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You are here: Home / Archives for Personal / Alexa

Baby Blanket for Cats… Yes, Baby Blanket for Cats!

May 31, 2021 By Joi

Okay, I love this to distraction. This soft, fluffy blanket for cats (Amazon link) or other small pets is exactly what I need in my home… of course, I’ll need 5 of them, so each cat gets her or his own. Cats are funny little beings, after all, and very much LOVE having their own possessions.

I have a confession to make, I have bought baby blankets for my cats for years. I discovered with my beautiful Alexa (pictured below… I still miss her so much!) that cats enjoy sleeping on blankets that smell like them. When Alexa got older, I would put her baby blanket in the dryer after supper because she always came and got in my lap in my our favorite chair in the evening – she loved having her momma AND her warm blanket waiting for her.

This beautiful  Ompaa blanket for cats (Amazon link), however, looks much sturdier and would last a lot longer than traditional baby blankets. The plushness would also be more agreeable to a pampered fur baby.

Bo and Adam

Bo and Adam on a Baby Blanket 

Features:

  • Fluffy pet blanket is made of safe and stain-resistant material to stand up to washing and drying for years without shedding or shrinking.
  • Soft pet blanket combines 200GSM faux long fur reversing to 280GSM sherpa fleece fabric, which is reminiscent of a mother’s hug!
  • This pet blanket provides protection from stains, spills, and pet fur when placed on furniture (not that I, personally worry about any of that but some do)
  • Small ( 20″ x 30″ ) pet blanket is perfect for small dogs, puppies and cats.
  • Would be ideal to use in carriers or in cars. Trips to the vet (or anywhere the cat’s schedule takes him/her!) would be much less stressful when their favorite blanket is along for the ride.

The blanket for cats (Amazon link) is available for under $8 right now, so if (like me) you’ll need more than one, now’s the time to order.

Her Majesty, Alexa

Beautiful Alexa

 

Filed Under: Adam, Alexa, Bo, Cat Blankets, Christmas Guide for Cats and Cat Lovers, Pictures of Cats, The Pampered Pet Tagged With: blankets for cats, cat blanket

Tips for Making Older Cats More Comfortable

April 4, 2017 By Joi

I’ve had and loved cats, literally, all of my life. I can’t even begin to imagine a home or life without at least one cat. I’ve always had several indoor cats as well as several (oftentimes SEVERAL!) outdoor cats.

Some of my cats have lived exceptionally long lives and I can say this – nothing in the world is any sweeter, more enjoyable, or more lovable than an older cat. Older cats do, of course, require extra consideration.

Recently, we had a kitten (Guen) move into the house – a house where a 13 year-old-diva-cat (Alexa) reigns supreme. The entire process has amazed me for several reasons. For one thing, do kittens ever run out of energy?!?!

Naturally we’ve enjoyed outdoor kittens over the years, but this is the first kitten we’ve had in the house in years. The energy level and amount of wonder and curiosity are pretty amazing and I’m loving every moment.

Ironically, caring for (and preparing your home for) a kitten is very much like caring for (and preparing your home for) an older cat.

  1. You have to make sure there’s nothing that can fall on them if they (kitten) ram into a table or shelf or (older cat with dimming eyesight) accidentally bump into the same table or shelf.
  2. You have to make sure they have comfortable beds in several places throughout the house. Kittens and older cats are liable to have a nap attack at any given moment and a nice, comfortable bed all their own is highly important. Younger cats often climb onto furniture to nap, whereas older cats (whether they’re lazy, have a little arthritis setting in, have diminished eyesight, or simply lack the wherewithal or inclination to jump if they don’t have to) usually favor low-to-the-ground beds.  I have a bed for Alexa in my home office – right beside my desk, so she’s always near me during the day. I have another bed in the den, so she can retire near the tv at night to stay close to my husband and I (though, most of the time her favorite place to sit is beside “dad” on the couch). She also, of course, has a huge bed in our bedroom where she sleeps (and snores!) through the night. Multiple beds are simply one of the kindest and most loving things you can do for an older cat. But make sure they’re easy to get in and out of – the less they have to jump, the better. The Deluxe Easy Entry Cat Bed (pictured at the top) makes a perfect cat bed for an older cat. More on it in a minute…
  3. Two words: Fresh water. This tip (as well as others, obviously) is applicable for cats of all ages, but it’s one that I list any chance I get because so many people overlook it. We wouldn’t want to drink day-old, dirty water, so we shouldn’t make our cats. I provide fresh, cool water throughout the day for our cats (inside and out).
  4. If you have reason to suspect that your older gal or guy would need glasses, if available (don’t you wish they were?!?) – keep this in mind at all times. When a cat or dog begins to have trouble with their vision, extra care must be taken to keep them safe, comfortable, and confident. Be CERTAIN you don’t move furniture around or place anything (even a new rug) along their preferred paths. Cats with failing vision get around amazingly – but they do so because they’ve made a mental map of their home. If you change anything, it’ll make for one very confused and frustrated little one.
  5. This tip is for older cats and/or cats with vision problems: No loud or sudden noises. Bad for the nerves! Always try to keep the house as calm as possible. This, of course, doesn’t count the noises he/she is already accustomed to. If my husband and I didn’t make plenty of noise while watching our favorite baseball team (St. Louis Cardinals!), Alexa would think something was wrong. She’s VERY accustomed to us questioning the umps, cheering for our team’s home runs, booing for the other team’s home runs, etc. Again, if all that racket stopped, she’d think something was rotten in Denmark! Also, if you have kids or grand-kids and the cat is used to their noise… it shouldn’t be a problem. Just be sure everyone knows to approach an older cat slowly, calmly, and to… by all means… let them know you’re headed their way.
  6. Never “roughhouse” with an older cat – it’ll only frighten them and you could very well hurt them, without meaning too, of course.

Basically, this is the time to pamper your little girl or boy more than ever!

One final tip from someone who has had quite a few cats who lived WAY longer than you’d expect: When you look at your cat (whether they’re 10, 15, 20, or 24), do NOT think of “losing” them. Think only of  “having” and “loving” them. This is something I realized when one of my cats (Prissy) hit 15 years old. Every time I looked at her, I found my heart feeling heavy – thinking about how badly it would hurt when I lost her. That sort of pain is bad enough to feel just once… when you actually have to say goodbye. Don’t  invite those feelings into your life a minute before. Think of how blessed you are to have this little bundle of fur, how much you love her/him, and how you are going to do everything in your power to make them as comfortable as possible.

I caught myself (when Prissy turned 15) and turned my thinking around. She went on to have 5 more birthdays!

Why The Deluxe Easy Entry Cat Bed Makes a Perfect Bed for Older Cats:

This beautiful bed has “easy access” – the older cat doesn’t have to jump in or out of bed, which is something older cats greatly appreciate. The material is incredibly soft and comfortable – perfect for an older cat. I also love that its “walls” provide extra support and comfort. The fact that it’s so darn good-looking (and machine washable) are icing on the cake. Click through Deluxe Easy Entry Cat Bed for more information. This deluxe beauty is just the thing your pampered baby would love to curl up in.

 


Filed Under: Alexa, Cat Beds, Cat Health, Cat Safety, The Pampered Pet Tagged With: caring for older cats, cat bed for older cats, making older cats more comfortable, tips for caring for older cats

Cooking for Two: Your Cat and You! (Review)

December 17, 2015 By Joi

Alexa and Her New Cookbook

Alexa and Her First Cookbook

“Dogs eat. Cats dine.” – Ann Taylor

My cats and I were sent a beautiful cookbook to review on the cat blog a few weeks ago: Cooking for Two–Your Cat & You! We’ve been enjoying it more than I can even tell you. Not only are the recipes are fantastic (whether or not your cat actually shares with you), the book is filled with adorable cat pictures, quotes about cats, and fun “cat facts.”

Speaking of which, did you know that only about half  of all cats have any sensitivity to catnip? (page 65)

Cooking for Two Your Cat and You

One of the Adorable Pictures Inside the Cookbook

Recipes Include:

  • Mini Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
  • Vegetable Stir Fry
  • Baked Chicken (my cats’ favorite)
  • Vanilla Sundae
  • Tuna Salad
  • Salmon and Steamed Broccoli
  • Deli Rollups
  • Scrambled Eggs with Rice
  • Chicken Soup with Carrots
  • And more!

“If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow; but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much.”- Mark Twain (page 61)

There’s also a great “No No List” of foods you should never feed your cat. You’ve probably heard how dangerous it is to give chocolate to a cat, but did you know that avocado, citrus, garlic, fruit seeds, grapes, mushrooms, and nuts are very bad for cats? Also, salt and sugar in excess are also bad.

From the Inside Cover:
Cat lovers can forget about eating solo, and cats no more have to look longingly at the meals their caretakers have prepared in hope of getting a bite. Now, with the help of Cooking for Two: Your Cat & You, felines and their friends can share a meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

In this new two-species cookbook, Brandon Schultz has adapted dozens of unpretentious recipes for “people food” to fit both the palate of humans and the dietary limitations of cats. He covers what foods are and aren’t safe for our furry companions, suggests resources for making day-to-day cat food, and gives tips on making food for special occasions appetizing for both human and cat. Each recipe has instructions and ingredient lists for both types of diners.

If you click through and order from Amazon, you can actually have this beautiful book in time for Christmas – whether as a gift to another cat lover or a gift to you and your cat.  See  Cooking for Two–Your Cat & You! for more information.

I am absolutely smitten with this beautiful book – front to back – and I know you will be too.

Alexa and Her FIrst Cookbook

Filed Under: Alexa, Book Reviews, Cat Shop Tagged With: books for cat lovers, cat book review, gift ideas for cat lovers

How to Keep Outside Cats Warm this Winter

September 23, 2012 By Joi

Cordless Heating Thermal Bed for Cats

While we have one inside cat (Alexa the Diva), we also have two beloved outside cats (Hannah and Queen Fatima).  Needless to say, when cold weather hits, thoughts of keeping our outside little girls warm are in the front of our collective minds. We live outside the city limits with a garage and an abandoned barn beside us.  Fatima is wonderful about heading off to the garage (which we keep cracked for them to get in and out of) or even the barn, but Hannah?

She always seems afraid that she’s going to miss something and doesn’t leave the carport until snow, ice, hail, or a tornado force her into the garage.  Even then, as soon as the coast is clear, she’s back to her favorite spot by the back door!

If Alexa weren’t so set in her ways, the solution would be obvious – bring them inside.  But, alas, Alexa claims “First come, first served” rights and there you have it.  She who must be obeyed…. must be obeyed.

Don’t worry about Miss Hannah, though. I have become quite the accomplished tent builder for my adorable little girl. Last winter was ridiculously mild here in Kentucky, so my Abdul the Tent-maker skills served Hannah well. However, I’ve heard that this winter is supposed to be a really bad one, so I’m trying to step up my game.

One of the things I’ve found so far is the Slumber Pet Thermal Cat Mat – Color Gray (shown above). This thermal mat is available in gray, blue, or beige.

Thermal Cat Bed Features:

  • Thermal cat mat keeps cats warm and comfortable without the use of electricity
  • This cozy mat features a lightweight core that actually reflects pet’s own body heat back to the animal
  • Provides soothing comfort to cats, kittens, aging pets, nursing females, or animals recovering from illness or injury
  • Machine-washable pad features a leopard-print motif that reverses to solid black berber fleece and it includes a hangtag
  • Measures 22-inch length by 18 1/2-inch width

Product Description

This cozy mat features a lightweight core that actually reflects pet’s own body heat back to the animal. Provides soothing comfort to cats, kittens, aging pets, nursing females, or animals recovering from illness or injury. Machine-washable pad features a leopard-print motif that reverses to solid black berber fleece. Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle. Line dry. It includes a hangtag. Available in gray color. Measures 22-inch length by 18 1/2-inch width.

I also found the K&H Outdoor Kitty House, Heated (pictured on the left – click through for different… much larger… views).  This Outdoor Heated Kitty House is made with 600 denier nylon and features a vinyl backing that makes it waterproof.

Your cat’s own warm little  house comes with and accommodates a Lectro Soft Outdoor Heated Kitty Bed that uses only 20-watts. The roof hangs over the 2 doors to keep cats warm, safe and dry. Easy to assemble with velcro walls and a zippered roof.

My favorite part (aside from the whole keeping cats warm and dry part) is this: There’s a back door! Two exits mean your cat can’t be trapped by another cat, a dog that likes to play too tough, or skunk that wants to snuggle.

 

Outdoor Heated Cat House Features:

  • Perfect for any outdoor cat
  • Waterproof for use anywhere outdoors
  • Two exits so pet can not be trapped by predators
  • No tools needed to assemble
  • MET Listed and 1-year warranty

Click through either link or picture for more information.  Each is actually on sale right now – marked WAY down.  That’s always a bonus as far as I’m concerned! 🙂

Filed Under: Alexa, Cat Beds, Cat Health, Cat Houses, Cat Safety, Cat Shop, Fatima, Hannah, The Pampered Pet Tagged With: cat bed, keep outside cats warm, outdoor cat house, thermal cat bed

Alexa: The Holidays Make Her a Glamor Puss

November 30, 2011 By Joi

My Beautiful Cat Alexa Striking a Pose

I thought you just had to see Alexa’s glamor shot.  We were playing a rousing game of “bat the catnip mouse around the Christmas tree” when she totally pooped out on me.  She laid herself out on a few presents a la Rita Hayworth and I grabbed my camera.

After a few misses, I took the one above and told her we had the “money shot.”

She plans to put them in her Christmas cards this year with the caption, “I don’t always pose for pictures, but when I do…. Money Shot.  Stay Glamorous my friends.”

 

Filed Under: Alexa, Humor Tagged With: Alexa, cat pictures, funny cat pictures

Help Your Cat Live Longer!

October 17, 2011 By Joi

Alexa inspecting the Dryer

Alexa Inspecting the Dryer

Good on you! There you are, reading a cat blog article about keeping your cat healthy and extending his/her life. As a cat lover, myself, I applaud your love for your cat(s).  We all want our precious little furry babies to live as long and as well as possible. Fortunately, there are lots of things we can do to help make that happen.

If you’re a regular reader, you probably already know that we had a much (much much much, much…) loved cat named Prissy, who I named after my favorite Gone With the Wind character, who lived for over 20 years. Within those years… 20, wow, that’s a lot of years…. she only had to go to the vet once, when she was 3 – for a sinus infection of all things.  Prissy was a house cat, which certainly helped her achieve such an impressive lifespan. In fact Keep your cat safe and secure inside your home at all times was listed number 1 on Real Age.com’s Cat Health Tips for Helping Your Cat Have a Younger Real Age.

Of course, there are times when your cat has to live outside the house rather than inside the house. They’re still much beloved family, of course, their section of the house simply doesn’t have a roof.  If your cat has to live without a roof, as some of our cats do, read How to Help Your Outdoor Cats Live Longer.

A few safety precautions all cat lovers will want to take include:

  • Make certain your houseplants are safe. Some houseplants are poisonous and shouldn’t be allowed in a cat’s vicinity EVER. I wouldn’t even keep one on the highest shelf in a room my cat never visits. Can you say not worth it? No plant is worth making a cat sick and it certainly isn’t worth the risk of killing a cat!  Please see Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Cats.  Needless to say, if you have dogs, be sure to check the same website for poisonous plants for dogs.
  • If you have an indoor cat, be certain that all guests to your home know that the cat is not allowed outdoors. Some people have cats that come and go and may automatically assume that your cat does so as well.
  • Please don’t allow your cat to lie on or play near ironing boards.  I see a lot of precious pictures online of cats lying on ironing boards (horrifyingly enough, sometimes the iron’s plugged in and is next to the cat) online.  I used to keep our ironing board up most of the time (with a blanket on top) because Alexa loved to lie on it and look out the window. One day, she had a terrible accident, though, and somehow managed to pull the ironing board down on her when she quickly jumped off.  One of the metal legs landed on one of her tiny back legs, breaking her leg in two places.  I’ll NEVER forget the pain she was in or the helpless, sick feeling I had. She had to have a cast and had to spend months in a large cage. It was absolute hell for me and her.  When we first brought her home from the animal hospital with a cast on her leg, I had trouble getting her to agree to the cage. At one point, she backed into a corner as tears, literally ran from her eyes (as well as mine!). It’s an image that will stay with me forever and will prompt me to beg cat lovers to keep their ironing boards put up at all times. PLEASE. If you have a cat blog, a facebook page, or a Twitter account, help me spread the word about the dangers of ironing boards for cats.
  • Always remember how inquisitive and nosy cats are! Be certain to always double check the dryer before closing the door – even if you’re almost certain your cat never came into the room.

Click HERE to read the Real Age.com article about adding years to your cat’s life. Great stuff!

Filed Under: Alexa, Cat Health, Cat Safety Tagged With: Cat Health, Cat Safety, keep your cat safe

Outsmarting a Cat with Cat Scratch Fever

August 16, 2011 By Joi

Alexa and one of her beloved cardboard scratching post

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…

Filed Under: Alexa, Articles, Humor, Pictures of Cats, Scratching Posts Tagged With: cat scratching, cat scratching posts

Cool Cat Toy: Boomerang Buddy with Catnip

July 14, 2011 By Joi

Take it from someone who spends oodles of time playing with cats, the Petstages Green Magic Boomerang Buddy is a kitty party just waiting to happen.

Like all kids, cats LOVE new and original toys. They love when mom and dad present them with something fresh, fun, and fabulous – you know, something deserving of their attention!

The Green Magic Boomerang Buddy is filled with 100% premium catnip for a powerful catnip scent, meaning your cat(s) will be over the moon.

Remember, playing with your cat isn’t just fun for you, it’s wonderful fun for you cat.  It’s also very good for his or her health – physical, emotional, and mental. Cats need the stimulation to stay mentally fit and the exercise keeps them physically fit and healthy.  Playtime is also a very special time to bond with your cat, so be sure to make time several times a day to just lose yourself in your cat’s world.

Earlier today, I was sitting outside with our outside cats (Hannah, Jelly Bean, and Queen Fatima).  I was playing with Hannah (with a long wildflower).  She’d paw at it, then go behind my back and pounce on it.  As you may remember, Jelly Bean and Queen Fatima were FERAL kittens when they came into our family.  It took months of extreme patience to get them to the point that I could even touch them! Thankfully, today I’m able to pet, rub, and babytalk them just as easily as I can Hannah or Alexa.

However, they’d never shown any inclination to play.  They’d always watch me and Hannah.  They’d sit right beside me, allowing me to pet them – and they’d even purr the entire time, but they never actually caught on to PLAY.

Until today.

As I slowly drug the wildflower on the ground in front of Queen Fatima (a tiny, adorable little grey cat), she pounced on it – kind of catching herself off guard.  I have no idea why, but tears sprang in my eyes as I tried not to laugh too loudly (they’re still really jumpy).  When I passed it in front of her again, she swatted at it and looked at Hannah as though to say, “Am I doing it right?”

Jelly Bean came over and decided to take part as well.  The only problem was, he decided to lay down right on top of our wildflower!

Game over.

He rolled over, exposing his belly, so of course I had to tickle it.  He playfully grabbed my hand, and I was very thankful he left his claws in.  I gotta admit, I was a little nervous.  I’ve tried to get pictures of them to add to the site, but they don’t pose nearly as well as Hannah and Alexa do.  They still aren’t sure about the whole camera thing and I’m not about to push things with them.  I’ve seen a lot of feral cats than NEVER let people touch them, I just feel extra blessed that my babies have come this far!

To take a closer look at the toy shown above, and treat your baby to something extra fun, click the following link: Petstages Green Magic Boomerang Buddy

Filed Under: Alexa, Cat Toys, Fatima, Hannah, Jelly Bean Tagged With: cat toy, Cat Toys

The Importance of Playing with Your Cat!

June 18, 2011 By Joi

Can you imagine a day spent doing absolutely nothing? No television, no internet, no trips to the store, no reading… zip, nada. What if a couple of these days were strung together? Not only would we be bored out of our minds, our minds would, literally, begin to degenerate; followed closely by our bodies. We’d probably ask ourselves, “Is life really even worth living?!”

When you think about it in these jolting terms, you realize JUST how important it is to provide your cat(s) with plenty of entertainment, amusement, and activity (mental and physical).

Outside Cats

Outside cats get a pretty regular stream of different activities. They don’t always peruse them, of course, but they ARE there! My Hannah is a little bit older, and extremely laid back, so she watches the activities go on around her. Jelly Bean and Queen Fatima (when you’ve had as many cats as we’ve had over the years, you get pretty creative with the names!) explore most noises and activities, unless it’s a really lazy day – then they memo the activity to go ahead without them.

However, make no mistake about it, outside cats still enjoy playtime with their “parents.” Hannah LOVES playing something we call “Sliding Stick” – okay, I call it that, she just calls it “Mew.” I slide it horizontally back and forth in front of her, while she picks the perfect time to pounce. When playing with cats, they love it when you vary the speed of a game like this – fast at times, slow at times. You’ll be able to tell by your cat’s reaction which he/she prefers. When Prissy was younger, she loved for toys to move as fast as they possibly could (the way Alexa prefers them now), but when she got older (like Hannah), I had to make sure the toys knew we were dealing with a “special” baby.

I still buy cat toys for my outside cats, as I do for my inside cat (Alexa) and as I did for my inside girl, Prissy. However, I’ve found that their tastes in toys differ from inside cats. They prefer the natural-looking toys. A favorite (in addition to sticks!) is anything with feathers on it, for obvious reasons, I guess. They appreciate toys that squeak and chirp, but bells seem to leave them puzzled. I guess they never heard an animal that chimed!

Scratching posts don’t really fascinate my outside cats either, but they do LOVE the inexpensive cardboard scratching pads that are treated with catnip. Like Alexa, they think it’s party time when I bring home a new one. Their reaction reminds me of myself when I have something chocolate…. anything chocolate.

If you have outside cats, be sure to spend plenty of time in playtime with them. Yes, the world is their playground, but they’d rather enjoy it with you than by themselves.

Inside Cats

While outside cats need the extra stimulation and entertainment, I have to admit, when I think of how critical playtime is for cats, I tend to think primarily of the inside cat. Especially for cats that spend a lot of time alone during the day – without the ever entertaining human to watch. I work from home full time and my daughters (and one of their boyfriends) are normally home, offering Miss Alexa endless amusement. However, if I know we’re all going to be out of the house for a while, I often leave the television on for her. I put it on a channel that’s frequently on (like the Food Network, ESPN, or The Cooking Channel), so she can watch her favorite shows!

A few days ago, she was in the kitchen when my youngest daughter and I stepped out, leaving Alexa home alone for a few hours. This wouldn’t be a huge deal for most cats, but like I said, Alexa’s used to at least one or two people being here pretty much 24/7. So I turned on the tv in the home office for her, since it’s the room she’s in the most often anyway (workaholic cat). I put it on the Food Network and when I came home later, she was on the love seat in front of the television watching Rachael Ray, a personal favorite.

Apparently a favorite of Alexa’s as well.

Inside cats love a wide variety of toys – you pretty much just have to test some out to find your cat’s favorite type of toy. Never overlook what’s right in front of you, though. A paper sack and the plastic lid to a milk jug provide hours and hours of enjoyment!

A word of caution when using playthings with your cat, always make sure its safe. Think through any and all possible outcomes before giving your cat a particular object or toy. Most commercial cat toys have been tested and tested some more, so they’re usually safe. However, always make sure there’s nothing that could come off and choke your cat. Also, beware of these potential hazards:

  • Ribbons on gifts, shoestrings, and yarn: If they’re very long, they could become wrapped around your cat’s neck (just as dangerous as cords on mini blinds). Also, some cats have gotten choked on ribbons they’ve gotten into their throats. Never leave them lying around where your cat could “play” with one without your supervision.
  • Gift bags with handles: Again, the handles can be a choking hazard. Cats can get their heads/necks stuck and panic. Alexa loves the feel of gift bags, so we get FULL use out of using gift bags. Long after the gift has been given, she loves to sit on and “rough up” the bag. However, I always remove the handles. As accident-prone as she is, she’d find a way to hurt herself.
  • Be very, very cautious of ironing boards or anything else that isn’t perfectly steady.  Make sure cat towers, scratching posts, etc are steady and won’t tip over on your cat.  Alexa broke her little leg in two separate places when she ran, jumped on an ironing board, and pulled it down on top of her.  It broke my heart so completely, I’m not sure it’ll ever heal completely!  Her leg did, but my heart’s another matter. I learned then that you can never be too careful – you can’t predict what a cat’s going to do, so never take any chances.

The video at the top of this article is a good example of cat parents entertaining their adorable cat WITHOUT FRUSTRATING her/him. I despise cat videos where it appears that the cat is being scared or frustrated. When the video is just pure clean fun, and the cat is obviously having the time of his/her life, it’s a beautiful and wonderful thing. This video’s a perfect example of cat lovers taking delight in their beautiful cat and sharing it with other cat lovers. THAT’S what funny cat videos are supposed to be. It’s also a perfect example of amusing and entertaining a curious cat.

That’s the beauty of cats, they’re so curious and inquisitive, it doesn’t take much to fascinate them. JUST LIKE CHILDREN.

Just be sure you never frustrate, aggravate, or annoy your cat. If they’re agitated, they may look cute but they aren’t enjoying it any more than a human would if someone pinched their ear or tapped their nose. Be sure to always amuse, not annoy.

A few personal tips for playing with your cat:

  1. Pick your moments. Be sure that playtime is a time when your cat will enjoy it most.  Never wake her up to play and don’t think for a moment that she’ll be interested in play if eating is on her mind.  Also, don’t play right after she eats… can you say upset stomach?
  2. When playing with your cat, give her your full attention. Don’t “go through the motions” while distracted by a ballgame, book, or television show.  Cats are extremely perceptive and they’ll get more enjoyment from it if their human is having at least as much fun.
  3. Mix things up. Your cat… and you!… will understandably have a favorite game you return to often (like Hannah’s “Sliding Stick”) but try to mix things up to keep it interesting.  Think of it as “nurturing” different aspects of your cat’s skills.  One game may keep her sharp and fast, while another feeds her instinct to “stalk.”  A favorite game of Alexa’s is to chase my hand as it moves underneath covers. She’ll slink around the bed, keeping low, until she thinks she has the perfect angle – then she’ll pounce on my poor hand!  Even underneath comforters and quilts, the “prey” sometimes feels it.
  4. Never confuse your cat. Add this one to the MUSTN’T ANNOY THE CAT OR FRUSTRATE THE CAT rule.  If you’re playing with your cat and he/she gets all worked up to the point of hissing or you accidentally get scratched, realize that YOU took it too far.  Don’t get onto or yell at the cat. She’ll only be confused and certain that you’re a poor sport.
  5. Keep it Fresh! Every now and then I share information that gives away JUST how pampered my cats are, and this is one of those times.  I keep a little “toy box” of toys for Alexa and pull out different ones weekly.  This keeps them fresh for her and it sometimes seems like she thinks she just got a whole new batch of toys.  Saturday is her designated day for the switcheroo. However, she does have one favorite toy that stays out all the time.  It’s a little bird that makes a bird sound when tapped.  Sometimes she pounces on it and other times I’ll watch as she just walks by and pops it with a paw to make it tweet.
  6. Get a little exercise while you’re at it! If you “go all out,” you can actually get some exercise while playing with your cats!  When I get on the floor for yoga, Alexa automatically thinks it’s playtime, so we usually combine the two.  Sometimes she just likes to watch, probably wondering if I’ve completely lost my mind. I catch her expression sometimes and it’s like she’s thinking, “Why, mom, why?”

Filed Under: Alexa, Cat Health, Cat Videos, Fatima, Featured, Hannah, Jelly Bean, Prissy Tagged With: Cat Health, cat playtime, Funny cat videos, playing with cats

Something You Should NEVER Do to Your Cat!

May 10, 2011 By Joi

Did you know that having your cat declawed is painful for him/her? Don’t be fooled by what some may tell you, it’s simply not a painless, simple procedure. Not for the cat, anyway.

From The Complete Cat’s Meow: Everything You Need to Know about Caring for Your Cat by Darlene Arden, a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant:

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 by Darlene Arden.

Filed Under: Alexa, Cat Health, Cat Safety, Featured, Prissy, Scratching Posts Tagged With: Cat Health, cats scratching furniture, declawing, Scratching Posts

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Christmas Gift Guide 2022!

Christmas Gift Guide for Cats and Cat Lovers 2022

Christmas 2022 Gift Ideas for Cats and Cat Lovers

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.

Disclaimer: As someone who works full-time from home, I use affiliate links when posting about cat furniture, toys, litter boxes, etc. I make a small amount of money each time someone clicks through and purchases a product they see on my blog. This costs you absolutely no extra money whatsoever. It simply allows me to provide my cats with the lifestyle they’ve grown accustomed to!

You NEED This Book!

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Cats

Chicken Soup for the Soul’s wonderfully entertaining and inspirational The Magic of Cats. My oldest daughter, Emily, has a story about one of my grandcats (“Eddie”) in this collection!

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Gorgeous Cat Tree!

Cat Tree

New on the Cat Blog

  • Adorable (and FUN!) Flapping and Chirping Duck Catnip Toy for Cats.
  • Automatic Cat Toy: Cats Lose Their Minds for These!
  • Rocket Cat Tunnel Tower (How Cute is This?!?!)
  • Cat Measuring Spoons: Great Gift Idea for Cat Lovers who Love to Cook
  • Christmas Gift Guide for Cats and Cat Lovers 2022: A Round-Up of Gift Ideas for Cats AND Their Humans!
  • Gorgeous, Deliciously Unique Cat Tree With “Nest Beds”
  • Machine Washable Donut-Shaped Cat Bed, Inexpensive and Gorgeous!
  • Adorable Japanese Style Tea Kettle for Cat Lovers

MinJee

Beautiful “MinJee”
We have inside and outside cats and we love them all like family. The beauty, above, is MinJee and she is as sweet as she is gorgeous.

If the spoiled inside crew would allow it, needless to say they’d ALL be inside. As it is, our outside cats have their own custom-built wooden homes and penthouses and, yes, they are all equipped with heating pads for the cold months.

We also feed and care for feral cats. Some honor us by following us home and allowing us to give them a forever home and to, more importantly, be their forever family.

#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!

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