It’s me Nubia here today! And as you can see… I am trying to defeat this new toy… well I call it torture device but the humans seem to think it’s a toy…
Nubia: At first I thought it was a lot of fun!
Nubia: A toy that dispenses my FAVOURITE… STRINGS! 😀 It was like heaven!
Nubia: However… quickly I realised… that actually it was some kind of new torture device!
Nubia: Whenever I saw the string…
Nubia: … and managed to catch it!
Nubia: I pulled and pulled only…
Nubia: … to be hugely annoyed by it pulling back inside! And such a small crevice it was too… how am I meant to put my paw in there?!?
Nubia: I clawed, I huffed, I puffed!
Nubia: I even tried to pull my WHOLE weight into it… The torture device even momentarily halted it’s evil process of taking the string away… but in the end… it was stronger. *hiss*
Oliver: I think my sister is being a bit melodramatic there wouldn’t you agree?
Nubia: No I am not!!! It’s a mean toy.
Oliver: What she really means is that she is having LOADS of fun and even better she might exercise her lazy bum a bit. D:
Nubia: Hold on a second! Did you call me fat?!?
Oliver: Maybe… Anyway… while sister is having a tantrum why don’t you head over to the Petsafe® website to get one of these FroliCat® FLIK™ Automatic Cat Teaser (UK) or (US)? I am sure you’ll have loads of fun with FroliCat® FLIK™! 😀 Might even annoy a sibling or two *evil cat laugh*
Nubia: That’s it… I shall chase my brother through the entire house for the rest of the day! *roars*
Oliver: Ah excellent MORE exercise for you! 😮
Signed by,
Her Meowjesty Queen Nubia the Disturber of Peace
&
His Meowjesty King Oliver the Maker of Mischief
Fellow cats, I don’t want to make you (too) jealous, but check out my new toy! It’s made of straw and feathers and brings out the inner wildness 😉
My mom likes to throw it around the house for me to chase which is sort of fun. The roller has a rattling noise inside and that makes me really curious. Though honestly, I’m mostly intrigued by the straw and feathers. It’s one of those toys that’s worth taking a break from napping for.
You can sort of play football with it and run around the house. I like rolling around with it all over the floor and giving it some good kicks.
Just look at me, I’m on a roll!
Yeah, so I look kind of silly rolling around the house like this, but who cares. After playing with it I always like to lick the feathers, as I would with an actual prey (if only……)
So, this is a cool toy: I can kick it around the house and then it makes this funny rattling noise, I can really grab the straw with my nails and give it a good kick and finally when I’m tired of all that I can chill with it and lick the feathers 🙂
About the author:
Karen is originally from the Netherland, but now lives in London with her husband and their cat Dirk. She works as a cat sitter for Cat Care London.
Dirk is a very loving and lovable cat and he loves everyone! First thing he wants in the morning is having lots of cuddles (yes, even when breakfast is ready and waiting).
Is your cat bored with their old toys? Well I’ve brought you a new product hot off the shelf called Bright Bopper. It’s a new irresistible light up toy that bounces, lightweight to play fetch with or you can make them shoot across the room but by pressing down on them they bounce and shoot across the room for hours of fun.
Features:
Touch activated LED cat toy
Keep kitty entertained night and day
Just press down to spring it into action
Lightweight so cats can bat and chase it
Stimulates all of your cat’s senses
Foam ball is safe for chewing
Mesh body great for cat’s claws
3 bright fun colors
Great for cats of all ages
Fun for the whole family
Kitty tested and kitty approved
You can also stand them up and watch your cat knock them down one hybrid one.
Angel love to knock them over even bat them around like a ball.
They are the purffect size to carry them around too.
Bright Bopper are great to get your cat active again and have some special one on one time that they demand from us humans. Let me get you the website to see for yourself and don’t forget to watch the video on Bright Bopper too.
Thank you for stopping by I hope your kitty likes the Bright Bopper as much as I do. Before you go drop me a few lines I would love to hear your thoughts
We are back for a third round of giving away these fabulous 4cats toys that Dirk kindly tested for us in the past. 😀
We are co-hosting this event with our friends from 4cats to give you the chance to win a box of their Valerian or Catnip toys!
This is ALL mine… None shall take this away from me!
Giveaway: So to be in it for a chance to win this box that is sure to delight your cats simply enter by clicking here and complete any of the actions below!
Chances can be gained by the following methods:
1. Check out the new 4cats.blog and confirm this via the giveaway tool – 10 Entries
2. For Tweeting about the event through the Giveaway Tool – 4 Entries
3. Sign up for our new newsletter via mail chimp – 5 Entries
4. Follow us or 4cats on Twitter – 2 Entries
5. Follow us on Pinterest – 2 Entries
6. Follow us on Bloglovin – 2 Entries
7. Make a comment stating you would like to enter and your email address on this post (for those that don’t use social media) – 4 Entries
8. Leave a comment in our new forum – 5 Entries
Good luck everyone! The deadline for entering is the 6th of May 2017.
Box of toys will contain the following toys in either catnip or valerian filling based on your choice:
1 x 4cats Large Playing Roll
1 x 4cats Rustling Cushion
1 x 4cats Random Motiv Cushion
1 x 4cats Cuddly Dolphin
1 x 4cats Heart Toy
1 x 4cats Knot
1 x 4cats Wildlife Cuddly Cushion
1 x 4cats Classic Cuddly Cushion
And if you happen to be the lucky winner don’t forget to send us some cute photos. Below are some adorable shots of one of the people that won such a surprise box on the Street Cat Bob charity event last year!
Here’s Kizzy the long-haired ‘tortie’ enjoying a couple of cushions
Gingerbread is getting his teeth into this one We often find that the boys like to involve their teeth
Gracie is yet to give her opinion and will be conducting further “catvestigation” 🙂
Today we’ve got a very special present… it’s kind of like a real mouse but better!
Nubia: When they first arrived I wasn’t entirely sure what exactly they were. But they were nice and colourful. 😀
Nubia: I decided to ask my brother for help….
Oliver: *Looks perplexed at package*
Nubia: *Whispers* It’s so difficult to find intelligent brothers isn’t it? 😉
Oliver: *Taps box* I think it’s a toy!
Nubia: You might be right… but we won’t know until the humans unpack it properly! 😮
Nubia: Come on servants! Open this for me please. 😀 Sooooooooo difficult to find decent human servants in today’s times…. but eventually they opened it for me. 😉
Nubia: They decided to hide my FAVOURITE treats inside these to begin with… Did they really think I’d need that to learn how to hunt?!? Either way I think the nobowl feeding system is a lot of fun.
Nubia: *Gnaws on mouse* I am the HUNTRESS of this kingdom!
Oliver: *Whispers* Or a bit full of herself. 😉
Oliver: Eventually it was at last my turn to try out the nobowl mouse. 😀 Sister always takes forever with these things…
Nubia: Watch who you are calling slow!
Oliver: So…. How does this work? How am I going to get stuff out of it?
Nubia: My point… I am the huntress you are the lazy one. 😀
Oliver: I am trying hard!
Nubia: Not hard enough muaha! 😉
Oliver: I am trying! 😮
Nubia: That you are. 😉 But more importantly our nobowl mice are exactly what experts say us cats should be having. 😀
Oliver: Indeed according to International Cat Care small potions that mimic our natural hunting instinct are the better than traditional large meals in bowls!
Feeding plan to improve cat health and welfare
Experts at the charity International Cat Care have recently developed a feeding plan, based on scientific evidence, to help mimic the way cats eat in the wild and so provide both physical and mental stimulation for cats. The plan encourages cats to hunt, explore, climb and play – activities which boost cats’ positive behaviour and wellbeing.
Developed by scientists Dr. Sarah Ellis and Dr. Lizzie Rowe at International Cat Care, the plan also helps to prevent overeating and promote a balance between energy intake and energy output, in order to avoid weight gain, as well as encouraging weight loss in overweight cats.
It is estimated that there are 10 million pet cats in the UK1, and current scientific data suggests that 39 – 52% of these cats are overweight or obese2,3. This is a problem because being overweight or obese is a major health and welfare issue4-9, and can ultimately lead to an early death in cats10.
Research shows that current feeding practices are contributing to this obesity epidemic, with a number of factors associated with a cat’s modern lifestyle leading to overeating. For example, most cats need little or no exertion to obtain their food, making it more likely that the calories they take in through eating will outweigh the calories they use up through exercise (leading to weight gain). Furthermore, the way we feed our cats generally does not match the lifestyle they were designed for, resulting in a lack of mental stimulation and reduced opportunity to express natural, instinctive hunting behaviours. This can lead to boredom, apathy, anxiety, frustration and stress in cats, resulting in reduced wellbeing and potentially the development of problem behaviours.
Dr. Sarah Ellis, Feline Behaviour Specialist, said: ‘By making a few simple changes to the way we feed our cats, we can help them to live longer, healthier and happier lives.’
Cat owner, Tim Lloyd, 35, from Surrey, who tried out the feeding plan, commented: ‘I’ve had my cat Colin on the plan for three weeks now and he is definitely more lively, inquisitive and healthy.’
The plan recommends:
Giving cats five or more small portions of food a day (rather than feeding fewer, bigger portions)
Using puzzle feeders
Changing food location regularly
Spreading feeding across the 24-hour period (using timed feeders and puzzle feeders)
Monitoring cats’ behaviour and weight
A detailed version of the feeding plan, along with the full report behind the development of the plan, can be found on International Cat Care’s website:
A short version of the feeding plan can also be found here.
The feeding plan was developed by International Cat Care for The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineer Fair, to help young people realise how science is everywhere, including when it comes to looking after their pets. More information on The Big Bang Fair can be found at: http://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/
References
Murray JK, Browne WJ, Roberts MA, et al. Number and ownership profiles of cats and dogs in the UK. Veterinary Record2010; 166: 163-168.
Russell K, Sabin R, Holt S, et al. Influence of feeding regimen on body condition in the cat. Journal of Small Animal Practice2000; 41: 12-18.
Courcier EA, O’Higgins R, Mellor DJ, and Yam PS. (2010). Prevalence and risk factors for feline obesity in a first opinion practice in Glasgow, Scotland. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery2010; 12: 746–753.
Nelson RW, Himsel CA, Feldman EC, and Bottoms GD. Glucose tolerance and insulin response in normal-weight and obese cats. American Journal of Veterinary Research1990; 51: 1357-1362.
Hoenig M. The cat as a model for human nutrition and disease. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care2006; 9: 584–588.
Litster AL and Buchanan JW. Radiographic and echocardiographic measurement of the heart of obese cats. Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound2000; 41: 320-325.
Scarlett JM, and Donoghue S. Association between body condition and disease in cats. Journal of the American Medical Association1998; 212: 1725–1731.
Lund EM, Armstrong PJ, Kirk CA, and Klausner JS. Prevalence and risk factors for obesity in adult cats from private US veterinary practices. International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine2005; 3: 88–96.
Miller C, Bartges J, Cornelius L, et al. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in adipose tissue of lean and obese cats. Journal of Nutrition1998; 128: 2751S-2752S.
O’Neill DG, Church DB, McGreevy PD, et al. Longevity and mortality of cats attending primary care veterinary practices in England. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery2015; 17: 125–33.
Signed by,
Her Meojwesty Queen Nubia the Disturber of Peace
&
His Meowjesty King Oliver the Maker of Mischief
It’s me Nubia here today and I’m not amused at the moment!
Nubia: See my humans got me this pawesome looking rug with loads of strings and of course silly me thought it’s just a toy for me to chew and pull on… Well think AGAIN! They decided to hide my favourite treats in there…
Nubia: And so my odyssey began… I had to rummage around… Try and sniff out and find my TREATS. I was wasting SO MUCH energy on trying to find them… 😐
Oliver: To me that sounds like the purrfect solution to make lazy you work for your treats and not gobble it all down…
Nubia: Brother… what are you trying to say…
Oliver: Nothing! 😀
Nubia: I tried and tried AND tried… I Even attempted to pull it over, unsuccessfully I have to say.
Oliver: And eventually my sister stopped trying to apply brute force and act smarter…
Nubia: Who are you calling stupid?!? :O
Oliverr: Me? No one…
Nubia: Well anyhow… Like my brother said I eventually figured out that I just had to dig a little inside the rug, following the smell of my FAVOURITE treats…
Nubia: And the reward was DELICIOUS! 😀
Oliver: See… you always complaint but in the end you do know that it’s fun right?
Nubia: It’s available from Tillypops for £8.50 and is sure to provide loads of fun times for you and your feline companion. 😀
Nubia: And while I may have complained a lot that’s because it was A LOT of fun and us cats need to have enrichment style toys like this in our life. Especially if your feline friends are indoor only like us two!
Oliver: I hope you enjoyed this post (despite the constant complaining of my sister!) and we will see you again soon.
Signed by,
His Meowjesty King Oliver the Maker of Mischief
&
Her Meowjesty Queen Nubia the Disturber of Peace
We are back for a second round of giving away these fabulous 4cats toys that Dirk kindly tested for us in the past. 😀
We are co-hosting this event with our friends from 4cats to give you the chance to win a box of their Valerian or Catnip toys!
This is ALL mine… None shall take this away from me!
Giveaway: So to be in it for a chance to win this box that is sure to delight your cats simply enter by clicking here and complete any of the actions below!
Chances can be gained by the following methods:
1. Check out the new 4cats.blog and confirm this via the giveaway tool – 10 Entries
2. For Tweeting about the event through the Giveaway Tool – 4 Entries
3. Sign up for our new newsletter via mail chimp – 5 Entries
4. Follow us or 4cats on Twitter – 2 Entries
5. Follow us on Pinterest – 2 Entries
6. Follow us on Bloglovin – 2 Entries
7. Make a comment stating you would like to enter and your email address on this post (for those that don’t use social media) – 4 Entries
8. Leave a comment in our new forum – 5 Entries
Good luck everyone! The deadline for entering is the 31st of March 2017.
Box of toys will contain the following toys in either catnip or valerian filling based on your choice:
1 x 4cats Large Playing Roll
1 x 4cats Rustling Cushion
1 x 4cats Random Motiv Cushion
1 x 4cats Cuddly Dolphin
1 x 4cats Heart Toy
1 x 4cats Knot
1 x 4cats Wildlife Cuddly Cushion
1 x 4cats Classic Cuddly Cushion
And if you happen to be the lucky winner don’t forget to send us some cute photos. Below are some adorable shots of one of the people that won such a surprise box on the Street Cat Bob charity event last year!
Here’s Kizzy the long-haired ‘tortie’ enjoying a couple of cushions
Gingerbread is getting his teeth into this one We often find that the boys like to involve their teeth
Gracie is yet to give her opinion and will be conducting further “catvestigation” 🙂
