Cat Scratching Posts: An Indoor Playground for Your Cat

If your cat appears to be bored around the house, nothing is more fun for your cat than a giant scratching post.  A giant scratching post offers your cat several levels to jump up to and plenty of space to relax and scratch.  To peak your cat’s interest and get your cat hopping from level to level, add some catnip and some toys on each level.

One of my favorite giant cat scratching posts is the Large Kitty Townhouse Scratching Post.  This scratching post has four different levels for your cat to rest and relax.  Sprinkle some catnip on each level to get your cat busy scratching.  Toys may be hung from each of the levels to encourage your cat to swat, bat, and pounce.

Another great giant cat scratching post is the Large Kitty Bistro 2.  A big platform on top allows your cat to hang out and relax when checking out the surroundings and the platform may be removed for cleaning.  Place your cat’s food dishes on the top floor to get your cat’s attention and your cat will get a workout jumping from one cubbie to the next.  A sisal rope post near the bottom lets your cat unleash her desires to scratch. 

For more relaxing kitty fun, the Sleepy Inn 2 gives your cat a cozy place to rest and play.  A fun perch on top has a great view.  The middle level has a dangling toy with a sisal scratching post for tons of swatting and scratching fun.  The bottom level has a cozy, little home that makes a great resting place after hours of fun.

Fight your cat’s boredom with one of these fun, giant cat scratching posts.  Each one has special features that will keep your cat’s interest for hours and all are made with soft, plush carpet that is fun to scratch or rest on.  For a variety of fun scratching posts, check out GregRobert Pet Supplies.

Bird Watching for Any Bird Lover

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

Birds are very interesting and beautiful little creatures to observe in nature.  Getting a good view of the birds in your yard or in nature can be difficult and trying to capture that special moment can be tricky.  If you are bird lover and enjoy watching the various types of birds in your surroundings, then a great pair of binoculars is a definite must-have.

The Tasco Monocular with 10 x 25 Magnification is ideal for any bird lover who is on the go.  This sleek minocular travels easily and won’t take up too much room in your bag.  It is also great to have on hand when hiking in the park on a nature trail or walking along the bike path.  With this easy to use minocular, you will be able to see all the beautiful details of a bird from a far away distance.

If you like the compact style of the minocular, but prefer to watch the birds with a pair of binoculars, then the Powerview 10×25 Porro Compact Binoculars may be just right for you.  These binoculars are great for traveling and are lightweight and made to be durable.  They also have fully coated optics that are similar to full size models, but don’t have the bulk. 

Another great option for bird watchers is the Bushnell Trail Sentry 4 MP Birding Camera.  This unique birding camera takes amazing pictures and even allows you to capture short films of beautiful bird on short films.  It is easy to use and has a variety of great features that make your bird experience come to life on paper.  An adjustable strap makes this camera very easy to carry around and the batteries have a long life, so you don’t have to worry about constantly recharging them.

Whether you are bird watching at home or out in nature, a minocular, binoculars, or a birding camera can make your bird watching experience even more fun.  You’ll love being able to see all of the bird’s beautiful details and can make bird memories that you won’t forget.  For other great bird binoculars and more, check out Rachel’s Robin.

Keep Your Dog Warm and Toasty Outdoors this Fall

Most dogs love to spend time outdoors as much as possible, but when the weather gets cold, it becomes harder for them to remain outside.  By providing your dog with a heated outdoor space, you can extend the amount of time your dog can stay outdoors.  To create a heated outdoor space, here are some essentials that you will need to have:

  1. First, start off with some durable and sturdy shelter for your dog.  A wooden dog house works great for protecting your dog from the elements.  One of my favorite dog houses is the Premium + Aframe Doghouse that is made of natural wood.  This dog house is designed to safely protect your dog from rain, snow, and other elements.  It also has a clear plastic door that is sold separately for keeping wind, rain, and snow out.  By adding a dog house to your yard, your dog will have a place to go if he gets too cold or the weather is unbearable.
  2. Another piece to creating a warm outdoor space for your dog is a heated pad.   The Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed is ideal for keeping your dog warm when outdoors.  The pad may be used inside the dog house or in another type of sheltered area.  This pad is great because it offers a soft, warm place for your pet to rest, may be easily cleaned with the wipe of a damp cloth, and has a chew resistant cord.
  3. If you plan on keeping your dog for a longer period of time, it is a good idea to offer your dog a dish of heated water.  The warm water will help to warm your dog inside and make his stay outside more comfortable.  Choose a heated dog dish like the Heated Pet Water Bowl by Farm Innovators.  This dog dish is thermostatically controlled to keep your dog’s water at a constant temperature and holds one and a half gallons of water.

Your dog will be able to stay outdoors longer if you create a warm and cozy outdoor living space for your dogs.  By using a dog house, a heated dog pad, and a heated dog dish, you can easily create a warm place for your dog to enjoy throughout the fall and winter. 

Here is a nice article about the heated cat beds that GregRobert donated this week.

Deter Squirrels and Wildlife from Eating from Your Bird Feeders

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

A great distraction for keeping the squirrels and other types of wildlife away from your bird feeders is to place some wildlife seed to your yard.  By feeding the wildlife in your yard, you can deter the squirrels and wildlife from eating up your bird seed. Keeping the squirrels and other types of wildlife away from your bird feeders not only saves you money on bird seed, but also helps the birds to thrive in addition to the squirrels and other types of wildlife throughout the entire year.

One way to keep the squirrels away from your bird feeders is to place wildlife food near the squirrels.  The Wild Life Block for Squirrels and Other Wildlife by Pine Tree Farms is perfect for getting the squirrel’s attention and keeping their interest.  This block of feed contains a variety of nuts, seed, oats, millet, and more and is ideal for attracting squirrels, raccoons, and other types of big, wild birds.  It is fun to watch the animals pick away at the block.

You may also want to try a loose feed, such as the Chuckanut Backyard Wildlife Diet, in a wildlife feeder to attract the squirrels away from the bird feeders.  This seed works great in a ground feeder or in a feeder with open sides for easy access to the seed.  The seed mix includes a variety of healthy nuts and seeds that are irresistible to squirrels and other types of wildlife.

When feeding the squirrels or other types of wildlife in your yard, place the seed near your home for easy viewing of your visitors.  You might be surprised at the number of visitors that you have or the type of wildlife that are attracted to your yard.

For cute photos and more information on wild animals, be sure to check out campingfunzone.com.

Benefits of Heated Pet Bowls for Pets that Stay Outside

Heated Pet Bowls are a “Must Have” if your pet stays outdoors when it is cold out.

NOTE: Feel free to comment on this post – but remember, I am not the humane society. Whenever I write about leaving dogs outside in the cold, I get a flood of very good people that comment on how inhumane that is. My dog stays inside. Some owners have real reasons to have dogs stay outside. Unfortunately, I cannot respond to debates on whether dogs should be outdoors for any length of time in the winter.

Heated Dog Bowls are excellent for winter. Dogs that spend time outdoors in cold weather need heated pet bowls so their water doesn’t freeze. Hydration is especially important in cold weather (and of course in very warm weather). You can learn more about canine nutrition and how to create a balanced meal at completecaninecompanion.com.

A heated pet dish works using coils and electricity. Plug the dish in and the coils warm the bottom and sides of the dish which keeps the water at a temperature that prevents freezing.

A heated pet water dish normally comes with a thermostat and an electric cord. The thermostat will let you know how much heat the container is generating to keep its contents warm. The dish only works when it is plugged into an electric outlet, unless it comes with an automatic shut-off switch.  Many models have the shut-off switch, now.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Plastic Heated Water Bowl for Pets — Keeps water ice free! This low wattage heated pet bowl has a capacity of …

Heated Pet Bowl with Hutch Mount –This stainless steel Bowl will keep drinking water ice-free even in sub-zero weather .

Heated Pet Bowl 6 Qt. – Blue — This 6-quart heated water bowl allows you to supply your pet with fresh …

Heated Pet Bowl 3 Qt. – Blue — This 3-quart heated water bowl allows you to supply your pet with fresh …

Heated Plastic Pet Bowl 6 qt. — This 6-quart heated water bowl allows you to supply your pet with fresh …

One of our recent customer questions:

I just purchased a heated water bowl for a dog. It says not to use an extension cord with it, but the nearest oulet requires one. Will it really hurt to use an extension cord with this product?

ANSWER: The manufacturers and retailers must say that for liability reasons.. HOWEVER. I would recommend that if you MUST use an extension cord, use a heavy duty outdoor extension cord designed to carry the electrical load used by the water bowl.

ALSO make sure that the cord is not laying in water or wet areas. you can also buy different tapes to cover the plug into the extension cord. Make sure you are using a quality extension cord designed to be used outside.

Cats Have a Keen Fondness for Heat

The reason that cats love heat sources so much is developed early in life. By understanding why they enjoy warmth, you can stay on top of the dangers with heat that can actually hurt them.

From the time they are born, kittens have a keen sense of temperature that comes from the receptors on their faces. This helps kittens find their mother before their eyes have opened. (Necessary to survival rates in the wild – as the Mother kitten can be the only source of food available to the kitten)

As they grow into adulthood, these same temperature receptors on the cat’s face become even more sensitive.

What you need to know when providing heat to your cat or kitten is that temperature receptors other than those in the face can be insensitive to temperature extremes. Another words when the cat is sitting in the sun, the heat hitting the cat’s body is hitting the receptors on the body and the face. The cat knows that he or she is getting too hot.

But when you provide a heated cat mat or furniture warmer, the cat’s face is not getting warm – just the cat’s body. The cat does not know he or she is getting too hot. Make sense?

This is why cats can get burned without knowing it. Choosing a heating source with reliable temperature control is of utmost important. Remember – it should not get too hot, or your cat will get hurt. Not only that but they also love being featured on social platforms. Social platforms like https://themarketingheaven.com/buy-tiktok-likes/ are promoting our friendly felines in a huge manner lately.

Here are a few of the heated cat mats, beds, perches and furniture warmers that we suggest based on reliability.

Thermo-Kitty Furniture Warmer The Thermo-Kitty Furniture Warmer is one of our favorites because of the versatility. Your cat loves the condo – no problem .. place it on the condo. Your cat prefers the space underneath your desk while you work? Not a problem there either. This is the perfect addition to any piece of cat furniture. We love the incorporated straps to hold it in place on any platform. It has a very flexible design that conforms to the favorite tunnel or kitty hammock.

Thermo-Kitty Throw Warmth all over. The Kitty throw is soft and cozy and warm to boot. We love this warm cat blanket because you can add it to your cat’s favorite bed and give it an extra degree of warmth. Anywhere your cat likes to lay can be the perfect place for this blanket.

Thermo-Kitty Round Heated Cat Bed  We love this bed. It’s not too big, it’s round ( Our cat prefers round beds, as they fit snugger against her body). It is colorful, fashionable and has K and H reliability. Can’t beat it.

Add Charm to Your Yard with a Decorative Birdhouse or Bird Feeder

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

A great bird house or feeder will instantly add character and charm to your yard, not to mention it is great for helping the birds to thrive.  Adding a stylish birdhouse or bird feeder is ideal for spicing up your patio or garden area.  There are some fun, decorative birdhouses and bird feeders available that are great for the birds and for adding a touch of fun to your yard.

One of my new favorite birdhouses is the Starfish Retro Chic Birdhouse by Rossos International.  This fun, vibrant birdhouse add color to your yard and gives the birds a safe, cozy, and dry home.  The hand-painted starfish on this birdhouse are very fun and whimsical and the little birdie sitting on top looks adorable.  Hang this charming birdhouse on a tree limb or a post in your garden and enjoy!

Another fun, decorative piece for your yard is the Peace Retrochic Bird Feeder.  This charming and unique bird feeder has a fun, vibrant peace design that is sure to bring attention to any spot in your yard.  It is ideal for feeding a variety of birds and can be used with any small, mixed birdseed.  The birdseed stays dry because the feeder has a galvanized steel roof.

Whether you choose a fun, decorative birdhouse or a bird feeder, you won’t be disappointed with the charm and whimsy that it brings to your yard.  Not only do these birdhouses and feeders add character and color, but they are very practical and help the birds to survive and be healthy.  For more fun birdhouses and bird feeders, check out Rachel’s Robin.

Tired of Kitty Litter Everywhere? Simple Solutions to Reducing Kitty Litter Mess

 

If you have a cat or multiple cats, then you know how quickly kitty litter can become a mess around your home! Constant cleaning can take its toil, but is a necessary task to keeping your home neat and kitty litter free.

Kitty litter can become scattered when your cat kicks up the litter in the box or after your cat finishes using the box and leaves.  The first line defense to this is a trackless litter mat placed strategically where you cat gets in and out of the litter box.   Our favorite is the VanNess Trackless Litter Mat – but we talk about a few others below.

One solution to this problem is to choose a kitty litter box with an enclosed lid.  One of my favorite kitty litter boxes is the Booda Dome Clean Step Litter Box . This simple-to-use box is great for one cat or multiple cats in your home.  The steps are great for helping to catch the kitty litter before it leaves the box.

It is also easy to clean and offers your cat privacy when using it.  It is also great for keeping the kitty litter inside the box when your cat starts kicking it up.

Another great enclosed kitty litter box is the Extra Giant Enclosed Cat Litter Box by Van Ness.  This kitty litter box is great for multiple cat owners and is great for preventing kitty litter from flying.

The hood and door are designed to keep the kitty litter and smells inside the box.  Your cat will love the large size of the box and the kitty litter won’t end up on the floor.

Once you have chosen the perfect kitty litter box, a kitty litter mat is also helpful for keeping the kitty litter in.  A mat, such as the Litter Catch Mat, is perfect for preventing the kitty litter from your cat’s paws from scattering all over your floor.  Look for a mat that has a rubber backing to help prevent it from moving around on your floor.

With the right type of kitty litter box and a kitty litter mat, you will have less mess to clean up and step on!  For a great selection of kitty litter boxes and mats, check out GregRobert Pet’s Supplies.

Get Ready for Autumn and Winter Bird Feeding

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

If you live in the north, fall can be a great time to continue feeding the birds, even though a majority of birds have gone south for the winter.  Some of the birds that stay around for the fall and winter are Sparrows, Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays. During the fall, these birds are busy stocking up on food to get them through the winter.

A great seed to get for your fall and winter birds is the Birdlovers Thrive RX Stress/Survival Blend by FM Browns.  This special blend of bird seed is formulated to give your birds the nutrients and energy they need to make it through the winter.  It is a great source of protein and carbohydrates for birds.

When feeding your birds during the fall and winter, use a feeder that offers some protection from the elements, such as the Go Green Coppertop Gazebo Feeder.  This feeder has a sturdy, copper roof that is great for protecting the birds from rain and snow.  It is also easy to fill up with bird seed and keep clean.

Another essential item for attracting birds to your yard this fall and winter is a bird bath heater.  Water is less available during the colder months and by offering birds warm water when the weather is cool, you are sure to attract birds to your yard during the winter.  A great bird bath heater is the Heated Rock Bird Bath De-icer.  This bird bath heater blends in nicely in your birdbath and operates only when the temperature is below 35 degrees.  It is energy efficient and easy to operate.

Nine Inspirational Blogs that are worth a View!

While everyone is having fun traveling and spending sometime with friends and families, I would like to share with you a few of our favorite blogs:

Rabbit Mart Blog for Pet Rabbit Owners –
www.RabbitMart.com/blog – A great blog if you care for rabbits.  Rabbits are a bit different than the standard cat or dog pet – so this blog sure has a niche concentrating on rabbit and bunny problems, issues and products.

The Michigan Business Blog –
www.MichiganBusiness.us/blog – A great blog about the great state of Michigan. This blog is not only about business in Michigan (which needs some inspiration) but about sports and travel and a slew of cool things.

ShanesTack Horse Care Blog –
www.ShanesTack.com/blog – An equine heaven.  If you own horses – this blog can be informational, inspiring and humorous all at the same time. Specializing in equine medical and health information.

Petazon – The Pet Blog –
www.Petazon.com/blog – Written by some of the same authors that write this blog, Petazon is a keeper if you have pets.  We don’t look at this blog as competition .. just an inspiration regarding ideas that pet owners are concerned with.

The MADE IN THE USA PET SUPPLIES BLOG –
http://www.usamadepetsupplies.com/ – Learn more about products that are made here in the USA.  Concern is mounting across the US to support our manufacturing processes, jobs and workforce.

RachelsRobin – Wild Bird Blog –
www.RachelsRobin.com/blog – They need water and seed and safety from predators.  Easier said than done – Rachels Robin Wild Bird Blog can help. A great blog about wild birds, bird watching and attracting birds to your backyard.

BackyardStyle blog for Lawn and Garden

http://www.backyardstyle.com/ – A great blog for all home owners that enjoy gardening, water gardening or maintaining thier lawn.  It talks about pest control and pond water care and a slew of other topics for home owners.

Appliance Life Blog –
www.ApplianceLife.com/blog – Are you a fixem’ upper’?  If so, here is another great blog for home owners which focuses on extending the life of household appliances through maintenance and part replacement rather than buying new ones.

Price That Tool Blog –
www.PriceThatTool.com/blog – A handyman paradise.  This blog features tool reviews and information on new tools in the handyman, garden and construction verticals.

Happy Blogging and thanks for stopping in to visit our friends in the Blogosphere! –