The Benefits of a Cat Deterrent

Cats are lovely creatures, and yet sometimes, they can also be a menace. Alley cats and stray cats can find their way into the garden of many homes, leaving things plants, trees and plant beds and flower beds destroyed. Worse yet, cats that are not domesticated or trained could leave “presents” in your backyard or garden. Menacing cats can attack at any time, especially when they know nobody will be around to shoo them off.

Marking their territory

ultrasonic cat deterrent

There are different ways by which cats mark their territory. They can scratch things in your outdoor space (such as your trees) and leave their ‘scent’ everywhere. They could likewise urinate on the flowers, vegetables and plants in your garden or backyard. In the event that stray cats frequent your property often enough, they can begin to mark your outdoor space as their own territory. At this point, it will not be easy to just shoo away these cats. What’s worse is that more than one cat could come to your property and mark it. Another one could get “challenged” and try to take over your property and mark your property as his or her territory, driving the other cat away. The whole process can lead to brawls in your own backyard.

The good news is that there are a couple of things that can help you with these menacing cats. If you happen to know how a cat finds his or her way into your outdoor area, you could use some things to keep your perimeter secure. You could use potted plants, blocks of wood, chicken wire or a big, heavy stone to cover any entry points through which a cat may crawl through. Security strips and spikes made out of plastic can also serve as deterrents for cats, when installed on ledges of entrances, as well as fences.

Cat Deterrent Spray

A good product for keeping cats out of your backyard or garden is a cat deterrent spray, available from brands such as Innotek, Contech, Lambert Kay and Multivet. The Multivet Ssscat Kit Automated Cat Repellent Deterrent Spray is a “humane” means of keeping cats away, as the cat deterrent spray is ozone-friendly, has no scent and is contains no toxins that can be harmful to kids and other animals. This spray can be used on plants, trees, flowers, vegetables, counters, as well as pieces of furniture.

Ultrasonic Cat Deterrent

Another type of cat deterrent that is effective in keeping cats out of your outdoor property is an ultrasonic cat deterrent, which uses only ultrasonic sound to drive cats away. One type to consider is the Contech CatStop Ultrasonic Outdoor Cat Deterrent, which works to alarm cats and have them scrambling away. This can protect a space that measures 280 square feet.

Electronic Cat deterrent

Yet another effective deterrent for cats, the Catscram Electronic Cat Repellent uses a motion sensor and lets out a loud sound that is very high-pitched and only audible to cats, thereby driving cats away.

Types of Cat Carriers

Cat carriers are the perfect equipment for taking cats from place to place. Even if you do not fly or intend to fly with your pet cat, a cat carrier can still benefit you whenever you take your cat to the vet. Cats are creatures that get scared easily, and when they are scared, it can be difficult to fetch them from the backseat of the car after a short trip. This is why it is convenient to get cat carriers for domesticated cats. These transporters are both comfortable and safe.

cat carriersDifferent cat carriers for different purposes are now available for purchase. These cat carriers are made to fulfill varying requirements of airlines, cat owners, as well as for an array of cat sizes. Mostly created out of hard plastic and/or metal, hard cat carriers resemble small pet cages with a handle and an entry door with a lock, to ensure that your pet does not escape while inside the carrier. Some of these come with some extras, such as a food and water bowl. A couple of good brands to look into are Nylabone and Suncast. The good thing about cat carriers that are hard is that they often have surfaces that are effortless to keep dirt-free just by wiping. The tough material of these cat carriers are also offer better protection to pets. These are available as airline approved cat carriers, too. These carriers meet the requirement of most airlines for pet carriers. If there is one problem with these cat carriers, it is that it will not be possible to fold them, because their structure is set. This also means that they can take up some space.

Another type of hard cat carrier available on the market is the wicker cat carrier, which is made out of wicker materials woven together, but with a metal “gate” for the entry door. Wicker makes for a great cat carrier material because it is an organic, eco-friendly and breathable material that ensures freshness in the summertime and some warmth during the winter season. As for cardboard cat carriers, these are ideal as temporary solutions for short trips. They are meant for using only once.

A good alternative to hard cat carriers are soft cat carriers, which are mostly made out of fabric. These offer more flexibility, and will not take up space because they can be folded. Pets also experience better comfort with the soft, breathable fibers of soft cat carriers. Bear in mind, however, that while a lot of these are machine-washable, compared to hard cat carriers that just need wiping, these carriers will take longer to clean. Some of these are also airline-approved. One variant of these cat carriers are available in backpack form, perfect for brief strolls to the park with your pet.

Scratching Posts For Active Cats

cat scratching postWhen my cat was 4 months old, it became apparent that between my 2 cats, he was the one that was active. It seemed he liked climbing things, and at the time, there was only my faux leather couch for him to climb and scratch. As my couch accumulated more scratches each week, I imagined by the time he was a year old, my couch would be ripped into shreds, or something close to that. I talked to my aunt (who has 4 cats) about this, and she recommended that I get a cat scratching post.

Benefits of Cat Scratching

My aunt told me it’s an “intrinsic” thing for cats to scratch, and that chances were that my cat most probably won’t stop using my couch or the trees outside or fence posts (though I never really let them out) for scratching. She added that cats do this to sharpen their claws, and to mark their territory by leaving their ‘scent’ on the object, and for communication – maybe my cat was telling my other cat that this couch was his. Some research told me that there are scent glands in paws of cats, too, so cats are able to find out if an object has been marked by another cat. Even cats that have been declawed can also continue to scratch objects. Scratching also allows cats to stretch out and tone their muscles. The activity is just enjoyable to them, and is a way to rid themselves of boredom.

The first cat scratch post that I got for my cats was a basic post that fell apart after nearly a year. It turned out to be too small, once the cats became adults, and it wobbled. I figured it was worth it to find out what things to look for when buying cat scratching posts, and how to use them. Below are some tips, based on my experience:

- I’ve found that catnip really is irresistible to cats, and so the first thing I did to attract the cats to the scratching post was spray the cat furniture with catnip spray.

- It’s worth the additional cost to buy a sturdy scratching post, whether it’s floor-to-ceiling or freestanding. Really stable types usually have a wide, heavy base.

- Another thing that cats find irresistible in terms of feel and sound is sisal, which is a hard-wearing material widely use in cat scratching posts. Some scratching posts also use carpet, or wood. The one to choose will really depend on what your cat prefers. Cats also have their personal preferences, so make sure that your cat will like the scratching post that you get. My cat Choppy loves his SmartCat 3832 Ultimate Scratching Post. My aunt likes Armarkat’s Cat Tree.

- Not all cats are the same in height, when they’re on their hind legs. See to it that the scratching post is a good height for your cat, given his “height” when he stretches. The scratching post should be around 30 inches in height, or higher.

Types of Cat Cages

A variety of cat cages are available on the market for those that wish to ensure their cats’ safety. Cages for pets are often found in shelters and pet stores, for a variety of animals ranging from cats to birds, dogs, hamsters, rabbits and the like. Apart from safety purposes, cages for cats can be used outdoors or indoors for quarantining animals, or to prevent them from running off, or as a temporary carrier for when animals need to be transported from one place to another.

Outdoor Cat Cages

Outdoor cat cagesThere are plenty of neighborhoods where cats and other animals are prohibited from roaming around or loitering, for the safety of pets, other animals, humans, as well as for preventing the spread of diseases. Cats that go outside the home can easily get lost, too. However, with an outdoor cat cage placed in your yard or garden, your cat will get to enjoy a little more freedom than if your cat were to just stay inside your home all the time.

An outdoor cat cage is an enclosed space that is vast yet protected, a space where you can place some cat furniture or playgrounds, toys, shelves, chairs and other structures that will allow your cat to move around more freely and enjoy some playtime. Cat cages placed outdoors can also have different sections – for feeding, defecating, playing, etc. These cages can also greatly benefit cat owners. In your own home, if your cat were to behave and move around the same way, your cat is likely to end up knocking over and breaking your fragile items, such as vases and other knickknacks.

Outdoor cat cages are structures that have a door for exit and entry (usually a big one that will accommodate your size and your cat) and a roof, so that your cat is protected from the weather. These structures will allow your cat to enjoy some fresh air, sun and the great outdoors without you having to worry about your cat getting lost or sick – from contact with other pets or stray animals. Outdoor cat cages can also be used for temporarily quarantining a sick cat, especially if the disease can easily spread to your other cats through contact.

Cat Travel Cages

These cages are temporary containers for when you need to take your cat to the vet, cat carriers that are used for “travel” purposes. It is not always easy to transport cats from the home to another place, especially when they are terrified. Cats are also known to despise changes in their environment – this is why using a cat travel cage is convenient. These travel cages are also often seen in airports, as they are used by pet owners flying with their pets. If you are using a cat travel cage for flying, see to it that you comply with the specific rules of your airline.

The Many Benefits of Modern Cat Furniture

Cat furniture has evolved into convenient pieces of equipment that benefits not only domesticated cats, but cat owners as well. Many decades ago, cat furniture and other equipment for cats were basic. A food bowl was a food bowl, and a litter tray was a litter tray. Toys for cats were simple, and did not allow cats to enjoy a lot of activities. In this day and age, cat furniture is different. They are modernized, improved and offer more convenience.

How are Modern Cat Furniture and Equipment Different?

Just as pieces of furniture and equipment make our lives convenient and more enjoyable, cat furniture and equipment serve the same purpose.

Feeding

For cat food, as mentioned, it used to be that food bowls were just food bowls. Now we have items as the Ani Mate Inc Automatic Dry Food Pet Feeder, which can accommodate as much as 6.5 lbs worth of dry cat food, and is available from plenty of online stores for around $40. Similar equipment is the Cat Mate C3000 Automatic Dry Food Pet Feeder. The purpose of these feeders is to dispense pet food based on the RDA or recommended daily allowance. This type of equipment for cats ensures that cats’ health risks are minimized, by ensuring that they do not eat much more than the amount that is advisable for them on a daily basis. Cat feeders are also programmable for up to about 3 different meals of specific sizes. These meals are served at different times during the day, based on the time that you program the equipment to dispense the dry cat food. On the other hand, cat feeders can also be manually used so that they dispense precise sized meal portions on demand. This is when they are on Frequent Feed mode, ideal for pets that have precise needs with regards to their diet, like diabetic cats. The parts of cat feeders can be washed in the dishwasher.

Sanitation

Modern cat litter box furniture pieces show an evolved version of litter trays. These are mostly litter box hiders. However, automatic types like the CatGenie 120 are so advanced that they not only flush away waste, but also clean and rinse themselves. Of course, varying levels of convenience are available to different cat litter box furniture, and other variants are simple, working only to hide cat waste from sight, while also managing smells through cat litter types and litter box furniture structures that “air out” or dry cat waste and cat urine.

Activity

For activity purposes, there are cat exercise wheels, cat condos, cat trees, cat stands, scratching posts, cat mansions and the like, available as either freestanding or floor-to-ceiling. These were not available until a few years ago. They provide cats equipment for getting some activity, so cats stretch out their muscles and remain active, even without having to go out of the house.

Cat Beds Buying Guide

Just as with our beds, cat beds provide cats a soft, comfortable and secure space for a sleeping cat. Many cat owners that want the best for their cat consider a good cat bed to be well worth the small investment, as cats are asleep most of the time. Cat beds also serve as spaces for privacy, a safe haven where cats can run off to when they wish to shut off the rest of the world and catch some zzz’s.

Cat Bed Size

It might sound like common sense, but take measurements to see to it that the cat bed that you get is just the right size for your cat. Cats vary in size and weight, and bigger beds are better for larger tabbies. Just the same, a cat will find a bed too large to be excessively spacious and uncomfortable, so make sure that the bed is just snug.

Window Perch Cat Beds

If you want to get the most ideal bed for your pet cat, first evaluate your cat’s habits and preferences. There are cats that like to just stay near the floor when they sleep, and regular floor cat beds are perfect for these cats. On the other hand, for cats that simply love resting on higher planes (as they feel most safe and secure this way) there are window perch beds for cats. These beds attach to window sills and offer cats a comfortable space for sleeping or resting and relaxing while peering out the window.

Get a Comfortable Cat Bed

Some cat beds have a double foam core (around the outer and inner portion) for extra comfort.

Machine Washable Cat Bed Cover

For convenience, make sure that you get a cat bed with a machine washable cover, something that will be easy for you to rid of dirt easily. Steer clear of fabrics that will make it difficult for you to get rid of cat hairs, dirt and grime. Remember that cats tend to stay away from spaces that are dirty, so wash the cat bed cover about once a week.

Cat Bed Placement

It is best to find a cool, comfortable and quiet corner to place your cat’s bed, somewhere where your cat is not likely to be disturbed by your kids, visitors, noise or other pets. It is also ideal to place a cat bed in close proximity to a cat’s toys. This way, it will be convenient for your cat to access the toys. The best thing to do is set a small area of your home as your cat’s official area, where all of your cat’s things are located; including your cat’s feeding and water bowl, litter box and cat furniture, with sufficient spacing between items.

Choosing Cat Blankets For Your Cats

Cats have natural fur to protect them from the cold, but there are times when it is just too cold, and some extra heat can benefit our furry friends. Just as blankets provide us the extra warmth and comfort that we need during the winter season, cat blankets can provide cats the same benefits. These blankets are made in an array of varieties and sizes, perfect for cats of varying characteristics and needs. Since these blankets are generally small in size compared to blankets for humans, they are also compact and easy to fit in one’s luggage when traveling. These blankets for kittens and cats can also be used in cat carriers, so that cats are comfortable when traveling.

The best cat blankets for cats and kittens are ones that will provide them the level of warmth and comfort necessary to keep them extra warm during the coldest months of the year. One type of blankets for cats that is very effective in doing this is a thermal cat blanket, which is a kind of blanket that is machine-washable and is able to provide warmth without the need for electricity. Most materials used for thermal cat blankets (such as berber fleece) are light in weight and simply works to return the body heat of your pet back to your pet’s body. This type of blanket is perfect for cats that are trying to recuperate from an injury or illness.

If you are considering buying a blanket for your cat, one thing to consider is your cat’s habits when sleeping on the couch or cat bed. You can easily place a cat blanket on cat furniture so that your cat will get to benefit from the additional warmth. A cat blanket can also be used to protect your pieces of furniture from cat hair, which can be very difficult to take off of certain materials. Most of these blankets can be simply washed in the washing machine, and do not require hand-washing.

Fluffy blankets for cats and other types of cat blankets are also made to ensure that your cat is safe in using them. Cats are notorious for having the ability to ruin pieces of furniture, fabrics and other things with their claws. However, the best blankets for cats are made so that cats’ claws do not get caught in the material, and cats will therefore not succeed in ripping or fraying these cat blankets. Blankets for cats are also made so they are not a choking hazard to kittens and cats. Even cats that have a tendency to knead can benefit from the use of cat blankets. Consider pampering your cat by choosing from the many cat blankets available on the market from different brands.

My Cat’s Favorite Cat Tree

One of my cats has feline diabetes. Hearing this news from his vet left me distressed, but as I came to terms with this, I concluded that the one thing I could do for my cat was to create an environment that would encourage him to engage in more physical activities. It’s a known fact that obese cats are more prone to developing diabetes, and so I figured I could help my cat stay within the ‘normal’ weight range for his size. Some good cat furniture varieties are made especially for this purpose, like cat trees.

After doing a bit of research and asking some cat owners that I know, I figured a cat tree is among the best cat furniture types that I can get for my cat, to encourage him to engage in more physical activities. This cat furniture also encourages cat stimulation, and according to scientific research, cat stimulation, a healthy diet and companionship are all vital for keeping feline Alzheimer’s at bay. Cat trees also allow cats to enjoy scratching, which is something that is intrinsic to cats. I’ve bought a cat tree for my cat, and he uses it all the time. Below are some of the things that I love about this cat tree:

- Because the base is stable and heavy, it’s pretty safe from toppling over. Even though my cat is pretty heavy at 19 lbs (he has lost 1 lb), this isn’t a problem with the cat tree that I got him. The height also makes it easy for Buster the cat to climb the cat perches.

- Go with what your cat prefers. If you know your cat’s preferences” deciding on the cat tree brand and structure to get should be easy.

- The cat perches of the cat tree are curved. It seems Buster feels more comfortable with this type of perch, because he feels cradled or “hugged”.

- On one of the levels of the cat tree, there is a cubby hole. Buster lives staying in here when he wants some privacy, and for a sense of safety. Buster’s a little paranoid, and I often see him peering out of the cozy cubby hole when I come home from work. He also sleeps in there sometimes. Another cozy feature that I hear many cats love are tunnels.

- A scratching post or sisal rope also appeals to the instinct of cats. I know for a fact that my cat loves sisal, so the cat tree that I got him has a sisal scratching post. He uses this every day.

- This is not really for your cat but for you: consider a design that agrees with your living room’s décor, in terms of color and appeal.

- For cat trees, consider the Armarkat B5701 Cat Tree, Go Pet Club Cat Tree and the Molly and Friends Simple Sleeper. These cat trees are all highly rated and recommended by many.

The Best Cat Baskets

A cat basket is the perfect cat furniture for cats to sleep in. Classically available in wicker, cat baskets are now available in other materials, including plastics and wood. Still, wicker continues to exhibit a one-of-a-kind appeal for cat baskets, and many continue to purchase cat baskets in this material. Wicker was the first material used when cat baskets were first used in the early part of the 20th century.

Wicker Cat Baskets

Wicker is a great choice for a lot of cat baskets, because the material not only keeps drafts at bay, but offers a cool and comfortable space for cats to relax in. This is because air easily finds its way between the woven materials of wicker. Wicker is also ideal for using in cat baskets because the material is tough and does not take a lot to maintain. Cleaning wicker is effortless, and only needs to be dusted, wiped and vacuumed from time to time to be kept clean and free of cat hair and bacteria.

Styles Of Cat Baskets

Cat baskets are created mostly in structures that are snug and cradle cats quite well. Like a regular wicker basket with no handle, the first cat baskets used in the first part of the 20th century were made as simple wicker structures, and yet the cat baskets available nowadays are much snugger in styling.

Classic English

Mostly made out of wicker, these cat baskets are round and have the front portion cut out, so cats can easily enter and leave the basket.
Bunk bed– These types are like an igloo-type cat basket put together with an English-type cat basket, with the latter sitting at the top of the igloo-like or den structure. Bunk bed cat baskets made out of wicker are perfect for homes with 2 cats.

Igloo Cat Beds

Some of these homey igloo style cat baskets are created in the traditional wicker, while others are covered with a cozy material. Igloo baskets for cats are also secure spaces that cats can run to when they wish to enjoy some privacy, as well as feel secure and safe.

Pet Bed

This one is usually rectangular in form, with four wicker legs at the bottom of each corner, raising the cat basket. The base of this cat basket is made out of a stiff board. This way, the structure is able to support a cat’s weight, as a cat sleeps or relaxes in the cat basket. These types may cost slightly more than other cat baskets, but they are heavy-duty and are sure to last a long time.

Carrier Cat Baskets

Perfect for taking domesticated cats to the vet, these baskets for cats have a handle and are available in wicker styles, offering a comfortable transporter for cats. These styles are also available as bicycle baskets for pets, lined with a comfortable material like sheepskin inside.

Cat Owners And Pets Love Litter Box Furniture

cat litter box furnitureCat owners love their pets, but they do not love the messes that are a fact of feline life. Almost every indoor cat can adjust to the use of a litter box. To help protect the home further from unwanted tracking, odors, and unsightly pans, investing in litter tray furniture may provide the solution. Cat litter box furniture can be found in many styles of cabinetry to help blend with the existing décor. Some styles also include drawers and shelves for extra storage.

Click here for a great selection of litter box furniture

Attractive cabinets hide away standard size litter pans from view, but still provide easy access for the household cats. The cabinets with separate compartments are designed to hold bags of kitty gravel, scoopers, rubber gloves, and odor control sprays. The furniture gives both you and your cat plenty of privacy.

The various styles available include those that double as window perches or nap spots. For people with limited space, the furniture can blend in with items already in place for the humans in the family. In the living room or guest room, for example, the cat furniture can double as a side table or corner cabinet. Used in the bedroom or in the front hall, the top of the litter box furniture is handy for placing bags when first arriving home.

Bathrooms are popular rooms for cat boxes. Yet these rooms are often small and may not have proper ventilation. A handy cat cabinet can camouflage a litter tray in the bottom, and provide shelving for toiletries and towels.

Cats and people make good housemates. Clean, private, and attractive places for your pet’s needs make your lives together even more pleasant. Investing in litter box furniture will give your feline a comfortable place for its needs. It will also help disguise the area in between cleanings and contain odors that would otherwise prove offensive.