Carry Your Pet Safely and Comfortably in The Hatch Carrier

In general, cats are not particularly fond of rides in carriers. I can speak for my three cats (because they've spoken to me), and say they'd probably rather kiss a sloppy dog face than take a ten-minute ride to the vet.

I can't really blame them. My kitties love their safe, comfortable surroundings, where they can count on comfort from me at most any given time. Then they're whisked away in this traveling box and have no idea what happening, except they're pretty sure they're gonna die.

Phoebe is not amused.

My cats have traditional Pet Taxis, which make it hard to comfort them when they're feelings scared on a car ride. Sure, I can poke my fingers through the metal lattice, but it's just not the same thing. My cats don't want my fingers, unless of course they're covered in gravy ... but even still! They want full-handed snuggly comfort from their human!

I just learned about this cool new carrier called The Hatch Pet Carrier, which provides safety and comfort for kitty. You see, there's a Direct Reach, No-Escape feature that allows us to reach in and comfort our kitty with our entire hand! And it's safe -- there's no chance of escape. I'm often tempted to open the carrier just a little, just enough to reach in and lay a hand on my cat, but there's always that chance that kitty will make a run for it. The Direct Reach can be opened or closed, and isn't big enough for escape. Pretty slick, huh?

Here are some of the other notable features of The Hatch Carrier:

• The exterior's made of water-resistant, military-grade, ballistic nylon.
• There's durable, claw-resistant mesh that covers most of three sides.
• It can be carried by hand, over the shoulder, and buckled safely into a car seat.
• It meets the guidelines of most airlines as a carry-on item.
• It packs flat.

Currently, the Hatch Carrier is a Kickstarter campaign that's looking for contributions to move the project along. The plan is to begin mailing them to backers in April of 2016. Any contribution will help (even $10!), and if you donate $129, you'll receive a carrier -- and that's 14% off the expected retail price.

Take a look at their Kickstarter page, where you can learn more about the product and the people who developed it.

I was compensated to help spread the word about The Hatch Carrier. Catladyland only shares information we think would be of interest to our readers. The opinions are our own.

Cat Moms -- Win a Mother's Day Surprise from #TidyCats and Catladyland! #Sponsored

I'm a mom to both kids and cats, and totally get how important mothering is for both felines and humans. They both need care, love, and attention, right? Scooping litter boxes and changing diapers are not that much different, but clumped poop in a litter box is a bit easier to deal with than loose poop in a diaper. I wish diapers somehow clumped baby poop -- that'd be cool, and a total gold mine. I digress.

I'm a proud cat mom! 

What I'm trying to express is that moms everywhere deserve major props for being all-around awesome. Consequently, Mother's Day is coming up here in the U.S., and many of us are thinking about gifts and goodies we'd like to give our moms, or other strong female figures who've influenced and cared for us.

Phoebe: "Happy Mother's Day. Feed me."

Do you think your cats are gearing up to give you something special? Like maybe they'll move from the rug to the hard surface before coughing up a hairball? That's be a nice surprise! Thanks, kitty!

Mom knows all the coolest hairstyles.

Really now, listen up -- Tidy Cats and Catladyland know cat moms deserve recognition, and we've partnered to give ten of them a special Mother's Day gift "bouquet" surprise. I can't tell you what it is, so don't even ask. What kind of surprise would that be? A bad one. The surprise will be delivered to your home, even! Woo!

Moms can be embarrassing sometimes.

Here are the details -- you must follow the instructions in order to qualify for the giveaway.

Comment on this post with your first name and last initial, your cat or cats' names, and -- most importantly --  tell us why you love being a cat mom.

AND

If you win, we need to be able to contact you, and don't want you to have to leave your personal email address in a comment. Solution! After you've commented on the post, click on the Rafflecopter widget below, and, in the same line, leave your first name, last initial, and email address. That way we can match that with entry with your comment. Easy peasy!

Giveaway runs May 1, 2015 - 11:59 CDT May 5, 2015

U.S. only

One entry per person

a Rafflecopter giveaway

is post was sponsored by Purina Tidy Cats. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Tidy Cats, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Purina Tidy Cats is not responsible for the content of this article.

Prepare Your Pet for a Disaster -- Here's How #FoodShelterLove

This post was sponsored by Hill's®. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's® Food, Shelter, and Love™ program, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

I admit it: I don't have an evacuation plan for the humans or felines in my family. We live in the upper Midwest, where there's moderate danger for tornadoes, but that's the only type of natural disaster we may face here. I'm not saying tornadoes aren't a worry -- a few times we've all gathered in the lower-level bathroom with the kids and cats, listening to that awful-sounding tornado alarm wailing outside. Thankfully, we've never been affected by such a disaster, but part of an entire neighborhood 20 minutes from my house was leveled by a twister, and there were human and animal deaths. So yeah, I need to take this kind of thing more seriously than I do.

I want to keep my human and feline kids safe!

FEMA's National Pet Disaster Preparedness Day is May 9, so this is perfect timing for me to get my act together! In addition your emergency kit for the people in your home, Hill's® recommends the following seven tips to ensure your pet's safety in an emergency.

• Make sure your pet has an up-to-date ID collar or microchip.
• Prepare a "Pet Emergency Go-Kit" that includes the following: a first aid kit and guide book; a three-day supply of pet food in a waterproof container; bottled water; safety harness and leash; waste clean-up supplies; medications and medical records; a contact list of veterinarians and pet care organizations; information on your pet's behavioral issues and feeding routine; comfort toys and a blanket.
• Display a pet rescue decal on your front door so first responders will know a pet lives in the home. Include veterinarian contact information.
• Learn where your pets like to hide so you can more easily find them during an emergency.
• Research locations you can take your pets in you have to evacuate. Keep in mind some emergency shelters only allow humans. Look into hotels and motels that are pet-friendly and identify friends and family who agree to help you.
• Carry a photo of your pets in case of separation.
• If you must evacuate, consider taking carriers and crates so your pets will be safe and contained. 

We leave a carrier out so our cats won't be afraid of them.

During a disaster, animal shelter staff are already overwhelmed when disaster strikes in their area. In addition to the animals they're responsible for keeping safe and healthy, they often find themselves a haven for pets who've been separated from their people.

In 2013, Hill's created a first-of-its-kind disaster relief program aimed specifically at animal shelters. It's called Hill's Disaster Relief Network, ad it's an extension of their Food, Shelter & Love program. Since its inception, the network has delivered free food (like Science Diet Adult Optimal Care) to 50 shelters and veterinary clinics across the country in response to 11 major incidents, including the floods in Colorado, fires in Idaho and Arizona, tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas, the fertilizer plant explosion in Waco, TX. Most recently they've provided relief during the mudslides in Washington and tornadoes in the central south regions of the US.

The program is poised to respond in a moment's notice to provide healthy nutrition to shelter animals affected by disaster -- both the ones originally living at the shelter, as well as the pets who are anxiously waiting to reunite with their people.

Hill's Media Tour to talk about disaster preparedness kicks off May 7. This is good news because the more educated we can be when it comes to preparing for tragic events, the better we can keep the ourselves and our pets safe and healthy.

Helping Cats Become More Adoptable With Good Nutrition #FoodShelterLove

This post was sponsored by Hill's®. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's® Food, Shelter, and Love™ program, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Almost exactly 13 years ago, we visited a local animal shelter with the intention of adding a new feline family member. Of course my kids gravitated to the multitude of kittens -- it was kitten season, after all. We definitely took the time for adequate kitten-induced squees, and then I suggested we look at the adult cats. I told them that many times, adult cats are overlooked because, well, kittens are tiny and adorable; however adult cats are wonderful companions and have a lot to offer.

She looks not-so-thrilled, but she is! She really is!

We visited many of the adults kitties before our eyes landed on Saffy, a gray girl whose purr button didn't seem to have a stop function -- or even a pause one.

Exercise is important!

She was between one and two years old, and had come from a home with children, but didn't like dogs -- perfect for us! She looked healthy and had a sweet demeanor. She rubbed her face all over the walls of her cage, purred and absolutely chose us as her family.

Aside from the "not a kitten" factor, adult cats are sometimes not adopted because they look unhealthy or are overweight. That's too bad because, in the right home, a cat with health issues could thrive and live a long and vital life (or nine). It's just the truth: Cats who look healthier in shelters are more likely to become adopted.

The main goal of Hill's Food, Shelter, & Love program is to help cats get a fresh start in life. Everyone deserves a fresh start, right? The program offers shelters the opportunity to provide quality nutrition to the cats in their care, including kitties with special needs.

Sometimes cats who are overweight aren't the first choice for families looking to adopt. Hill's wants to help these cats shed the unnecessary pounds, feel healthy and look vibrant because that change will better their chances of finding forever homes. Hill's Perfect Weight Diet does just that.

During the Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Challenge, over 70% of cats lost weight when fed this 100%, precisely balanced nutrition for ten weeks. Healthy weight and increased energy helps cats live longer, happier lives.

Take a look at the awesome story of Stoli, who was adopted from Denver Dumb Friends League, and is a success story from the Weight Challenge!


If you'd like to try Hill's Perfect Weight formula, you can buy both the canned and dry food here, and your purchase helps support the Food, Shelter, & Love program, which is dedicated to cat nutrition and helping shelter kitties find forever homes.

If your shelter would like to become a part of the Food, Shelter, & Love program, read the details here. 

Kitten Season is Upon Us! #FoodShelterLove

This post was sponsored by Hill's. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's® Food, Shelter, and Love program, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Kitty lookout at Feline Rescue Inc. in St. Paul, MN

Even though there's still snow on the ground where I live, spring is on its way (or so the calendar tells us)! When I think of spring, I always imagine lilies popping through the freshly awakened ground, robins happily singing from the bird feeders on my deck, and ... kittens. Yes, spring is also kitten season, and soon shelters will find themselves overwhelmed with babies looking for new homes.

Saffy's my son's favorite video-game partner.

We adopted Saffy right in the middle of kitten season, almost exactly 13 years ago. She was a cute little gray girl who's grown into quite the lovely lady. She'd bonded to the males in our house. My husband and son are complete putty in her paws!

My husband and his baby girl.

She came from Animal Humane Society, one of the shelters here in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Most every city or town has at least one shelter, and I'm sure they will all be affected by kitten season, and they most likely need assistance of various kinds all through the year.

There are lots of ways to support your local shelter -- even kids can help! In fact, involving kids in volunteerism early on means they grow up believing helping animals is the norm ... they just do it. You can help by donating supplies, collecting monetary donations, physically helping at the shelter, assisting with TNR efforts (prevention majorly impacts kitten season) and fostering kittens.

The Hill's® Food, Shelter & Love™ program is passionate about providing proper nutrition to pets in shelters so they can find the best forever homes possible. In fact, they've provided over $240 million worth of food to nearly 1,000 shelters! Kitten nutrition is especially important during this season, and Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Development food provides the perfectly balanced, easy-to-digest nutrition these kitties for a strong start in life.

The folks at the Hill's Food, Shelter & Love program aren't just big talkers either, they walk the talk! Their daily commitment to helping shelter pets is based on the four pillars of their mission:

1. Volunteer: Encouraging loving individuals to support their local shelters by caring for and spending time with local shelter pets.
2. Donate: Whether it's cash or toys, local shelters can always use donations. We can help get donors connected directly to your organization.
3. Choose: Helping pet parents everywhere learn more about our shelter program and find out how choosing Science Diet for their own pets can help thousands of shelter pets across the country.
4. Adopt: The ultimate goal of the program is to bring some love home.

Foster baby. Photo: Felissa Elfenbein

Everyone deserves a loving home. Everyone.

Win 12 Bags of Delightibles Cat Treats!

Cat treats! If my cats even hear the magic "t" word, they barrel toward the kitchen from all corners of the house. Heck, I do too -- especially now. During the holidays, we can't go two feet without stumbling upon a plate of cookies, fudge or some other kind of delicious decadency.

Speaking of delicious, the nice people at Delightibles asked if Saffy, Cosmo and Phoebe would be interested in trying some of their gourmet treats. I asked them, and they said they were too full, and couldn't think about eating another treat. Ha -- you know that's a joke! They were all in, 10,000-percent.

Phoebe decided she was willing to pause her nap if treats were involved

So Delightibles sent us a bag of their chicken and a bag of their beef treats. As soon as I shook the bag, the cats knew something cool was about to go down, so they followed me to the kitchen, no questions asked.

I opened the bag of beef treats and noticed the size of each nugget was just right. Sometimes cat treats can be way too big, and my Phoebe has trouble with them because of her tiny mouth. And I only call it "tiny" because she has a tough time chewing large pieces of food. She is the mouthiest of my three cats, and is never without commentary.

Saffy and Cosmo go nose-to-nose over the Delightibles.

The treats are crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, so kitties get a surprise when they chomp into the nummy nom. Delightibles offers six flavors: chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, beef and dairy. They're made in the U.S.A and are free of artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, as well as wheat and soy; however, their ingredients include antioxidants and natural flavors.

My cats insisted on tasting the treats several times before offering me their official opinion, which was, "Can we have some more?" I took that as three nods in a positive direction!

Phoebe swats away Saffy, the treat-jacker.

Delightibles and Catladyland are giving away 12 bags of treats (two of each flavor) to one lucky winner! The winner can choose to keep all the treats, share some with friends, or donate some to local shelters. Win-win, right?

If you'd like to qualify to win the 12 bags, please register via the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of this post. After you click to enter, you'll be asked for your name and email address. No one sees this information but me -- promise! Please remember to place all the information on the same line. If you enter before including all the info, Rafflecopter won't allow you to edit your entry. Just leave me a comment on this post and I'll make sure you're entered.

Good luck, and remember to follow Delightables on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was paid for this review, and the opinions in this article are my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them. I have a relationship with GigaSavvy, for whom I create original editorial content.

Tailio's Thinking Outside the Box With a New Cat Health Monitor

What if you technology provided you early detection of cat-related health issues? And what if it all came down to a litter box? I'm serious! Tailio is a new product designed to keep track of your cats' behavior and, um, output while visiting the loo, and then sends the info to a connected smartphone. The mobile apps will be available for both Androids and iPhones. Pretty cool, huh? Here's how it works:

Tailio is a flat, WiFi-enabled device that's placed underneath a litter box. Each time a cat uses the box, it tracks data like weight, elimination patterns, and waste. Tailio is so smart that it even differentiates between multiple cats by creating a "pawprint" for each kitty -- an individual profile of physiology and behavior that's unique to each cat.

Tailo's founder and inventor Alex Trainer says, "I know the heartbreak of discovering your beloved cat's illness too late. I knew if I could develop a device that detected signs of disease or distress earlier, that it would help owners to avoid the pain of losing their pets before their time. That's why I created Tailio."

Symptoms like weight loss, increase in urine levels, rapid weight gain or general changes in litter box behavior could indicate illnesses and diseases like cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, urinary obstruction, diarrhea, constipation, hyperthyroid, and congestive heart failure. Tailio is not meant to diagnose, but gives a critical heads-up that your cat's physical health could be at risk. Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect your cat's health needs attention. And here's what you and your vet will love: You can share the data with the clinic by printing or emailing a report using the Tailio website.

The team at Tailio has been busy fundraising for this smart health-monitor, and they've already exceeded their goal of $30,000, but with a stretched goal, they can provide more color options for the device (currently neutral white) as well as new features for the mobile app. Visit their Kickstarter page to learn more about Tailio and back the campaign, which ends on December 12.


This post is sponsored by Tailio. I was paid to blog about Tailio, but Catladyland only shares information and products we feel are relevant to our readers. Tailio is not responsible for the content of this article.

Know the Signs of Feline Diabetes #PetHealthAwareness

Catladyland is usually a place for laughter, but today it's important to cover a subject that's definitely no laughing matter.

November is Feline Diabetes Awareness Month, and I can honestly say, before writing this, I didn't know much about the very treatable, manageable disease that often affects older, overweight cats. Like in human diabetes, feline diabetes happens when there's not enough insulin in the body to balance out the glucose in the diet.

Source

It's important to know the symptoms of feline diabetes, and consult with your veterinarian if you're seeing those signs. The main signals from your cat will be increased thirst and more frequent urination. Some cats also display increased appetite, weight loss, listlessness sometimes even vomiting or diarrhea. Your veterinarian will run some tests to determine the cause of the symptoms.

Source

Although feline diabetes sounds scary, it can actually be reversed with dietary changes -- not all cats will need to receive insulin injections to regulate glucose levels. It's important for a diabetic cat (as well as all cats) to receive a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. You absolutely can't free-feed a cat with feline diabetes.

Knowing the signs of feline diabetes, immediately consulting with your veterinarian and making dietary changes could mean a lifetime of remission, and more precious years with your happy, healthy cat!



This post is sponsored by BlogPaws. I am being compensated by helping spread the word about #PetHealthAwareness, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. BlogPaws is not responsible for the content of this article.

Make Your Cat the Star of a Book With the Free Animal Tales App! #read4animals

You know your cat is a total star -- mine are too. They like to think they're celebrities, anyway -- right? Well, now you can create a customized book starring your cat (or dog or rabbit or snake or guinea pig ... you get this picture) using the free Animal Tales iOS app that's available for iPhones and iPads in the iTunes store (Android app coming winter of 2015).

It's from the same people who brought you ResQWalk, the app for iPhone and Android users that lets you raise money for your favorite rescue while you take your walk. I use it all the time, and I know some of you do too. If you don't, get on it!

So I wanted to give Animal Tales a try, and Phoebe obliged. Well, I guess she didn't willingly oblige, but she's so used to my taking photos of her that she didn't bat an eye. "Here come the paparazzi again."

So I downloaded the app and chose one of three stories: "Your Pet's Amazing Search for a Home." All I had to do was upload a pic of Phoeebs, enter her name and that she's a female, and the app did the rest! Seriously, it was that easy. Going forward, there will be one story a week added to the catalog.

Phoebe!

After the book is completed, there's an opportunity to share it digitally with friends and family, or you can pay $12 (U.S. shipping included) for a 5"x5" softcover book. And it gets even cooler: If you choose to order the softcover book, 20% of the sales goes to benefit animal rescue.

"Our vision with Animal Tales was to create a unique, easy-to-use product for animal lovers to have fun with," said Animal Tales founder Bailey Schroeder. "I think we've achieved that goal and I'm excited to see the response."

If you're an iPhone or iPad user, check out the app here! You can also learn more about the Animal Tales on their site ... and don't forget to follow them on Twitter!


This post is sponsored by Animal Tales. I was paid to blog about Animal Tales, but Catladyland only shares information and products we feel are relevant to our readers. Animal Tales is not responsible for the content of this article.

3 Tips for Bloggers to Stay Organized on Facebook and Twitter #PetBloggerMonth

I started writing this blog in January of 2009. I began posting once a week, eventually maxing out at once-a-day posts ... sometimes even twice a day. My posts are generally short and focused on humorous musings of the feline nature. I usually don't write 700-word blog posts here, and a few months ago I pared my posting down to three times a week.

Like most bloggers do, shortly after starting my blog, I added the social media aspect as branches of Catladyland -- I currently maintain the typical outlets: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram.

Last year my first book, whiskerslist: the kitty classifieds was released. OK, then I needed an interactive site and all the social media for whiskerslist.

Skip forward a couple of months and, based on demand, I created the Texts from Mittens blog, which stemmed from its Catster.com column. It's still a column, but the blog allows readers to receive a daily dose of Mitty. Then I added all the social media to go along with that blog.

So ... these days I manage all three brands, including the blogs, social media and any other opportunities that pop up. Oh, and I'm a freelance writer as well -- and then there's the new book I'm working on, and the two calendars that are due in January/February.

Tired yet? I am! But here's the thing: Because my brands grew so quickly and nothing appeared to be going anywhere anytime soon, I had to figure out a way to stay organized, especially where social media was involved. Facebook and Twitter are still my staples, so that's where I'll focus here.

Based on what I've learned, here are 3 tips to help bloggers stay organized on Facebook and Twitter -- and believe me, they work if you're managing one blog or three!

#1 Schedule what you can

In the morning, I schedule my daily Facebook posts for all three pages. I start on paper, figuring out what time I'd like to see each post appear. I usually schedule the blog post first, and then every 2-4 hours schedule something else like highly shareable graphics, cross-promotion of my other pages, sponsored post info, fun tidbits I've found around the Web and anything else that looks like my readers would enjoy. Just because I schedule posts, doesn't mean I don't go back and interact throughout the day. It's important to do that, and I do what I can (wait for #3).

My Tweetdeck notification columns

I use Tweetdeck as my Twitter dashboard because I have several Twitter pages to view at once, and Tweetdeck allows that. I know there are those who prefer HootSuite (because you can see Facebook and Twitter together, which is great for a one-blog blogger), but I'm partial to Tweetdeck. What else is great about this system is that you can schedule posts in advance -- this is something you can't do on the plain old Twitter site. This is helpful if you want to get a post out there several times -- like if you're working on a sponsored post or want to catch readers at several key points of the day.

#2 Set up auto-post from Facebook to Twitter

I have my Catladyland and whiskerslist Facebook posts set up to automatically post to their Twitter pages. I don't do it with Mittens because Mittens is mostly images, and I want them to show up as images when my Twitter followers are scrolling. If I allowed Facebook to automatically post, they'd post the link back to the Facebook post, so the user would have to click to see the image. I want the Mittens images to be front and center -- they're more shareable that way, so I post those manually. It's a little extra time on my part, but I save time auto-sharing the other two pages.

Source: WikiHow

#3 Schedule time to read and interact on feeds

I often find myself engrossed in projects, and sometimes forget to hop over and see what everyone else is doing, interact and share posts from others. It helps me to write times into my schedule where I will spend a certain amount of time reading and interacting on Facebook and Twitter. When I don't set times, it gets away from me.


I know it may seem like a lot to keep track of, but if I didn't figure out systems of some sort, nothing would get done and I'd probably be pulling my hair out and playing Words With Friends all day long. It's not about how many blogs and social media pages you have -- it's about figuring out a way to make things easier for you, and make sure your readers are getting all the information and interaction they deserve.

This is what works for me. Other bloggers may have found systems that fit their style and schedule. There really is no right way to stay organized -- it's a personal thing; however, I find it helps to see what works for others and perhaps glean a few tips. And it's also OK to take breaks and play Words With Friends.


This post is sponsored by BlogPaws. I am being compensated to support International Pet Blogger Month with an educational post, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. BlogPaws is not responsible for the content of this article.

Happy Cats, Happy Lives #PerfectWeight

What we choose to feed our cats is a personal preference. We all want the best for our fuzz-butts and make cat-food decisions based on many factors, including budget, research, convenience or special needs. Catladyland is not here to tell you what or how to feed your cats; however, from time to time, we're happy to present options we feel good about, knowing you will make the best decision for you and your cat.


I share my life with two human kids and three feline ones, and it's my priority to keep all of them healthy. That means they get regular medical care, eat good food and plenty of play and exercise. I'll admit, though, the exercise part is probably the hardest -- and that goes for the cats and the people in my house! But still we try.

Dr. Ashley Gallagher, vet at the Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., gives us a quick breakdown for how to keep our pets happy and healthy.

Dogs and cats age much more quickly than humans, so missing one annual checkup is like one of us missing five years' worth of appointments! 

Now I don't especially enjoy going to the doctor, but I also value my health and know these visits keep me on top of my game. My cats can't make the choice to skip vet visits (although I'm sure that'd be number one of their list of super powers), so we need to make sure they make it there.

"I look FINE, Mom!"

Proper preventative care doesn't stop of the vet's office -- what we do at home also makes a huge difference.

This includes regular grooming! I know some cats love getting brushed, but my cats are not particularly fans of the comb or Furminator. I have no idea why, because I love getting my hair brushed and styled. Weirdos. Don't forget about oral care and play/exercise. My cats go nuts for any kind of toy on a wand, so that's the one way I know I can get them moving. Except for Phoebe, they're not the kind of cats who chase after lasers and jingle balls. It's work to get them to play ... and that seems so counterintuitive, doesn't it?

"Excuse me, what's missing over here?"

Choose quality food and treats for your pet, like Science Diet® Perfect Weight or other Hill's® Science Diet® Life Care products. 

One thing is for sure, my cats love to eat and let me know when they're hungry ... usually about an hour before their prescribed mealtime. Sound familiar? My cats want to choose their own mealtimes, and they would be "yes o'clock".

As part of their Healthier Pets, Happier lives campaign, Hill's® Science Diet® is offering the opportunity to win a $100 gift card toward your pet's next vet checkup -- they'll be giving one away every day for 90 days! Click here to enter.


This post is sponsored by Hill's and the Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Food, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article. 

Helping Your Cat Go from Overweight to #PerfectWeight

What we choose to feed our cats is a personal preference. We all want the best for our fuzz-butts and make cat-food decisions based on many factors, including budget, research, convenience or special needs. Catladyland is not here to tell you what or how to feed your cats; however, from time to time, we're happy to present options we feel good about, knowing you will make the best decision for you and your cat.

A couple of weeks ago we took our Phoebe to the vet for her annual checkup. She's always been a petite little girl, weighing close to 7-pounds at most vet visits. Despite her slight build, she's been queen bee around our house for all nine of her years.

We were totally surprised when the vet told us she'd put on a some weight, and should probably lose a little of it. What? We see her every day, and it happened gradually -- we never even noticed. Well, it appears we're not alone. According to a recent survey by the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention, only 11% of parents of overweight pets realize their pets are overweight.

Who are you calling overweight??

Dr. Ashley Gallagher, vet at the Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington D.C. says, "If you can't see your pet's ribs or feel them while placing your hands on the side of their chest, they are probably overweight." I tried this with Phoebe, and, sure enough, she was a little pudgy. "Pudge" sounds way too much like "fudge," don't you think? Not fair!

I digress! Here's more of what Dr. Gallagher has to say about identifying your pet as overweight.



Hill's® Science Diet® Perfect Weight cat food offers a breakthrough blend that helps burn calories, no matter how healthy your pet is -- and weight loss is ensured within ten weeks. Where can I get food like that?! Plus, the food includes prebiotocs for gentle digestion, and is 100% precisely balanced nutrition. These are good things!

Over 70% of dogs and cats lost weight within ten weeks when feed Perfect Weight food. You might remember Ethel, the little cutie I wrote about last month. Cat weight-loss can be hard, but she lost 11% of her weight! I know my Phoebe doesn't need to lose that much weight, but I love reading about success stories like that. When cats are at a healthy weight, their life expectancy is increased and they're more active and playful. Phoebe needs to be around a long time -- who else will tell everybody what to do?

It's a brand new Ethel!

Ethel's mom, Shawn Teets of Indianapolis, Indiana said, "Knowing the reputation of Hill's Pet nutrition, I felt good feeding it to her. I was very pleased for Ethel to be chosen for the program, and am quite happy with her results." Well done, Shawn and Ethel! Here's to a long life of good health and lots of play!

This post is sponsored by Hill's. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Food, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. 

My Cat Tries the PetFusion Jumbo Scratcher Lounge

Cats spend a heck of a lot of time lounging -- at least mine do. When PetFusion asked if we'd like to try one of their new Jumbo Scratcher Lounges, I knew Saffy, Cosmo and Phoebe would be all over it. I'd definitely be a hero. Plus I knew it would arrive in a large box, which would exponentially increase my heroism in their eyes.

Like bunk beds!

So the day arrived when the Jumbo Scratcher Lounge appeared on our doorstep. Oh, happy day! The cats gathered 'round, their curiosity piqued in a jumbo way. I pulled the Scratcher Lounge from the long box and waited for the cats' eyes to widen. They widened, alright -- and Phoebe immediately occupied the tunnel-like box.

Box!

The Scratcher Lounge is a solid, well-constructed item, made of eco-friendly, recycled and recyclable corrugated cardboard and nontoxic, corn-starch glue. I saw it was clearly a quality product, and I couldn't wait to see what my cats would think of it.

I moved the Jumbo Scratcher between a few places around the house, and waited. Each time I checked to see if one of my three had discovered it, I only saw Phoebe -- and she was definitely pleased. I sprinkled catnip on the surfaces and brought the other cats over, but they didn't stay long. You see, Phoebe had already claimed it as her very own, and heaven help the cat who tried to use it alongside her. I witnessed her swatting and hissing at Cosmo and Saffy if they came anywhere near it.

Phoebe swats Cosmo away from "her" new Lounge

One of the reasons I wanted to try the Jumbo Scratcher is because I have three cats, and it's, well, jumbo-sized. Kitties can lounge or scratch on the top or inside, which also serves as a cool hideaway. What wound up happening was my tiny Phoebe, the smallest of my brood, became Queen of the Jumbo Scratcher Lounge. I wish I could report on how my other cats reacted to the awesomeness of it; however, that opportunity hasn't yet presented itself.

This is perfect for ME.

I can say, however, Phoebe loves it. I mean, she absolutely adores it. She sleeps on the top, cozies up on the bottom and scratches all over it. It's a great scratcher -- I just found one of her claw sheaths beside it, so it's pretty sturdy.

Don't I look adorable when I lounge?

So, I highly recommend PetFusion's Jumbo Scratcher Lounger, and Phoebe gives it her seal of approval. I imagine it would be a major hit in homes where cats actually share spaces.

Go away.

You can check out all of PetFusions awesome products here. The Jumbo Scratcher Lounger is one of three new scratchers. The 3-Sided Vertical Scratcher and Reversible Curve Scratcher are also new additions to their line of quality cat products.

This post is sponsored by PetFusion. I was given free product to review, but Catladyland only shares information and products we feel are relevant to our readers. PetFusion is not responsible for the content of this article.