The Essential Cat Lady’s Favorite Things! Includes the well-loved song:
“Raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens, bright, copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things!”
Incidentally, after fifteen years of working in Veterinary clinics, two years as a cat adoption counselor and eleven years of cat-sitting, I‘ve seen most everything! Therefore, I’m sharing some of the best cat products with you. Dogs, I love you too, but you’re on your own. Hey, you know how to beg!
Scratching Post-Definitely One of The Essential Cat Lady’s Favorite Things!
Scratching Post: By the way, some cats prefer vertical scratching surfaces and others want horizontal. Unless you’re absolutely positive as to what your cat likes, I’d recommend one of each. Petstages makes scratchers that look like beds, etc. Incidentally, they’re cardboard but hold up surprisingly well.
Years ago I saw a Smart Cat vertical tower at a client’s home and decided we would have to have one of those. Moreover, ours is over two years old now and not showing any sign of wear. It has a really sturdy base and it’s wrapped with woven sisal. Sisal is probably the most durable surface out there. However, sisal rope wrapped around a post eventually comes off. You can glue the rope back on with construction adhesive if you’re strong enough!
Incidentally, cats are more apt to use their scratching post if it is secure. Ours was in the hallway in front of the HVAC closet, but that floor is tile. I moved it into the bedroom when the repairman stopped by. The bedroom is carpeted and I noticed they used the post much more often after that. Therefore, it stayed in their bedroom where it doesn’t slide or tip around. We are all happy! Just something more for you to consider. We all know what it feels like when something is about to tip over; scary, eh? Make the scratching post as secure as possible. If you have no suitable carpeted area, you might need to use a little Velcro on those lightweight, horizontal scratchers.
Food Dishes
Food Dishes: Use dishes made of ceramics, stainless steel or melamine. By the way, plastic absorbs odors. Cats might not want to eat after they’ve been used a while. In addition, check dishes for scratches that might harbor bacteria or cut your cat’s mouth. Incidentally, plastic can contribute to feline acne; small black spots under the chin that resemble blackheads.
Raised/angled dishes are the latest rage and definitely benefit older pets. The cat doesn’t have to bend over as far. Therefore, the dishes reduce the strain on their aging spines. In addition to being elevated, the dishes have adjustable angles. In the meantime, my guys have been eating better with the elevated/angled dishes. Consequently, they are more eager for breakfast. It’s easier to swallow in that position, so there’s less throw-up.
If you have a pet who eats too fast, there are dishes that look like they have a maze inside. Therefore, the pet has to work to get the kibble. Incidentally, another option is to place some clean rocks in the dish. Make sure they are too big to swallow!
Covered/Controlled Dishes–one of The Cat Lady’s Favorite Things!
Surefeed makes covered feeders that only open in response to the pet’s microchip or a special tag that is included. These solve the problem of keeping pets out of each other’s food. It is an amazing system. Battery operated and easy to use. These dishes can prevent some major digestive problems. Available on Amazon. By the way, they aren’t difficult to set up or operate. Food dishes come out for easy washing.
Water Dishes and Fountains
Water Dishes & Fountains: Cats don’t really like their water to be too close to the food, in case of possible contamination. It goes back to habits of their wild cousins. A lot of cats enjoy the fountains because they like moving water. Incidentally, you change out the filters and keep the rest of the fountain clean. Dishes need to be wide enough for the whiskers to clear the sides. Yes, there is really a condition called “whisker fatigue!” By the way, the whiskers are sensors that tell the cat how wide a passage is. If the whiskers are stimulated for any length of time, they get tired. The whiskers tell the cat if the opening they are considering is wide enough to get through. Beats carrying around a yardstick!
In addition, fill the water up to near the top. If the dish is too high and the water too low, the cat cannot comfortably reach in to drink it. The dish will hurt their throat. Just imagine yourself trying to deal with some of these situations! Some of the Pyrex casserole dishes are perfect because they are squatty and the edges are nice and smooth. They hold lots of water and don’t tip over easily. There are cats who find dumping dishes over very challenging and won’t rest until the mission has been accomplished!
A Little Variety is Always Appreciated
I keep two bowls and one fountain available at all times. Because I was hospitalized three times in only fourteen months, water is even more of a worry. I’ve added a casserole dish too because several of my cats are seniors, like me! Therefore, I have an extra large dish for water nearby in the water area, just in case it might be needed. In addition, to the dish, there’s a half gallon of water next to it. In addition, if I’m gone most of the day, the bathroom faucet will be dripping slowly. I put a chair in front of the sink to make it easy for them to get up there. Complicates my life but hey. . . . . they would do it for me!
Our Air Conditioning has gone out several times this summer; definitely not a favorite thing! I used small plastic dishes to make huge ice cubes that I put in the drinking water. They always went to get a drink when I did that for them. Incidentally, one of my cats overheats quickly so I held his paws in water and sponged his tummy with cool water to help lower his temperature. By the way, lots of cats regularly get ice cubes in their water.
My Favorite; Lots of Water
Incidentally, I always recommend that my cat-sitting clients put out an extra dish of water when they’re out of town. More is better in the case of water! By the way, you just never know what a bored cat might decide to get into. Moreover, I know cats who think dumping the water over is an Olympic sport. They can be incredibly creative about it too. Therefore, be prepared!
One other thing: wash water and food dishes frequently. Cats drool while they’re drinking and eating. You will feel a daily slime in the water dishes especially. They do the best they can to be fastidious but it just happens. Before you get upset about it, picture the mess we humans would make if we ate/drank in the same position! By the way, I don’t even want to think about it! Incidentally, some cats won’t eat food that has set at the bottom of the dish. Time to wash and give completely fresh food.
Litter Scoops–The Essential Cat Lady’s Favorite Things!
Litter Scoops: These cost anywhere from $1.39 and up. Those cheap ones can break easily! We have some old spares but my trusted standby is by Petmate Curvations. Actually, it is quite pretty; but it’s biggest selling point would be that it is about fifteen years old. It’s hard plastic; very durable. Some are just plain weird; one should be sold as a snow shovel! Others have notches that will rake clumps off the bottom of the litter box. However, don’t use those if you’re using liners. The rake will shred the liner to pieces. In addition to the scoop, I keep a hard plastic spatula handy for loosening clumps from the bottom and sides of the box. Its use depends entirely on what kind of litter you use. I’ve given those spatulas to numerous clients.
Litter Mats
Litter Mats: Hey, the stuff will track all over; depending on the litter you use. My favorite mat is by Petlink. There are all kinds of styles so check on Amazon to see what is available. The mats can make a tremendous difference in how far the litter tracks around your home! Some folks put newspaper under the litter boxes and just shake the scattered litter back into the box.
Litter Boxes–The Essential Cat Lady’s Favorite Things!
Litter Boxes: The best I can do here is to tell you what we use and then the things you need to consider when you purchase litter boxes. For about $8-9, you can get the Jumbo Arm & Hammer basic box. If you’re in Texas, you can find them at HEB. That’s what we have. Incidentally, we have five of those. Meanwhile, I write the date I replace one on the end of the box with a permanent marker. By the way, plan on one box per cat plus an extra.
Some cats need higher sided boxes. You can get covered boxes as well. However, not all cats want to get inside one. Older cats who have arthritis need a box that is easier to enter and exit. Consequently, once the covered box has been used, some cats might not want to deal with the odor. There are boxes with the opening on the top. Again, will the cat use it? They make cute little round boxes that are covered. Cats seem to accept those pretty well. Just be sure to use a rounded scoop.
Since you should change out litter boxes about once a year, I’d say to begin with the basic box and just observe your cat before you buy another box. Incidentally, most litter boxes have an anti-bacterial coating; but they all eventually get smelly. also, it is sometimes a good idea to rotate the boxes as cats will generally use the first one they come to. Makes sense to me! You know what it is like to rush to the bathroom! Don’t put litter boxes near the food or water. Cats find that distasteful; we would too.
Think of the Litter Box as a Laboratory!
By the way, the litter box “gifts” are a good indicator of health. Keep an eye on the quantity of pee clumps that are routinely left An increase could indicate a problem like kidney disease or diabetes. Poop should be firm and formed; if it’s watery, get a fecal done. Ask your vet if you think the cat is constipated. You should not see any blood or parasites. Neither should the cat have to strain to pee or poop. Consequently, if your cat cries in pain when going to the box, get him to the vet immediately. There could be a blockage and it’s extremely serious!
Incidentally, if the cat stops using the litter box, do some investigating. Something may have changed in the environment. Even a new cat roaming the neighborhood can upset your cat. Moreover, if there is a physical reason, it’s time to see the vet! Therefore, always be aware of what is normal for your cat. By the way, I record anything that seems different in my day planner.
Feliway Comfort Zone and Nature’s Miracle Calming Spray
These are two products I keep on hand and usually carry in my cat-sitting supply bag. If my own cats are nervous I spray some Comfort Zone and when we were in the process of moving, I sprayed the boxes with calming spray. Cats hate change! These help whenever your cat is upset about something. Therefore, I’m always recommending them to my clients. Comfort Zone contains feline pheremones. It comes as a spray or a diffuser. The Calming Spray contains essential oils, herbs and flowers. Both help your cat relax. I prefer the sprays because I can use them on bedding or wherever needed. I occasionally spray a little in the air and walk through it myself-when I’m meeting new cats.
Cat Tee Shirt: Definitely the Essential Cat Lady’s Favorite Thing!
Cat Tee Shirts: I have to include this because I wear cat tee shirts nearly every day. If I go into any store, someone is going to make a comment about my shirt! Incidentally, many people love my shirts-more than anything else I wear! By the way, I’ve been wearing shirts from “The Mountain” for probably twenty years. They wear well and a medium is always a medium. However, I always wash them by hand and spray the front design with Magic Sizing. That helps keep the colors nice and vivid! Moreover, “The Mountain” has thousands of great designs, not just cats. Wear your passion, whatever it is! I so wish I could be an affiliate for these guys and get a commission! However, they do offer a reward system for customers and great sales. Therefore, sign up for their newsletters.
The Essential Cat Lady’s Favorite Mat
I recently purchased this memory foam mat to go in front of my bed. Incidentally, that’s probably the most comfortable place to stand now! In addition to that, it came in my favorite color and design! This mat comes from one of my favorite companies on the planet; “Greater Good.” They represent numerous charitable agencies and every purchase benefits one of those. You choose who gets your donation. My purchases go towards providing meals for shelter animals. I’ve loved everything I’ve bought over the years, including bedding and shoes. By the way, it’s all quality merchandise. Therefore, I just had to share this information with you. They do a lot of good!
Cat Litter:
Cat Litter: This will take some experimenting. If you have a small kitten, use the old non-clumping clay litter. Once the kitten is bigger, you can use just about any litter. However, check with your veterinarian because certain breeds require special litters. Incidentally, we like hard-clumping litter that is 99.9% dust-free. By the way, I keep a small fan near the litter box area as it helps the liquid waste clump faster and better. However, be sure you are using dust-free litter, or you’ll be living in a cloud!
However, you literally have tons of choices; but the cat has to approve! By the way, the lightweight litter is convenient but does create more dust. Just so you know. Nowadays, litter can be made from wheat, pine, corn or crystals that indicate health problems. It’s mostly “trial and error” at first with litter. Incidentally, keep in mind that cats can be picky about texture. Moreover, a higher price doesn’t mean that the litter is better. One more thing, some of the strong scents can actually repel your cat! Keep scented items to a minimum. Some oils can be lethal. Do your research.
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By the way, you have here a list of The Essential Cat Lady’s Favorite Things;” but your things have to be your cats favorites! Most important!
Thanks for visiting here, Exploring With The Essential Cat Lady. Please stop in again because I’ll add things as I find them. (Only when something really impresses me!) Thanks. Incidentally, if you have questions about any of these products, do not hesitate to CONTACT ME. #TheEssentialCatLady #CatSafety #ChildSafety #Brainfood
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