How to please even the fussiest feline this holiday
Retailers are aggressively marketing to people who love their felines and who will buy anything for them. They are banking on getting us into the brick-and-mortar stores because feline shoppers are just as finicky as their cats. They must touch, feel and examine the products to make sure the gifts are worthy of their felines.
There are some new products out there this year to make our lives easier in caring for our felines's basic needs. Things such as treats, food dispensers, carriers and some over-the-top products that only tech people will get.
Just a note, however, about the tech products. While technology interacts with our pets when we are not home, these items are not a baby-sitter or a substitute for human interaction.
But first, let me start with food and treats. There is Delectables Likable treats. Each pouch contains plenty of liquid with real meat and seafood with vegetables. I like them because they are marked for a cat's life stage, such for kittens or our senior buddies. Older felines with some missing teeth just lap them up. I know because my seniors love them.
Another bit of good mews for those of you that have been missing Kitty Kaviar from your specialty stores; these 100 percent, shaved Bonito fish flakes are back. The savory flakes are a great training tool. Your feline will do anything for them and best of all, they are high in protein and are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These are treats that will not pack on pounds, when given in moderation.
Next, the tech world offers us bowls and dispensers. The idea behind these products is to control the amount of food our felines eat to prevent obesity.
The Intelligent Pet Bowl by Eyenimal has an LCD screen for programming. The same company has an Electronic Pet Feeder that allows you to program portions when you are not home. It even allows you to record a message for your feline. Petcube Bites dispenses treats as well as having a camera.
I ask you, whatever happened to the simple portion control bowl to slow the eating process?
After food comes play. Some new interactive toys keep our felines busy when we are not home. Enter the Rolling Ball by Eyenimal. This battery-operated ball will have your felines running room to room. Frolicat laser toys have a wide range of lasers for your felines to chase when you are not home. I have one caveat here, skip the feather version.
Remember when we used to shop in the dog isle to find the right carrier? Feline carriers were never given mobility and wheels. Now Sleepypod has taken the feline carrier to a new level. They are promoting a feline bed that converts to a carrier and car seat for felines on the go. Just remember, when purchasing a carrier, it should reduce your felines' anxiety about travel and be safe and secure. These new carriers give our feline buddies wheels.
Happy shopping to keep your feline healthy, secure and safe!
Meows of delight from all of Buddy's felines and kittens this holiday season. Please come and five them a home this loving season. That will be the best gift of all for them. Remember, no pets as presents please.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.