Your Cat's Favorite Blog!
Click through the picture of the link for a closer look at this very special cat furniture!
Alexa, in the picture above, seems to be voicing her concern over the state of one of her beloved cardboard Super Scratchers. I try to keep them changed out often because the girl is MAD about them. We keep several of them in the house, near some of her favorite places to scratch. More than any cat I’ve ever had the pleasure of being Mommy to, Alexa is a furry little ninja when it comes to scratching. I have to work to stay a step ahead of her, but placing scratching posts in her favorite areas helps.
Thank goodness!
Cats love to scratch. We have to remind ourselves that they have no idea they’re doing anything wrong. Scratching is as natural as eating and drinking for a cat. Our approach has to be one of outsmarting the cat. It’s absolutely impossible to make her NOT want to scratch. Common sense dictates that we give our cats alternatives. We can’t very well take the approach that they WILL NOT SCRATCH EVER AGAIN! We’ll be woefully disappointed and our cats will think we’ve completely lost our minds.
If you have a ninja scratcher, too, give the cardboard Super Scratchers a try. They’re in the pet sections of just about every store you can imagine and they’re ridiculously inexpensive. They can help save your sanity, the furniture, the walls, the door frames, the drapes, and possibly your pants. After all, we all know a cat’s philosophy…
Adorable! This very creative and unique cat pagoda house has it all:
Your cat(s) can enjoy the Pagoda cat house as a retreat for sleeping, hiding, and relaxing and they can spend hours in scratching ecstasy with the sisal rope scratching post attached. This very well-constructed and ingenious cat house will delight your cat while looking very attractive in any room.
See
Zen Pagoda Cat Condo for more information!
Check out these great Office Supplies for Cat Lovers.
From The Complete Cat’s Meow: Everything You Need to Know about Caring for Your Cat
The declawing procedure is painful for your cat. Even if a veterinarian uses a laser and the cat can walk sooner, your cat can’t really be comfortable with part of its toes missing, especially since cats walk on their toes first. This means that your cat is in pain and has to walk differently, rather than in its normal manner.
Most cat parents have their cats declawed for the same reason: Cats scratch furniture (and very often anything else they can handle!). There are far better solutions to this problem – solutions that won’t hurt the cat or affect the way she enjoys the rest of her life.
When our precious Prissy was alive (all 20+ years!), buying new furniture was completely out of the question. That girl never met a couch or chair she didn’t like. She was convinced each and every piece of furniture was an elaborate scratching post for her! My daughter Stephany would help the situation by keeping Prissy’s nails clipped – a procedure that the ever laid-back cat actually enjoyed. Prissy never scratched walls or woodwork, but furniture was in constant danger.
I did, finally, find a way to throw salt in her game: I placed throws over the sides of the sofa – her favorite spots. I also started buying her scratching posts and placed them near her favorite spots.
With Alexa, it’s a little different. She seems to understand that furniture is for sitting on. She enjoys few things more than curling up on the sofa with her mom and dad as we all enjoy a game of baseball (or whatever it is we’re watching at the time). Alexa’s weakness is door frames. I’m having trouble convincing her that these weren’t placed in the house solely for her enjoyment.
She’s not buying it.
I’ve found a way to outsmart the little smarty pants, though, and it’s AGAIN with scratching posts. I’ve placed one near her favorite place to scratch and, now, when she’s in the vicinity, she uses the scratching post instead.
If you’re trying to lure your cat away from scratching furniture or wood, use a good, sturdy scratching post – preferably one treated with catnip. If the scratching post doesn’t come with its own catnip, buy a package and make the scratching post more enticing for your cat yourself.
Also, it probably goes without saying but Alexa, Hannah, Jelly Bean, and Queen Fatima want me to say it anyway: Cats cannot be treated as dogs or children when it comes to discipline. Remember their ancestors are lions, tigers, cheetahs, etc… how responsive do you think this DNA is to “NO!” or, worse yet, swats to the backside?!?! They’ll simply think you’re mean and will perceive you as a threat. Cats don’t even like yelling. They simply aren’t wired to be disciplined in this manner.
However, many cat parents have had success with spritzing a tiny bit of water (something cats detest) on their cats when they’re involving themselves in unsuitable behavior. I’ve never done it, myself, but many say that their cat comes to associate scratching on furniture with the unpleasantness of spritzed water.
Personally? I’d be afraid that, yet again, my cat would come to perceive me as a threat or as a meanie! Maybe if you were somehow able to do it without them seeing you? I’m not really sure. I do know this, though: Cats are very, very bright and it wouldn’t take them long to realize when scratching was safe and when it wasn’t. After all, what they’re doing is as natural to them as scratching an itch is to us. I’m convinced that the best solution for all is simply to give the cat an alternative: A sturdy, safe, scratching post.
Click the following link to read more about The Complete Cat’s Meow: Everything You Need to Know about Caring for Your Cat
This morning, as I was admiring our beautiful purple morning glories (planted specifically beneath one of Alexa’s favorite windows – so she can admire butterflies and hummingbirds up close and personal), I realized that IF there were such a thing as reincarnation, you could do a lot worse than coming back as a pampered house cat! They don’t have to fight for anything – food, water, shelter, a bed, attention, safety, head scratches, 8:00 am hummingbird shows….
I read not long ago that one of the things we Americans DIDN’T cut back on during the slumping economy was pet food and pet supplies. We love our babies! They bring us so much love, happiness, joy, companionship, and laughter – how could we NOT want to give them everything their little cat hearts desire?
Admittedly, I just returned from the store with cat food, fresh cat litter, and even a bag of Whiska’s Cat Treats. All of our cats absolutely adore these cat treats, especially the Salmon variety.
Now, Alexa’s curled up in her favorite cat bed – belly full and more content than anyone or anything has a right to be!
Three of our outside babies (outside simply because Princess Alexa wouldn’t accept just being “one” of the cats inside… she has to be “the” diva who lives inside with her people) Hannah, Fatima, and Jelly Bean are sprawled out in the shade, enjoying their full bellies and the August breeze.
Our fourth outside cat, Bullet, is apparently off catting around or sacked out in a loft. Hannah ate enough treats for her and him both, though.
The Two Level Cat House -Cradle & Perch – Cream appears to be something Alexa would be very much interested in and, personally, I’m crazy about the beautiful Cream color – though they’re available in 9 great other colors as well. The hunter green is also gorgeous – it might even make the pampered cat feel like she’s out in the jungle!
Product Description:
Whether you have multiple kitties, or just one who is the queen or king of the castle, this Two Level cat house is a great piece of cat furniture. This cat house features two rest areas – a round bed and a curved cradle. Not only is this a terrific cat lounger, it also is a scratching post. A solid pine pole is wrapped in all-natural sisal rope, which provides an outlet for busy paws. Available in nine colors – Cream, Tan, Brown, Red, Navy Blue, Country Blue, Green, Gray, and Hunter Green. With such a range of colors, you’re sure to find one for even your most finicky of felines. And remember – not only do cats love having their own area, but a good scratching post will deter your cat from scratching your furniture! This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 4-10 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping.
See Two Level Cat House -Cradle & Perch – Cream for a closer look. I just looked at the different colors again and now I’m torn – I love them all. The country blue couldn’t be any prettier. But the cream….
One of the things at the top of my “Gotta get next” list is this 4 Level Cat House. I love the blue color but they’re available in just about every color you can imagine. I can just see Alexa’s face when she realized it was for her (then again she thinks everything’s for her). I know she’d have endless hours of fun climbing, perching, and exploring this cat house. We’ll enjoy watching her as much as she enjoys living the high life!
From the Website:
This Four Level Cat House will satisfy all of your cats desires – leaping, scratching, and of course – napping! This piece of cat furniture has a cradle area, two round loft beds, and a play tunnel. Cats love the loft bed – it gives them a high place to perch and snooze. You cat can jump from bed to cradle, or just stretch out and enjoy the view! And your little furry friend will spend hours playing ‘peekaboo!’ in the tunnel! Not only is this a terrific cat lounger, it also is a scratching post. A solid pine pole is wrapped in all-natural sisal rope, which provides an outlet for busy paws. Available in nine colors – Cream, Tan, Brown, Red, Navy Blue, Country Blue, Green, Gray, and Hunter Green. With such a range of colors, you’re sure to find one for even your most finicky of felines. And remember – not only do cats love having their own area, but a good scratching post will deter your cat from scratching your furniture!
What cat wouldn’t think he or she was in cat Heaven with this outstanding cat house?!?!
Is this Snooze Pal cat hammock adorable or what?! Almost as adorable as the little cutie enjoying the hammock. To learn more about this cat’s delight as well as others, visit Cat Above.com.
While on the site, look for a cute little banner linking you to a short survey. When you take the survey, you enter yourself for a chance to win a Snooze Pal of your own (well, of your cat’s own – I doubt you’ll fit, unless you’re 4 months old or something). Even better, a cat rescue team in North Carolina gets 10 cents for each survey completed.
Off with thee! Take that survey, and good luck.
The Perfect Poophaus has more going on for it than just a ridiculously clever name. The Purrfect Poophaus is Advanced Litter Containment Furniture for you and your cat. Said another way, It’s going in style!
From the Website:
This is the newest addition to our line of litter containment cat furniture. We’ve taken what people value the most from the Purrfect Playhouse and paired it with the Deluxe Poop-Box-A-Roo to bring you the Purrfect Poophaus! 72″ Tall x 25″ Deep X 25″ Wide The Purrfect Poophaus features a litter cabinet on the lowest level, a play area with kitty condo at the to, and 3 large 18″ x 18″ seats (measured diagonally) . There are also 7 scratching areas- 4 on the bottom and 3 at the top!!
Features:
*Full Extension slide out drawer on litter cabinet that holds up to 100 lbs!
*Nickel Handle Included!
*17 1/2 ” headroom-accommodates even the largest kitty! (Shout out to Alexa.)
*All exposed wood in the litterbox area has been completely sealed with polyurethane to make clean up quick, easy and sanitary
*Dangling kitty toy included!
*All 4 posts on litter cabinet have a generous amount of sisal rope as do the three posts at the top of the unit. *Choice of Litter Cabinet entryway- Right or left or both. The opening can be 8″ or 10″
*Comes in neutral beige with contrasting Paw Prints.
*Custom made to order, they usually leave their warehouse in 7 – 14 days.
This is an absolute stroke of genius and I’m certain every cat would agree.
Awwwwww. How completely adorable is this Sunflower Cat Tree?!
From the Website:
Custom made to order, usually leaves our warehouse in 14 – 21 business days. The Sunflower Cat Tree will bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home. This medium sized Cat Tree is the ideal size to accommodate all your cat’s activities. Whether climbing, jumping, hiding, exploring, or its more common activity, sleeping, this is the perfect unit for your cat. We have built all our special features into this Cat Tree. The top flower is 28″ round with a padded center and a thermal liner to retain your cat’s heat for added comfort. There are four holes each 9″ in diameter that lead to the center of the trunk which is 12″ in diameter.
Four sculptured leaves (2 large and 2 small) surround the trunk providing layers for climbing or space for “snoozing”. The leaves each have a thermal liner for added comfort, and each is hinged to provide “flex” when the cat jumps onto the leaf making it easier on its joints and back. Older cats will get much more use out of a unit with this feature.
The wide round base adds stability and guarantees the Cat Tree will not tip during normal use. This Cat Tree will fit into a corner, taking up less floor space, and not sacrificing stability. This unique piece of furniture will be the focalpoint of activity for your cat, and the center of conversation among your friends. Approximate Height: 52″ (4ft 4in) Approximate Width: 52″ Trunk Diameter: 12″ Weight: 100 lbs.
Green Special Features:
* Our molded leaves are designed to “flex” which cushions the landing and prevents excessive wear and tear on joints, especially of older cats, when they jump onto the Tree.
*Commercial grade carpeting is used throughout the entire Cat Tree, including the lining inside the holes in the trunk.
*All our beds and larger leaves have a “thermal” lining that retains the cat’s body heat providing greater comfort.
*An extra wide base is added to all units providing greater stability and preventing tipping under normal use.
Alexa has already put her request in for one of these. The Omega Paw Ripple™ Board Scratch’n Massage Bed™ (16″ L X 5.5″ W X 17″ L; Green)
features organic catnip flakes and catnip oil, both of which rev her little engine.
From the website:
The fabulous ripples massage your cat paws leaving him in a dream state. In addition, we’ve made our scratcher eco-friendly by using 98% post consumer and diverted materials.
Massage…dream state…cat-nip….eco-friendly… Is it any wonder Alexa wants one? Okay, so she doesn’t give a rat’s patootie about the eco-friendly part – that’s all me. But the cat-nip and the massage – oh yeah! My girl’s all there. She’s even willing to overlook the “…leaving him in a dream state” comment.
Right now Miss Alexa has a little thin scratching pad and, after a nice session of scratching, she likes to lie down on top of it. Problem is the ratio of Alexa’s size to that of the scratching pad…… Uh, yeah, you get the picture.
Spillover doesn’t lead to good napping. Not a problem with the Omega Paw Ripple™ Board Scratch’n Massage Bed™ (16″ L X 5.5″ W X 17″ L; Green) – there’s room for even the chubbiest of cats to nestle in and get all comfy cozy.
Click the link or the image to take a closer look. Your cat will love you for it.
