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Blind Kitten Plays With a Hair Dryer

by Paul Ciampanelli (Subscribe to Paul Ciampanelli's posts)
Oct 13th 2011 3:00PM Filed Under: Cats, Funny Animal Videos

Do you remember our old friend Jack Tripper, the cat who was born without eyes? We learned from Jack (and his owner, Jamie) that a cat can adapt quite well to its environment when born blind. "He loves toys that he can hear," Jamie told us when we asked her what kinds of toys a blind cat plays with.

Rattle mice and plastic balls with bells in them are all well and good, but variety is the spice of life. Sometimes you have to make your own fun with your blind pet. 5-month-old Oskar, who also was born without eyes, can be seen in this video playing with his favorite improvised toy: a hair dryer! Says Oskar's owner, "His blindness does not hold him back at all. He can do pretty much everything that our 'normal' cat Klaus can do."

iPads Now Feature Games for Your Cats to Play

by Paul Ciampanelli (Subscribe to Paul Ciampanelli's posts)
May 23rd 2011 10:00AM Filed Under: Cats

We showed this video of new iPad games for cats to an old friend of ours, Grumpy Old Cat. This is what Grumpy Old Cat had to say about it:

"These young cats these days; they're so spoiled. iPad? Feh! In my day, we didn't have 'video games.' We didn't need video games. In my day, you were lucky if once in a while your owner got so bored that they threw a ball of old yarn on the floor for you to chase. That was the only 'toy' we ever had! That and mice. And I mean real mice, the kind you have to go outside to get (unless your owner keeps a dirty house). Not like these fake mice they have today, felt-covered lumps of plastic that rattle when you throw 'em. These cats today actually think they're hunting when they chase those things! It's not hunting if your prey doesn't run away, or struggle when you catch it! And now this. This generation with their iPads and video games, batting at prey that can't even escape a ten-by-eight box. Where's the fun in that? Where's the skill? I tell ya..."

Oh, Grumpy Old Cat. You're so grumpy!

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Zootoo Review - 5 Great Health and Wellness Products for Cats

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Jan 19th 2011 3:00PM Filed Under: Cats, Pet Product Reviews
As pet owners work to keep their resolutions to stay healthier in 2011, the start of a new year can also be an ideal time to promote wellness in your cat's life.

Just like their humans, felines can benefit from more exercise, better eating habits, and increased hydration. Our friends at Zootoo rounded up five great health and wellness products to help your cat thrive all year long.

Petco

To discourage cats from drinking water from unclean sources, try the Automatic Cat Water Fountain from Petco. This easy-to-use product provides a continuous stream of fresh water for cats to lap and helps break bad habits, such as guzzling from dripping faucets. And at a retail price of under $15 during some online sales, this durable, appealing fountain is a true bargain.


Pet Greens Garden

A fun, innovative system for making healthful treats at home, the Pet Grass Self-Grow Kit from Pet Greens Garden generates nutrient-rich, delectable grass for cats. With the addition of water, lush greens grow right out of the bag in about a week, and the fresh grass promotes digestive health and hairball control. Also, the product curbs your cat's desire to eat potentially harmful houseplants.

Petside's Cool Kitty Crafts

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Nov 5th 2010 11:00AM Filed Under: Cats, Animal Sites We Love

cat crafts diy photopetside.com

Creating a cool craft for your kitty is a purr-fect way to show how much you love her. Or at least burn some time on the weekend.

Our friends at Petside have created two DIY cat toys that are sure to please both you and your pretty kitty. If you're a serious crafter, it's likely you already have everything you need to make both "A Bird in the Hand" and "Secret Squirrel," but even if you have to hit up your local craft store before beginning, you're still just four or five steps (and, in the case of "A Bird in the Hand, 48 hours of glue-drying) away from playtime!

Check out Petside for step-by-step instructions for making these fun toys.

Cat Lovers Giveaway From MyThreeCats.com

by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts)
May 10th 2010 2:00PM Filed Under: Cats, Giveaways

catlovers giveaway from MyThreeCats.com pictureMyThreeCats.com

Cat lovers enjoy nothing more than making their feline friends happy. The folks at MyThreeCats.com not only know this, they fully understand it. They see their feline friends as more than pets, just like you do, and offer a wide variety of quality products for your cat (and you) to enjoy!

This week, we're giving away a pack of prizes from MyThreeCats.com to five cat-cuddling Paw Nation readers. The prize includes a Lauren Burch Feline Faces Ceramic Cat Bowl (pretty enough to have out in the open); a "Cat Sitter" DVD Volume 3: Gone Fishin' to keep your pretty kitty occupied while you're out earning money to keep her in kibble; and a Yeowww! Fruit Crate with Purrr!-muda Triangle for playtime.

To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us about your cat's quirkiest habit.

The comment must be left before 5 p.m. ET on Friday, May 14, 2010.

You may enter only once.

Five winners will be selected in a random drawing.

Five winners will receive a Lauren Burch Feline Faces Ceramic Cat Bowl, a "Cat Sitter" DVD Volume 3: Gone Fishin', and a Yeowww! Fruit Crate with Purrr!-muda Triangle (valued at $58.85).

Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.

Click here for complete official rules. Winner will be notified by e-mail, so be sure to provide a valid address!

Fun for Your Feline: Easy and Cheap DIY Cat Gyms

by Monica Wiedel-Lubinski (Subscribe to Monica Wiedel-Lubinski's posts)
Feb 9th 2010 4:00PM Filed Under: Cats

Cat in DIY cat gym picturejuco, Flickr

Gather up a few paper bags, several cardboard boxes, and you've got a fantastic play space for your favorite feline. Here's all you need to do:

Create A Cardboard Tower
Your cat will climb, stalk, and explore in this entertainment tower. When kitty seems to get bored with it, simply rearrange the boxes for a new and stimulating experience.

1. Take three to five heavy cardboard boxes in various sizes and shapes.
2. Arrange the boxes to build a tower making sure to put the largest boxes at the bottom. The boxes should be heavy enough and arranged so they will be stable when the cat is playing.
3. Decide where you want to put openings. Be sure that they are large enough for the cat to enter and crawl through and situated so the cat can move through the boxes from bottom to top and back again.
4. Cut openings with a utility knife. .
5. Check that the openings line up as planned and secure boxes with sturdy tape.

Build a Bag Tunnel
Turn those shopping bags into a paper passageway that is sure to occupy and entertain your furry friend.

1. Take three to five paper shopping bags of various sizes and shapes.
2. Determine orientation of each bag to make the tunnel. Consider turning bags upright, sideways, or upside down.
3. Use scissors to cut an opening in the bottom or side of each bag.
4. Check that bag openings line up as desired and use sturdy tape to secure bags into a tunnel.

Toys to Fight Cat Boredom

by Roxane Kunkel (Subscribe to Roxane Kunkel's posts)
Jan 28th 2010 4:00PM Filed Under: Cats

cute pet toys for cats picture Cosmic Pet Products, Inc.

Cats are intelligent and naturally curious creatures. Without daily challenge and mental stimulation, they'll quickly become lethargic and bored, leading to depression or unwelcome behaviors. The simplest way to prevent boredom in cats is with a variety of stimulating toys. Playtime ensures your cat will engage its hunting instincts or allow it to solve challenges, all while getting its daily exercise. A well-stocked cache of toys will include a selection of self-play opportunities for your cat to entertain itself while you're away, as well as interactive toys for when you and your cat can play together.

Peek-A-Prize Toy Box by SmartCat
Cats love to hide their cat toys, stalk them, and then try to pry them free. The Peek-A-Prize Toy Box provides constant mental challenge and interest. Place your cat's favorite small toys or treats inside the wooden box, step back, and watch the action. Your cat soon will be scooping, pawing, or batting their favorites out of the box. Cat toys and treats can easily be switched out to keep your cat interested.

Laser Pointers
Laser pointers have a million and one uses. Mostly they're used to interrupt college lectures and movie-theater screenings, but countless cat owners have repurposed their laser pointers as the ultimate toy for cats who love to stalk and chase prey. Just point the laser beam on the floor or walls and move it around the room. Your cat will instantly pounce on the red light and chase after it. You can give your cat a workout while you remain on the couch. Be careful to not shine the laser into your cat's eyes. Any laser pointer should do the trick, but some are designed specifically for pets.

How to Make a Cat Scratcher

by Rose Martelli (Subscribe to Rose Martelli's posts)
Oct 30th 2009 10:30AM Filed Under: Cats

Cat scatch pad picture

erikadotnet/Flickr

While you might want to make something like a cat tree when you've got an afternoon to kill and an overactive kitty at home, constructing a cat scratcher -- just a simple, upholstered post, instead of a whole series of steps and levels -- can quickly solve the problem of clawed-up furniture. Here's the simplest way to build your own cat scratcher.

- Your post should be tall enough so that the cat has to reach the length of its body to touch the top (depending on the cat, maybe three to four feet).

- Use a square-shaped post instead of a round one -- it'll be much easier to attach the carpet. You can have wood cut at a home-improvement store or perhaps find some at a furniture recycling location.

- Use hammer and nails to affix a properly sized carpet sample to your square post, but for now, leave a few inches of wood bare at the top of the post.

- Do the same for your flat, rectangular wooden base, which can even be made out of an old cabinet door, if you don't want to purchase the wood.

- Now upholster that bare section at the top of the post in a colorful, contrasting fabric. It doesn't have to be carpet; any old cloth will do. This will help attract your cat to the post. Some people also glue or nail a little cat toy on top.

- To secure the post to the base, first cut a small hole, an inch or two wide, into the base's carpet covering. Inside that now bare section of wood, use a power drill to make four holes. Center the bottom of the post to this hole and use those four holes to screw the post to the base.

Moderncat's Modern Finds: Cat Toys

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Sep 3rd 2009 5:00PM Filed Under: Cats, Pet Product Reviews, Photo Galleries
Moderncat Cat toys pictures

Kitty Grocery Pack, Flowers for Cats, Catnip Fortune Cookie, Cheeky Squeaky Pets Photos: George, West Paw Design, Jake & Micah, Naughty Naughty Pets

With so many cat products hitting shelves every week, we asked our favorite kitty-centric blog, Moderncat, to roundup their faves in a bi-monthly column we're calling Moderncat's Modern Finds.

Your kitty can never have too many toys! She needs them to act out her natural instincts -- chasing, stalking, and wrestling. Toys will keep your cat entertained and distracted from destroying things like carpets, sofas, and fresh cut flowers. Keep an eye out for well-made toys -- no loose parts that your cat can choke on! -- and safe, cat-friendly materials.

Since you have to look at the toys when they're scattered around the floor, why not choose something with a little style? We've rounded-up our top ten recommendations for the best cat toys for you and your cat.

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Moderncat Modern Finds: Cat Toys
Cheeky Squeaky Pets from Scary Stories Inc.: $5 each
These cute little characters are filled with catnip and a little crinkly noisemaker to keep kitty's interest. I dare you to not smile when you see these on your floor!
Rose Martelli

Moderncat Modern Finds: Cat Toys

Kitty Grocery Pack from George: $15
The kitty grocery pack includes a trio of plush feline favorites – one bright red cardinal, a fish, and a bottle of milk. Each is made of felt and stuffed with organic catnip. The set comes packaged in a letter-pressed sack that may prove to be kitty's favorite part of the toy.

Paca Pets: $7 - $10
These little fur balls are more than just cute, they are some of the most eco-friendly cat toys you'll find. Paca Pets are made from 100% organic Alpaca wool which is soft and lightweight and extremely durable. After kitty gives her Paca Pet a good beating, just toss the toy in a sock and run it through a wash and dry cycle – it will come out looking like new!

Catnip Fortune Cookies from Jake & Micah: $5 each
Here's a tasty treat for kitty! Organic catnip filled fortune cookies. Available in a variety of hip fabric designs, each one comes with a kitty-themed fortune. Delish!

Eco-friendly Cat Toys from West Paw Design: $8 each
You may not believe it, but the fabric used to make these cute and colorful cat toys comes from recycled plastic bottles. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they are certified safe for kitty. Filled with organic catnip and a little jingle bell, these are sure to be a favorite.

The Rat from Cat Livin': $6
This oversized rat from Cat Livin' is perfect in its streamlined simplicity. Made from wool felt with a suede tail, The Rat is filled with organic catnip. It may be the only rat both your kitty and you can appreciate.

Cheeky Squeaky Pets from Scary Stories Inc.: $5 each
These cute little characters are filled with catnip and a little crinkly noisemaker to keep kitty's interest. I dare you to not smile when you see these on your floor!

Kitty Pong: $9 for a set of three
Ping pong balls are great for batting around on the floor, or try tossing them into a clean dry bathtub for some crazy play time. These cute Kitty Pong balls from George feature mod flowers on one side and George's signature kitty heads on the other side.

Cat Dancer: $5
The Cat Dancer is a classic cat toy that is so simple, yet so brilliant. Made from the perfect length of spring steel wire with little cardboard rolls attached to the end, the Cat Dancer acts just like a real bug as it bobs through the air. Your cat will come running when she hears you bring this one out and you'll get some great interactive play time with her.

Yeoww Catnip Stinky Sardines: $3 each
Yeowww organic catnip is some of the best stuff available. It's guaranteed to make your cat go wild! These stinky sardines are the perfect size for pouncing on from behind the sofa and tossing in the air.

De'cat'pitated Heads: $12 each
And for a little humor...what kitty could resist a "de-cat-pitated" head of a hand sewn mouse, fish or bird. They're a little gory, but a lot less messy than the "presents" that kitty can bring in from the great outdoors.


Who Invented the Cat Dancer?

by Paul Ciampanelli (Subscribe to Paul Ciampanelli's posts)
Jul 16th 2009 9:00AM Filed Under: Cats, Pet Product Reviews
Cat dancer picture

"Oh tiny cat dancer in my hand." Photo: marcus_in_ny/Flickr

If you've owned a cat in the past twenty years, chances are you've owned a Cat Dancer. Even with its uber-simple design -- a three-foot length of wire with a few twisted-up rolls of kraft paper on each end -- cats go bananas for them, and cat lovers keep grabbing them off pet store shelves.

So who invented this marvelous, yet simple toy? That would be Jim Boelke. The proverbial light bulb that inspired the Cat Dancer went aglow over Boelke's noggin in 1978. Thirty years later, Boelke still runs Cat Dancer Products, Inc. out of Neenah, Wisconsin. Paw Nation spoke with Mr. Boelke to get the story behind his creative success.

What were you doing when you came up with the Cat Dancer?
I was going to college and working different jobs. One of them was in an animal shelter, and one of them was at a factory. The shelter was your typical county shelter in 1978. There was no such thing as a no-kill shelter. A pair of [cat] brothers came in that were so tiny. You could hold both of them in one hand. I couldn't take it. It's like, "No, you just can't kill these two; they're too cute." So I took them home, and of course my roommates were a little iffy on the whole idea.

They weren't cat people?
They were college students; they didn't need another expense or something else to worry about. I'm not sure I did either. [laughs]

But you couldn't help it.
I just couldn't. My other job was cleaning up at a factory, and part of what I did every night was to sweep the floors. Wire with some cardboard bits would fall on the floor. And one [piece of wire] kind of bounced around. I looked at it, then modified what I'd picked up, took it home, and doggone it if [those cats] didn't just go nuts over it! They would run after it like crazy. I'd never seen a cat get so excited about a toy. And neither had any of the other people that frequented our house. Pretty soon I was being asked to make them for everyone. "Jim, can you get some more of those?" Well yeah, they're garbage; I can bring you one. And one for your sister and your cousin and your brother-in-law and everybody else you can think of. All I had to do was use the snips and a pair of pliers and I could turn it into a nice toy.


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