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Everyone benefits when you place either or bird feeder or a bird bath in your yard for your cats to watch through the window.
Your cat will benefit because it will be entertained and the birds will also benefit because they have more food and or fresh water.
In addition, it will be fun for you to get to watch your cat's reaction to the birds.
Plus, you get to entertain yourself by watching the outdoor wildlife.
Care for your kitty with these essential tips
1. Keep your cat safe by keeping him indoors, safely confined to your property or walked on a harness and leash.
Doing so is best for you, your cat, and your community. Provide your cat with safety and security. Always use a cat carrier when transporting your pet. Protect him by making certain that all windows are securely screened. Keep the washer and dryer are kept closed and check inside before each use. (Some cats like to climb in these appliances if they’re left open.) Get into the habit of ensuring that drawers, closets, and cupboards are uninhabited before you close them – a kitty may be lurking inside.
2. Outfit your cat with a breakaway collar and visible ID that includes your name, address, and telephone number.
No matter how careful you are, there's always a chance he may slip out the door. Your cat is more likely to get home safely if he has ID. Also, be a good citizen by complying with any local cat licensing laws.
3. Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups and vaccinations.
If you don’t have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter, rescue group, or a pet-owning friend for a referral. Medical care is as essential for your cat as it is for you. If you already have dogs or cats at home, make sure they are up-to-date on their shots and in good general health before you introduce your new cat.
4. Spay or neuter your cat.
This will keep him healthier and help decrease the number of cats put down every year because of cat overpopulation.
5. Feed your cat a nutritionally balanced diet and provide fresh water 24/7.
Educate yourself on your cat’s nutritional needs, or ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
6. Keep the litter box clean.
Cats are naturally fastidious, and most will instinctively use a litter box; you just have to show yours where it is; Don’t place your cat in the box and make little scratching motions with his front paws. This will likely upset your cat and may make him leary of the box. Scoop the box at least once daily and periodically wash it with dish liquid and hot water. Because cats also value privacy, place the litter box in a convenient but quiet spot.
7. You may need to experiment with litter to find one your cat likes.
Offer him several types and when he makes his choice, don’t run out of it. Cats are creatures of habit and if you suddenly switch to another litter or don’t keep the box clean, he may not use it.
8. Groom your cat often.
All cats, whether long- or short-haired, should be brushed regularly to keep their coats and skin healthy, prevent matting, and reduce shedding and hairballs. They also need to have their claws clipped to keep them from growing into their paw. Grooming is a good opportunity to discover any lumps, fleas, injuries, etc. and bond with your kitty.
9. Make time to play and provide entertainment.
Cats often entertain themselves, but regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the physical and mental stimulation he needs and strengthen the bond you share.
Give him toys and scratching posts to distract him from your household goods. Cats love to play and will appreciate simple and inexpensive toys. Ping-Pong balls and opened paper bags (remove the handles) can provide hours of fun.
A comfortable perch by a window can become your cat’s very own entertainment and relaxation center. Rotate toys to maintain your cat’s interest in them.
You might want to invest in a kitty condo or cat tree—a structure typically covered in carpet or sisal (a rough material cats love to scratch) where your cat can climb, stretch and hide out to his heart’s content, and watch the world go by. But the best two things you can provide your cat with are love and playtime.
10. Provide your cat with some basic training to help him get along in your home.
It’s true that cats usually have their own ideas about how to do things. Even so, most cats can be taught not to scratch the couch, eating plants, or jump up on the kitchen counter. With repeated, gentle and consistent training, your cat will learn the house rules. Don’t yell or hit him.
Use a squirt gun, whistle, or other noisemaking device to startle (not scare) your cat if you catch him doing something you don’t like. Remember to provide a suitable alternative to meet his needs, for example a scratching post, cat grass, and a kitty condo.
A final note
Be loyal to and patient with your cat. Make sure your expectations of your companion are reasonable, and remember that most problems have a solution. If you’re struggling with your pet's behavior, learn how to solve problems with humane and effective techniques. Check out our cat behavior tips for detailed instructions.
by The Humane Society of the United States
Its internal thermostat can keep the surface nice and warm even in the coldest of temperatures.
Place in a shed, garage, barn or anywhere your outdoor kitties spend time
Outdoor/ Indoor Heated Kitty Camper (csn) The Outdoor Heated Kitty Camper is recommended for indoor and outdoor use.
This is the perfect heated shelter for any outdoor cat because it shelters the cat from the outdoor elements and other wildlife. Simply put it in a wood shed, garage, porch, barn or any outdoor structure and plug it in.
Thermostatically controlled to warm to your cats normal body temperature.
Great for feral cat houses!
Features 2 doors for a quick exit from an unwelcome visitor.
UL listed. 5.5-foot steel wrapped cord.
Outdoor or Indoor Use
Our price $109.99 with free shipping
[ Use This Link To Make A Purchase ]
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Outdoor/ Indoor Heated Kitty Pad (csn)
Its internal thermostat keeps the surface nice and warm even in the coldest of temperatures.
Place in a shed, garage, barn or anywhere your outdoor kitties spend time.
It is made of rugged ABS plastic and a free fleece cover is included.
40 watts. Measures 12.5 x 18.5 inches.
Outdoor or Indoor Use
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Thermo Crinkle Sack (k)Thermo Crinkle Sack is the perfect play and sleep spot for any age cat.
With built-in noisy walls, all cats find it as irresistible as that paper grocery bag left on the floor.
With its plush interior and soft heated floor, it is bound to be kitty's favorite sleeping den as well.
Pop the energy efficient 4 watt heater out for year round fun and comfort.
Machine washable.
15" x 12" x 10"
Colors: Mocha Or Sage
Indoor use only.
Our price $98.00 with free shipping
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Thermo Kitty Cabin (k)
Thermo Kitty Cabin includes a dual thermostat 4-watt heating unit to make this the perfect warm and cozy cat hide away.
The flexible exterior can be formed into three useful shapes.
The Thermo Kitty Cabin offers year round comfort and warmth and is available in two colors.
16" x 16" x 13"
Colors: Mocha Or Sage
Indoor use only
Our price $99.00 with free shipping
[ Use This Link To Make A Purchase ]
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Thermo Kitty Cuddle Up (csn)
The Thermo Kitty Cuddle Up is the affordable choice for every cat.
Similar to the Thermo Kitty Bed, this plush cuddle up bed incorporates a super energy efficient 4 watt heater into a low wall, affordable design.
Washable cover, UL listed
Our price $64.99 with free shipping
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Thermo Kitty Fashion Splash Cat Bed (csn)
Thermo Kitty Fashion Splash Cat Beds come in 4 happening colors - Blue, Pink, Purple Or Red
An energy efficient 4 watt heater.
Fashion Splash is washable and UL listed
Our price $57.99 with free shipping
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Thermo Kitty Furniture Warmer (k)
Straps hold it in place on any platform while the flexible design conforms to nearly any tunnel or hammock.
The gentle warmth stays slightly above room temperature to entice any kitty and when in use, quickly warms to your pets normal body temperature.
Our time tested 4 watt heater even incorporates an extra long cord for ease of use and is extremely safe and energy efficient.
12" x 16' mat in Sage
Indoor use only.
[ Use This Link To Make A Purchase ]
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Thermo Kitty Hut (csn)
The new Thermo Kitty Hut uses a dual thermostat 4 watt heating unit that warms the surface of the bed to your pets normal body temperature when in use.
The flexible hood allows you to position it up or down, curved or straight. The
Thermo Kitty Hut is 18 inches in diameter
Available in 2 colors. - Mocha or Sage
Indoor use only
Our price $77.99 with free shipping
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Thermo Kitty Orthopedic Foam Lounger (csn)The Thermo Kitty lounger offers super thick orthopedic foam for the maximum cushioning available in a cat bed.
The dual thermostatically controlled 4 watt heater warms to your pets normal body temperature when in use, and remains 10 to 15 degrees above ambient air temperature when not in use.
The Thermo Kitty lounger is available in two colors to match any décor - Mocha or Sage
Indoor use only.
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Thermo Kitty Mat (csn)
Thermo Kitty Mat is an affordable heated sleeping mat with a dual thermostat heater buried beneath soft foam to make a comfortable napping place for cats.
The surface of the bed will remain 12 to15 degrees above ambient air temperature and warms to your pets normal body temperature when in use.
The cover is removable for washing. Indoor use only
The Thermo Kitty Mat is available in two colors - Mocha or Sage
Indoor use only.
[ Use This Link To Make A Purchase ]
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Thermo Kitty Sill - also available unheated (k)
Kitty Sill offers a sturdy, comfortable window to the world. Advanced engineering combines strength and ease of assembly with an attractive oval design.
14'" x 24" orthopedic foam with washable faux lambskin cover
No tools necessary if using Velcro fasteners. Screws included for a more permanent attachment.
Indoor use only
The Thermo Heated model has the dual thermostat is buried deep within the super soft orthopedic foam. Keeps surface 12-15 degrees above room temperature and warms to 102 degrees with the Kitty on it.
Our price for Thermo Heated $98.00 with free shipping
Our price without Heating unit $69.00 with free shipping
[ Use This Link To Make A Purchase ]
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Thermo Kitty Throw For Home or Travel (csn k)
The Thermo Kitty Throw will be your cats favorite warm spot.
Whether you are on the go or relaxing at home, the 12 volt thermostatically controlled blanket will keep your favorite feline warm and cozy.
Includes both a standard household plug as well as a car adaptor for easy travel!
Indoor use only
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Thermo Kitty 110V Heated 110V Bed for Small Dogs and Cats (k)
Thermo Kitty Bed has a dual thermostat 4-watt heating unit buried deep within the thick, super soft, orthopedic foam base.
Warms the surface by 10 to 15 degrees to a cat pleasing 102 degrees.
This 16 inch diameter & 6 inch deep cat bed comes with washable Mocha or Sage cover and is attractive in any décor.
The Thermo Kitty Bed offers year-round comfort and warmth for your cat!
Indoor use only.
Our price $99.00 with free shipping
Sometimes cats will exhibit aggressive behavior toward their owners. For example, have you ever noticed that sometimes when you pet your cat he or she will sit purring calmly and allow it and then suddenly your cat seems to become angry and snap or hiss at you?
Your cat isn't trying to be mean, but since he or she can't speak, this is just your cat's way of letting you know that he or she has had enough petting for the moment. If your cat shows this sort of behavior stop petting him or her immediately. Your cat is only trying to communicate with you the only way he or she knows how.
Cats all have different personalities and some like to be petted more than others. If you have a cat that really doesn't like to be petted much then you should respect that wish.
Here is another common example of cat aggression: does your cat like to bite or chew on your fingers? One of mine does. I often have to hide my hands under the covers at night to prevent her from biting my hands. She seems to think it is some sort of a game and she isn't trying to hurt me (despite that she bites quite hard).
By watching the way that cats interact with one another (especially cats that get along) you can learn a lot about the social behaviors of cats.
If you watch cats playing with each other they will often bite one another. It doesn't seem to hurt them either. This is due to their layer of fur. I think that when cats bite us (at least when they are playing) that they don't realize that without the layer of fur that the bites really hurt.
One way to prevent this sort of behavior is not to play hand games with your cat or kitten. Often people start these types of games with their cats and then the cat doesn't realize when it is all right to play with their owners hands and when it isn't.
I got my little biting cat when she was already 10 months old. She was a stray that I started feeding and then brought in to live with me. I don't know what sort of background she had and what sort of hand games she may have played as a small kitten with her previous owner. However, I do know that she's been doing this biting thing since the day I met her.
My father also took in a stray cat that exhibits the same biting behavior. It is possible that this play biting behavior isn't learned by playing hand games with humans, but may just be a natural play-type behavior of cats (as mentioned above). This might explain why cats revert to this behavior after they have been on their own for awhile.
To try to curb this biting behavior from your cat you should firmly tell your cat no and then attempt to put your hands out of site (but not in such a way that your cat thinks it is still part of the game).
Sometimes cats will become aggressive out of fear. I have another cat that acts just fine at home, but the minute he goes to the veterinarian's office it takes 2 people to hold him so the vet can examine him and they also have to put a muzzle on him.
Is he a bad cat? No, but he becomes frightened around strangers. If you know that your cat doesn't like strangers then go ahead and let him hide when you have company (however, you'll still have to take him to the vet).
Cats that are in pain may also become aggressive. Anytime that your cat undergoes a personality change from what is usual you should contact your veterinarian to rule out an underlying illness.
If cats get bored, it’s quite possible they’ll go looking for something to do, and it’s usually not what the owner wants.
“A cat can get bored if they’re alone too much, if there’s not enough mental stimulation,” said Marva Marrow, a certified cat behavior consultant in Southern California. “Sometimes they can just get apathetic, but other times they can actually become destructive. They can also just look for things around the house that they can destroy or knock down or make a mess of, like tearing up the toilet paper, knocking things over or getting into cupboards. Or they can also be destructive to themselves, such as licking off their fur or biting their tails.”
Such behavior can cause concerned and loving pet owners to wonder what’s best for their cats: keeping them inside, safe from predators and infectious diseases; or letting them out, where there’s more stimulation.
“Some people go through the dilemma of ‘Should I let my cat outside?’ because it would open up a whole new world,” said Susan Southwick, co-owner of Animal Spirit in Cambridge, Mass. “Some people reluctantly let their cats be indoor-outdoor cats because they assume their cats are happier outside.
See this Blog's September 8th Post titled "Indoor Cats Can Play Outdoors" that describes the KittyWalk System of interconnected fully enclosed outdoor cat play yards.
Fortunately, you can also help keep cats indoors and safe by providing the most stimulating environment possible. Products such as toys; furniture that enables cats to scratch, rest or watch outside activity; and even bird feeders creates a winning situation for everyone.
Cat owners may or may not know that their cats are bored, —especially if they work a lot and the cat spends a lot of time alone.
Understanding cats and their behavioral motivations can help in selecting the best products for any given cat.
“Even when they live among humans and are well-fed, cats are natural hunters and their instinct to hunt remains strong,” said Jerry Spelic, marketing manager for OurPet’s Co., in Cleveland. “With no natural prey in their indoor environment, they express their hunting instincts by chasing imaginary prey.”
At the Cat Shoppe and the Dog Store in Nashville, Chris Achord recommends to her customers toys that appeal to cats’ senses, such as sparkle balls for vision, catnip toys for scent (she especially likes cigar-shaped catnip toys), and toys that make bird-like flutters and rodent-like sounds. She’s on to something.
Cats like to hunt birds, bugs and small rodents, said C. A. Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVN, a professor at the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University, which runs the Indoor Cat Initiative. Some cats don’t have a bird, bug or small-rodent preference, but some do. Helping customers decipher if their cats have such preferences and, if so, which ones, can pair cats up with toys best matching their personalities—that will help make sales.
Ask yourself if your cat shows any preferences for one type of toy over another. Do they prefer laser pointers over other toys? Those that mimic bugs? Do they like fuzzy toys or even, say, attack cotton balls on the floor? If so, they prefer rodents.
“When I make recommendations for change,” Dr. Buffington said, “I [offer choices] and say, ‘Here are some things that, in my experience, worked really well for some people. Some of these might interest you, and I can help you with you that. And if they don’t, maybe it will help stimulate your thinking for something that will work for you.’ And I do find that clients respond to that.”
Mud Bay’s website contains information to help bring up the topic, including a brochure called “For Healthy and Happy Indoor Cats.”
“It includes information about transitioning an outdoor cat to an indoor lifestyle, toy selection based on hunting preferences, importance of play, feline scent communication, cats’ territorial needs, introducing new cats to existing dogs and cats, hairball control and a few other topics,” Kells said.
Even after careful toy selection, though, cats can still grow tired of them. Rotating toys keeps things fresh for cats, which is especially important for cats alone during the day. It also leads to additional sales.
For optimal play response try only setting out one or two toys at a time, suggested Marrow, “and rotate them on a weekly basis because [cats] get bored playing with the same thing over and over for the most part.”
Toys aren’t the only things that keep cats from getting bored. Myriad products stimulate them and keep them busy. Tall posts enable cats to stretch and align their spines, while channeling natural scratching instincts. Cat trees provide exercise, scratching surfaces, and help stimulate their hunting instincts.
“Cats are the most three-dimensional mammal we come in contact with,” Buffington said. “In fact, when they’re looking for prey or hiding from predators, they climb.”
Lipscomb suggested owners get cats trees, since the animals like to be in high places, and “they feel more secure if they’re up high surveying their territory.”
Window seats for cats or shorter cat trees in front of windows enable cats to watch birds and other little animals outside. Achord even sells bird feeders and birdhouses in her store.
Lipscomb said sturdy, well-made furniture is a must for safety.
Jeff Simpson, president of Mr. Herzher’s Pet Accessories with Style in Auburn, Ala., agreed and added that nice-looking, well-constructed furniture that is made with quality 
materials sells even in tough economic times. Click on picture for examples of several styles.
“There’s a segment of the consumer population that’s willing to pay for quality from a manufacturing materials standpoint, as well as an aesthetic standpoint,” he said.
“Once people find a perch their cat likes, its placement is really important,” Kells said. “Some cats love perching in a window, where they can watch people and cars go by. Other cats prefer windows that look out on wooded areas, where they can watch birds, raccoons and other wildlife. Then there are those cats who like to watch TV.”
Whether it’s woodland animals, birds or the television, it’s all the same concept: motion.
“[Cats] have these little motion detectors in their eyes, and as soon as something moves, they want to get on it right away,” Lipscomb said. “So movement is a big thing.”
Some people may know this, others might not. Owners should figure out what keeps their cats busy and happy.
Window perches are viable options for pet owners looking to provide a window of entertainment to the great outdoors for their cats. Courtesy of Mr. Herzher’s—Pet Accessories with Style Available through www.blueridgepetcenter.com
Cats Need Play, Too
They may not seek attention as readily as dogs do, but cats still need stimulation to keep their minds active and healthy.
“The unique thing about cats is that they’re not a pack species,” said C. A. Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVN, a professor at the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University.
“They’re an independent species. We as humans—we’re a pack species; dogs are a pack species, horses, cattle, sheep, ducks, pigs all the rest pretty much.”
That independent streak may lead some to believe that cats enjoy being alone. While they do sleep about 18 hours per day, some customers may not realize they haven’t given their cats enough to do throughout the day when they’re awake and alone.
“When they wake up, watch out,” said Betsy Lipscomb, who is co-owner of product manufacturer SmartCat and is a cat behaviorist who runs CatsInternational.org. “They need to have a little stimulation once they are awake.”
Many toys are designed to keep cats entertained while they’re unsupervised, such crinkle balls, fuzzy mice, balls that have food them—they can work for food like in the wild—or balls on tracks that work as games, all contribute to their mental stimulation.
But that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate time with their humans. Cats love to interact with their humans, and it benefits them physically, too.
“They probably get more exercise playing with owners than just by playing with themselves,” said Chris Achord, owner of the Cat Shoppe and the Dog Store in Nashville.
Remember to put interactive toys, such as wands, feathers, fishing poles and so on, away so cats don’t have access to them when unsupervised. Many customers may be aware they need to do this, while others may not have thought about it or have just adopted a cat for the first time. A reminder never hurts.
Hot Sellers per Pet Product News
So, which toys are retailers selling like crazy?
Toys for Unsupervised Cats
People who want to pamper their cats that are left home alone have a variety of choices available to them, including:
Interactive Toys
Toys that encourage the human-feline bond come in all shapes and sizes, such as:
Some Material from an article By Elisa Jordan
What is meant by "Kittywalk® Systems"?
The Systems in Kittywalk© Systems refers to the inter-connectivity of the different outdoor pet components. They can go together in a variety of different configurations giving you and your indoor pets a wide variety of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
Manufacturers’ latest foraging toy designs are meant to mimic the wild and strengthen cats’ natural hunting instincts. Courtesy of OurPets’s
What is meant by "Kittywalk® Systems"?
The Systems in Kittywalk© Systems refers to the inter-connectivity of the different outdoor pet components. They can go together in a variety of different configurations giving you and your indoor pets a wide variety of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
To learn more visit Blue Ridge Pet Center.com
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