Find toys that will entertain your feline

I have several paper-plastic crazed felines at my home. To those of you that have the same thing I am sure you have asked the question, "Why?"

This frenzy usually involves paper bags, their handles and crumpled paper. Plastic usually involves chewing on plastic bags, magazines in plastic, and, yes, even the tops of the bread bag. With the last mentioned item, perhaps it is a combination of the plastic and the twist-tie.

By watching my feline's behavior, I have concluded that there are several factors contributing to the conduct. I blame sound, texture, warmth and play. I will try to explain this conclusion, but for you knowledgeable feline enthusiasts, I believe you already know where I am going with this.

We know our felines must explore all in their world and own it, too. But beyond that, paper crackles, is crunchy and has potential shredding fun. Oh, an what a mess when the paper obsession goes beyond the newspaper and involves tissues, paper towels and toilet paper.

To remedy these bad habits, we must offer an alternative that is just as delightful to them and fulfills all the reasons they choose paper and plastic.

First, let us address the warming or insulation factor. If we can eliminate the extra paper bags and wrappings they crave, we will be successful and reduce clutter. The need for heat can be solved by using a self-warming mat, pad or blanket. K&H self-warming mats are available at Kohl's and K&H Thermo Kitty is available at PetSmart or online at Wayfair.com.

I always advocate crossing to the dog side of the aisle in a store if you cannot find what you need on the feline side. Self-warming crate pads and bed covers are available at J.C. Penny. MeowTown thermal mats can be found at Chewy.com. I even found a soft-sided igloo and warming blankets at Bulbhead.

Now that we have satisfied our feline's warmth issue, we need to find something to satisfy the love for crinkle and crunch. The first item that comes to mind is the Kong Active play mat. You can find a host of Kong products at Amazon and Chewy.com.

If you order the Kong mat, also order the Kong body pillow or kick toy. It is a catnip, fiber-stuffed pillow that allows a feline to play and divert aggression.

Even big-box stores have jumped on the feline bandwagon. Target carries a SmaryKat play mat. Bed, Bath and Beyond has a Petlinks mat that looks very feline interesting. The next time you are at the home improvement store, check out the catnip scratch and play mat at Menards.

Guess by now you get the general idea. Whenever I shop for my household, I find all things feline wherever I shop, even if it is an unlikely place.

Featured felines

• Tippi is a female calico that is also a polydactyl. She is a rescue from a hoarder situation. Her one ear is missing a small amount of the tip and that is the source of her name.

When she came to us she was a bit frightened and wasn't too happy with people. She is still a little shy, but no longer spends all of her time hiding under the blankets.

She does come out for treats, to play and sometime for a little attention. Tippi has turned into a very nice kitty who is looking for a nice forever home.

• Toni is a beautiful, golden brown tabby. She arrived at the shelter with her two siblings and feral mother. All of them were a handful to socialize.

Toni was the most difficult of the kittens and was still a work in progress after her siblings had departed. Eventually she reached the point that people could pet her and sometimes pick her up. She is still a shy cat, but has made friends with one of our older cats, Atlas, and can frequently be found curled up next to him in a bed on the condos in our cat room.

Upcoming: Wanda the Witch is back! On Saturday Oct. 29, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., we will be taking Halloween photos with Wanda. Bring your pets and your children in full costume. There will be treats and a bake sale with homemade goodies available. Prize for the best costume. Photos are $7.50 per printed picture; proceeds benefit Buddy's work.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter. For information, call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.