[Caturday Kitty Corner] Favorite Feline Finds

April 18, 2020April 10, 2020Leave a comment

After a lifetime as a self professed cat lady, I figured it was time to start putting my knowledge to good use and imparting some of it onto y’all, my fellow feline fans. Tune in on Caturday I dose out some important cat related content with lots of Catitude. imparting some of my know how onto others that love their cats just as much as I do. So, welcome to the Caturday Kitty Corner – your new go to resource for cat related content, with a dose of Cat-titude

Rat Bros. - Song for Jeremy (Contest Winner #2) Cats.Rule ...

Currently, my husband and I have a troop of five furry friends – Daisy – a Calico, Stella – a Lavender Tabby, Marley – an Orange Tabby, and a duo of Siamese – Loki, who has the traditional pattern, and Lucky – a Lynx Point Siamese Tabby. They’re all different ages, with different likes and temperaments – but one thing they can all agree on: how much they dig the products below.

Favorite Tricks and Tools for the Aspiring Crazy Cat Ladies

Books: The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know by Tracie Hotchner

Whether you’re simply curious, or amassing all possible knowledge about your furry feline friends, Tracie Hotchner has your back. The esteemed host of Cat Chat on Martha Stewart Radio, you’ll get more information than you know what to do with – and that’s kind of the point. No matter if you’re trying to get into your first cat, or are looking to add members to your squad, curious about cat-proofing your home, claw clipping, odd behaviors and different breeds: this is the read for you.

Best Mat for Litter Control: Gorilla Grip Original Premium Durable Cat Litter Mat

Life with cats is pretty simple, when you get down to it – but there is always one conundrum every owner has to face: where the hell do you put the litter box and how do you keep that cat litter from going everywhere? Well, meet your new best friends – these live-saving, litter trapping mats from Gorilla Grip. Phthalate-free, easy to clean, and kind to the touch for your feline friends – the mats come ready to fit to your needs with multiple sizes, colors and different shapes with rectangle, semi-circle and corner pieces.

I defer to the jumbo size for a few different reasons – but mainly: between five cats of our cats and hardwood floors, the tiny litter pebbles would spread through the house like wildfire. Thanks to my trusty new friend from Gorilla Grip, cleaning the mat is as easy as vacuuming for small messes and a quick hose down in the sun for large ones. Trust me – this mat will save your sanity.

Next Level Playtime: YOFUN Smart Interactive Cat Toy

When a cat wants to zoom, they freakin’ zoom – but you’re not always going to be free when they want to play. Enter your cat’s new electronic best friend – the YOFUN interactive toy. Fully equipped with a little red dot and spazdic motions, the toy is unpredictable and fun for the whole squad. We got two so our cats didn’t have to compete to use it – and currently they’re available for only $12.99

Curb the FeedingFrenzy: Catit Senses 2.0 Digger for Cats

If there’s one piece of advice I can give you about Orange Tabbies, they do not stop eating. Watch – go to Google search, and start typing ‘Why Are Orange Cats…’ and just watch the results roll in. Garfield wasn’t just an awesome cartoon, he was an accurate depiction of the Ginger Tabby Eating Profile. To try and slow our cat Marley down just a little bit, we found this cat-tastic tool from Catit. Instead of your pet being able to free feed on treats and kibble, they’re forced to use that cute little noggin of theirs to figure out how to get the treats out of the green cylinders. Now, the little kitten has figured out all she has to do is bite down on the edge of them and fling the treats in the air, but that’s another story, for another day.

Cat Nip: From the Fields Catnip

There’s nothing quite as fun as when your cats get nippy with it, but at the end of the day – every herb connoisseur knows that you want both quality and quantity with your buds. Our cat favorite in this household comes from the brand From the Field; just one sprinkle and the cats will go crazy. Simple, successful and silly!

Cat Scratcher: PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher

Now, I couldn’t just tell you about the wonders of my favorite cat nip without giving you a good place to put it, right? Enter PetFusion – they’re just one of those companies that simply does everything right

Made of heavy duty cardboard, these cat scratcherswith fun features and sizes like triangles, or multiple platforms with easy access from both sides.

Their cat-scratchers are more or less indestructible (minus the one I sat on and broke…), and the multi-level ones are the best for multi-cat households or just really lavish kitties.

Cat Nail Clippers: Whisker Wishes Veterinarian Grade Pet Clippers

Just like when we need a mani-pedi, your cat also needs to get their claws clipped every so often. Oh, yes, it can be nerve wracking – but thankfully, there’s a few companies who have products that are here to help. My no fuss, no slip go-to are these fantastic veterinary grade clippers from Whisker Wishes.

Being white, they’re easy to find if you misplace them – as I discovered when I lost a black pair a year ago and needed to replace them.. Not only is this model super cute, but even better – they come in at a super low price of only $6.00 on Amazon.

Pet Harness: Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness from Best Pet Inc

Let’s start by saying: not every cat wants to be outside, and not every cat owner wants to entertain the idea of putting their cat on a leash. If either of those describe your current cat condition, this product is not for you. If not, read on my friends!

For the daring and adventurous cat owners, and cats as well – the Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness is the best bet. The harness gives ample mobility while ensuring your cat can’t escape – but do yourself a favor and measure your cat before you buy so you go with the purr-fect fit, and at $12.99 you might as well consider this a steal.

Water Fountain: Veken Cat Automatic Water Fountain, 2.5L

Leave it to some random Buzzfeed post to get my goose a few months back, but as I was scrolling through a post devoted to proper presents for your feline friends, I discovered this amazing Veken automatic water fountain. It comes with a plastic mat and a few interchangeable filters, but eventually you’ll need to restock as you have to replace them every once in a while.

It took a few days, and some coaxing from the rest of the squad – but all five cats have been sharing and enjoying the fountain; especially the kitten, Lucky von Floof.

Cat tree: Yaheetech Cat Tree on Amazon

Amazon has a lot of great options to choose from, as in so many options you could actually fall into a hole in the internet as you compare and contrast your options. There are tall trees, wide trees, multi-level trees, trees with hammocks, trees that look like they’re real trees, and of course your run of the mill standard options. I’ve had good luck with what I’ve found, but at the end of the day I’m of the personal opinion that you really need to see them in person to get the full read; I mean, you wouldn’t buy your next apartment or car online, so why should your cat? Anyhow! Your local PetSmart or Pet Club has a bunch of options that fit any pet situation. But some key things to look for: multiple levels is necessary for multiple cats, have a few different scratching options available and make sure the top is big enough to host a furry little slumber party.

To snag any of the items I’ve listed, plus lots more of my favorite feline finds – check out this little list I’ve put together over on Amazon. Anything you think is missing? Let me know in the comments below and enjoy your Caturday, furriends!

Ps. If you’re itching for more cats, give mine a follow on Instagram (yes, they have an Instagram – what did you expect….)

The Squad: @TheKittyMenagerie | The Baby: @Lucky.von.Floof

[Best of the Box] All The Kitties Go Crazy for the KitNipBox

June 15, 2016June 15, 2016Leave a comment

As it turns out, securing my little IPSY Subscription Box with makeup goodies and samples fun enough to make any makeup maven ‘Oooh’ and ‘Ahhh’ was just the tip of the iceberg and it seems I’ve created a monthly box monster of sorts. After two months of drooling over my IPSY goodies, I added a Birchbox Beauty subscription to the mix and just so I didn’t feel like a completely spoiled brat, I decided that it might be time to branch out; and with all these fantastic monthly boxes out there, I couldn’t just keep my subscription secret to myself – so, I figured I’d give the kitties a run for their money.

I spent some time debating between MeowBox and KitNipBox but after reading the reviews for multicat households, I knew KitNip would be a winner. One of my favorite things about the box is there are always ample toys for the cats (and when you have four kitties, this is incredibly important) – plus the treats have been on point for their first two boxes; it’s so refreshing that treats all of the cats like actually exist!

Until KitNip, I was convinced that Stella only likes the generic store bought treats, Daisy preferred fish flakes, Loki only loved high end cat food and Marley, well…Marley likes it all, but they all love the treats in the subscription box like a full size portion Waggers’ My Little Lion ‘Totally Tuna’ Cat Treats that disappeared almost immediately. Not to mention, Last time Danny and I rearranged our living room furniture – we found over a dozen toys tucked away in the crevasses of the couch and having a hearty pile of them helps. My personal favorites are the ‘Keep Calm and Purr On’ pillow and the plush catnip stuffed Elephant stuffed toy.

I’m a sucker for giving back to the community, and in my opinion one of the best parts of purchasing a KitNipBox is that the team lend their charity, proceeds and products to over 100 different organizations like shelters and rescues across the country including the Paw Project and San Francisco SPCA to the Stray Animal Adoption Program and Kit Tea SF, San Francisco’s premiere cat cafe.

For More about KitNipBox
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Just Take My Money + Sign Me Up

Do you have a subscription box perfect for pets or one that you’ve simply been itching to get your paws on?

Let me know in the comments below!

[Oh, Snap] Project Survival’s Cat Haven: Lions, and Tigers, and Cheetahs – Oh, My!

February 22, 2016February 22, 2016Leave a comment

When I was three years old, I baffled my parents when I started mumbling the phrase ‘fully textured for cats’, when I was in 5th grade I did a report on the history of cats, I used to have grandiose dreams of owning a Bengal Tiger a la Jasmine from Aladdin, and yes, in fact, I have been to a cat show. If you’ve been privy to this blog for more than a few months, then you most likely have seen the multiple barrages of adorable kitty pictures and know that I’m currently a proud owner of four little fur babies – Stella, Daisy, Loki and Marley. Cat lady supreme? It’s debatable, but yes – big or small, young or old, fluffy, puffy, plush and everything in between – I definitely have love for all the kitties. So, when my fiance told me there was a large cat sanctuary near where we were vacationing this past weekend, I couldn’t help but squeal like a little school girl.

On Saturday morning – or as I prefer: Caturday morning – we packed our bags and hit the road to the gorgeous and awe inspiring Sequoia National Forest but before we did we made a special pit stop in a sleepy town called Dunlap to prowl around Project Survival’s Cat Haven. Sitting on 100 acres of sprawling wilderness, the PS Cat Haven has been working diligently towards large cat conservation and education since 1993. Founded by Dale Anderson, the site is host to a wide variety of cats – from Lions, Lynx, Amur Tigers, Cheetahs, Bobcats, Servals, Lions and a stunning White Bengal Tiger

If you feel anything like I do about Seaworld and most Zoos, than you’ll understand that in the beginning it might be hard to see the animals in the size of cages that they’re in. But, please know the cages are held to regulation and there were several decommissioned areas based on the same principal. Not only that, but the animals receive daily enrichment – a fancy word for boxes, treats and toys – hunks of meat and have an outdoor playpen to roam around in, and for a few of the litters of animals – potentially even a playmate.Now, I wasn’t able to get too close to get a picture (and rightfully so, with the cages and barriers), but these are some of the beauties that I fell whiskers over paws for.

Rose and Samba were a pair of Jaguar sisters, and completely playful and adorable – their only competition was Nacho and Libre, who turned out to be their brothers for a little a few years later! And of course, I loved the White Bengal tiger!

For being a tried and true cat lover, I actually learned a lot – but there were two fun feline facts that stood out to me…

For all us cat lovers that sit there and talk to our cats, did you know: cats that purr can’t roar, and cats that roar can’t purr. Your felines vocal proclivities are driven by a bone at the back of their throat, the more rigid the bone – the more of a Roar!

Secondly, the Panther is a misnomer – Panthers are melanistic leopards and jaguars. Melanism is a recessive genetic phenotype that occurs in a small variety of animals, and is why we get the elusive black flamingo, black wolves, black snakes and black squirrels and ‘black panthers’. In most cases, this was an adaptive trait to help the species survive over time.

In large cats, this happens within the ‘Agouti Gene’ and results in various species – like leopards, bobcats, servals, and jaguars – presenting with darker pigment in the normally orange areas.Though they look black from afar, the result is that deliciously chocolate brown coat with even darker markings that “Black Panthers” are known for. On the flip side, this gene doesn’t present in domestic cats – meaning your elegant black house cat really is black.

For more about Project Survival Cat Haven, head to their website or socials:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

To Donate to their cause, head here! | Adopt a Cat from PS Cat Haven

Celebrate National Cat Day by Giving Back to Your Furry Felines

October 29, 2014Leave a comment

As a self professed felineoholic, today is probably my favorite day of the non-traditional holiday year: it’s NATIONAL CAT DAY! I usually reserve my phone dump of fur on Saturday – Caturday, if you will – but I’ve saved my favorite feline pics, flicks and memes for today. When you get home from work, make sure you stop by your local PetCo or better yet, that Mom and Pop Animal Store around the corner that you’ve been wondering about and snag a little treat for your furry friends; trust me, they’ll thank you!

Don’t have a cat? No problem! There are tons of ways you can celebrate, too.Head on down to your local animal shelter or ASPCA and give those kittens in the cat room some lovin’! It doesn’t matter if you’re thinking of getting one of your own, or just have a few minutes to spare – these guys spend almost their entire day trapped in a small cage: except when you come in to play! Even if you don’t want to commit to volunteering in the long term, today’s the purrfect day to pop your head in and say hello.

Back when the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was hot and heavy, I took a different route and donated to the World Wildlife Fund. Founded in 1961 as a collaborative international fundraising organization, the WWF was created after the Morges Manifesto was signed by top conversationalists from around the globe. Though there was an international push for nature conservation, the resources at hand simply weren’t enough to satiate international needs. And ever since, the WWF has taken center stage when it comes to protecting endangered animals and the acres and acres of land necessary for their survival. Currently, there are over 120 different species that you can opt to protect on the site – but did you know that of those 120, almost 10% are cats?! meOW!

Last but certainly not least, get your structured cuddlement as Uber, the ASPCA & Cheezeburger combine forces to bring the cats directly to your doorstep! For the second year in a row, Uber will be delivering crates of adorable to the following cities; just place an Uber for KITTENS between the hours of 1 and 4pm in Austin, Chicago, DC, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Seattle. The best part – besides ALL of it – is that these kittens are also up for adoption! Please, don’t sleep on this – I would love to live vicariously through anyone that actually does it!

[Let’s Celebrate] National Cat Day

October 29, 2013October 29, 2013Leave a comment

Not like we need a reason to celebrate on the daily – personally, the only reason I need to celebrate is because I want to – but when I was in college, my friends and I stumbled across a calendar that assigned holidays to each and every calendar day. For example, it just so happens that National Cotton Candy Day falls smack dab on my birthday (serendipity, right?), International Sushi Day is on June 18th and April 16th is National Eggs Benedict Day. As you could surmise, the other 365.25 days are equally zany and fun – but since when was I too old for zany and fun?! Now, there’s one holiday that I’m just head over heals in love with and it’s because of the two little furballs that invade my life on the daily – Sake and Stella. Ladies and gentlemen, cats and kittens – Happy National Cat Day!

Beyond being adorable, fun and entertaining for hours on end – there are a lot of health benefits associated with owning a cat. Those little lap lovers purr at a frequency between 20 and 140 Hz which qualifies them as medically therapeutic! Do you find yourself overly anxious at times? I know I do! So I was excited to learn that petting a cat can lower the amount of stress hormones coursing through that little body of yours. Plus, your blood pressure and risk of heart attacks decrease ! If you don’t have a cat of your own to hug, squeeze and pamper today then head down to your local pet shelter and put in an hour or two with the sweethearts without homes – I guarantee they’ll appreciate it, even more than their little mews let on.