May 31, 2007
What's in This Issue:
- News and Updates
- Silly Kitty?
- What helps YOUR silly kitty?
- New Cat Trees by Burt Elias!
News and Updates
I got my new computer, an Apple Mac Mini! I'm still learning all it's features and benefits. So, things are a little strange for me at the moment. The "hyphen" is in a different place on the numerical pad, for instance. Boy, can THAT cause confusion!Anyway, I DID get a submission for a story, so that's up, Charlie, by Rachel S.. I tried several times to email the person submitting the story, but the email address was incorrect or something, so I have a "stock" photo on the page instead of a photo of the cat in the story. It's truly a heartwarming story, and it made me cry.
There are specials all over the place. I've lost a couple of suppliers (they stopped selling online) and gained a couple of suppliers (new items! :) ) so if you subscribe to the RSS feed or the Blog, you will get the latest updates and find out what's up. I talk about things a lot on the Blog. No advertising - just talk.
I also have a blog on the website, which I'd been trying to get going for a while. If you are already subscribed to the RSS feed, you can get updated real quick that way. The content does NOT duplicate, so you might want both.
Who Is That Silly Kitty?
What is a "Silly Kitty" behavior? Does catnip bring it on? Well, how about that "invisible mouse" your cat finds in the middle of the night? That comes on without any catnip at all!Household Chores
What about when your favorite feline tries to help you make the bed (what? you don't make the bed??) Well, My Bugsy loves to "help!" She gets hidden under the quilt, sandwiched between the various layers of things between sheets and the quilt coverlet. She waits patiently for me to come around to the other side of the bed and play "peek-a-boo" and then she comes out. Sometimes, I draw things out and some other feline will attack that moving lump under the covers.
I also see the silly kitty behavior come out when I'm washing dishes. I have a noisy hot-water tap in the kitchen, and Mr. Beasley will come up on the counter, sit next to me and "supervise" while I wash dishes. Now, he doesn't come up when the cat food is open on the counter, when I'm cooking or any other time - ONLY when I'm washing dishes. Now that is silly kitty behavior! He will lean into me and purr, too....
Action Toys
I found this really cool toy that's a little wind-up with an arm (like the kitty-go-crazy line) and never saw such a hit since I found the pawbreaker! And this one doesn't use catnip to draw them in. I often see 3-4 kitties trying to catch the feathers at the end of the arm spinning around. Most the time, they are attacking the feathers when it's run down, though. I think the cats think the feathers are alive!
Furry Things
Mice and balls are wonderful toys, too. My Princess - my staid, reserved - Adult (thank you!) kitty has found a ball of fluff that was once a furry mouse. The tail disappeared a while ago and just showed up in the living room, but the body of the mouse is still in the bedroom. Well, Princess worries over it like it was her baby or something! She mews like a kitten. Now, Miss Princess has grown substantially, and is so quiet I call her the stealth kitty - but she mews at this toy and washes it like it was her baby! She's so fun to watch....
Balls That Play Back
Balls are always fun! A ball with a bell or weight glued off-center inside can be a lot of fun. The cats will chase it all over the place because it makes noise or wobbles in various directions. Cats like the unexpected, so these toys can have a positive impact on your cat.
Cats need exercise because of our busy lives and their protected lives. My babies live indoors in a small space, so they don't get to climb trees or chase squirrels; they don't get to run after dogs and chase butterflies. These toys give my cats a lot of exercise.
Toy Rotation
I often play tricks on the cats, though. I put a few toys out and pull a few off the floor and put them out of sight. This prevents boredom. So, if a toy seems to be getting a little neglected, I'll give them a little longer with the toy while I see their interest level then put it away for a month or more, introducing something else in it's place. The new toy quickly becomes a favorite and when I remember that it was put away a couple of months ago when it was very neglected, you can see that this saves me money, too!
Alternatives to Catnip
So, although catnip is fun to give your cats, it isn't really needed. You can get the same response by play and giving your cats a chore to do. Enjoy your silly kitties. They only live with us for a few years, and the better they feel, the more free they will be in play.
You can always tell if a cat is feeling poorly if it won't play for a few days. Cool her down or warm her up, give some treats and cuddles and try again. If your cat still won't play, take her in to be seen. She might be ill or getting there.
April Deals
Cats Claws Interchangeable Cat Activity Toy System Pom Pom (29" Length Rod; 5" Length Pom Pom; Pom Pom)
Get your cat buzzing with this interchangeable cat activity toy system featuring a fluffy pom pom. Cat toy connects to rod lead with easy snap system that allows you to change toys at your cat's whim. These are the fishing-pole type toys I recommend for bonding play.
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 Petmate Crazy Circle Cat Toy (Large; 17" Diameter; Blue)
360 degrees of fun. Your cat will never tire of chasing the ball inside the Crazy Circle. Tough, durable Crazy Circle is 17" of circular fun with rolling ball trapped inside. Made of durable, long-lasting, easy-to-clean plastic. A favorite toy in my house! | |
 Fur Ball (2.5" Diameter; Assorted)
This tiny ball of fur looks like an overgrown dust bunny to you, but to your cat it's just fun waiting to happen. This innocuous little creature dances gracefully across the floor with just the flick of a paw or a quick puff of air from you.You'll be amazed at how something so simple will keep your cat enchanted for hours.Contains catnip for added stimulation.Comes in assorted colors- let us choose. This simple "What-sis" will keep your babies entertainedr hours - I know!
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Curious Cat Organic Loose Catnip Price: 3.49
Catnip is a stand-by but it needs to be fresh. If you have trouble keeping it fresh, try catnip in a plastic container and store in the refrigerator. This is all natural, certified organic catnip. Use to recharge catnip toys or scatter it on scratching posts and cat beds to encourage your cat to scratch his own furniture instead of yours!
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