Cat Trees and Pet Supplies

Cats love the outdoors.  They love rolling in the grass, lounging in the sun, climbing trees and chasing birds or small rodents.  The fresh air is good for them, and the added stimulation helps them release some of their built up energy.  So what do you do for an indoor cat? 

If you already have a screened in porch, put a cat tree or scratching post out there for your cat to play on.   She’ll be out in the fresh air and still have things to keep her busy to release that energy.  You can also put up some shelves for her to sit on.  This way, she can still bask in the sun while on the porch.

If you do not have a screened in porch, you can build or buy a cat enclosure.  Cat enclosures are usually made of wood and some sort of netting.  They can be any size you want, and anywhere in your yard.  If you build a cat enclosure away from your house, you may want to build an enclosed cat run with cat doors that leads from the house to the enclosure.  You can put your cat’s cat tree or scratching post in there, and again, build shelves for her to bask in the sun. 

Either way, your cat can get outside and enjoy the fresh air and warm sun, while giving you peace of mind that they are safe.

Preventing behavior problems isn’t hard if you start right away when you get a new pet and don’t give up.  Here’s a few quick tips to get you started:

1. Set rules immediately and stick to them. (If you don’t want them on the furniture, a firm “NO” every time they try will teach them early.)
2. Encourage good behavior with praise and attention. (“Good Boy”, “Good Girl” and a pat on the head whenever they do something good.)
3. Correct bad behaviors by providing positive alternatives. (When you take away the slipper your dog’s chewing on, replace it with a toy.  When your cat tries clawing at the furniture set her near a scratching post.) 
4. Don’t play rough or encourage aggression or play biting. (You don’t want them thinking that hands are chew toys.)
5. Expose pets to people, animals, and environments where you want them to live. (If your pets are exposed to children, adults, animals and environments they will frequent quite often, they won’t be distressed around them and are less likely to act up.)

Just like you, your cat needs exercise to maintain a healthy weight, live longer, and keep their muscles and joints flexible.  It will also help get rid of some of their built up energy; which will make them a little less likely to claw up your couch or run circles around your feet.

Since your cat isn’t going to plan out an exercise routine for himself, he needs you to help him stay in shape and live a healthy, happy life.  He needs you to get him up off the couch and moving.

Cats are the kings and queens of laziness.  They catnap all over the house at all times of the day and night.  Every time they get up, they stretch like they’ve been hibernating for a year.  They may seem very inactive, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t want to get moving.  They just need a push.

Since cats are built for shorter, more frequent periods of intense activity, you can’t plan a long walk like you would a dog.  Instead, you need to find something that really excites them and will get out that extra energy in a short amount of time, between naps. 

Cat trees are always a good idea because your cat can run up and down the different levels, and can scratch away at the carpeting on it, or bat at any toys that are attached to it.  If a cat tree isn’t in your budget, here are a few ideas to get your cat moving:

• Get out an empty box or paper bag and let your cat go nuts hopping in an out of it. 
• Drag a long string around the house, your cat is sure to follow.  Just make sure he doesn’t swallow it!
• Let him scratch on a piece of old carpet or cardboard.  (Make sure your cat knows that this piece of carpet is the ONLY carpet he can claw at.) 
• Get a scratching post.  They are usually cheaper than a full size cat tree, give your cat something to scratch on (instead of your couch) and sometimes have a toy attached that he can chase.

However you decide to get your cat moving, just make sure you don’t use your hands or fingers to draw him it.  You don’t want him thinking it’s ok to clay and bite at anyone’s hands.

New Year’s is a great time to wipe the slate clean, and make resolutions for a better year ahead.  Our pets can’t vow to resolve anything, but you can make resolutions to help them live healthier, happier lives.

Here are some great resolutions for your pets:

• No more table Food.  Table food is 1 of the top contributions to weight gain in most dogs, and can be the cause of many health issues. Unless your vet suggests table food for a sick or picky eater, stick to dog food.
• Schedule Regular exercise and play time.   Try to take your dog for regular walks, daily.  Obviously, there will be days when you just can’t fit in a full walk, but try to make it a daily thing.  Your dog needs the stimulation of getting out of the house, and regular exercise will keep them healthy.  Also try to set aside a few minutes every day to throw the ball to your dog, or play “chase the laser” with your cat.  Human interaction helps keep your pets from acting up and developing behavioral issues.
• Brush Your Pet’s Teeth regularly.  Try to brush your cat and/or dog’s teeth once a week to avoid inflamed/receding gums, and dental disease.  If your pet will not let you brush their teeth, schedule yearly cleanings with your veterinarian.
• Improve Your Cat’s Surroundings.  Cat’s don’t always go on outtings with us, like dogs.  We usually don’t take them for walks, and for the most part they hate car rides.  Since most of their time is spent in the house, especially indoor-only cats, it would be wise to invest in some items that might enrich your cat’s life.  Interactive cat toys, scratching posts, or cat trees can do wonders for your cat’s mind and body. 

These resolutions are simple, and will make both you and your pet feel better.  Happy New Year’s to you and your pets!

According to the ASPCA pet statistics, approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year.  Caring for animals is an expensive business. It also requires a great deal of time, space, and involvement, and these things are not always available for every animal.

Many Animal Shelters are usually privately funded and can do with all the help they can get from the local community. If there is an Animal Shelter in your area, you can consider making a donation or, if they allow it, volunteering your time.  Check with the shelter to see what items they are in need of most. 

For the most part, most shelters need:

• Financial Support- as stated above, it’s a very expensive business
• Litter and litter boxes
• Break-away cat collars and dog collars
• Food-Many of the animals dropped off or found are malnourished and in need of a good meal. 
• Flea treatments
• Toys and Treats- the best way to socialize rescue animals is through play.
• Cleaning supplies (Bleach, towels, trash bags, newspapers,plastic bags, laundry detergent,etc)
• Pet houses, pet beds, and pet cages and crates- If an animal needs to be confined due to an illness then a pet cage or crate is necessary. Pet carriers are also high in demand.
• stand alone scratching posts
• and of course, people willing to adopt

Anything you can do is a big help.  New shelters are going up every day, but they’re filling up immediately and need all the help they can get.

 If you have multiple cats, don’t think you need to spend a fortune buying each of your cats a separate cat tree.  Just buy one decent sized cat tree and all of your cats can play together.  Your cats will love all of the different hiding spots, nap spots, scratching posts, toys to chase, and chasing each other up and down the posts.

Cat trees come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  It shouldn’t be too hard to find one large enough for all of your cats, with plenty to keep them occupied, and even match your decor.  If you choose one with several different levels, each of your cats will have plenty of room to lounge as well, and it won’t take up too much of your floor space. 

Most cat trees are easy to assemble, and come with tools and detailed instructions.  And don’t worry, clean up usually consists of just a damp cloth and vaccuum.

With today’s economy, even pets who had a home need your help.  Families dealing with foreclosure, sometimes cannot find friends or family to care for their pets while they re-locate.  In these instances, their beloved pets end up in shelters. 

You can help.  Shelters need donations.  Some examples of items needed are bath towels, fleece blankets, tennis balls, cat toys, dog collars and leashes, easy-walk harnesses, cat collars (quick-release), large dog crates and kennel cabs, cat litter, and scratching posts. Check with your local shelter to see what they need.  And visit www.theanimalrescuesite.com  for a more detailed list of items needed, more ideas on how to help/donate, and sign the pledge to help pet victims of foreclosure.  (The bottom of the home page has a banner to click on to get to this information.)

When looking for cat trees, there are many different styles and designs to choose from.  Do you want a cat condo, cat scratching post, dangly toys, hammocks, one or more platforms, etc. etc.  Why not get them all!

The 76″ Bungalow Cat Tree by Majestic Pet Products has a main entry covered in Elegant Faux Sheepskin, that measures 22″ X 24″.  The main residence (or cubby hole) measures 12″ X 19″ and  is situated on the second level with a roof deck viewing area.  The Guest House is situated on the third level.  It measures 10″ X 15″ diameter, and also features a deck for lounging.  Above that is a fourth level, the loft.  It measures 15″ X 17″ and has a 14″ X 14″ thick cush bolster bed at the top.  As if that’s not enough, there is a hammock situated between the second floors, two mouse toys, and a rope toy included.  The posts are hand wrapped in sisal rope, and the plush finish is scratch proof.  The full dimensions are: Height 76″ X Length 35″ X Width 32″. 

 At a reasonable price, this cat tree seems to have it all!

This cat tree has it all.  It’s covered in elegant honey colored Faux Fur. The Sisal rope wrapped posts will withstand even the toughest claws.  This beautiful playground features two residencies, a ladder, a ramp, a nest, two perches, and a dangly mouse. 

As a bonus, it assembles in minutes, with simple step by step instructions and tools which are provided.  Cleans easily with a vacuum and damp cloth.  Dimensions: Height 73″ X Length 38″ X width 36″.

1 word- toddlers.  Kids love cats.  But until they learn how to properly handle them, cats usually run for the hills when your toddler comes chasing.  Cats hide under beds, beg to go outside, or may bolt down stairs to get away. 

Cat trees provide a safe haven for your cat that is up in the air, out of the reach of your toddler.  They can relax, in the same room as everyone else, with the peace of mind that no fur will be ripped out!  And most cat trees have the added bonus of scratching posts and/or danging toys attached.  Once your toddler gets a little older, and learns how to handle your cat, the cat tree will still be useful for your cat’s enjoyment.  It hopefully won’t be needed as a safe haven any longer, just a fun and enjoyable piece of furniture for your cat to enjoy.