Posts filed under 'Enrichment'
I bought the Petstages Cheese Chase Cat Toy 2 years ago when I added Bitsa to my household. I was really surprised at what a hit it was not just with Bitsa but with all my cats. The Cheese Chase 11-1/2″ dia x 11-1/2″ high is an interactive cat toy made of plastic. In the very center is a stuffed mouse mounted on a flexible pole that springs back and forth when swatted at. On the very outside is a track that goes around the circumference of the toy. It contains a plastic ball for the cat to swat and chase. In the center of the circle is another ball for the cat to try and get through the 3 halls in the cover.
My cats thought swatting at that ball on the outer track was the most fun. They would lay there and swat it back and forth for 5-10 minutes (a long time in the cat world). It was funny to see 12 year old Tyke acting like a kitten over this toy. Interesting enough, they paid no attention to the ball in the center or the mouse. The outside ball was the only thing they played with.
After a few months, they lost interest in the Cheese Chase. Bitsa grew and had more fun exploring the house or playing chase with Pyro. Adding Charm to our household has created renewed interest in the Cheese Chase. I moved it to the center of the living room and the older cats were more than happy to show Charm how it worked. She picked it up quickly and has a blast playing with it. Not only does she play with the outside ball, but she also plays with the inside ball and occasionally wrestles the mouse.
Overall, the Petstages Cheese Chase Cat Toy has been a winner in our house. Not only do the cats find it entertaining, but it is well made and easy to clean. Not something I have had an easy time finding in the cat toys that are available.
You can find the Petstages Cheese Chase Cat Toy at Drs. Foster & Smith
Let me know what you think about the Cheese Chase toy or visit afFURmation to talk about pets.
August 13th, 2007
If you ask a dog owner what a Kong
is, most likely they will reply that it is a toy for dogs, not a over-sized Gorilla who wreaks havoc on Manhattan. The Kong has become one of the most well known dog toy and for good reason. Made of hard rubber, it is very durable. They even make a line for aggressive chewers (note: this does not mean it is indestructable. as with any toy it should be inspected regularly for any damage and discarded when no longer safe).
The Kong is also a great interactive toy for dogs. The center is hollow, making a great place to put food and treats for your dog to work on getting out. Most people know to insert biscuits, but many dogs quickly learn how to get them out in the shortest amount of time. I like to take my dogs’ dry food and soak it in water. Sometimes I mix in other 
foods (the picture at the top has macaroni & cheese mixed in). Once it is soft, I stuff it in the Kong and freeze. I will also layer kibble and cheese and microwave for a few seconds to melt the cheese (let this cool before offering it to your dog). This keeps my dogs occupied for a little bit. You can find more great recipes to try at Kong Company . Just click on Tips and Advice for the recipe page.
This is one toy I recommend for every dog owner. It’s durability is great for the dog that likes to chew. It’s erratic bouncing, keeps the dog who loves to fetch moving and its stuffability provides that mental stimulation that many dogs need.
May 31st, 2007
My quick picks are products that I have used or became familiar with through my work and recommend to people. Please feel free to add your comments on the products as well!
Scented Pooch Pick-up Bags
If you see me out with my dogs, you can pretty much guarantee that I will have dog treats and poop bags with me. It’s part of being a responsible dog owner! The Pooch Pick-up bags are just the right size and they tie nice when you are done. Check out the scented and the bio-degradable versions.
Swizzle BirdÂ
I confess. I am a lazy pet owner. While I would love to run around all day and play and entertain my crew, I don’t. To conserve my energy, I love using teaser toys like the Swizzle Bird and Swizzle Mouse for my cats and ferrets. I get to sit in one place and move it around, while they chase it and get some exercise. They don’t seem to mind!
Hay Tumbler 6-1/2″ x 6″
Like the Vegetable Basket, the Hay Tumbler helps provide enrichment by letting your bunny work for his food. Made of safe to eat cardboard, your bunny can chew or throw the Tumbler around to get the hay. When it empties, just fill with more hay.
Hanging Ferret Nap Sacks Cotton Twill
The Hanging Ferret Nap Sack is a paws down favorite among my fuzzy crew. I’ll usually find one or two curled up in it. They like it because they are enclosed, I like how it has stood up through repeated washings.
May 19th, 2007
For most of our small pets, life can be pretty boring. Sure, we 
may think we want to changes places with them sometimes so we can have the EASY life, but how long could you stand it? By providing different things for them to do, we can enrich their lives, lower their stress and help them be healthier.
In their natural habitat, animals spend a large part of their time looking for food. It doesn’t magically appear in front of them. One way I provide enrichment for my rabbits is to put their veggies in something so they have to work a little bit to get them out. Sometimes, I will cut small holes in paper lunch bag and put lettuce inside, other times I use something like the Veggie Twister Treat Holder
. Made of wire, it is very easy to slide the lettuce leaves and parsley inside. You can even put their hay inside. Once it is hung up, they are ready to eat. Not only do they get some exercise, but they get much needed mental stimulation.
You can find the Veggie Twister Treat Holder at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies
March 7th, 2007
My cats thought swatting at that ball on the outer track was the most fun. They would lay there and swat it back and forth for 5-10 minutes (a long time in the cat world). It was funny to see 12 year old Tyke acting like a kitten over this toy. Interesting enough, they paid no attention to the ball in the center or the mouse. The outside ball was the only thing they played with.
Overall, the Petstages Cheese Chase Cat Toy has been a winner in our house. Not only do the cats find it entertaining, but it is well made and easy to clean. Not something I have had an easy time finding in the cat toys that are available.
