Posted by Hazel C | 0 Comments

Paw Prints Plaque

This paw prints plaque is lovely and should appeal to any cat lovers but it is especially poignant as a memorial to a much missed pet.

• Proudly made in the USA of cast stone
• Dimensions: 9.5 x 14.5
• Weight: 8 lbs
• Includes a hanger cast into the back to allow for easy display on walls, fences, or outbuildings.

It has a sentiment I can certainly agree with – “Cats leave paw prints on our hearts”.

Technorati Tags: paw prints, plaque, rainbow bridge

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Posted by Hazel C | 0 Comments

Small Padded Cat Window Perch

Provide your cat with a lounging spot where they can soak up the sunshine or watch the great outdoors from the comfort of their own home.

This padded cat window perch features 1-inch thick foam for extra comfort.

The window perch has sliding carpeted wooden supports underneath the platform that rest against the wall to keep the perch in place – no screwing or drilling into your wall. There are two clips at the back of the platfrom that rest in your window track or ledge (behind the sill) there are screw holes which can be used if necessary but are not usually required for most windows.

The cat perch is available in two sizes, the large window perch will really let your cat stretch out.

Small Cat Window Perch
Depth 12 ½″
Width 16 ½″
One support leg
Available in 4 colors

Large Cat Window Perch
Depth 12 ½″
Width 24 ½″
Two support legs
Available in 4 colors

Technorati Tags: furniture, lounger, window perch

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Posted by Hazel C | 1 Comment

Plant Catnip to Make Toys for Cats

I have grown different varieties of cat mint before but the one that cats prefer is Nepeta Cataria also known as catnip.

You can buy packets of seeds but a couple of year ago I got seeds for free in a packet of dried catnip that I bought for my cats. It took a while to sort them out from the leafy matter but with patience I collected many of the little dark grains.

It is very easy to grow, just keep it away from the cats for a while to give it a chance. In early spring sow the seeds in a seed tray with good compost, sprinkle a thin layer of compost over them and water. Cover over with glass or clingfilm until they germinate. Now place the tray in good light, but not in full sun. When the seedlings are big enough you can either repot or plant out in the garden.

If your seedlings were grown indoors you may need to harden off before planting outdoors, don’t plant out if there is risk of a frost. Plant about 12 to 18 inches apart and always plant more than you think you need (hide a few). Planting them activates the smell that cats love and it won’t take them long to find them.

They are not really the prettiest of plants, looking like a cross between mint and nettles; I think some of the more compact varieties are better looking. But as I grow them for my cats I am not too concerned by their appearance.

By early summer they should start to have spikes of tiny pale lavender flowers. Later on as they get to the end of the season and the flowers start to drop, cut off the top half of the stems tie them into a paper bag and hang them to dry. By tying them in a paper bag you can collect any seeds that drop ready for next year’s planting. Once they have thoroughly dried give the bag a good shake to get as much seed as you can. I usually store the seed in a labelled envelope ready for the next spring. Any stems that are too woody should be discarded the rest of the dried catnip is ready to give to your cats, or to use to make your own catnip toys.

Any plants still in the garden will need to be cut low at the the end of the growing season. The old stems get woody, new stems will usually grow the following spring.

To make a basic cat toy you just need a small rectangle of cloth folded in half, sew the three seams, leaving a small opening on one side. Turn so the seams are inside, fill with catnip and stitch up the opening. Or you could be more ambitious making mice or rats. If you’re not into stitching put catnip onto a cloth gather it up into a ball and tie string around it.

And now comes the best part, watching your cat play!

Technorati Tags: cat toys, catnip, catnip toys, Toys For Cats

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Posted by Hazel C | 0 Comments

The Wanderer Returns

Babe strolled in the house this morning, missing for three and a half days, looking not too much the worse for wear.

She was a bit nervous and need some comforting. Also very hungry but I didn’t give her too much food all at once, small meals and often, I didn’t want to make her sick.

I had imagined the worst case scenarios but the got best possible outcome - my beautiful Babe is back – couldn’t wait to post the news on Cat-Things and Twitter.

My heart goes out to pet owners whose pet is missing or passed over to the Rainbow Bridge. I shall do an article soon on coping with the grief. I have been using a tapping technique while Babe was lost and found that it helped but more on that later.

Technorati Tags: babe, my cats

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Posted by Hazel C | 0 Comments

Babe is Missing

I feel totally devastated – my ten month old cat, Babe, went out sometime on Sunday night and we haven’t seen her since.

I know this happens a lot to cat owners and the feelings are mixed between hope and grief. It is early days – she could have taken fright at something and run further away from home than she’s ever been, maybe she can’t find her way back. We have my sister’s dog staying with us and that would be a good motivation for Babe to stay away, she has coped with the dog before but he really worries her.

All different scenarios have been playing in my head and I realise that whatever has happened it is really out of my control. So many pet owners must be in the same situation – it is the not knowing that is the worst thing.

NEWS

Tuesday: Babe still hasn’t been home but my nextdoor neighbour saw her being chased by another neighbour’s dog early yesterday morning. My neighbour chased the dog off and Babe made a run for it. It gives me a little bit of hope that she is still around somewhere – probably waiting until the coast is clear, we have my sister’s dog here until Friday.

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