Cute, Orange Treat (or Catnip) Stuffers!
Most people who know me, which sadly aren’t that many, know that I’m broke. Regardless of money issues, I always save a little money to buy toys for Nino and Stella. The only problem is: Nino destroys everything and Stella ignores everything without a string attached to it. They are also impervious to catnip (seriously) and fight over who gets which toy. Nino usually wins the fight and, after a mild heart attack, I end up praying he’s not missing an eyeball.
Etsy.com Shopping List
My wonderful friend Jen (who has a kick-a$$ blog) sent me an e-mail full of cat-must-haves from Etsy.com. It took me some time to post the incredibly adorable accessories, but here they are at last:
Geeky Ipod Cat Toy by catsicle
Fatberd Cat Toy, the Goldfinch by casbahkitten
Retro Modern Pet Bed in Mod Wave Graphic by lkekittysvile
Seagrass Stone Raised Cat Face Feeder by StoneyCreekDogBowls
Angel Kitty Safety Collar- Devil in Disguise by KittyPlanet
Side Note: Feel free to wander around Etsy.com. I dare you NOT to get addicted 
Picture taken from catsicle
Filed under Cat Furniture, Cat Toys | Comment (0)Kitty Fortune Cookie Toy
Look what I found at hgtv.com! A fortune cookie for your lucky cat! It looks pretty easy to make and the cuteness factor is a plus. I think this one is a winner.
You’ll need:
felt, tan and white
fiberfill or batting
dried organic catnip
sewing machine
needle
thread
quilter’s pencil
pins
Click HERE for instructions and more pictures.
*Note: I don’t think you should worry too much if you don’t own a sewing machine, a good ol’ needle should do the job
13 Things You Should Know About Catnip
1. Scientific name is Nepeta cataria.
2. Belongs to the mint family. Its cousins include basil, oregano, and spearmint.
3. Native to Europe, but widespread in America.
4. No scent to humans.
5. A special chemical, called nepetalactone, triggers a metaphorical switch in some cats, making them go insane for the stuff.
6. Even the smartest scientists have no clue what goes on neurologically when cats are exposed to nepetalactone.
7. The strange, if not erratic behavior may include: head shaking, rubbing, and rolling.
8. It’s all in the genes. If papa cat and mama cat go cuckoo for catnip, there’s a chance baby cat will do so as well.
9. Size doesn’t matter, large and small cats have similar reactions.
10. The intrigue only lasts a couple of minutes. After that, Fifi will be oblivious to the lure. Give it 2 hours and the fascination will be there once again.
11. Young kittens and old cats are less likely to react when exposed.
12. Eating the herb will have no effect. The happiness takes place through nose activity. Chewing and licking might help a bit.
13. Some people drink it in tea. It supposedly has a calming effect comparable to chamomile. Some studies suggest it’s a good insect repellent as well.
If your feline pet hasn’t experienced the highs and lows of catnip, you can buy it at a pet supply store or online. It pays off when lazy cats go bonkers.
Picture taken by cygnus921
Filed under Cat Behavior, Cat Toys | Comment (0)Feeling Cartsy Fartsy
Cat Toy Critters
I’ve always wanted to make handmade cat toys, but the fact that my pets will probably ignore whatever I create always holds me back. Today, things shall change. I want to make something out of my own blood and sweat (OK, maybe not blood). I want to see my little fur balls meow in ecstasy (is it really the cat nip?) as the stuffed creatures bounce, flip and flop around the apartment. I want to tell my fellow cat-lover friends, “You know what? I made that!” even if the bird ends up without a leg, the fish without its fin, and the mouse is missing an ear. I just need to visit the craft store and print out the pattern from www.craftbits.com (and it’s really, darned cute too!).
If you’re also interested in making some adorable kitty toys, CLICK HERE! You’ll need craft felt (any color you like), thread for stitching, glass beads for eyes (although I’m a bit paranoid about that), and cat nip (or fiber fill, if your cat is drug-free).
Filed under Cat Toys, Ideas | Comment (0)Being Cheap with Your Cat
In the past two years, I’ve spent about $200 in cat toys alone. For the jobless with no job in sight, that is a lot of money. Out of mere curiosity, I Googled “cat toys” and found an interesting list of ideas brought forth by the Humane Society website. When I say interesting, I mean downright cheap. So cheap I feel guilty just reading it (or considering it).