Need help in choosing cat supplies

Haven't had a cat in a long time so there are all kinds of new products out there. Need suggestions on these items: type of nail clippers; bed or not?; type of scratching thingy; toys; healthy treats; catnip?; odor eradication for "accidents"; pet carriers.
Any help would be appreciated

:hurts:

I bookmarked it. Thanks.

And welcome back to the wonderful world of cats.....these creatures are so much fun! (I say that as a former anti-cat person too)

If you want to do your cat (and yourself) a favour, try finding a good pet store. Not your walmart or run of the mill.....look for premium or super premium food. (ie Innova, Wellness, Wysong, Newmans Organics, etc...) and stay away from the "popular" supermarket brands. These products are just a bit more money, but you'll save alot at the vets by going with a preventative healthy diet.

I use organic catnip and I do give them some from time to time. Try growing your own, if you can. (It's very prolific)

The scratching post needs to be higher than your cat is when he/she is standing on hind quarters and stretched out, or else they'll look elsewhere for scratching pleasure. If they don't take to it immediately, try rubbing catnip on it.

Toys - I gotta tell you, of all the toys we've bought over the years, the good ole "stick" is the one they love the most! I also buy peacock feathers on occasion and they're a hit too. (but expensive)

For pet stains, I use a product called "Folex" - I get it here in Canada, not sure if they sell it in the U.S but it's all natural, no cfc's, no petroleum, etc... and it's truly amazing.

Also, try looking into natural litter - like Swheat Scoop or Yesterday's news ...(I use the Swheat stuff b/c my dogs like to grab a snack in the litterbox on occasion ....I know, gross) Conventional litter has silica and other nasty additives that your cat will injest.

If you have the means, try exploring a raw food diet and/or a holistic vet. Expensive, but well worth it. Lastly, look for a magazine called "Animal Wellness", it's all natural products and an excellent resource!
Best of luck!

Thanks for the tips - wheat it is.

I use clippers with the type of blade you see below because they are easier for me to use:



I've never had a cat sleep in a purchased bed - our cats have always chosen their bed, and many times it's with their humans. Different cats prefer different scratching posts - some like carpet, others prefer sisal, and others prefer cardboard. You'll probably have to experiment. Some posts have multiple surfaces, so you might want to start with one of those to see what your cat prefers. Just make sure it's big enough for your cat. We've had some that were too small and tipped over on the cat when they tried to use it.

Toys are hit or miss around here. Watson loved the mice that made noise when shaken - he actually fetched them. Most of our cats like sticks with something hanging from it that they can chase. They also love foil balls. We have one cat who absolutely loves a purr pad, but out of six, he's the only one who uses it.

Our cats eat Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance food. They love catnip - in addition to the dried stuff, we even have a live plant in the house.

Good luck! :hi:

what I had in mind. Thanks for the confirmation.Never done my own trimming before. :scared:

Expensive, but worth it.

Nail clippers: Make sure they are the right size for your cat, and be sure you know how to cut the nails without cutting the quick. Very painful and it bleeds a lot!

Bed: Individual cat's preference. You could try a relatively cheap one first to see if your cat likes it, but in the end the cat will choose where he/she likes to sleep.

Scratchy thingy: I always enjoyed the cardboard replaceable scratching posts. My parents' cats love them, and you can sprinkle catnip on it.

Toys & treats: Again, cat's preference. Just try some stuff and see what the cat likes.

Catnip: Only a certain percentage of cats (can't remember exact statistic) are effected by catnip. You can only try it to find out if your cat likes it.

Pet carriers: You don't need anything fancy. Just make sure the cat can turn around inside it. If you travel a lot, airlines have specific requirements on pet carrier size, so you might want to check that out if it applies to you.

Nature's Miracle it is.

There is this stuff called "World's Best Cat litter", and its made of corn. IT is..you can flush clumps down the toilet without having it back up. You have to watch the litter box if you have male cats. If it gets too stinky, they will not use it..and this can cause something worse than a urinary infection..the cat could die within days if it stops peeing.




Also..Out now. Greenie treats for cats..My cats love them. Just one thing, be very liberal with them or your cats will bug you forever for them. Also they might decide greenies taste better than real cat food. Can't have that!

sounds like a winner. Thanks

My cats go crazy for the Dingo Cat treats though in any flavor.

I guess there are many products that are rejected. That's why I posted on the subject - to see who has had good luck with what.

Catnip? Get some fresh ones in a poit and grow it. They love greens especially when the greens are catnip (calamintha)

I love plants and would enjoy growing the catnip.