We've Been Busy!

 

Pinkie is taking a much deserved rest after helping to test several toys.  

Fun Kitty Twist 'N Treat by Premier

      We're back after our holiday hiatus and eager to share some new toy experiences.  Our reviewers have not been idle and have been dutifully testing, testing, testing.  Our guest reviewers have also been busy checking out some new things.  As mentioned at Christmas, Lil Mac Vida volunteered to help us out by testing the Fun Kitty Twist 'N Treat by Premier.  Premier Pet Products (www.premier.com) offers a wide range of toys and gear for dogs and cats. They are primarily known for their treat dispensing "Busy Buddy" dog toys recognizable by their purple hue.  Today we are reviewing a product from their "Fun Kitty" line.
     The Twist 'N Treat is a treat dispensing toy for cats.  I'm excited about this toy for a couple of reasons.  Sure, it can just be a toy for your kitty and a fun way for you as an owner to give treats.  What makes the Twist 'N Treat important is that it can function as a food dispenser similar to the canine Kong toy.  There are instructions with the toy outlining how to get your cat to enjoy working for his or her meals.  Cats are hunters and it can be argued that free-feeding or grazing on food throughout the day is a more natural way for them to eat.  How about letting them hunt for their meals by introducing a toy that will dispense treats while being batted around?  You can even hide multiple Twist 'N Treats around the house for your cat to "hunt" after they're up to speed on how it works.  As I mentioned, Premier gives you a guide on how to get started and a timeline for getting your cat comfortable with the new feeding method.  It's about time that some thought was given to environmental enrichment for cats beyond the obligatory cat trees and furry mice.
     Enough about the background of the product.  Let's talk about how it actually functions.  The toy itself is hard plastic and turquoise in color.  It consists of two halves that screw together leaving a hollow cavity that can be filled with kibble or treats.  Each half has two indentations that when properly aligned form two openings from which treats can escape.  The tighter the halves are screwed together, the smaller the openings are and the more difficult it is for treats to exit.  The directions instruct the owner to initially set the openings wide so that your cat gets an easy payoff.  After your cat gets focused on the treat delivery you can make the openings smaller so he or she has to work a little harder.  The shape of the toy when closed is almost like that of a child's toy top and is readily able to be spun, batted and flung around on the floor. In the first video below Lil Mac Vida shows how to approach the Twist 'N Treat and gently coax it to give up it's treasure.  In the second video Mack and Pinkie show how the toy functions on a tile floor.
     My reviewers rate this toy an Excellent for Playability.  The shape of the toy makes it easy to maneuver and the amount of treats dispensed can be controlled.  The interior of  the toy holds a little bit more than 1/8 cup of kibble so your cat can't get into too much trouble even if the toy is stuffed.  Durability is Excellent as it can withstand vigorous cat play and can also be washed and dried (no heat) in the dishwasher.  Safety is Excellent as there are no bits for the cat to chew off and ingest.  Just make sure that in using the Twist 'N Treat you don't make it available to your dog as it is not dog proof.  Premier states that the toy is not considered to be "indestructible"and they advise you to "supervise your pet during initial play."  They also recommend inspecting the toy regularly and to "replace if excessive damage is detected." 
     The Twist 'N Treat is a must have for the Toy Chest as much for it's immediate fun as for it's potential to make a cat's life a little more exciting.  We are glad that Premier made this version expressly for cats as a rubber dog version exists in their dog product line.  As if the product didn't do enough, they proclaim that it is "Also awesome with catnip."  Well, what isn't?

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!