Articles | Cat Pause

Building the Perfect (Rather, Purrfect!) Catio: A Patio for Indoor Cats to Enjoy!

June 3, 2021 By Joi

I love this idea… a “catio” for indoor cats to get a taste of the great outdoors. To be perfectly honest, I’d love a “catio” for our outdoor cats just as much – one that is accessible for them (and us!) from the outdoors, but not from the indoors.

As it is, they have a carport, multiple wooden cat houses (with roofs and little doors) and a nearby barn they can get in when weather is foul, but a “catio” all their own would also be extraordinary.

I can, of course, see the beauty of a “catio” for inside cats too. My oldest daughter and her husband have an enclosed porch that has pretty much been turned into an exclusive catio. The ideas in this infographic are fantastic, I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do!

This infographic was created by Metro Screenworks, a provider of custom screen doors

Cat Water Fountain, For Cats Who LOVE Moving Water!

August 13, 2020 By Joi

A few of our cats are absolutely smitten with faucets – so much so that I wonder if they ever actually drink from their water bowls. Seriously, there are two girls, Delilah and Dokkie, who I never see at their water bowls… only at sinks where they convince someone to run water for them, creating their own personal little waterfall.

Cats are famous for loving moving water and this adorable Pet Fountain (Amazon link) will be a dream come true for Delilah, Dokkie, and any other cat who loves a good fountain.

The pump is described as ultra quiet.
The large water capacity (2. 5L / 84 oz) makes this pet fountain great for cats (or small dogs, for that matter).
The circulation system helps provide healthy and hygienic water for our much loved pets all day.
Made of high-quality PP resin, this automatic water bowl is BPA free, durable, and it’s easy to operate and clean.
Each fountain comes with 1 silicone pad to catch splashing water from the messy drinkers…. I’m looking at you, here, Delilah.
The ingenious Pet Fountain has 3 modes: flower waterfall, flower bubble, and gentle fountain – each mode meets the needs of various pets. The free-falling stream and bright color attract pets to drink more water. This all sounds like perfect entertainment for inquisitive cats to me!
The pet water fountain is equipped with 3 replacement filters, each composed of a cotton layer, activated carbon and an ion exchange resin. They form a triple filtration system to prevent your pets from getting sick.
Available in blue (pictured) or gray.

See Pet Fountain (Amazon link) for much more information.

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

March 29, 2020 By Joi

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.

Buying Cat Food on Amazon (Convenient and Hassle-Free)

March 9, 2020 By Joi

Her Majesty, Alexa – Awaiting her Bisque for Senior Cats!

After talking with my youngest daughter today about our cats and cat food, in particular, we have decided that shopping for cat food online makes a lot of sense. Below are just a few of the reasons we lean this way:

I have become so annoyed when I go to the store and they’re out of my cats’ favorites. It happens so often! One cat loves certain flavors of Sheba Cuts (Amazon Link), while another needs to stick with Bisque for Seniors (Amazon). A few others have to have pates because chunks in food have begun to upset their sensitive stomachs. As you can imagine, when it comes to finding everything everyone needs, the odds aren’t in my favor. Then, there I am, with food for only “some” of my cats instead of “all” of my cats.
Their favorite treats (Temptations Mix Ups) are also frequently sold out – apparently they’re every cats favorite flavor! I’ve tried other brands and other flavors and, while they consent to eat the Temptations Shrimp, they let me know I have disappointed them!
Whether it’s cold and flu season or worse, we are under the Coronavirus threat, shopping from home, online, is simply safer. It has become more than “just” a convenience, it has become “safer.”
When you choose the “Subscription” option, you can actually even save money. While I have no problem spending the same I do at stores – or even a little more, if necessary (can’t beat the convenience and safety after all), I certainly don’t mind saving money when possible. The subscription option on Amazon is well worth looking into.

(Continued Below the Cutie…)

Dokkie, Waiting for her “Soup”

In the end, the most important thing isn’t my convenience, it’s my cats getting the food they enjoy the most and the food that doesn’t upset their stomachs. When I shop online, it’s easier to comparison shop, check out ingredients, and to make darn sure each beloved cat gets exactly what she needs.

If you feel similarly, I strongly recommend clicking through any of these links and reading more about buying cat food on Amazon. You can get up to 40 percent off your first subscription order!

Little Dokkie, pictured above can only eat “Soup” – for some reason other food upsets her stomach and makes her throw up. Purina Little Soups have been a God-send.

Cat Welcoming Mat… Just So You Know, There’s Like a Lots of Cats in Here!

February 7, 2020 By Joi

So I’ve found our new indoor welcoming mat! I’ve been looking for one to replace the one we have as you enter the back door and, boy oh boy, have I found the perfect one?! The Just So You Know There’s Like A Lots Of Cats In Here Mat (Amazon link) is fun, funny, and ever so appropriate.

I also love that it is worded in cat speech… “A Lots of Cats.” Adorable!

The mat measures 30″(L) x 18″(W) 3/16″ and a non-slip rubber back and a non-woven fabric top.

This one is sort of thin, so it is recommended for indoor use – either at an entrance or even at a cat feeding station.

It would be ideal for the door going from a garage into the home.

See Just So You Know There’s Like A Lots Of Cats In Here Mat (Amazon link) for a closer look. You can also find a LOT of outdoor welcome mats for cat homes on Amazon as well.

I love letting guests know who really and truly runs the home!

Litter Box Problems and How to Fix Them

October 21, 2019 By Joi

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 personal favorite cat litter brand is 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 Tidy Cat- simply a recommendation from one cat parent to another. My “go to” cat litter is Purina Tidy Cat Lightweight with Glade (pictured on the left). 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.

Why lightweight? A couple of reasons.

One of our precious cats is a senior and the lightweight seems easier for her to cover her business. She is one of those who spends a great deal of time getting things just right when she’s doing her thing and the lightweight seems much, much easier for her to accomplish her mission!
It’s easier to lift into and out of the cart and vehicle!
It is 100 percent easier to clean. It clumps beautifully and is easier to lift out of the box with the scoop.

Why “glade-scented?” Well I guess that one’s obvious! I used to use the little boxes of scented baking-powder in the litter boxes but this Tidy Cat with Glade makes it completely unnecessary.

From one cat parent to another… this is the cat litter to use!

One of the Best Quotes About Cats I’ve Ever Read

October 8, 2019 By Joi

Queen Fatima

“Anyone who claims that a cat cannot give a dirty look has either never kept a cat or is singularly unobservant.” – Maurice Burton

I love this quote – it is so TRUE! The adorable little girl pictured above was “Queen Fatima,” one of the many, many feral cats I’ve loved and cared for over the years. Many of these ferals, like Queen Fatima, become part of the family and are loved and spoiled like any house cat has ever been. Fatima was no exception.

I loved that girl to pieces!

In the picture here, she was annoyed with one of her brothers (Markie). I happened to catch her mid-glare and the picture fits with this quote like a glove!

Cat Tunnels: Endless and Exciting Fun for Cats!

September 26, 2019 By Joi

All good cat parents know just how important it is to provide plenty of fun and excitement for their “babies.” Cat boredom is a very real and very sad reality. A healthy and happy cat is one who doesn’t have a boring day in his or her life!

Naturally this means making sure our cats have interesting toys, furniture of their own, and different opportunities to explore and play.

Cat tunnels aren’t just fun for cats, they’re CRAZY fun for cats. The 3-Way Leopard Print Cat Tunnel pictured above is available in the leopard print as well as a variety of other patterns/colors. Floral and giraffe print are just a few of the others.

A Few Tips for Providing Exciting Fun for Your Cat:

Rotate your cat’s toys (keeping their absolute favorite toy available at all times, however!). Tuck some away and bring out new ones – this keeps your cat interested and excited. It also helps the toys last longer.
Buy some catnip spray to add a little extra fun to your cat’s toys. Catnip Spray is also great when introducing your cat to a new bed, cat tree, or scratching post.
Always, always, always keep safety in the front of your mind. Check and double-check all cat toys to make sure there are not parts that can get stuck in your cat’s throat. Also, keep in mind that gift wrapping ribbon is a huge chocking hazard.
Never underestimate a good old-fashioned cardboard box. My cats often enjoy the box their toys or furniture arrive in as much as the gift, itself. Fortunately, the toys and furniture last longer… they look a lot better too!

How to Introduce a New Cat to the Old Cat

June 16, 2019 By Joi

“What is this??! Why is it here??!!” – Svenn (right) about Alexa (left)

Guest Post by Jackie

As I am sure you already know, cats can be extremely territorial animals. When the subject of introducing one cat to another comes up, people often just say to put them in the same room together until they work it out. While this works sometimes, it’s pretty risky and can just as easily start a fight. Introducing a new cat to your old cat’s space triggers their territorial nature and can cause cat fights. So, instead of letting chance take care of it, here are some tips to make the integration go as smoothly as possible.

Keep them separated at first

You cannot just throw two cats together and expect them to become best friends. They need to be introduced slowly over a period of time. At first, it helps to keep the new cat separate in its own room so it can get used to its surroundings. This room should have everything the cat needs; litter box, food, and water. Try to make it so the two cats can smell and hear each other. You could feed them both by the door, for example. The cats will learn to associate the smell and sound of the other cat with a happy experience. After about 2 to 3 days, switch the rooms and let each cat get used to the other space.

It also helps to introduce each cat’s smell to the other. You can do this by rubbing a towel on one cat to pick up its pheromones and hanging the towel in the other room for the other cat to investigate at their own pace.

It’s also wise to give them their own litter boxes to avoid any unnecessary drama around the litter box. You should still invest in a multi cat litter to combat the extra smell that comes with an additional cat.

Let the cats see each other

By this point, your cats should be aware of the existence of the other cat beyond the door. If they aren’t hissing and growling through the bottom of the door, you can go ahead and visually introduce them. A screen door or a baby gate makes a nice see-through barrier that lets your cats see each other but still remain physically separate. Continue feeding and playing with both of them in view of the other so both cats continue to associate positive experiences with the image of the other cat.

Let them meet face to face

The next step is to introduce them face to face with supervision. Open up the barrier between the two space and let the cats investigate each other. By this point, they should be used to the sight, smell, and sound of another cat in the house. Don’t worry if they initially ignore each other or hiss a bit at each other; it takes some time for them to realize they are a friend and not a foe. Keep an eye on them so you can break up any potential scuffles. If you notice them being very aggressive or skittish, then it may be that the match just won’t work out. It also helps to give them something to do. Putting two cats in an empty room alone is a quick way to start a cat fight.

Let them out together home alone

At first, it is a good idea to keep the cats separated whenever you are not home. If the in-person meetings seem to be going smoothly then you can take the next step and leave them out together unsupervised. Make sure you give them ample time around each other and that you know how they interact.

Final Thoughts

Introducing a new cat to your home can have a big effect on your old cat. If not done properly, they can get off on the wrong foot and never be comfortable around each other. That is why the key thing is to take your time while introducing the cats. Don’t rush it and do not try to force their interaction. Doing so can damage any chance of them getting along in the future.

Plush Fabric-Lined Cat Condo…. Oooh La La

March 23, 2019 By Joi

The Trixie Fabric-Lined Cat Condo (pictured here) is a heckuva lot of fun just waiting for a lucky, pampered, and most of all loved cat to enjoy. Any good cat parent knows that keeping a cat entertained and engaged is good for her physically, mentally, and emotionally. Providing your cat with novel, new, and exciting opportunities keeps her on her toes… and adorable toes, at that.

I love everything about this cat condo – its great looks, reasonable price, and the many opportunities for a cat to explore and enjoy. She can even hide out inside and plan her sneak attack.

We all know how much cats love the sneak attack.

I also love that it’s compact and close to the ground, meaning that even the clumsiest cat will be perfectly safe from harm.

One of my cats, Alexa, fits this description perfectly. Even she couldn’t cause a disaster with this cat furniture.

When it comes to keeping things fun and exciting for indoor cats, we like to rotate cat toys, scratching posts, and even cat furniture. It makes each of their treasured possessions last longer but, more importantly, it keeps things fresh and new for them – something outside cats are awarded with, by God, on a daily basis.

We have to provide the fun and variety for inside babies.

Features:

Wrapped in soft plush inside and out
Condo lined in plush fabric
Natural sisal scratching surface
Dangling plush toys inside

Product Description:

The Topi Cat Condo will provide endless opportunities for your cats to play, scratch, explore or just relax. This stylish piece of cat furniture combines the best of both worlds: a condo hideaway and a scratching surface. Felines can sharpen their claws on the large scratching surface wrapped in durable sisal instead of on your furniture or carpet. If a nap or a place to hide is in order, the cat can crawl inside the kitty condo which is covered in plush fabric both inside and out, making it the perfect retreat. Feeling a little spunky? Taunt the plush toys suspended inside, sure to peak your little hunter’s interest. Suitable for cats of all ages and activity levels. One year warranty. Color: chocolate brown. Dimensions (inches): 18 x 12 x 13; condo opening 6 x 6. Weight: 3 pounds.

This Cat Furniture with Scratching Surface is available on Amazon – click through for a closer look and more information.