap stuff is cheap for a reason. Leave it sitting on the shelf and walk away. Seriously – if it isn’t a name you recognize, don’t even think of putting it into your cart or into your cat’s life.

My favorite brands are Scoop Away and Purina Tidy Cat. Purina – there’s a name you can absolutely trust.

Allow me to say, right up front, that this is not at all an advertisement for either of these brands – simply a recommendation from one cat parent to another. My “go to” cat litter is Purina Tidy Cat Lightweight with Glade (pictured below). It can be hard to find in some stores but I’ve always found it at Target. It’s just excellent and has never let me (or my furry babies) down.

Amazon


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Filed Under: Cat Shop, Litter Boxes Tagged With: how to keep a litter box smelling clean, keeping litter boxes clean, keeping litter boxes fresh, litter boxes

Ultra Soft Cat or Small Dog Bed: You’re Going to Wish This Was Human Size…

November 13, 2017 By Joi

Amazon

The plush and super soft cat bed (also perfect for small dogs) pictured above is just about as comfortable as it gets. WE should have such a comfy bed!

This cat bed is actually pretty ingenious – the “mat” (pictured above the bed)  is multifunctional and ultra-lightweight. During cold months, you cat will love the warm, furry side and when the weather warms up, you’ll have the option of providing her/him with a cooler 100% cotton side. All you have to do is flip it over.

Maintenance couldn’t be easier, as the bed is 100% machine washable. The size of the mat is 24-inch by 20-inch and the diameter of the bed is 15-inch. This size is appropriate for kittens, cats of all sizes, small dogs and puppies.

Every Pettsie Bed with Mat comes with a gift-ready packaging in a natural gift box, making it a great gift idea for the animal lovers in your life.


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Cat Tea Towel and Oven Mitt: Great Gift Ideas for Cat Lovers

November 7, 2017 By Joi

Cat Tea Towel

Cat Tea Towel

If you’re lucky enough to have cat lovers on your gift-giving list (spoken just like a cat lover), the adorable kitchen linens in this post might be just what you’re looking for.  Most of us love a great kitchen “theme” and it doesn’t get any better than our favorite animal.

Not only do I love the adorable cats on the towel and mitt, but the bright, cheerful colors make me extra happy.

  • Measures 29.1 x 18.9 Inch
  • An Ulster Weavers design
  • Machine washable
  • Made of cotton

Cat Oven Mitt
Cat Oven Mitt

  • Measures 14.6 x 7.9 Inch
  • An Ulster Weavers design
  • Machine washable
  • Cotton with polyester wadding

See Cat Tea Towel or Cat Oven Mitt for more information!

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Cozy Cat Cave: Your Cats Will Love This Bed

October 31, 2017 By Joi


Amazon

The adorable Cat Cave Bed above is available in several colors (including blue, brown, and gray, pictured). It’d make a perfect gift for your furry friends – one they’ll love all year!

  • HANDCRAFTED: Each cat cave is meticulously handcrafted in Nepal from 100% all-natural New Zealand wool
  • LARGE: This spacious hideout is great for cats of all sizes — from kittens to mancoons
  • COMFORTABLE: Super soft yet durable, wool creates a resting place that keeps your cat warm in the winter and cool in the summer
  • ALSO A MAT: Can be used as a cozy hideaway pod or flattened into a relaxing padded mat
  • CHEMICAL FREE: Using an ancient technique called felting, artisans mold each KittiKubbi using only water, soap, and merino wool

See Cat Cave Bed for a closer look.


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Welcome to Your Cat’s Favorite Blog!

My name is Joi ("Joy") and, simply put, cats make my world go round! Please e-mail me with any questions regarding the cat blog.


New on the Cat Blog

  • Cat Water Drinking Fountain: Purrfect in Every Pawsible Way! (Sorry, I Had To)
  • Litter Box Tips and Troubleshooting
  • Catt Butt Coasters: Whimsical, Fun, and Very Unexpected!
  • Standing Cat Scratching Post: Just What the Cat Ordered!
  • Beautiful Japanese Porcelain Cat Bowls (Various Sizes Available)
  • Adorable Cat Necklace: Hang On, Boots!
  • Litter Box Problems and How to Fix Them
  • Ultra Soft Cat or Small Dog Bed: You’re Going to Wish This Was Human Size…

Cat Condo with Escape Door (Love this!)


Outdoor Cat Shelter/Condo with Escape Door

Very Unique Cat Furniture!


The Cat Caves and Tunnels (above) comes in various colors and they’re all gorgeous. Click through to see how special this cat furniture is. This one has to be seen to be believed.

An Ingenious Litter Box…


The Open Top Cat Litter Box Kit with Shield and Scoop is a number 1 best-seller on Amazon and has excellent reviews.

Christmas EVERYDAY!


If you're like me, you love nothing more than seeing your cat(s) with new toys. This collection of cat toys will make everyday feel like Christmas!

Cat Tunnel..


The adorable cat tunnel will give your cat(s) endless fun as they explore every nook and cranny!

#1 Best-Seller on Amazon


The Curious Cat Cube, Cat House / Cat Condo is currently the #1 Best-Seller on Amazon in Cat Houses & Condos.
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