Christmas Catnip Antics

     Lil Mac Vida demonstrates the proper response to a catnip toy.  This is Mac's first Christmas and he is clearly in the holiday spirit.  Nothing can rival the uninhibited exuberance of a kitten on a catnip high.
     Mac will be our guest reviewer for the Fun Kitty Twist and Treat toy by Premier.  He will get down to business as soon as he finishes mauling the octopus.

REVIEW: Kong, King of Toys

     If I had to choose one toy to bring with my dog to the proverbial desert island this would be it.  Simple in design but extremely versatile, the Kong created its own niche and then quickly filled it.  It can be a puzzle, throw toy, chew toy, training tool and all around canine mind expander, suitable for the singleminded fetcher and the more complex problem solver.  In my opinion no dog should be without one.
     The shape could have been inspired by Bibendum, the Michelin Man (seen above with two Kong toys).  Indeed the toy was invented as a result of a man's discovery that a car part made a better chew toy for his dog than a rock.  According to the Kong website (http://www.kongcompany.com/) production on the original Kong toy began in 1976 after developing a "super- strong rubber formula."  The original or Classic Kong in its tomato red color is the progenitor of what is now a very extensive line of dog and cat products.  The Kong toy itself has also diversified into different colors according to usage- black for heavy chewers (Extreme Kong), light blue swirl for puppies (Puppy Kong), purple swirl for older dogs (Senior Kong), orange for water fun (Aqua Kong) and royal blue (Kong Blue) for veterinary distribution. The Classic is available in 5 sizes while the other versions offer 3- 4 sizes to accomodate its users.   Each Kong comes with a user guide and information on stuffing the toy. 
     For my dogs the secret of the Kong toy is in the stuffing.  If thrown, it would be chased and retrieved by Xena but frankly there are other toys for that (because we aren't on the desert island as yet.)  Neither of my dogs are big chewers but they will chew on a stuffed Kong.  Because that holds true for most dogs the Kong is a godsend.  If you're dog is occupied by chewing on an approved toy he/she is not chewing on something else.  The something else could be anything from a kennel pad, various household items, clothing, furniture or whatever the dog decides to experiment with in order to pass the time.  Throw a stuffed Kong into your dog's crate before you leave the house and you will have a dog who is pleasantly occupied until he or she curls up to sleep to await your return.  You will also have a dog who will willingly use a crate because that is where the stuffed Kong always seems to show up. 
     There are other strategies besides use in the crate that can be employed to get the most out of your Kong.  There is even a machine (KONGTIME by Dogopolis)  that will fling stuffed Kongs out to your dog at intervals specified by you so that your dog will be occupied all day long.  Sadly, I think this clever adjunct to the Kong toy is no longer available.  Alternatively, you can always hide several stuffed Kongs around the house for your dog to discover.  Your dog can use his or her foraging instincts to find each Kong cache.  Just make sure that you practice with your dog beforehand and also make sure that the Kongs aren't hidden where he or she has to destroy something to access them.

The Kong section at Petco

    
     Stuffing the Kong is key.  I prefer to use some of my dogs' regular kibble to stuff, blocking the hole with a small Milk Bone or other biscuit treat.  A bit of freeze dried liver stuck in the hole at the other end adds a little variety.  There are loads of ideas on the Kong website regarding stuffing so I will not list them here.  If your dog has a sensitive stomach make sure that he or she can tolerate your choice of stuffing.  Likewise, if your dog has a weight problem you don't want to add extra calories to his diet in the form of Kong stuffing.  To prevent this you can take some kibble out of his or her daily allotment to use.  You can even feed your dog his meals out of a Kong or two (or three).
     My reviewers rate the Kong Excellent as to playability.  The stuffed Kong is a daily staple for them.  Safety is also Excellent if the Kong is chosen properly for your dog's size and force of chewing.  Always supervise your dog when introducing a Kong for the first time to make sure your dog will not chew through the toy or is not able to swallow it whole.  Durability of the Kong is Excellent, again if chosen properly.  If your dog is a major chewer the Extreme Kong is your best bet.  I have personally witnessed a French Bulldog chew the top off of a Classic Kong.  Know your dog and be vigilant. 

     For Portia "it's all about Kong" according to her owner, Donna Davis

     'Tis the season to purchase some cool toys for your pet.  Get thee to a pet store or an online retailer and bring a Kong into your dog's life.  It's a "must have" for every dog.

                    Xena in her crate with her Kong

Lucie's Laser Light Lunacy

      Last Christmas one of my friends presented me with a laser pointer.  She said that both of her cats regularly went crazy chasing the tiny red laser dot.  It was the most fun of all her cat toys and she was sure that my cats would love it as hers did.  Out of my five cats at the time only one, Lucie, could suspend her disbelief and enter into the spirit of the thing.  She is still the only cat (or dog) who recognizes the laser dot as something to chase and possibly catch.  Call her stupid, gullible, prey driven or all three, she has a great time with the laser while the others sit and watch.

     There is no guarantee that your cat or dog will play with a diode laser light.  It seems to be an individual proclivity that once activated is never forgotten.  They will always know what to do when they see the little red dot. The video shows Lucie attempting to nab the dot.  At 16 years of age she can still move pretty quickly when motivated.
     For a relatively small sum you can see if your cat or dog will succumb to the lure of the laser.  It is a great way to interact with your cat and provide him/her with some much needed exercise.  The pet models are available in most pet stores and online.  If the laser pointer proves a dud with your pets all is not lost.  You can always use it for your PowerPoint presentations at work.
     For safety's sake, never point the laser light at anyone's eyes (people or pets).  The "DANGER" label conspicuous on the pointer warns to "Avoid exposure.  Laser radiation is emitted from this product's aperture."  Also "LASER RADIATION.  AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE."  Heed the warnings and have fun.

Dogwise Books

     Pinkie is checking out some recent purchases from Dogwise (http://www.dogwise.com/).  Dogwise is a great resource for books on dog training and behavior.  They also have toys, games and treats for "all things dog."  Pinkie thinks there should be a Catwise as well.

Humane Society Silicon Valley: Holiday "Animal Arts" Craft Faire

Humane Society Silicon Valley: Holiday "Animal Arts" Craft Faire

Going today to check out toys!

Catnip Revisited

Cat Toys.....Finally. REVIEW: Kong Cats With An Attitude Catnip Toy

          Ah, cat toys.  Why pay money for a cat toy when your cat will most likely play with a piece of string, a ping pong ball or a crinkled up piece of paper?  Can you occasionally go low tech in a pinch?  Of course.   However, for your sanity it is wise to build up a collection of toys that your cat enjoys either with you or alone.  Get into a routine of  initiating play with your cat.  The interaction and the exercise are good for both of you.  From your cat's point of view your entire house has many potential toys available to him/her from the cord on the window blinds to the tiny ceramic figurine on the shelf.  A supply of dedicated, safe toys and your participation can go a long way towards diverting your cat's attention from inappropriate items. 

     The toy we are reviewing today is from the Kong Company.  It used to be known as a Dr. Noys' pet toy but now is the Kong Cats With An Attitude Catnip Toy.  The picture above shows the Frog version of the toy, new on the left and well-used on the right.  Apart from the shock of yellow hair on the Frog's head and the stitched-on eyes the toy has nothing that is able to be chewed off.  The interior of the toy is a compartment with a velcro closure that holds the catnip.  The design is simplicity itself.

     Catnip (Nepeta cataria)- hallucinogen, stimulant or aphrodisiac?  Since we can't ask the cat, who knows?  Catnip is a member of the mint family.  While it does nothing for us as humans, it does transiently affect a high percentage of cats.  Some cats are genetically programmed to respond to the substance in catnip (nepetalactone) so this trait is inherited.  If you have a cat that responds to catnip then both you and your cat are in for a treat.  It can be presented fresh or dried, crushed or whole leaf.  The Kong Cats With An Attitude Catnip Toy comes with catnip "teabags" that can be placed inside the toy and so changed out when the potency wanes.  This way your toy is always ready for action.

     Reaction to the catnip toy can include rolling, rubbing, yowling, dilated pupils, hyperactivity and just general craziness.  Attempts to remove the toy from the grasp of the cat can result in injury to the owner so it is best to just sit back and watch the show. 

     The video below shows both Mack and Pinkie responding to the Kong Cats With An Attitude Catnip Toy.  The dried catnip provided with the toy elicited a somewhat mild response.  Not surprising since my previous experiences with catnip has shown that fresher is better.  This time of year fresh catnip is in short supply.  Though it reseeds freely it does die back outdoors in the Winter so the dried version is the next best thing.

     For a potency comparison we were able to procure some bulk dried catnip.  The response of my reviewers was slightly more enthusiastic but still not the all out craziness that I have observed in the past.  We have not tried the sprays or oils that are available but it would appear that we need to delve into this further.

     The Kong Cats With An Attitude Catnip Toy rates a Good for Playability.  The various versions- frog, platy-duck, dog, lamb, etc,- are mouse-small and thus a good size for carrying and flinging.  The design does allow for catnip to be continually refreshed and interchanged so that the allure need never wane.  The catnip "teabags" supplied are easy to install but my reviewers found their potency somewhat lacking.  The toy rates a Good for Durability because unlike other small, stuffed cat toys, there are no ears, eyes or tails to be chewed off and possibly ingested.  The frog version has held up well despite being salivated on and the velcro closure still works.  Safety rates a Good again because there are no appendages to be ingested.  Always watch to make sure your dog doesn't steal the toy and devour it.    

     One's toy chest should always contain a catnip toy of some kind.  Why deny your cat the pleasures of this legal kitty intoxicant?