Cat Pause: Your Cat's Favorite Blog!

Cat Toys, Gift Ideas for Cat Lovers, Cat Furniture...

Furhaven Cat Tree…. Talk About the WOW Factor…

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As a cat mom and cat blogger, I’ve seen just about every cat tree and piece of cat furniture made – and I’ve loved a lot more of them than I could even begin to count.

However, I’m certain I’ve never loved one any more than this one.. it’s beautiful, engaging for cats, and have mercy, it IS what so many AREN’T… it is very, very affordable.

I’ve often wondered two things:

  1. Why do makers of cat furniture think all cat parents are rich?
  2. Why didn’t this cat parent get the memo?!

Hiding places, climbing and jumping opportunities, scratching posts, plush ball toys suspended on a spring rod, and another set of balls hanging on a string…. so many opportunities for fun and exercise for your cat. I always LOVE the thought of keeping cats’ minds entertained and keeping them from being bored – this cat tree is JUST the thing to counter boredom.

The scratching posts are wrapped in sisal fiber, which carries the rough, bark-like texture of a tree to better satisfy your cat’s instinctual need to scratch; the material is also highly durable for long-lasting, economical use.

Please click HERE or the picture above for a closer look and more information. I’m very excited about this one!

The Magic of Cats… Because We Could All Use a Little Magic Right Now

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Cats

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Cats

I’ve always loved the Chicken Soup for the Soul books and have always gotten excited when a new one hits the shelves (or in the modern era, Amazon). I’m EXTRA EXTRA excited about the newest book, The Magic of Cats, for three distinct reasons.

First Reason… 2020

2020 has been trying, to say the least. Every single day, we read about (and pray for) people who are sick or families who have had to say goodbye to loved ones they were in no way ready to say goodbye to. You simply can’t see these gut-wrenching real life events DAILY without them affecting you. The more empathetic you are (I’m a solid 10 out of 10 on the scale, myself), the more you feel each loss and sympathize with each tear.

This year, as much as any year I can remember, has caused me to focus on one of my favorite “focal” words: BALANCE. We have to make a point of balancing the negative with as much positive as we can and we have to respond to the ugliness with as much beauty as we can find or muster.

My favorite ways to bring balance into my world are prayer, family (which includes our cats, of course), inspirational reading, cooking, old movies, flower gardening, and classic television. Balancing acts such like these keep what’s out there from eating you alive from the inside out.

Chicken Soup for the Soul books are incredibly inspiring and uplifting. Each book is a collection of stories that remind you that, often… very, very often… good ultimately wins and love is the most powerful emotion of all. I honestly feel like these books could be prescribed as effectively for stress and anxiety as any medication on or off the market. They fill you with hope and happiness and, could we ever use a daily dose of those right now??!

Eddie

“Eddie” Hard at Work on a Puzzle

Second Reason… Cats

Okay, I have a cat blog, so it’s no secret here that I am obsessed with and completely in love with cats – all cats… big, small, domesticated, feral, fat, slender, long hair, short hair, no hair, yours, mine…. All cats. I don’t only approve of the title of this book, The Magic of Cats… I applaud it with a hearty “AMEN!”

Earlier, I was having one of those busy human moments – wondering what I was going to make for supper, when I’d have a chance to finish this very post, how I could convince the dishes to do themselves… all while basically going around in circles as the neck tension began to gain momentum. I happened to glance at one of our cats, Guennie, looking especially beautiful and peaceful soaking up the afternoon sunshine. Instantly… literally instantly… the tension melted away.

Obviously that doesn’t happen in every instance and certainly not for everyone – but it happens regularly for me with my cats and I’m sure you can relate.

There is a certain magic to cats and you’ll never convince a cat lover there isn’t.

Eddie

Eddie, Wondering if He’ll Be Required to Sign Autographs

Third Reason… and the Biggest Reason, if We’re Being Honest…. Emily!

Who’s Emily? She’s Emily Dill – my beautiful oldest daughter… and recently a first time mother of a human baby (she and her husband have had cat babies for years.. awesome great pre-game). She is a writer and her story about their cat, Edgar Allan Poe (Eddie, for short), is one of the stories in the book.

As her mother and Eddie’s MiMi, I am unspeakably proud of both of them!

Eddie’s story (he insists I call it that, since he is, after all, the star) is in the chapter about cats that “choose” their forever home and, more importantly, their forever family.

Emily and Dill (her husband) had recently moved into their home, with their “princess” Janie, a gorgeous shiny black cat who has been a real character since day one. She was adopted as a tiny kitten and had run of the house since day one.

Eddie showed up one day, on the brink of death (literally – I don’t exaggerate) to their home. He may or may not have realized it then, but he had just chosen his forever home and forever family and could not have done a better job. I’m still convinced that Princess Janie consenting to accept a brother was an answer to prayer. If you knew this little girl like I do, you’d know it couldn’t have been anything but Divine intervention.

I hope you will buy the book to read all of Eddie’s story – as well as the many, many other heart-warming and uplifting stories. So many (including Emily’s story… I’m sorry… including Eddie’s story) moved me to tears – fortunately, I know by now to always sit down to the beautiful Chicken Soup books with a box of tissues. These stories are so beautiful… so precious… so MAGICAL.

Cats bring a certain amount of magic to our homes and to our lives and this wonderful book is an extraordinary reminder.

The Magic of Cats is available on Amazon and would make the most amazing gift for cat lovers imaginable. Just be sure to package it with a box of tissues to catch all of the happy tears.

~ Joi

P.S. Chicken Soup is just as healing as it ever was.

Eddie

Eddie… Living His Best Lives!

 

Possibly the Most Comfortable-Looking Cat Bed I’ve Ever Seen…

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I’m absolutely crazy about this gorgeous cat bed (Amazon link). The sizes (available in two great sizes), the shape, the originality, the comfort (cats will love this one!). It is available in several great colors: Pink (shown), Champagne, Chocolate, Coffee, Dark Gray, Light Gray, White, and Hot Pink. They’re all gorgeous!

The material is a luxurious faux fur and would satisfy even the most high-brow feline. The donut shape will cradle your cat, giving them the warmth and comfort they crave.

Filled with a high-loft recycled polyester fiber – meaning it will be one of the most comfortable beds your cat has ever enjoyed spending hours upon hours in!

I also love that these beds are water-resistant and have great, non-skid bottoms. The entire bed is washable and can be dried in the dryer.

Click here for more information and to see the beautiful different colors available.


Cat Scratching Post with a Basement…. Love This!

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Cats love scratching posts and cats love “safe, secure, and sneaky” little hiding places – places they can safely watch everyone and everything else… convinced that we can’t possibly see them!

That’s why this adorable scratching post with a “basement room” is something I have to order asap.

Description from Amazon:

  • Your feline friends need a cozy home of their own to take a nap, run around and just be as active as they want, Nova Cat Tree is sure to be their dream-come-true! Without going outside, your kitten or cat can enjoy the same fun of playing and relaxing on the tree! Your cats will love their new castle! *** This cat tree is for small cats or kittens.
  •  Comfortable and Outlook: Dual luxury hideaway houses covered with ultra soft plush offer a quiet place for your active kittens to hide-out and curl up for napping without any disruptions. Other than that, the attractive look will match any furnish in your room!
  •  More Fun: Enlarged top perch with raised edge offer maximum comfort and relaxation for feline friend to sit on and look out the window, they can jump up and down, watch birds, play with toys, or explore around in their castle. They will definitely enjoy it!
  •  Stretch Posts: The scratching post full wrapped with natural sisal ropes will completely satisfy their instinct of nail sharpening and help them maintaining a healthy habits of clawing and keep them away from your delicate furniture.
  •  Sturdy Construction: Featuring high density particle board, the supporting tubes can hold the platforms firmly without wobbling. Strengthened bottom base with battens enhance its double stability of the whole cat tree. With all necessary tools,easy to set up and without much effort.

Click here for more information and to take a much closer look.

Beautiful Jigsaw Puzzle for Cat Lovers

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When you have cats for babies, working jigsaw puzzles can be a challenge – some cats just want to sit and watch, which is great, but most think it’s an interactive game! Sure, it’s fun and downright adorable, but true puzzle-working has to wait until the baby wears itself out or finds something else to be amused by.

I have to say, though, the fun of working a crossword puzzle is worth the extra effort. I’m a jigsaw puzzle addict and am always on the hunt for a colorful, challenging, and fun new puzzle adventure.

I love this one I just found on Amazon, the Cat Bookshelf Puzzle (Amazon link). When you click through the link, you can view the image better (certainly larger), and you can read the special titles on each cat’s book. It is extra, extra cute.

I also love the beautiful tuxedo cat sprawled out on top of the books. He/She is giving the PURRFECT expression – this is exactly how a cat would look at their human if they were daring to interrupt their slumber for something as common as a taking a photo! We have a few tuxedo cats and this one reminds me so much of them. Makes me love the puzzle even more!

More puzzles for cat lovers below my beautiful Hannah…

My beautiful and sweet Hannah


Gorgeous Cat Wind Chimes

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If there’s one thing that can be said about us cat lovers, we are proud (and honored) for the label! I’m sure you’re like me… you not only surround yourself with your much-loved cat(s), you also fill your life with cat art, figurines, mugs, etc.

I mean, come on, one cat leads to another!

I just saw this gorgeous cat wind chime on Amazon and the only problem I’m having is deciding where I want to  hang it when it gets here.

  • On the carport is an option, so we can enjoy the sight and sound while grilling out or while we’re coming and going.
  • Beside the flower beds is also a great option because in the warm months, I can be found there as easily as anywhere else.
  • Finally, there’s a far corner of our yard where we have a fire pit and chairs in the shadiest part of our yard. My 2 year old grandbaby, Maddox, always wants to sit there with me and his baby brother, Jacoby (when in his little stroller, he doesn’t mind where he goes, as long as it’s out of the sun!). I think both boys would get a huge kick out of hearing the chimes in the breeze while we sit there… them looking at all the flowers and bugs and me just looking at them and counting my blessings.

I believe the choice has been made.

Take a closer look at this beauty by clicking the link cat wind chime (Amazon link).

Moving Fish Cat Toy (Has to be Seen to be Believed!)

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As someone who has had feline children all of her life (and always more than one, mind you), I’ve seen my share of cat toys. In fact, on any given day and at any given hour, I can be found within two feet of at least one.

It’s not unusual to wake up with one on my pillow!

A cat toy I just saw on Amazon, a Moving Fish Cat Toy, is one I plan to buy for our cats soon… I just hope it never lands on my pillow.

From Amazon:

  • Moving Cat Kicker Toy – Whenever your cat touches it, the built-in motion sensor of the cat fish toy will automatically swing or sway to attract the cat’s attention. When you are not at home, this fish is the best playmate of the cat
  • Plush Material, Soft and Comfortable – Made of high-quality plush fabric, filled with pp cotton and organically grown catnip, Moving cat kicker fish toy has a calming and relaxing effect on cat mood. Soft and comfortable
  • Easy to Clean with Zipper Design -The plush flopping fish can be washed and replaced, and the infused chargeable motor is detachable for convenient cleaning of the plush toy
  • USB Chargeable – The interactive pets chew bite can be recharged in cycles, and the USB cable is included in the package, which can save huge battery costs
  • Safe and Durable – A very realistic fish shape that attracts more cats’ attention. Using 3D printing process does not make products fade, safe and non-toxic. It can not only bring a lot of fun to the cat, but also strengthen the cat’s daily exercise and make it more lively and healthy

See Moving Fish Cat Toy for a better look on Amazon (including a great pic of a cat playing with it!).

Automatic Cat Water Fountain, Because You Can’t Always Be at the Sink!

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We have three cats who absolutely LOVE drinking from the sink. As soon as anyone steps into the bathroom, they run over one another trying to get to the sink first!

I have no problem understanding this – moving water is pretty cool (literally!), and… let’s face it…. they look terribly cute patting at it and tilting their little heads to drink.

The only bad thing is I can’t possibly stand by the sink 24/7 and serve them – no matter how much they insist on it.

This very cool Automatic Water Fountain (Amazon link) can make cats happy and keep their humans out of trouble. I’m all in for both of these things!

I honestly think it goes beyond making cats happy – I think this is actually healthy for cats. For example, one of our cats, Delilah, for whatever reasons ONLY drinks from the sinks. I’ve watched and she doesn’t drink from any of the cat bowls we have in different parts of the house. I have zero idea why she only likes moving water, but I notice that when she drinks from her beloved sinks, she drinks a lot. I think the water fountain will be healthier for her because I think she’ll drink more water this way.

  • Stylish appearance design: new look for URPOWER pet fountain for more choices and looks great in the home.
  • Free-falling streams: The free-falling stream attract pets to drink more water. Water capacity- 51oz, the capacity is perfect for cats and small dogs.
  • Adjustable stream: The water valve adjustable flow allows you to customize the water flow for your pet
  • Easy to operate: the cat water fountain is easy to install and designed to disassemble for cleaning, making life easier for you and your pet. Water fountain is BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
  • Low-Noise Pet Fountain: The Ultra low noise AC Pump can work at night and won’t affect your sleep. 

See Automatic Water Fountain (Amazon link) for a much closer look and more information.

Handsome Machine-Washable Cat Bed with Nest-Like Walls!

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I say it all the time, but our cats are like family to us. Little furry toddlers that make life sweeter, funner, and better every single day. Given that you’re here, on a cat blog, I’d say it’s a safe bet that you feel the same way!

Keeping our babies comfortable, safe, healthy, happy, and entertained are incredibly important to those of us who love them so. Like children, cats absolutely LOVE new things – toys, beds, scratching posts, treats… anything new is like Christmas morning to them. Not only is it good for their happiness (as well as ours!), I think it’s good for them physically and mentally. Newness keeps them entertained and sharp – keeps them from getting bored, something that is terrible for cats… possibly even worse for them than it is us.

I’m always amazed at how much enjoyment a cat gets from a new cat bed (Amazon link to the one pictured here)! The beauty pictured here (the cat bed, not the cat… although it is even more beautiful) is the one I’m eyeing for our next cat bed. The fact that it is machine-washable makes it jump to the top of the list for me.

The nest-like walls will make it any cat’s favorite place to nap OR just sit and keep an eye on its entertaining humans!

Features:

  • DESIGN FEATURES: Cat bed and dog beds feature nest-like walls filled with high-loft down alternative that surround pets to promote feelings of security, round pet bed offers a safe, cozy place for a cat or small dog to snooze.
  • HIGH QUALITY FABRIC: Made of premium quality cut pile fabric, stuffed with soft durable superior suede fabric, offers maximum comfort and warmth for your furry friends.
  • NON-SLIP: Non-skid bottom keeps the dog bed in place for worry-free placement on tile and hardwood floors in the home.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE: This cozy bed is lightweight and portable for travel. It is very easy for transportation and convenient to carry it in the car; this pet fusion dog bed could let your pets to stay comfortable during camping and travelling when outside.
  • MACHINE WASHABLE: Easy wash and care, wash the entire bed on the gentle cycle with cold water and tumble dry in low heat.

See cat bed (Amazon link) for a closer look.

Stylish and Beautiful Placemats for Cats… So Appropriate!

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Hmmm… my last three posts have been cat food, cat food dishes, and now cat placemats (Amazon link).

After having cats in the family all my life, I’m beginning to think like a cat: Everything revolves around food!!!

It is what it is, I guess, so I’ll just roll with it.

I actually love having placemats under our cats’ feeding station. It’s tidier, better looking, and makes them feel rather sophisticated. Cats think they’re just like the rest of the family, after all – so I’m sure they expect the same comforts we have.

These particular cat placemats (Amazon link) are gorgeous. They’re available in blue, watermelon red (love the color and the name!), gray, and white. I love that they’re dishwasher safe because I don’t know about your furry kids but mine are all very messy eaters!

  • 100% PREMIUM FOOD GRADE SILICONE MAT. FDA approved. It is safe for your dogs or cats
  • NO MESS: Raised outer lip prevents food & water from spilling onto floor (18.1″ x13.4″ )
  • ANTI-SLIP for secure placement, it won’t slide to scare your pets and mess your floor
  • WATERPROOF Pet Feeding Mat: easy to clean and dries quickly.
  • Dishwasher washable.
  • Flexible, just roll it up to store or pack for travel
  • 100% customer satisfaction

See cat placemats (Amazon link) for a closer look at these beauties.

Janie

My Beautiful Grandkitty Janie Found the Placemat She Wants!

#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.

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!

Photographs on the Blog

I do not claim to have taken all of the photographs on this website. I did not take any of the “product” or “affiliate” merchandise photos  (unless I am reviewing a product, in which case it will be marked “Review”), nor do I claim to own them. If you are a photographer that sees something you want removed, simply e-mail me.

Keep Your Indoor Cat Active and Entertained

Alexa

Tips for Keeping Your Indoor Cat Entertained!