Cat Toy Hall of Fame: $5 Cat Toys

Let's pretend you found a 20-dollar bill in the pocket of the jacket you haven't worn since last spring. Surprise! Since you've already paid the bills for the month, you figure that's twenty bucks surplus - why not treat yourself? So you go out for lunch and spend about fifteen dollars on a crazy-good pulled pork sandwich. But at the end of the day you find yourself wondering: What to do with the remaining five dollars???

How about treating your best beloved pet to a new cat toy? (Surely he or she deserves to benefit from this windfall, too.) That's a great idea! And I have some suggestions for you. These toys cost around five dollars and at least one of them is bound to make you a hero at home.

1. Boots & Barkley 4 Desserts Cat Toys. These are available at Target for just $4.99. I bought them because I just could not get over how cute that doughnut is! (At least, I think it's a doughnut.) Doughnuts are probably my second favorite thing - right behind cats, of course. The other desserts are a slice of pie, a chocolate-covered strawberry, and a cupcake. When I brought these toys home, I was a tad disappointed that my cats weren't as excited about the doughnut as I had been. The cupcake caught their attention, but they destroyed it in seconds. But the strawberry! Oh ho, that strawberry has seen a lot of action in this house, so I guess that makes the whole thing worth five bucks.

2. KONG Kitten Mice. These adorable, fuzzy, pastel-colored mice each contain a cellophane pouch of catnip, the sound and smell of which makes them irresistible to junior hunters. They're fairly durable toys; nevertheless, I can't tell you how many of these I went through when Baby was a tyke. He LOVED them. Now he's older and more mature, but we still highly recommend these mice. They are so worth $5.99; you can buy them online or in most pet stores. 

3. National Geographic Wooly Mice. I picked up these toys for $6.99 at PetSmart, seeing that they were similar to the mice from Target that my cats really enjoy. They're a bit bigger, and a little less hardy - they tend to pop up around the house missing tails and ears, but I guess that's as good an indication as any that they were enjoyed. 

4. KONG Naturals Catnip Straw Cylinder. This toy has a unique texture that makes it quite fun, I think. When I adopted Spike, it was one of the toys his foster mom sent with him, insisting he loved it so much. And he DID. But depending on your cat, you might not want to leave it laying around, as the feathers pull out very easily and might be ingested. This toy is available at PetSmart and various online retailers for around $5.50. 

5. Hartz Just for Cats Midnight Crazies. I saved the best for last today! I can't even remember where I first purchased these balls, but now I get them from Amazon for just about $5 (with shipping and handling, closer to seven or eight dollars). But, wow! You get a lot of bang for your buck with these. My cat Baby couldn't care less for them, but Spike LOVES them. There are probably thirty of them scattered throughout the house - under dressers, cabinets, and couches - you know how it is. These slotted plastic balls have a plastic jingle bell inside, and they come in many bright colors. There are a LOT of similar toys on the market, so you might find your cat enjoys those just as well. But I've tried several different types of balls on Spike, and these are hands down his favorite. I believe it's the way his teeth lock into the slots of these balls - the way they're cut is not the same as most of the 'lattice'-type balls you'll see in grocery stores. After chasing them all over the kitchen, Spike really enjoys carrying them around in his mouth like freshly caught prey. He goes crazy for them! Sometimes at midnight. Just like the name suggests.

So, the next time you have an extra five dollars on hand and would like to treat your cat, consider trying one of these great toys. My cats can vouch that these toys are a lot of fun. And if you ever happen to be in Gasport, New York, I also know a place you can get one of those crazy-good pulled pork sandwiches.

Why Playtime is Important

We interrupt this program for a word from our sponsors...

Just kidding. I don't have any sponsors. 

But I have been so busy compiling the "Cat Toy Hall of Fame" that I forgot to mention WHY I suddenly decided to discuss cat toys. It is perhaps not that out-of-place, since this is a cat blog, after all, but I actually did have a specific reason to start this thread.

I briefly touched on it in my first Cat Toy Hall of Fame post, and it is this: playing with your cats is very important. I've said it once, I'll say it again: a bored cat is an unhappy cat.

But it not just about entertaining your cat. You may be aware, but in case you're not I'll enlighten you: obesity in household pets is becoming an epidemic in America, much like with humans. Obesity contributes to a number of health issues in pets (again, similar to humans): heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes are just a few. Still, it's becoming commonplace to see dogs with swaying bellies and cats shaped like basketballs. Why?

I have given this some thought, and since our pets tend to lead the same lifestyle we do, I actually didn't have to think too hard. I've come up with two reasons: 

1. Lack of exercise. Face it, America: we're lazy. And so are our pets. I know, I know; when you get home after a hard day of work, the last thing you want to do is take the dog for a long walk, or chase your cat around the house with a cat toy. But dogs and cats were simply not designed to loaf around all day, every day. Think about their ancestors: both wild dogs and wild cats are constantly on the move, patrolling their territory, competing with others of their species, and hunting down their next meal. Our household pets have similar instincts, and it's important they be allowed to channel those drives into appropriate activities, even if it's a little inconvenient at times. If you take some time to exercise your animals, not only will they be happier, they'll be healthier, too. 

2. Unhealthy eating habits. This one is a bit trickier, so I'll probably delve into it in a later post. Every cat is different and will have different dietary needs, but for now let's just say that if your cat is shaped like a basketball, then you probably need to readdress your cat's diet. I recommend consulting your vet to create a plan that will work for your individual cat.

I have a theory that some people think food = love. We sometimes feel guilty for not spending enough time with our pets, so we compensate by filling up their food bowls. Then, because our pets are so bored, they eat it. Then we fill the bowl again - it's a cycle that benefits no one. Or, perhaps we're busy paying bills or cooking dinner or watching tv, and we just don't have the time or the energy to play, so we throw them a handful of treats to keep them out of sight and out of mind for awhile.

But we really mustn't let food be the only way to demonstrate our affection for our pets. One of the best ways to express love to them and bond with them is to play with them, one on one. I recommend playing with your cats for at least fifteen minutes a day. Do something they really love, whether it's playing fetch with a mousie or a ball, playing hide-and-go-seek, or even something as simple as playing with a laser. As long as it gets them moving, it will help them get into the shape they were meant to be in. It will also increase their affection for you.

My cats get so excited when I pull out their toy box, or open the special drawer that houses their most favorite toys and treats. They love playtime - not just because they've been sleeping all day and they finally get to burn some energy, but also, I think, because they know I'm paying attention to them and only to them. Some cats like being the center of attention, and ALL cats appreciate some degree of acknowledgement. Playing with your cats is the best way to say "Hey, you're important to me. Let's spend some time together." You'll probably discover that it's really a lot of fun for you, too.

Cat Toy Hall of Fame: Cheap Cat Toys

In my previous post I showed you just some of the cat toys you can make at home for free. Today I want to highlight five cat toys that are less than $5 apiece (read: CHEAP!). Now, I always say 'You get what you pay for,' so these toys certainly aren't going to last forever. But if you try them and your cats love them as much as mine do, I think you'll agree it balances out. So here we go!

1. Laser toy. Lasers are no longer avant-garde technology, so you can actually find keychain laser pointers for cheap at a dollar store or super center near you. This particular toy is specifically marketed as a pet toy; you can find it at Ace Hardware for $2.29, but it often goes on sale for $1. Now, not ALL cats enjoy chasing a laser, as a rule, but many younger cats, especially, will go bananas for it. It's a fantastic way to exercise your cat without having to move much yourself. Experts recommend tossing your cats a real toy throughout the chase, so they have something to 'catch.' A reward with a few treats after playtime is always nice, too. 

2. Grreat Choice Feather Tailed Catnip Mouse. I call these "mouskies", because they're so furry they must be from Russia. They are very inexpensive ($1.19), and can be purchased from the bulk toy bins at PetSmart or online. They feature a tail of feathers and rattles inside. Make sure you pick one that rattles really good. My cat Baby has always really enjoyed these mice, though he prefers the grey color over the tan color in the picture. 

3. Grreat Choice Crinkle Ball. Some cats love the crinkly sound of these foil balls, which can also be found in the bulk toy bins at PetSmart for only 0.99 - so cheap you can go ahead and buy a few. Pick some that aren't too flattened - the ball shape makes it perfect for tossing and rolling.

4. Big Ol' Catnip Sack. In store, I have only been able to find these at Pet Supplies Plus, and there may not be one of those near you. But you can buy them online at various sites for around $3.  Two things I love about this toy: one, the catnip is very potent, and two, the canvas construction is quite durable. My outdoor cat Ollie adores this toy - he slobbers all over it until the whole sack has turned green. You probably don't need to buy this specific catnip pouch. There are plenty on the market, and you may even be able to find someone locally who makes them by hand. But I recommend this one because my cats seems to prefer it over any others I've tried. 

5. SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Mice. I buy these at Target in packs of three for $1.97, but they are also available online from various retailers. They used to be made of a canvas-type material; now they're made of a furry cloth, but no matter! The cats love them anyhow. Their small compact bodies fit perfectly in a cat's mouth, just like a real mouse. They feature twine tails, sewn eyes, and fabric ears, which in my experience have never fallen off, so extra points for durability. My cats will play fetch with these mice for a long while, up until they push them out of reach under the sofa, which I'm sad to say is the fate of most of their toys. 

These are my recommendations for cheap cat toys, one tier up from free. There are SO many cat toys on the market that you may find many others. It's important to experiment and find the toys that really get your cats excited for playtime, and since most of these only cost a dollar or two, how could you go wrong???

Cat Toy Hall of Fame: Thrifty Cat Toys

Activity is a very important part of a cat's day, although some might think otherwise. It's actually not normal or healthy for a cat to nap all day and night, contrary to widely-held popular opinion. Cats have an instinctive drive to hunt; even if they have never set a toe outdoors, you may catch your cat 'hunting' stray socks, light reflections, dust bunnies, or even his own tail. It's important for your cat's hunting drive to be satisfied, or he may start acting out in inappropriate ways, such as attacking YOU or guests to your home. A bored cat is an unhappy cat. But you don't need to spend a small fortune on the latest and greatest cat toys to keep your cat happy. In fact, you probably don't need to spend anything at all. Here I have compiled a list of cats toys that are certain to keep your cat busy, and, best of all, are FREE.

1. An old shoelace. Dangle it, drag it - eventually a wiggly string will catch even the laziest cat's eye. The string in the photo was once the drawstring of one of my hoodies. It came out in the wash, and you know how impossible it is to get those things back in. Now it is now one of my cats' most favorite toys. *Note: It is not recommended to allow cats to play with strings unsupervised.

2. Wire bread ties. I call them 'twisty ties'. Call them what you will, there's just something very attrative about the way it looks coupled with the way it flies across the floor with a flick of a paw... My cat Spike in particular goes nuts for these things. He steals them when I'm making lunch. There are probably 40 under our fridge right now. For similar reasons, both of my cats also adore chenille craft sticks (pipe cleaners). *Note: It is recommended that you supervise playtime with these toys as they can pose a choking hazard.

3. A ball made from an empty toilet paper tube. Talk about up-cycling! How many of these do you throw away in a week? This doodad is so easy to make: just cut the tube into chunks and stuff them together into a ball. My cats like these so much I was hardly able to snap these photos before they swiped it.

4. An empty paper towel tube. You could go out and spend $15 on a Kong Kickeroo...OR you could just rescue one of these from the trash instead. Spike really likes sinking his claws and teeth into one of these, and I much prefer he do that than sink his claws and teeth into my arm. He also likes to lie in his side and kick it with his strong back feet. This 'thumping' (as I call it) is a hunting device used by cats in the real world, and really burns up some energy. You can variate the old paper towel tube in many ways: cut some fringe into one end, seal the ends and fill with dry rice or beans or even catnip, or even snip a few small holes throughout and fill with yummy treats. The possibilities are endless.

5. Crumpled-up paper. My cat Baby loves nothing more than a wadded up paper napkin. I guess he likes the feeling of ripping it to shreds with his teeth and claws. Regardless, it's probably the easiest (and laziest) way to keep him busy for a few moments. 

With a little creativity and a pair of scissors, you can turn all sorts of useless things into super fun cat toys. And cats DO like them, I promise! Spike and Baby had so much fun helping me make this post that I made a video to share with you - proof that cats don't care how much or how little you paid for the toy as long as they get to kill it! So, no more excuses. Have some fun with your cat today!

How 'The Status Quo Calico' Got Its Name

After I had committed myself to writing a blog, I knew one of most important aspects would be the title. The title is how readers will find the blog, and what the blog will be referred to as in the future. It had to be succinct, but also meaningful, providing an introduction to the topic of my blog.

I was going to call it The Cat Whisperer--that's what dad jokingly calls me. He seems to believe I have a special insight into the feline mind, or something. But it didn't take long to discover that 'The Cat Whisperer' is already a registered trademark. So, it would have to be something far less obvious, something unique to me.

Now, here's something unique about me: I love cats, but another one of my passions is Barbies. This is a secret, so don't tell anyone. I consider myself a collector. I have something in the neighborhood of 400 Barbie dolls, as well as Barbie books and movies and such. Probably the best Barbie movie to date (in my opinion) is Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper. It's a musical spin on the classic tale The Prince and the Pauper, by Mark Twain. In the movie, Princess Anneliese and Pauper Erika each have a cat.

Barbie as Princess Anneliese with her white cat Serafina, and Barbie again as Pauper Erika with her calico cat Wolfie.

One of the musical numbers in the movie is about Erika's cat, Wolfie. Wolfie is a male calico, which is weird. He behaves like a dog and barks like a dog, which is also weird. Anyway, the song is called "The Cat's Meow." Erika sings it to Wolfie when he tries to act more like a cat and hide his true nature. My favorite line is: "You're no status quo calico, so why keep trying to be?" Basically, the theme of the song is to be yourself, even if you're a huge weirdo, and the ones who really love you will love you still. As you now know, I'm a pretty big weirdo, so that, for me, is an important message. I also have the movie's soundtrack on my iPod, and I have always enjoyed singing that particular song to my cats. (Or, rather, in the vicinity of my cats - I doubt they listen.)

The words 'status quo calico' have a nice ring to them, don't you think? I thought so. And I like calicoes. Callie, the inspiration for this blog, was a calico (and for the record she was definitely not a 'status quo' calico, either). Everything just seemed to click once I latched onto that phrase, and thus 'The Status Quo Calico' was born. I hope you like it as much as I do.

How 'The Status Quo Calico' Came To Be

Blogging always seemed to me like a very 'stay-at-home' mom kind of thing to do (not that there's anything wrong with that). I didn't take blogging seriously for a long while, thinking it was likely one of those cyber trends that would eventually fade. But apparently blogs are here to stay, and thanks to the inter-connectivity of social networks such as Pintrest, blogs are growing more prominent than ever. Still, I never had any interest in being a blogger, until very recently.

Six months ago, my calico cat named Callie was diagnosed with effusive FIP. Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a feline-specific autoimmune disease, the complications of which are fatal. I'll spare you the medical explanation for now because, frankly, I still don't understand it perfectly myself. Sadly, Callie did succumb to the disease and I had to put her down, but I'll tell you that story another time. I only mention it now because it was when she was first diagnosed and I turned to the internet for answers that I realized the importance of blogs.

Callie Mae and her 'princess pillow'

To learn the facts about FIP, I consulted Wikipedia and more distinguished sites such as the website of Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. But it was the bloggers who mostly prepared me for the road my family and I would travel - people who had experience with FIP and blogged about it, relating not only what their cat went through but also what they (the cat owners) were feeling. One blogger stated quite aptly that FIP is 'a devastating disease', and that phrase has stuck with me ever since I first read it.

As often as I turn to the internet with any questions regarding my cats, it can be a great comfort to find people who have gone through similar situations and can guide someone out the other side, or at the very least are able to commiserate with you, even if they're people you've never met or even spoken to in person.

For example, a story popped up in my Facebook news feed one day of a stray cat that someone had found and taken to the vet, who told this person that the cat had FIP and should be put down. This seemed suspicious to me, since FIP is definitely not one of the first things a vet will test for right off the bat; and in fact there is no test that definitively says 'Yes, this is FIP', or 'No, this is not FIP, guess again'. I decided to comment on the story to offer what I had learned about FIP from my experience with Callie. I was not the only one to comment, of course; and I began to suspect that FIP is actually not as rare as I had been led to believe. But I enjoyed reading the comments, learning from the experience of the others. It felt good to come together with these people to offer support and advice to this woman we had never even met. As we each joined the conversation, it began to feel a little bit like an AA meeting: "Hello, my name is Emily, and my cat died from FIP..." "Hello, my name is Becky, and my cat also had FIP..." etc.

It has been a pattern in my life to search for ways to contribute something of value to the world, and suddenly I arrived at the realization that perhaps THIS is what I have to offer. Since I've always had cats, I've already been in a lot of unique (and not-so-unique) situations with those cats, and I've learned a lot of stuff along the way. I've also discovered that I really enjoy writing about my cats, but what's the point of writing if you're not going to share it with someone? Surely there is someone out there who would enjoy and maybe even benefit from my insight. What better way to reach the cat-lovers of the world than to blog?

Blogs are the internet's version of a diary - they can be used to offer first-person insight, to inject feeling and emotion in the otherwise sterile, factual world of online information, for better or for worse. If just one person stumbles upon  my blog and maybe learns something new or realizes they're not alone in their situation, then it was well worth the effort to write.

Houdini's Story, Chapter 3

The conclusion of the fish hook saga

Previously: Last Wednesday, the elusive Houdini was found to have a fish hook stuck in his bottom lip, along with a length of fishing line and a sinker.

I spent all of Wednesday evening trying to catch Houdini with the only humane trap I had on hand. The most I got was a baleful glance. I honestly hadn't expected him to fall for it anyway, so, frozen to the bone, tired, and hungry, I admitted defeat. ...For now. I decided to try the drop trap again, since that was how I caught him before. Maybe lightning does strike the same place twice.

By Thursday afternoon, I was hoping Houdini would still be around. As I've said, he's not one of the regulars. But he was there, and the sinker was still dangling from his mouth, so my brother and I quickly set up the drop trap not far from where Houdini was sunbathing on the lumber. I baited it with half-frozen sardines (it was, once again, very cold out). Houdini was a little interested; he stuck his head under the trap but shied away. I was afraid the sardines weren't very tempting, so I added some gravy-rich canned cat food. That WAS tempting...unfortunately, it was irresistible only to Bowser, who was 'starving' as usual. I watched Houdini watch Bowser mow down all the food in the trap. At one point, Bowser bumped into the prop and the box fell down over him - he didn't like that much at all.

We persevered, refreshing the bait, even moving the trap to a new location after awhile, but Houdini didn't even come close. So the only cat we caught that night was Bowser.

The following day, I was determined. It was our last chance to get Houdini to the vet before the weekend. I'm not taking no for an answer today, I told myself. Immediately after work, I put into motion my new and improved battle plans: I had decided to put the trap right on top of the wagon where the cats normally eat. I thought that if my helper (my brother Jason) held the rope while standing at a distance, and I acted like I was feeding the cats as usual, maybe we could trick Houdini into jumping onto the wagon and under the trap. We set up the trap, and then, just as I was opening the can of tuna to bait the trap, something caught my eye: lying right next to the cats' food dish was a fishing hook, a line, and a sinker.

"Jason!" I exclaimed. "Look what I found!" Apparently the fish hook had been torn out or just fell out on its own.

The fish hook that started all the drama. I still have it - might get it framed. ;)

Needless to say, I was ecstatic. This was good news for so many reasons. One, now we wouldn't have to stress out about trying to catch Houdini in the first place. Two, I wouldn't have to deplete the emergency fund by having the vet remove the hook, which may have required pricey anesthesia. And three, I would no longer be losing sleep at night wondering if Houdini was in pain or worrying the sinker might get caught somewhere. This was truly an answer to my prayers.

"See?" I told the cats as I fed them the tuna for a celebratory supper, "God really does care about you guys as much as I do!"

Houdini seemed okay - there was no bleeding or obvious inflammation, and he was eating just fine. I decided to just keep an eye on him to watch for infection or other signs of illness, but to otherwise leave him be.

Houdini on Friday night, enjoying a celebratory supper with all his buddies. The hook had been caught on his lower lip on his right side - so your left. Ta-da! No more hook! Houdini magicked his way out yet again.

This was one of those times I wished cats could talk. It sure would be interesting to know how Houdini had found himself in that predicament. Some would speculate that it was done maliciously, maybe by some bored neighborhood kids baiting cats with bits of meat, just for something to do. I acknowledge that that is a possibility, but it seems more likely to me that he somehow picked it up on the Erie Canal, which is not too far from the lumberyard.

The famous Erie Canal, right here in scenic Gasport. Every winter, the water is drained low to prevent damage from freezing, providing a glimpse of the Erie Canal's not-so-famous dirty underbelly. There's actually a lot of junk down there, as Houdini found out.

This time of year, the water in the canal is drained down low, exposing several feet of rocky banks. I know for a fact that fishermen constantly snag hooks and break their lines while fishing the canal, so it's really not that far-fetched to surmise that perhaps Houdini hooked himself while snacking on an old dead fish. But I guess only God and Houdini will ever know the whole story.