Monday, April 5, 2010

Cheese Chase

     Ah, what cat isn't tempted by the thrill of the chase?  If the prey isn't easily had it's even more fun!  That's the idea behind the Cheese Chase toy by Petstages (http://www.petstages.com/).  It's a one-stop-shopping playstation for your cat.  Our guest reviewer is Lester Weber.  Lester is six months old- at an age when everything has "play" written all over it.
     Cheese Chase is a new incarnation of the old favorite track and ball circuit.  The cat is able to spin the ball around the track but is unable to actually get the ball out.  In my experience the novelty wears off pretty fast with this type of toy once the cat figures out that the ball is going nowhere.  Cheese Chase has added another level on top of the track loaded with another unobtainable ball. This time the ball is accessible through swiss cheese- like holes on the top.  This is topped off with a batta- ball catnip filled mouse.

     Lester rates this toy Good for playability.  The two levels provide a little variety, as does the catnip mouse.  The toy has rubber grips on the bottom which render it stationary on either a hard or carpeted surface.  The toy seems durable and Lester rates it Good for this as well.  We are not sure if the mouse on the stick could survive rough play so we'll have to see.  Safety-wise the toy seems also Good- there are no loose parts to break off.  All in all this seems like a great little time occupier for your kitten.  My adult reviewers have not tested this toy so we will have to report back on its attractiveness to the more mature cat.
     Petstages has a wide range of what they term "Developmental" toys for cats and dogs.  The toys are grouped according to whether they are used for Soothing, Chewing, Interacting or Playing.  They also have a selection of dog and cat bowls for feeding.  The aim of the company is to educate owners about the importance of enriching the environment of their pets and then to provide objects that will do so.  A worthy goal indeed.  We will definitely revisit Petstages to try out more toys.